After 2011 groundbreaking investigation with Center on Wrongful Convictions, reform measures slowly surface even as settlements continue to stack up, heading toward $300 million-plus.
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Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
The Price of Power
Illinois’ two major electricity providers donated more than $1.3 million to legislators ahead of crucial “Smart Grid” vote. Whose interests were they really representing?
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Too Many Candidates Unopposed in Upcoming Local Elections
Tuesday is decision day in the 500 Cook County taxing bodies that elect their leaders: municipalities; school, park and library boards; special service districts; and my favorite poster child for unnecessary bureaucratic waste — townships.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
A Bad Bet
Elected officials in Joliet get VIP perks at local casino they help regulate. Is this a fair deal or is it time to fold the practice?
Posted inPress Release
Springfield Expansion Keeps Rolling Along
The BGA’s expansion into Springfield and downstate Illinois is making excellent progress on the investigative, policy and community outreach fronts.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Jailhouse Crock?
Company wins piece of lucrative Cook County Jail contract after claiming disadvantaged minority status. But, the owner is a millionaire who doesn’t qualify for the designation.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Is Toni Preckwinkle Really for Reform?
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the famous line Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis coined for watchdogs defending transparency: “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.”
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Shots and Lagers, Chutes and Ladders
Many municipalities allow firefighters and paramedics to work with a substantial amount of alcohol in their systems – a dangerous mix that puts public-safety employees, and the public, at risk.
Posted inPress Release
Better Government Association Takes Transparency Fight to Preckwinkle Administration
When it comes to government transparency, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has talked the talk, but she hasn’t always walked the walk.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
While Systems Go Bust, Public Pension Elites Profit
BGA’s new government retiree database of 400,000 reveals those getting big money.