Top Obama advisor was tasked with helping kill controversial income tax perk used by the “wealthy and well-connected.” Yet she made a killing on a Chicago real estate deal by enlisting the benefit.
Archives
Posted inPress Release
BGA Wins Associated Press Media Award
The Better Government Association and the Chicago Sun-Times won an Associated Press award for enterprise reporting for an investigative story on a clout-heavy group of landlords making big money building and leasing the FBI’s new Chicago offices.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
BGA Legislative Agenda Advances Despite Budget Standoff
Thankfully, the budget standoff didn’t poison the entire well, so lawmakers were able to address a number of issues on our Better Government Association reform agenda.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Legislator Gets Donations After Backing Medical Marijuana Law
Lou Lang has a reputation as a go-to lawmaker for controversial issues, including medical marijuana. Special interests show their appreciation with political donations.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
Rauner’s Tollway Pick The Ultimate Insider
Bob Schillerstrom, Gov. Bruce Rauner’s choice as tollway board chairman, raised money for Rauner’s campaign. And Schillerstrom’s law firm currently does legal work for the public agency.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
BGA/WBEZ Report On CPS Prompts Probe, Reforms
After the Better Government Association and WBEZ find the Chicago Public Schools graduation rate has been inflated, the agency inspector general launches investigation, and CPS officials pledge changes.
Posted inFollow-Up, Legal, Results & Reforms
Inspector General Launches Probe, CPS Vows Reform
Following a BGA/WBEZ investigation into inflated graduation rates at Chicago Public Schools, the agency’s inspector general launches an investigation. Also, CPS announces a series of reforms to better ensure the integrity of graduation rates, including making principals take responsibility for the accuracy of data.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
Rahm Not Hearing O’Hare Noise Gripes
Until political pressure began to mount, Chicago’s mayor ignored a community group upset about noise from airport runway expansion and its impact on neighborhood home values, quality of life.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
CPS’ Fuzzy Math – Mayor Touts Bogus Graduation Rate
Mayor Emanuel has bragged about the Chicago Public Schools graduation rate improving. But records show his numbers are inflated. Is CPS cooking the books?
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Time For CPS To Audit Smelly SUPES Contract
Barbara Byrd-Bennett is gone, but the questions linger on.