Results & Reforms

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.

The decision could make it hard for private entities that have assumed government duties to block public access to their records.

More than a year after the BGA first uncovers rampant political hiring at the Illinois Department of Transportation, the agency fires dozens of state employees who allegedly were improperly brought on board.

After the BGA requests documents related to social media use by Pace suburban bus employees, the agency launches its own review of worker conduct, disciplines some employees and embraces tighter controls.

The owner of Harrah’s Joliet Casino & Hotel is ending the long-standing practice of giving Diamond Cards to Joliet officials following a BGA/CBS2 report that showed the mayor, city manager and city council members had received the free VIP passes.

After CBS2 and the BGA highlight a potentially dangerous ambulance shortage in Chicago, two aldermen call for hearings and more emergency resources.

After BGA pushes for answers, the Village of Lynwood releases video of officer allegedly beating handcuffed suspect at the police station, and puts cop on leave pending possible discipline.

After the BGA and CBS2 broadcast a series of stories on Chicago’s aging and otherwise stressed ambulance fleet, the Emanuel administration proposes hiring more paramedics and adding trauma-ready ambulances to the streets.

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.