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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20151022T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20151022T000000
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T212054Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212054Z
UID:7517-1445472000-1445472000@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Fortnightly Club Of Chicago
DESCRIPTION:On Thursday\, Oct. 22\, Andy Shaw spoke to a group of more than one hundred women at The Fortnightly Club of Chicago. The oldest women’s organization in the city\, The Fortnightly Club brings together women from all walks of life to discuss books\, films and current events. Andy spoke about the BGA’s history\, mission and work in addition to Illinois’s current budget crisis. The audience was engaged and ready to ask questions about issues ranging from pension reform to taxes and spending.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/fortnightly-club-of-chicago/
LOCATION:120 E Bellevue Pl\, Chicago\, 60611
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/DSCN2885.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20160402T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20160402T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T212851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212851Z
UID:7545-1459594800-1459594800@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Dan on Downsizing in DuPage: A BGA Candid Conversation
DESCRIPTION:Dan Cronin\, DuPage County Board Chairman\, and Andy Shaw\, BGA President and CEO\, discussed the future of government streamlining and consolidation during a BGA “Candid Conversation” event held April 20 at Oak Brook-based Inland Real Estate Group. \nThe conversation\, which was streamed online\, centered on Cronin’s three-year-plus effort to streamline government operations throughout DuPage County and how that effort fits with the BGA’s statewide government consolidation effort\, entitled “Smart Streamlining.” \nCronin reflected on the complicated nature of consolidating units of government. \n\n\n\nResistance from local government leaders and employees remains a major hurdle\, he said. But support is growing among government reform groups\, local leaders and members of the Illinois General Assembly\, as evidenced by the nearly two dozen bills addressing streamlining in some fashion that have been considered by the legislature this session. \n\n\n\nCronin and Shaw also touched on the increasingly partisan tension between Republicans and Democrats in state government and the debate over school funding. \nShaw also asked what’s next politically for Cronin: Right now\, he’s focused on his job\, but Cronin added\, “never say never.” \n\n\n\n\nSee the full conversation\n\n\n\n\nBGA Candid Conversations bring together prominent public figures and BGA’s President & CEO Andy Shaw for conversations about good government issues. It’s one of the ways the BGA holds public officials accountable for their promises and actions. \nPrevious Candid Conversations\n\n\n\n    \nA BGA Candid Conversation With Toni Preckwinkle | November 12\, 2015\n\n\n\n\n			A BGA Candid Conversation: Chuy’s Challenge | March 20\, 2015\n\n\n\n\n			Rahm Talks Reform With BGA’s Shaw | December 18\, 2014\n\n\n\nBruce\, Budget Blues & BGA | December 16\, 2014\n\n\n\n\nFor more information contact Policy Associate Danish Murtaza at dmurtaza@bettergov.org or 312-386-9202.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/dan-on-downsizing-in-dupage-a-bga-candid-conversation/
LOCATION:Oak Brook\, 60523
CATEGORIES:Candid Conversations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/DanCronin.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20160516T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20160516T173000
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T212456Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212456Z
UID:7526-1463419800-1463419800@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:The 2016 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting
DESCRIPTION:The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting honor some of the best government-related investigative reporting in the Midwest. These Awards recognize the importance of investigative journalism in advancing the principles of democracy. \n\n \n\nHear more from this year's winners\nJamie Kalven from Slate talks about Sixteen Shots\n \n  \nGeorge Pawlaczyk and Beth Hundsdorfer  from the Belleville News-Democrat talk about Violation of Trust \n \n  \nChip Mitchell from WBEZ 91.5 talks about Inside Ipra\n \n\nPhotos\n \nCopyright Tone Stockenstrom Photo\, Inc. \n\n2016 Winners\nFirst Place – $10\,000\nSixteen Shots\n	Jamie Kalven\n	Slate \nSecond Place- $5\,000\nViolation of Trust\n	George Pawlaczyk and Beth Hundsdorfer\n	Belleville News-Democrat \nThird Place – $3\,000\nInside IPRA\n	Chip Mitchell\, Derek John\n	WBEZ 91.5 \n\nMEET THE REAL REPORTERS PORTRAYED IN THE ACADEMY AWARD-WINNING FILM "SPOTLIGHT." \nDonate    Learn More \nWALTER V. ROBINSON\n\nRobinson\, played by Michael Keaton\, is Editor At Large at the Boston Globe. Robinson\, who led the Boston Globe Spotlight Team that won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for its investigation of the sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests\, returned to the newspaper in 2014 after seven years as Distinguished Professor of Journalism at Northeastern University. He also co-authored the 2002 book\, "Betrayal: Crisis in the Catholic Church." \n\n	SACHA PFEIFFER\n\nPfeiffer\, played by Rachel McAdams\, is a reporter covering nonprofits\, philanthropy and wealth\, and was on the Spotlight Investigative Team that won the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service. She has also been a senior reporter and host of All Things Considered and Radio Boston at WBUR\, Boston’s NPR station\, and a host of NPR’s nationally syndicated Here & Now. At WBUR she won a national Edward R. Murrow Award for broadcast reporting. Pfeiffer was a John S. Knight journalism fellow at Stanford University and co-authored "Betrayal: The Crisis in the Catholic Church." \n\n	MICHAEL REZENDES\n\nRezendes\, played by Mark Ruffalo\, is a member of the Boston Globe Spotlight Team and shared the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for revealing the cover-up of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. In more than two decades with the Globe\, Rezendes has investigated a wide array of additional topics\, including the September 11 attacks\, health care costs\, and money in politics. He is a co-author of “Betrayal: The Crisis in the Catholic Church\,” and a contributing author to “Sin Against the Innocents: Sexual Abuse by Priests and the Role of the Catholic Church." \n	Photos by Kerry Hays \n\nMONDAY\, MAY 16\, 2016 \n\n	5:30pm\n	Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres \n\n	6:30pm\n	Award Program\, Awards presented by Richard H. Driehaus \n\n	7:15pm\n	Panel discussion with Spotlight Investigative Team \n\n	Union League Club\n	Main Dining Room\, 6th Floor\n	65 West Jackson Blvd\n	Chicago\, IL\, 60604 \n\n	Business Attire  \nDonate
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/the-2016-richard-h-driehaus-foundation-awards-for-investigative-reporting/
LOCATION:Union League Club\, 65 West Jackson Blvd\, Chicago\, 60604
CATEGORIES:& Awards,Fundraisers,Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20160913T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20160913T000000
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T212255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212255Z
UID:7525-1473724800-1473724800@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:2016 Annual Luncheon
DESCRIPTION:Sponsorship Opportunities\nTo download a sponsorship opportunities form\, please click here. For ticket and sponsorship information please contact Mary Frances O'Connor at 312.821.9026 or mfoconnor@bettergov.org. \nSee more   \n​SHERATON CHICAGO\n	301 E North Water St\n	Chicago\, IL 60611 \nReception 11:00 AM\n	Luncheon 12:00 PM \n\nTITLE SPONSOR\n  \n​Luncheon Co-Chairs\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJohn A. Canning\, Jr.\n								E. David Coolidge\n								James S. Crown\n								Lester Crown\n								Janice L. Feinberg\n								Daniel L. Goodwin\n								 \n\n\nMichael L. Keiser\n								Joe Mansueto\n								Steven N. Miller\n								James N. Perry\, Jr.\n								Mark E. Rust\n								James and Kathleen Skinner\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlatinum Sponsor – $50\,000\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPriority table seating for two tables of ten\nPriority name/logo placement on all luncheon printed materials\nPriority name/logo placement on BGA website\nSignage at BGA issue briefings\nEntry to private reception with featured guest(s)\n\n\n\n\n\nGold Sponsor – $25\,000\n\n\nPrime table seating for a table of ten\nPrime name/logo placement on all luncheon printed materials\nPrime name/logo placement on BGA website\nEntry to private reception with featured guest(s)\n\n\n\n\n\nSilver Sponsor – $10\,000\n\n\nPreferred table seating for a table of ten\nPreferred name recognition on all luncheon printed materials\nPreferred name recognition on BGA website\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBGA Sponsor – $5\,000\n\nReserved table seating for a table of ten\nReserved name recognition on all luncheon printed materials\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIndividual Reservation(s) – $500\n\n\nReserved seating for one individual
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/2016-annual-luncheon/
LOCATION:Sheraton Chicago\, 301 E North Water St\, Chicago\, 60611
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BGA_2016_Luncheon_event1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20160927T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20160927T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T212837Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212837Z
UID:7539-1474977600-1474977600@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Recap | 2016 BGA Springfield Luncheon: Candidates\, Chaos And Consequences
DESCRIPTION:Jim Edgar and Chris Kennedy talk Trump\, Clinton\, Rauner\, Madigan and more at BGA Luncheon. \n\nIn the midst of a chaotic\, surreal campaign season and one day following the first presidential debate\, civility and public discourse set the tone for the conversation between two political titans at the BGA’s Springfield Luncheon on Tuesday\, September 27. \nAs the featured guests in “Elections 2016: Candidates\, Chaos and Consequences\,” former Governor Jim Edgar\, a Republican\, and former University of Illinois Board Chair Chris Kennedy\, a Democrat and potential gubernatorial candidate in 2018\, offered a breakdown of the current state of politics in Illinois and the nation. From the race for the White House to reform here at home\, they analyzed it all in a conversation with Andy Shaw\, BGA President and CEO\, before an audience of about 185 in Springfield’s President Abraham Lincoln DoubleTree hotel. \n\n\nThe event replayed on WMAY 970-AM and 95.7-FM that evening and is available by podcast here: http://www.wmay.com/episode/podcast-candidates-chaos-consequences-w-better-government-association/. \nThe thought-provoking examination by both Edgar and Kennedy found common ground on a range of issues\, including that neither would vote for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Edgar\, a Republican governor from 1991 to 1999\, said the November 8 election will be the first time he will not vote for the GOP candidate\, although he wouldn’t disclose whether he would vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton or a third-party candidate. “It’s a secret ballot\,” he said. \nDespite not voting for Trump\, Edgar said he still believes Trump could win the election. \nKennedy predicted Clinton will win the November election\, as Trump would not be able to win Electoral College votes. But\, speaking directly to the Springfield audience\, Kennedy said the well-informed\, engaged individuals who represent the “establishment” of both political parties need to listen to those who are disengaged and “raging.” \n“The American dream of rising from rags to riches was the promise of our country—the place where anyone could make it\,” Kennedy said. “And people don’t believe that anymore. They’re upset. They’re angry. And they’re willing to destroy everything we have if we don’t fix that. That’s the message of this election.” \nPhoto Gallery\n \n \nBoth Edgar and Kennedy agreed this election season to be a critical moment in our country’s history. \nIn Illinois’ history and the context of state-level races November 8\, the lack of a state budget is most critical\, they agreed. \nAs current chairman of the Kennedy Family investment firm Joseph P. Kennedy Enterprises Inc. and its real estate holdings in Chicago known as Wolf Point\, Kennedy said the fiscal uncertainty is crippling Illinois’ economy. \n“Why should we invest in the only state that doesn’t have a budget\,” he said\, reciting perspectives he hears from investors. \nNeither Edgar nor Kennedy believed good government election reforms—including the Independent Map Amendment to reform the way legislative districts are drawn in Illinois— would alone solve Illinois’ chronic problems.  Edgar also said rewriting Illinois’ 1970 Constitution would be unwise at this time. “There’s nothing wrong with our Constitution\,” he said. Rather\, we need to elect better people\, he quipped. \nThe Springfield luncheon was held just as news broke that a federal judge blocked same-day voter registration on Election Day. The BGA was part of a group of voting rights advocates that urged the U.S. District Court Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan to keep the Election Day Registration\, which has been in place in Illinois since 2014. \nThe BGA was disappointed in that ruling. “Too many Illinois residents are disengaged from the democratic process\, and we pay a high price for that\,” Shaw said. “We need more engaged voters\, not fewer.” \nThe luncheon was the first fundraiser in Springfield since the BGA’s three-year effort to establish a more permanent and prominent presence in the capital city. The 12-member Springfield Advisory Board\, chaired by Cindy Davis\, co-owner of Resource One office furniture in Springfield\, hosted the luncheon and urged the audience to get engaged. \n“We are all affected by Illinois’ compounding challenges\,” Davis said. “We—as individuals and as a community—can be informed and should demand a better government.” \nThe event raised more than $20\,000 towards the Springfield efforts\, thanks in part to the many sponsors\, particularly presenting sponsor Isringhausen Imports. \nOther sponsors included AARP Illinois\, Illinois REALTORS\, Hospital Sisters Health System\, KEB\, former Senator Larry K. Bomke\, BUNN\, Phelon Public Strategies\, Illinois Insurance Association and Dr. Stephen and Lisa Stone.  Media sponsors were 94.7 & 970 WMAY and the Illinois Times. \n\n  \nElections 2016: Candidates\, Chaos and Consequences\n	Featuring: Jim Edgar\, Former Illinois Governor\n	Chris Kennedy\, Former University of Illinois Chair\n	Special Guest: Natalie Bomke\, FOX 32 Chicago\, Springfield Native \n  \nLuncheon sponsorship information:\n	Bethany Jaeger\n	217-789-0960\n	bethanyj@kebcpa.com \n\n\n\n      \n\nJim Edgar\n					former governor of Illinois\n\n\n\n\n\nChris Kennedy\n					former University of Illinois Chair\n\n\n\n\n\nNatalie Bomke\n					Fox 32 Chicago news anchor and reporter and Springfield native
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/recap-2016-bga-springfield-luncheon-candidates-chaos-and-consequences/
LOCATION:The President Abraham Lincoln Springfield – A Doubletree by Hilton\, 701 E Adams St\, Springfield
CATEGORIES:& Awards,Fundraisers,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/SpringfieldLuncheonSept27main.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20170303T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20170303T000000
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T212658Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212658Z
UID:7535-1488499200-1488499200@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Separate But Unequal? School Funding In Illinois
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/separate-but-unequal-school-funding-in-illinois/
CATEGORIES:Idea Forums
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Nwsltr_SchoolFunding_Forum_March2017.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20170503T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20170503T000000
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T212906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212906Z
UID:7546-1493769600-1493769600@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Richard H. Driehaus Foundation 2017 Awards for Investigative Reporting
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/richard-h-driehaus-foundation-2017-awards-for-investigative-reporting/
CATEGORIES:& Awards,Fundraisers,Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20170508T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20170508T000000
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T212851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212851Z
UID:7542-1494201600-1494201600@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:The Future of News: Covering the Capitol
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/the-future-of-news-covering-the-capitol/
CATEGORIES:Idea Forums
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20170801T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20170801T180000
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T212851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212851Z
UID:7541-1501610400-1501610400@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:LOL with BGA Summer Comedy Fun-raiser
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/lol-with-bga-summer-comedy-fun-raiser/
LOCATION:Untitled\, 111 W. Kinzie\, Chicago
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20171011T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20171011T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T212456Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212838Z
UID:7530-1507719600-1507719600@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:2017 BGA Annual Luncheon
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/2017-bga-annual-luncheon/
LOCATION:Fairmont Chicago\, 200 N. Columbus Dr.\, Chicago
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/dickerson.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20180307T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20180307T180000
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T212906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212906Z
UID:7547-1520445600-1520445600@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Public Forums: Attorney General Race
DESCRIPTION:The BGA\, in collaboration with ABC7\, hosted a public forum on March\, 7th with the candidates for attorney general.  \nThe forum was held at Roosevelt University in Chicago and was moderated by the BGA’s Policy & Civic Engagement Director\, Madeleine Doubek\, and ABC7 Political Reporter Craig Wall. Candidates were asked about the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Open Meetings Act (OMA)\, campaign contributions\, consumer protection\, identity theft\, and reform of the Chicago Police Department. \nThe event was split into two segments\, with the Republican candidates Gary Grasso and Erika Harold going first at 6:00 pm. During the forum\, Harold defended her decision to accept $300\,000 from Governor Bruce Rauner. "I have a record of already standing up for the things that I think are right and opposing him and that's a record\," Harold said. When asked about public funding for campaigns\, Grasso noted Rauner’s donation to his opponent. “There has to be some level of [public funding]\,” he said. “We’re getting too many people with independent wealth that have to run for office and not enough people who can do this grassroots-wise.” \n \nThe eight Democratic candidates took the stage at 7:00 pm\, including candidates Scott Drury\, Sharon Fairley\, Aaron Goldstein\, Renato Mariotti\, Pat Quinn\, Kwame Raoul\, Nancy Rotering\, and Jesse Ruiz. A key issue addressed by the candidates was the attorney general’s role in protecting the public’s access to information. \n“We should always err on the side of disclosure\, and only not disclose information when there is an actual\, real interest that could be harmed\,” said Fairley when asked about the Rauner administration’s use of FOIA exemptions to withhold documents related to a Legionnaires’ outbreak at the Quincy Veterans’ Home. Mariotti and Raoul suggested that guidelines might be set for the deliberative process exemption that Rauner is using in this case.  \n \nGoldstein argued that the next attorney general should litigate cases that come before the public access counselor’s office. Mariotti added that the counselor is “overburdened.” Raoul agreed that more resources were needed\, reminding the audience that he sponsored the legislation that originally created the office.  \nRotering suggested that more public education was necessary. “It’s vitally important to empower the residents of Illinois and give them\, through outreach\, and through education\, knowledge of what is meant by the Freedom of Information Act and what is meant by the Open Meetings Act\,” she said.  \nRuiz steered the conversation towards increasing the effectiveness of the public access counselor’s work. “There is always going to be more work than there are resources\,” he said. “What we have to do is proactively make sure that all the information that the media\, journalists\, and citizens are looking for in this era – when you have so much technology at play – [is] put out proactively so that we can re-engineer the workflow.”  \nQuinn also said more resources were needed for the public access counselor’s office. “We have to always have openness\,” he said. Drury challenged Quinn’s stance\, claiming it was “impossible” to get documents when Quinn was governor\, “even as a government representative.” Drury said\, “they used the deliberative process excuse and gave me blacked out documents.” \nDuring both sessions\, the moderators took questions from social media on a variety of issues\, including the opioid epidemic\, whether the candidates support a ban on assault weapons\, and whether they would use their office to support efforts that reform the criminal justice system. \nThe event was live-streamed by ABC7 and is currently available for viewing on the BGA’s Facebook page and the ABC7 website. For more information on the background of the attorney general candidates see the BGA’s voters guide and questionnaire. 
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/public-forums-attorney-general-race/
LOCATION:Ganz Hall\, Roosevelt University\, 430 S Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, 60605
CATEGORIES:& Awards,Fundraisers,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/social.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20181016T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20181016T113000
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T212921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T212921Z
UID:7552-1539689400-1539689400@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:2018 BGA Annual Luncheon
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/2018-bga-annual-luncheon/
LOCATION:Hilton Chicago\, 720 S Michigan Ave.\, Chicago\, 60605
CATEGORIES:& Awards,Fundraisers,Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20191105T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20191105T113000
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T205615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T205615Z
UID:7438-1572953400-1572953400@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:2019 BGA Annual Luncheon
DESCRIPTION:
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/2019-bga-annual-luncheon/
LOCATION:Hilton Chicago\, 720 S. Michigan Ave.\, Chicago\, 60605
CATEGORIES:& Awards,Fundraisers,Special Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/scott-simon.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20200122T000000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20200122T000000
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T205615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T205615Z
UID:7437-1579651200-1579651200@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:A Lesson in Clout from the 25th Ward
DESCRIPTION:As 25th Ward Ald. Daniel Solis was cooperating in a sweeping federal corruption probe before leaving office last year\, a top staffer was building a new career as a bouncer\, security guard and as a lobbyist at an Illinois utility company. Read the investigation here: How Embattled Alderman Solis’ Top Aide Landed Three Jobs \nJoin the Better Government Association and WBEZ at this free event to hear reporters discuss their recent reporting\, and to talk about how aldermen throughout all of Chicago wield unique power that sometimes leads to corruption. \nFree and open to the public. Bring your questions\, comments and tips. Come for the empanadas\, stay for a lesson in clout politics in Chicago! \nDoors and food at 6 p.m.\nProgram and discussion from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/a-lesson-in-clout-from-the-25th-ward/
LOCATION:Pilsen Outpost\, 1637 W 18th St\, Chicago\, 60608
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/jan-22-event_0.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20200707T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20200707T140000
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T205615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T205615Z
UID:7436-1594130400-1594130400@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Open or Shut Case: COVID-19 and the Fight for Public Records
DESCRIPTION:Secret City Council meetings\, destruction of police files\, and statewide access to public records: They’ve all been on the line in the last few weeks. Using COVID-19 as cover\, governments in Chicago and Springfield have sought to go behind closed doors and shut out the public—but the Better Government Association has been there to stop them. \nZoom into a one-of-a-kind event as three experts explain it all to BGA President David Greising. They are: \n\nDaniel Bevarly\, executive director of the National Freedom of Information Coalition\nMarie Dillon\, BGA’s policy director\nMatt Topic\, BGA’s outside general counsel \n\nThe 45-minute discussion will uncover the stakes at risk in the BGA’s fight to hold government accountable. \nRegister here. You will receive a confirmation with a Zoom link and an opportunity to submit questions for the BGA team to answer. Capacity is limited. \nThank you for supporting the BGA!
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/open-or-shut-case-covid-19-and-the-fight-for-public-records/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20200903T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20200903T110000
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T205444Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T205444Z
UID:7434-1599130800-1599130800@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Ready for Reform? The Path to Honest Government in Illinois
DESCRIPTION:BGA President David Greising will discuss the need for comprehensive ethics reform and recommendations for how to make reform a reality in this virtual talk sponsored by the City Club of Chicago. The event is free to both members and non-members but registration is required. Register here. 
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/ready-for-reform-the-path-to-honest-government-in-illinois/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/new_david_image.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20200926T084500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20200926T084500
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T205444Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T205444Z
UID:7431-1601109900-1601109900@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:ABC 7 Chicago Weekend Watch
DESCRIPTION:Tune in to ABC 7 Saturday morning for the BGA’s regular appearance on the Weekend Watch segment. This week\, Alejandra Cancino will discuss her reporting that revealed how Dick Durbin’s top campaign staffer used his connections to help an Addison-based furniture company become City Hall’s top supplier of COVID-19 medical gear.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/abc-7-chicago-weekend-watch-37/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20200929T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20200929T180000
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T205444Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T205444Z
UID:7432-1601402400-1601402400@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:TRiiBE Tuesday: A Town Hall with Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot
DESCRIPTION:Chicago’s mayor will participate in TRiiBE Tuesday: A Town Hall with Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot\, a virtual event co-hosted by the Institute for Nonprofit News and the “Lens on Lightfoot” partners\, on Tuesday\, Sept 29 at 6 p.m.  \nThe BGA’s Alejandra Cancino will join our partners in this collaboration in questioning the mayor about her administration’s actions. \n Since taking office in 2019\, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot has made big promises\, difficult decisions and faced unprecedented circumstances. During her inauguration speech\, Lightfoot promised to invest in schools\, improve safety for every neighborhood\, and address Chicago’s history of corruption in politics.\n \nBut some residents of Chicago question her progress so far: Is she still committed to delivering on some of the proposed progressive reform policies and actions she spoke about?\n \nYou can hear from Lightfoot herself as she takes questions from reporters and the public in this free online event.  \nMore about TRiiBE Tuesday: Sponsored by the Field Foundation of Illinois\, TRiiBE Tuesday is a monthly panel and discussion series hosted by The TRiiBE\, a digital media platform covering Black news and culture in Chicago. Visit thetriibe.com to learn more.\n 
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/triibe-tuesday-a-town-hall-with-mayor-lori-e-lightfoot/
LOCATION:On Facebook Live and YouTube
CATEGORIES:& Awards,Fundraisers,Special Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20201001T084500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20201001T084500
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T205243Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T205243Z
UID:7428-1601541900-1601541900@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:ABC 7 Chicago Weekend Watch
DESCRIPTION:Tune in to ABC 7 Saturday morning for the BGA’s regular appearance on the Weekend Watch segment.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/abc-7-chicago-weekend-watch-35/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20201003T084500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20201003T084500
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T205244Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T205244Z
UID:7429-1601714700-1601714700@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:ABC 7 Chicago Weekend Watch
DESCRIPTION:Tune in to ABC 7 Saturday morning for the BGA’s regular appearance on the Weekend Watch segment. This week Jared Rutecki will share the stories in the BGA’s spotlight.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/abc-7-chicago-weekend-watch-36/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20201114T084500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20201114T084500
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T205243Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T205243Z
UID:7426-1605343500-1605343500@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:ABC 7 Chicago Weekend Watch
DESCRIPTION:Tune in to ABC 7 Saturday morning for the BGA’s regular appearance on the Weekend Watch segment. David Kidwell will discuss Amazon’s secretive deals and demands behind proposals to build warehouses in the Chicago area. \nSince 2015\, the mammoth online retailer has built 36 distribution facilities in the area and won $741 million in taxpayer-funded incentives—mostly from Black communities. 
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/abc-7-chicago-weekend-watch-34/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20201205T084500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20201205T084500
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T205243Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T205243Z
UID:7425-1607157900-1607157900@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:ABC 7 Chicago Weekend Watch
DESCRIPTION:Tune in to ABC 7 Saturday morning for the BGA’s regular appearance on the Weekend Watch segment. Director of Investigations John Chase will discuss our latest victory in a lawsuit over access to public records.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/abc-7-chicago-weekend-watch-33/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20201219T084500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20201219T084500
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T205043Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T205043Z
UID:7423-1608367500-1608367500@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:ABC 7 Chicago Weekend Watch
DESCRIPTION:Tune in to ABC 7 Saturday morning for the BGA’s regular appearance on the Weekend Watch segment. Kiannah Sepeda-Miller will discuss our investigation with Chalkbeat of a Chicago Public Schools no-bid contract for technology. The mayor emailed recommending a source. What followed was a $1.6 million deal for a Lightfoot donor who supplied used laptops and iPads\, some of which didn’t work for remote learning.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/abc-7-chicago-weekend-watch-31/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20210103T084500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20210103T084500
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T204843Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T204843Z
UID:7418-1609663500-1609663500@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:ABC 7 Chicago Weekend Watch
DESCRIPTION:On Saturday’s regular BGA appearance on the ABC-7 Weekend Watch segment\, Director of Investigations John Chase will wrap up National News Literacy Week (Jan. 25 – 29) with a discussion of  how news consumers can figure out what information sources to trust. \nHe’ll also discuss a great opportunity to learn news literacy and teach it to others. The Better Government Association is proud to be participating in NewsLitCamp Feb. 5. This educators-focused event is hosted by the News Lit Project\, a national education nonprofit offering training to teachers on how to decipher credible journalism from misinformation. \nChase and senior investigative reporter Alejandra Cancino join friends at Block Club Chicago\, Chicago Defender\, ProPublica Illinois\, and Rockford Register Star for NewsLitCamp. They’ll share insights with teachers on the inner workings of investigative journalism. They’ll also teach how to identify and understand news media bias. \nIf you’re an Illinois educator and want to find out more about the News Lit Project’s NewsLitCamp\, see details and registration information here. \n\n\nIllinois educators: NewsLitCamp® with Chicago Defender\, ProPublica…\n\n\n 
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/abc-7-chicago-weekend-watch-28/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20210109T084500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20210109T084500
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T205043Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T205043Z
UID:7422-1610181900-1610181900@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:ABC 7 Chicago Weekend Watch
DESCRIPTION:Tune in to ABC 7 Saturday morning for the BGA’s regular appearance on the Weekend Watch segment. David Kidwell will discuss the Chicago Public School’s inspector general’s findings that the deals former CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett steered to friends added up to far more than we knew. Coming on top of the BGA’s recent reports of issues with contracts for computers\, this points to a continued need for oversight to make sure tax dollars buy the education Chicago’s children deserve.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/abc-7-chicago-weekend-watch-30/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20210123T084500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20210123T084500
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T205043Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T205043Z
UID:7421-1611391500-1611391500@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:ABC 7 Chicago Weekend Watch
DESCRIPTION:Tune in to ABC 7 Saturday morning for the BGA’s regular appearance on the Weekend Watch segment. Matt V. Topic\, the BGA’s outside general counsel\, will speak on BGA’s ongoing fight over access to Navy Pier’s management and financial records. He’ll also discuss the larger question of what it means when it comes to the public having access to information that keeps powerful institutions accountable.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/abc-7-chicago-weekend-watch-29/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20210202T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20210202T083000
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T204444Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T204444Z
UID:7409-1612254600-1612254600@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:ABC 7 Chicago Weekend Watch
DESCRIPTION:Tune in to ABC-7 Saturday morning after 8:30 a.m. to catch the latest Weekend Watch segment where we focus a spotlight on government. This week David Greising will be discussing his latest column on statewide remap public hearings that are now underway. 
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/abc-7-chicago-weekend-watch-22/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20210206T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20210206T083000
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T204644Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T204843Z
UID:7413-1612600200-1612600200@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:ABC 7 Chicago Weekend Watch
DESCRIPTION:On Saturday’s regular BGA appearance on the ABC-7 Weekend Watch segment\, President and CEO David Greising will provide an update on Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s performance. The BGA is holding her accountable by tracking her progress on our agenda for a strong Chicago. \n 
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/abc-7-chicago-weekend-watch-24/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20210213T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20210213T083000
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T204843Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T204843Z
UID:7416-1613205000-1613205000@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:ABC 7 Chicago Weekend Watch
DESCRIPTION:Kiannah Sepeda-Miller will be on ABC7’s Weekend Watch and to discuss our latest Politifact. It’s a fact check of the a claim from the Illinois GOP that Governor Pritzker’s hierarchy of vaccine priorities puts prisoners\, politicians\, and college students ahead of “individuals with high-risk health factors\, and everyone else.”
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/abc-7-chicago-weekend-watch-27/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20210219T094500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20210219T094500
DTSTAMP:20260404T100830
CREATED:20220930T204843Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220930T204843Z
UID:7415-1613727900-1613727900@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:ABC 7 Chicago Weekend Watch
DESCRIPTION:President David Greising will be on ABC7’s Weekend Watch and to discuss Madigan’s announcement of his resignation at the end of the month. Greising can talk Madigan’s decades-long impact\, his fall\, and what the end of his 50-year post means for the future of Chicago\, the greater Illinois\, and his now former fellow public officials. Our director of investigations John Chase will have a piece on Madigan’s announcement published today.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/abc-7-chicago-weekend-watch-26/
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR