In 2008, the year of Barack Obama’s historic election, 6 million Americans wanted to vote but couldn’t because they weren’t registered, according to the U.S. Census. Some missed a registration deadline; others didn’t know they had to register, or how to do it.
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Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
The Daley Double
The politician-grandson of late Mayor Richard J. Daley now owns the family’s iconic South Side bungalow. Why has he been collecting tax breaks on that home and another?
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Security Showdown
Some judges at Cook County’s main criminal courthouse are refusing new security measures imposed by the sheriff, including mandatory trunk inspections.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
A Tale Of Two Larrys
Larry Huggins, a member of Metra’s troubled board until recently, has longstanding ties to the family of imprisoned Gangster Disciples chief Larry Hoover Sr., the BGA found.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Did Rahm Aide Speak Up For Gang Kingpin?
A long-ago letter, bearing the name of CTA Chairman Terry Peterson and recently obtained by the BGA, lauds the leader of the Gangster Disciples and lobbies for his early release from jail. Peterson is now denying he was an author.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Maybe It’s Time To Take A Vote On Dumping Gov. Lite
It’s Gov Lite time. But we’re not talking about beer, diet soda, or lo-cal meals.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
BGA Exclusive: Why Public Safety Mergers Are Inevitable
A Rescuing Illinois report finds cross-border consolidation of police, fire and emergency services is the next major step for cash-strapped municipalities.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
BGA Strengthening Its Springfield Ties
We invite you to share your thoughts and tips because, as local residents, you know state government better than we do.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Some Legislators Deserve Credit For Giving Reforms A Boost
One of the vexing dilemmas that confront full service watchdog organizations like the Better Government Association — where we investigate public officials, analyze public policy and then propose reform legislation — is that many of the people we criticize are also part of the legislative process that determines the outcome of our proposals.
Posted inPress Release
Under Pressure
In his previous life as a political reporter, Better Government Association President and CEO Andy Shaw stood on the media front lines for 33 years.