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Coronavirus

The BGA is covering the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on how municipalities, counties and the Illinois government are handling the crisis.

Newsroom investigations and PolitiFact fact-checks of politicians' statements as well rumors being spread on social media are included. We also mobilized our "What the Gov" series to answer readers' questions.

Coronavirus-related columns by the BGA's president and positions by the BGA's policy teams can also be found here.

PolitiFact

Fact-Check: No, U.S. Economy Not Worst In World By ‘A Factor Of Three’

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin made the dubious claim while criticizing the Trump administration’s COVID-19 response during a radio appearance last month.
Sep 27, 2020 2:00 PM
Investigation

As Chicago Scrambled in Early Days of Coronavirus, Political Ties Helped Win No-Bid Contracts

Dick Durbin’s top campaign staffer used his connections to help an Addison-based furniture company become City Hall’s top supplier of COVID-19 medical gear.
Sep 22, 2020 2:00 PM
Investigation

Mientras Chicago Luchaba Contra el Coronavirus en la Primavera, Compañías Utilizaban Lazos Políticos para Ganar Contratos Sin Licitación

El jefe de la campaña del Senador Dick Durbin utilizó sus conexiones para ayudar a una compañía de muebles situada en Addison a convertirse en el proveedor principal de Chicago de equipo médico para combatir el COVID-19.
Sep 22, 2020 1:59 PM
PolitiFact

Fact-Check: It’s Not Against the Law to Carry a Firearm While Wearing a Face Mask

False claims being shared on social media trace back to a longstanding Illinois prohibition on individuals carrying a firearm while wearing a face covering to conceal their identity.
Jul 9, 2020 6:00 AM
What the Gov

What the Gov: As Illinois Reopens, What Restrictions Remain for Weddings?

With state moving to phase four and easing restrictions, ballrooms and other large event spaces are still limited to 50 guests.
Jun 22, 2020 2:37 PM
From Our President

Greising: New $10M Fund for Rebuilding Chicago Businesses Is Just a Start

The mayor is seeking systemic approaches to address the violence and poverty that plague the city. It's the right way to frame the problem. It also reveals the difficulty of the task she faces: Systemic change will be difficult, and cost a lot.
Jun 12, 2020 3:00 PM
What the Gov

What the Gov: Cook County Property Taxpayers Have Two Extra Months to Pay Their Bills

Property owners may still get their August bills in the mail soon but the county won’t penalize late payments until after Oct. 1.
Jun 8, 2020 6:00 AM
What the Gov

What the Gov: Will Illinois Implement Program Aimed at Avoiding Layoffs Amid COVID-19?

The federal government is offering funds to states with programs that encourage employers to temporarily cut staff hours instead of resorting to layoffs. But the agency charged with launching the program in Illinois says the state likely won’t be able to take advantage of a major piece of that support.
Jun 1, 2020 6:00 AM
From Our President

Greising: FOIA Access Was Protected During a Hectic General Assembly Session. That’s a Good Thing During This Pandemic.

This year, perhaps the worst bad idea was a proposal to suspend the Freedom of Information Act and block access to public records during the height of the COVID-19 crisis.
May 29, 2020 10:18 AM
Action

Tell Lawmakers to Protect Our Nov. 3 Election
May 21, 2020 1:15 PM