Better Government Association

Join us in supporting the incredible work of our journalist. On September 15, Illinois Answers reporters will take you beyond the published story, sharing what they uncovered, how they found it and why their reporting matters for communities across Illinois.

Illinois lacks robust, independent oversight of its legislature, as BGA Policy covered in 2023. Rep. Rashid's HB 3562 offers improvements, including subpoena authority for the Legislative Inspector General and mandatory publication of IG reports.

Congratulations to the winner and runner-up in the 2026 Large Newsroom Category at the Awards for Investigative Reporting, presented by the The BGA's Illinois Answers Project and the Better Government Association.

First Place:
“Chicago Under Siege: Block Club's Operation Midway Blitz”
Block Club Chicago
By Francia García Hernández & Madison Savedra

Runner-Up:
“64 Days in Chicago: The Story of Midway Blitz”
Chicago Tribune
By Andrew Carter, Caroline Kubzansky, Gregory Royal Pratt, and Laura Rodríguez Presa

We’re honored to recognize reporting that informs the public, elevates community voices, and demonstrates the power of investigative journalism.