BGA Investigates, County Official Resigns
Results & Reforms
BGA Named Finalist in 2018 Knight Award for Public Service
The joint investigation by the Better Government Association and WBEZ, “Taking Cover,” was honored by the Online News Association at the 2018 Online Journalism Awards.
BGA Wins Transparency Ruling in Navy Pier Privatization Case
The decision could make it hard for private entities that have assumed government duties to block public access to their records.
IDOT SECRETARY RESIGNS
Following several BGA investigations on potentially illegal patronage hiring at the Illinois Department of Transportation, the head of the agency resigns under fire.
EX-SCHOOL OFFICIAL CHARGED
Following BGA/CBS2 investigation, suburban school treasurer is charged with stealing more than $1.5 million in taxpayer money.
QUINN CHOPS AWAY AT BLOATED STATE PANELS
Gov. Pat Quinn is cutting dozens of unnecessary or redundant boards and commissions, following BGA investigations into Illinois’ proliferation of costly and underutilized state panels.
LANDMARK WRONGFUL CONVICTION LAW PASSED
Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law a landmark reform bill backed by the Better Government Association’s policy team, lawmakers and criminal justice advocates.
HOUSE TO PROBE CONGRESSMAN
The House Ethics Committee is expanding a probe of U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush’s finances, an inquiry that follows a BGA/Chicago Sun-Times investigation.
FELON LEAVES COUNTY JOB
The BGA and FOX 32 reveal that newly elected Cook County Recorder of Deeds Karen Yarbrough hires a family friend with a felony conviction for a top government job.
POL ISSUES REFUND FOR IMPROPER TAX BREAKS
In wake of BGA legal action that forced mayor to release personal emails, Chicago Board of Ethics levies fine against David Plouffe, who lobbied mayor on behalf of Uber.