BGA

After the BGA and FOX 32 find state-government planes are flying between Chicago and Springfield with just a single passenger on board, the Illinois Department of Transportation decides to halt the air shuttles when there so few travelers.

More than a year after the BGA first uncovers rampant political hiring at the Illinois Department of Transportation, the agency fires dozens of state employees who allegedly were improperly brought on board.

After the BGA and the Chicago Sun-Times raise troubling questions about U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush’s personal, campaign and charitable finances, the Office of Congressional Ethics initiates an investigation into the veteran South Side congressman.

After languishing for nearly two years in the Chicago City Council’s Rules committee, the Privatization Transparency and Accountability Ordinance was moved to the City Council’s Workforce Development and Audit Committee.

Gov. Pat Quinn is cutting dozens of unnecessary or redundant boards and commissions, following BGA investigations into Illinois’ proliferation of costly and underutilized state panels.

Roughly two years after the BGA and FOX 32 air a report about the principal of a Gold Coast school using a taxpayer-funded credit card on lavish expenditures, he and an assistant principal face discipline.

After the BGA sues the Cook County recorder of deeds for refusing to process an email request for documents under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the public agency settles the claim, agreeing to start accepting electronic FOIA submissions, providing an easier route for the public to obtain public records.

Following a BGA/CBS2 story about mayor-liquor commissioners accepting campaign donations from the alcohol-selling establishments they regulate, the Burr Ridge village board adopts measures banning such contributions.

After the BGA reveals massive clout hiring at the Illinois Department of Transportation, in apparent violation of a long-ago Supreme Court ruling, Chicago attorney Michael Shakman files a federal court motion seeking major reforms in how patronage is regulated in state government.

After questions are raised by the BGA and FOX 32 about a video that appears to show a Maywood cop stomping a man during a police call, village officials launch an internal investigation.