The BGA shares the hope of our friends and colleagues in the Independent Maps coalition that the voters of Illinois will have the opportunity to place redistricting decisions in the hands of an independent panel that represents the public interest.
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Posted inAnalysis, Policy
A Closer Look At Chicago’s Citywide Advisory Referenda
A closer look at non-binding city ballot questions shows a renewed interest in their use, but a mixed bag of results.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
FOIA At 50: Public Records Laws Important, Often Ignored
You’d think at this point it wouldn’t be so hard for us to get the public information we’re entitled to. Think again.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Mikva On ‘The Quote,’ The Mayors And What’s Wrong With Politics
Mikva had lots to say when we talked with him last year, including criticism of Richard J. Daley, why he wasn’t named to the Supreme Court and more.
Posted inPress Release
Big Victory For Transparency As Court Overturns Injunction Blocking Release Of Police Misconduct Records
Victory for transparency and accountability as the Illinois Appellate Court lifts an injunction blocking the release of police misconduct complaint records.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Rauner EPA Pick Faces Oversight Limits Due To Industry Ties
Newly appointed state environmental chief Alec Messina won’t be involved in issuing some pollution permits, ethics officer rules.
Posted inPress Release
BGA Says Goodbye To Reed & Herguth, Wishes Them Well
The Costly Toll of Dead-end Drug Arrests, published in December, examined how thousands of Chicagoans — mostly Black men — are arrested on drug possession charges judges, police and prosecutors all know will never stick.
Posted inPress Release
BGA Welcomes Longhini And Bell
The BGA announces two esteemed, award-winning journalists, Doug Longhini and Clark Bell, will help expand the scope and impact of its Investigative Unit and boost the BGA’s digital footprint through a variety of multimedia platforms and collaborations.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Chicago’s Airbnb Battle Brings Back Memories
Watchdog shares memories of his own home sharing experience.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Bar Tied To Suburban Politician Draws Hundreds of Cop Calls
Police called to late-night Burnham bar more than 800 times in six years. Village’s top cop says Will’s Sports Bar is ‘bad for the community and dangerous for police officers.’