What the Gov

What Are Your Stories About the Cabrini-Green Community?

The Better Government Association is examining the impact of the city’s decision more than 20 years ago to demolish the Cabrini-Green public housing development and build a new community, and we need your help.

Grieving Father Blasts Shortcomings of Lightfoot’s ‘Scofflaw List’

The BGA and Chicago Tribune recently revealed the limitations of a new city “scofflaw list" that excludes hundreds of unsafe buildings because they don’t meet the lists’ complex criteria. Among the buildings that would have been excluded is the one where Eric Patton Smith’s daughter died.

Community Ask: ‘I submitted a FOIA request to the attorney general’s office for the vacation days and requests of the AG’s staff and have not received any type of response.’

With the hack investigation of the attorney general’s office still ongoing, some people want to know how the breach in April affects staff work at the agency. But how do you properly seek transparency from the AG’s office about, well, itself?

What the Gov? Reimagined: What Do You Want To Know or Share About Government and Politics in Illinois and Chicago?

Participate in our efforts to serve you with information needs that matter most and empower you to hold accountable government agencies and public officials.

Community Ask: ‘I filed a complaint to the AG’s office. When will I hear back?’

With the ongoing investigation and majority of the Attorney General’s computer system offline, is there any way to know when the office will meet your requests?

Community Ask: ‘I want to look into pay inequities. How do I do that?’

Curious about the salaries of a government agency? Here’s a breakdown of how you can find them using public records and our salaries database.

Surviving the Pandemic: Black-Owned Businesses and the Paycheck Protection Program

Four Black-owned small businesses in Chicago’s West Side and west suburbs share their experiences with applying for federal funding during the COVID-19 crisis.

What Are Your Wishes for Better Government in 2021?

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.