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  • BGA Community Forum: Black Youth, Carjacking and the Cook County Juvenile Justice System

    Join us on Monday, July 26, from 6 - 7 p.m. for an interactive virtual discussion moderated by BGA's Investigative Reporter Sidnee King on Facebook Live. King will be joined by community advocates to discuss the criminalization of Black youth, the issues that affect young Black life in Chicago, and where the solutions are for Black youth involved in carjackings and other crimes considered violent.

    Set your reminders to join us on Facebook Live or register for the event through our Eventbrite page.

  • Understanding Cook County’s Pattern of Dead-End Drug Arrests

    In Cook County, thousands of people are arrested every year for possessing small amounts of drugs only to have their cases thrown out just days later. It’s due to an unwritten rule in the courts that costs millions of dollars in taxes and costs those getting arrested their jobs, their homes and their freedom.

    A new investigation, “Dead-End Drug Arrests,” examines this pattern in Cook County. The Better Government Association and the Chicago Sun-Times found those charged with carrying less than one gram of drugs are still routinely arrested although their charges are overwhelmingly dismissed in the earliest stages of their court cases.

  • City Council 101

    Harold Washington Libary 400 S State St, Chicago, Illinois, United States

    Chicago’s new City Council will take office on May 15th. But how does it all really work, inside the council chambers? Join the Better Government Association’s policy team for an in-depth seminar on the history, rules, and workings of Chicago City Council. Free and open to the public, this seminar will be especially beneficial to […]

  • 2023 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Journalism

    City Hall Events 838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, United States

    Join the Better Government Association for a night of celebration at the 2023 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting! The awards highlight the impact of Illinois investigative and enterprise reporting as a reform tool within the context of state and local government waste, fraud, and corruption. The evening will be a celebration of […]

  • Virtual Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Training

    Online event

    FOIA is a critically important tool in every investigative reporter's toolkit. Join us for a virtual training with Freedom of Information attorney Matt Topic for a refresher on filing FOIA requests, how to best utilize FOIA in your reporting, the legal limits of FOIA, and what to do if your FOIA requests are denied. This […]

  • Ink + Impact: Ethics in Government

    Featured
    The Thompson Chicago 21 E Bellevue Pl, Chicago, IL 60611, Chicago, Illinois, United States

    Join the BGA Second Century Council for a round table breakfast discussion regarding the City Council's Ethics Committee, with 47th Ward Alderman Matt Martin.This event is programmed for all current […]

    Free

  • Ink + Impact: A Celebration of Journalism

    American Writers Museum 180 North Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois, United States

    Step into the heart of literary excellence at the American Writers Museum, and engage in captivating conversations, share experiences, and forge connections with like-minded individuals who share a vested belief […]

    $20

  • Out of the Shadows: Empowering Communities Through Court Transparency

    5100 W Harrison St 5100 W Harrison St, Chicago, Illinois, United States

    As part of the Court Transparency Coalition, Common Cause, the Better Government and BUILD’s Peace and Justice Center present a community forum to explore how Illinois Courts impact the lives of everyday people – especially in communities most impacted by the carceral system – and why it is time that the courts be held the […]

  • Chicago Underwater: A Discussion on the Impact of Flooding

    McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum 99 Chicago Riverwalk Chicago, IL 60601

    A panel discussion on the impact of flooding in Chicago featuring insights from local experts and advocates Join us for a community panel discussion on the impact of flooding in […]

    Free