Results & Reforms

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 the BGA disclosed that state Rep. Luis Arroyo (D-Chicago) was benefiting from two property tax breaks on his personal property when only one was allowed, Arroyo issued a refund of more than $4,400.

Following inquiries for a BGA/NBC 5 story about state government spending more than $500,000 to park hundreds of vehicles in Loop parking garages last year, two public agencies pledge to negotiate lower rates to save taxpayers money.

A bill that would limit how much public officials can spend on taxpayer-subsidized travel is passed by legislators and heads to Gov. Rauner’s desk. The legislation was inspired by news stories from the BGA and other media groups on questionable spending by school districts.

Several months after the BGA and CBS2 highlight the case of a Chicago cop who allegedly lied in court in an attempted murder case, the Chicago Police Department moves to fire her, and she resigns.

Following questions from the BGA about nonprofits donating money to Illinois politicians, despite an IRS ban on tax-exempt charities engaging in politics, a number of elected officials agree to refund money.

After inquiries from the BGA, the Rauner administration forces out housing aide amid pay-to-play allegations.

After BGA asks Emanuel administration about millions of dollars in city contracts awarded to company with serious workplace safety violations on previous municipal projects, city officials said they hadn’t known, and demand answers from contractor.

Prompted in part by BGA news coverage, state legislator proposes legislation that would make it tougher for local government officials to spend taxpayer money on travel, excursions.

After the BGA sues, the Emanuel administration releases surveillance video of dog being choked as city workers try to bring it under control.