Medill students will work closely with BGA investigators on topics surrounding the intersection of government and the environment.
Archives
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Emanuel Decries Police Code of Silence. But City-Paid Expert Says It Doesn’t Exist.
An expert witness hired by the Emanuel administration has disputed in several lawsuits the existence of a code of silence among Chicago police to thwart misconduct allegations. The mayor claimed the opposite in the wake of the Laquan McDonald shooting.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Doubek: Fixing Our Fixed Politics Will Take Pressure From You
Illinois politicians have created election and governing systems designed to preserve their power, not serve voters. We will need to act up to change that and demand improvements.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Fact-Check: Rauner Veers Off Course in Claiming Pritzker Proposed a Mileage Tax
The governor’s recent ad claims taxing miles driven is part of Pritzker’s tax plan. But Pritzker has only said he’s interested in exploring the idea.
Posted inInvestigation, Press Release
BGA Named Finalist in 2018 Knight Award for Public Service
The joint investigation by the Better Government Association and WBEZ, “Taking Cover,” was honored by the Online News Association at the 2018 Online Journalism Awards.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Fact-Check: AG Candidate Raoul Makes False Claim About Foe’s Gay Adoption Stand
As a teenager, Erika Harold allegedly told beauty pageant judges she opposed gay adoption. Now, as the Republican attorney general candidate, Harold says she favors it. Kwame Raoul, her Democratic opponent, says present day Harold is not to be believed, but his argument is flimsy.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Fact-Check: Republican AG Candidate Misleads in Attacking Opponent over Property Taxes
Erika Harold’s accusation about Democratic state Sen. Kwame Raoul ignores the broader aim of a bill he and House Speaker Michael Madigan sponsored to overhaul two ailing Chicago pension funds.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Keeping With the Times: Chicago Would Be in Good Company If It Broadcast and Recorded Its Committee Hearings
The big policy debates happen in committee hearings and right now you can only catch them in person.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Doubek: We’re in the Election Sprint. Here’s How You Can Ensure You Cast an Informed Ballot
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s departure ought to emphasize you have critical civic homework to do before you vote.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, PolitiFact
Fact-Check: Rauner Falsely Claims Graduated Income Taxes Always Hurt the Middle Class
Rauner overlooks nearly a dozen states with graduated systems that tax middle-class earners at lower rates than flat-tax Illinois.