Among the prizes are “Best News Website,” podcast honors for “The Madigan Rule,” and investigative awards for two projects “Failures Before the Fires” in collaboration with the Chicago Tribune and “The Costly Toll of Dead-end Drug Arrests” with the Chicago Sun-Times.
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Orland Park Mayor Says Crime at Lowest in Nearly Three Decades
In his bid for Congress, Mayor Keith Pekau is touting the downward turn in reported crimes during his tenure. While the reported statistics bear him out, there was a spike in violent crime his first year in office.
BGA Honored with Tribune as Finalist for Livingston Award
The BGA/Chicago Tribune investigation “Failures Before the Fires” was named a finalist for the national award for Local Reporting. The Livingston Award is meant to honor journalists under 35 for excellence in journalism. Winner will be announced in June.
BGA Twice Honored in the 2022 National Headliner Awards
Two projects, including “Cabrini-Green: A History of Broken Promises” and “Failures Before the Fires,” were awarded second place in two categories for online journalism. The Fires project, with the Chicago Tribune, was honored for the collaboration. The Cabrini Project was named in a category for online only journalism.
A City Council Staffing Shuffle? Could Happen Under New Bills from Beale, Reilly
New Department of Assets, Information and Services reduced spending growth by $1.8 million per year post-merger, exceeding $1 million savings target.
Side by Side Comparison of City Council Parliamentarian Bills
Two separate ordinances, O2021-2901 (Beale, 9th Ward) and O2022-656 (Reilly, 42nd Ward) both propose a renamed and expanded legislative support office for City Council, taking on the duties of the […]
Pattern of Late-Night Finishes for the Illinois General Assembly Raises Transparency Concerns
The ILGA ends almost every session past its deadline. Is it by design?
Chicago Park District’s Security Camera Program ‘Riddled With Inequity and Neglect,’ BGA Finds
A BGA investigation of Chicago’s vast system of neighborhood parks reveals a tiny camera program with little money, inequity and neglect.
New Ethics Ordinance Updates Include Recommendations from Chicago Board of Ethics and Better Government Association
New Department of Assets, Information and Services reduced spending growth by $1.8 million per year post-merger, exceeding $1 million savings target.
Security Cameras Scarce in Parks with Most Reported Crimes
Only 16 of the 600 parks in city neighborhoods have security cameras, but many of them are in white, wealthy neighborhoods without much of a crime problem. Many parks in higher-crime areas, including more neighborhoods of color, have no cameras at all despite requests from residents.
