Civic Engagement

What the Gov

What The Gov? aims to empower all in their understanding of Chicago and Illinois politics and government through a civic journalism lens where we answer questions, identify resources and provide a platform for community engagement. Visit the WhatTheGov? page for more.

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What the Gov

Pattern of Late-Night Finishes for the Illinois General Assembly Raises Transparency Concerns

The ILGA ends almost every session past its deadline. Is it by design?
Apr 27, 2022 11:30 AM
What the Gov

Community Ask: I have severe glaucoma. I had Illinois Medicaid and recently qualified for Medicare, as well. Why was it so difficult to find treatment from an ophthalmologist?

Navigating Medicaid and Medicare plans can be challenging. Here’s a breakdown of the health care systems.
Mar 29, 2022 9:55 AM
What the Gov

Community Ask: How much does Illinois earn in lottery tickets per year, and where do those proceeds go?

Education is the lottery’s beneficiary, but how much does it really benefit?
Mar 10, 2022 9:55 AM
What the Gov

[RECORDING] BGA Community Forums: Navigating the Story of Cabrini-Green

Listen to an extended recording of the community forum despite attempts by bad actors to silence a much-needed conversation on Cabrini-Green.
Jan 31, 2022 5:59 AM
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.
Updated: Dec 15, 2021 @ 6:00 AM
What the Gov

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.
Oct 14, 2021 10:00 AM
What the Gov

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?
Oct 8, 2021 1:30 PM
What the Gov

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.
Sep 15, 2021 11:30 AM
What the Gov

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?
Aug 24, 2021 12:00 PM
What the Gov

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.
Jul 1, 2021 1:10 PM

What the Gov

Pattern of Late-Night Finishes for the Illinois General Assembly Raises Transparency Concerns

Community Ask: I have severe glaucoma. I had Illinois Medicaid and recently qualified for Medicare, as well. Why was it so difficult to find treatment from an ophthalmologist?

Community Ask: How much does Illinois earn in lottery tickets per year, and where do those proceeds go?

[RECORDING] BGA Community Forums: Navigating the Story of Cabrini-Green

What Are Your Stories About the Cabrini-Green Community?

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

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.’

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

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

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