A solution to the state’s chronic budget problems languishes while Democrats and Republicans get caught up in petty political infighting.
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Posted inNews
Event Recap | 2018 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards For Investigative Reporting
Thanks to the generosity of the Driehaus Foundation we are able to celebrate and reward, with $25,000 in prize money, the work of other investigative journalists in the watchdog fight.
Posted inNews
Does Chicago Pay Tree Trimmers Top Dollar?
A political progressive who hopes to challenge Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s re-election complains the city is shorting vital services while lavishing six-figure compensation on many workers, including tree trimmers.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Rauner, Lawmakers Face Showdown On Volkswagen Pollution Money
A rush to spend $109 million is attacked as a political grab in governor’s re-election campaign; the Illinois Senate votes to slow the process.
Posted inCriminal Justice & Public Safety
Police Shooting Reviews Mandated Under Bill That Passes Senate
Following a BGA/WBEZ investigation, the legislation would require all local police agencies to scrutinize the actions of officers who shoot civilians and, sometimes, fellow police.
Posted inNews, Podcast
Podcast: [SPECIAL EP] Redistricting: Mapping a Fairer Future for Illinois
On this special episode of Ready Set Gov, we talk with Jeff Raines and Andy Kang about an important upcoming opportunity for Illinoisans to speak out against partisan gerrymandering. Learn how you can participate in this historic turning point for our state.
Posted inCriminal Justice & Public Safety
Lawmakers Seek Broader Reviews of Suburban Police Shootings
Following a BGA/WBEZ investigative series, members of the Illinois black legislative caucus vow a push to mandate reviews of whether officers who shoot citizens violated policies or best practices.
Posted inNews
BGA to Launch Innovative Engagement Platforms
A grant will fund the cost of two tools, Hearken and GroundSource, to help power meaningful audience engagement in the BGA’s watchdog work.
Posted inNews
Fact-Check: Is Chicago Gun Violence Really ‘Killing’ the City’s Bottom Line?
Chicago’s former top cop, now a challenger to Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s re-election, says murders and shootings cost city taxpayers more than is spent on all other programs combined. The claim is a wild exaggeration based on a misreading of research.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Pension Crisis: Top Candidates Avoid Talk About Illinois’ Top Problem
The crushing pension debt that is squeezing out resources to pay for other services grew through decades of bipartisan political expediency. The candidates for governor steer clear of the topic as options to fix the crisis without pain narrow.
