Crain's Says These are the 20 Most Influential Insiders in Illinois Politics

They might not hold public office, but they're major players in Chicago's and Illinois' political scene.

Is Mike Madigan's Power in the General Assembly Waning?

Why Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan may no longer wield absolute power.

Illinois Will Have $12.8 billion in Unpaid Bills if No Budget by Jan. 1

Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger warns the state is facing even more financial peril if it begins 2016 without a budget.

These 40 Illinois Legislators are Not Taking a Pension

A list of state representatives, senators and constitutional officers who are opting out of their pension plans.

Embattled Attorney: I'm Supposed to Allow Him to Disrespect Me with Impunity? Bulls---!

The attorney said he worked hard for his client and was treated shabbily in return.

5 Fast Facts Every Illinoisan Should Know about State Taxes

The chartbook, “Illinois Illustrated,” breaks down everything from local to corporate taxes with user-friendly visuals.

These 34 State Lawmakers are Opting Out of the General Assembly Health Insurance Plan

Latest list of Illinois state representatives and senators foregoing their health insurance plans.

Union Arbitration Bill Override Fails; See How Your Lawmakers Voted

Chart shows roll call for Senate Bill 1229 both historically and for the veto override.

17 Illinois Counties Have More Registered Voters Than Eligible Residents

Illinois has the third most number of counties with over-registered voters in the U.S.

Moody's Report: Illinois Income Tax Increase Inevitable

Seven key takeaways from a new Moody’s report on the state’s finances.

As Illinois Enters Third Month Without Budget, Finding a Solution Becomes Increasingly Difficult

How much time does Illinois have left until it runs out of money?

Why You Shouldn't Fall for New Group's Scare Tactics Against Independent Map Amendment

"The severely gerrymandered, politician-created map we have in no way resembles the people’s map."

Ashley Madison Data Contains Illinois Government Emails

Six state email addresses included in hacked data, and the governor's office says it will investigate. County addresses are in there, too.

Editorial: Why Lawmakers Should Let Rauner Do What He Was Elected To Do

"We have a feeling lawmakers will have plenty more, better battles to fight with Rauner in the not-so-distant future."

Senate Democrats Override Rauner's Veto of AFSCME Arbitration Bill

Senate Bill 1229 now goes to the House where it will need 71 votes for an override.

Online Bidding Underway for Unclaimed Property

Illinois residents have until Aug. 21 to bid on 12,000 items, including a 1934 U.S. one-thousand dollar bill with Grover Cleveland on it.

Rauner Wants Stricter Marijuana Decriminalization Bill

Lower possession threshold, higher fines part of amendatory veto of Illinois marijuana bill.

Illinois' Most Politically Corrupt Women of the 21st Century

See their positions, crimes and prison sentences.

Growth in Latino Population Buoys Illinois as More Residents Move Out

By the numbers: The changing face of Illinois’ minority populations.

Bruce Rauner Didn't Win the Election; Pat Quinn Lost It, Says Mike Madigan

Here's what Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan had to say about Gov. Bruce Rauner in a recent interview.

The Illinois Constitution Isn't Getting Much Respect These Days

Why do unconstitutional bills continue to pass in the Illinois Legislature?

The Top 10 Campaign Funds in Illinois with the Most Donations

A list of the top 10 Illinois campaign committees that have received the most political donations since Jan. 1, 1994.

Top 8 People and Actions to Blame for Illinois' Pension Problems

Here are eight people and legislative actions that have led to the state’s current pension disaster.

Senator Durbin, Congressman Quigley, Alderman Cappleman Join Lakeview Pantry for Groundbreaking

Senator Dick Durbin, Congressman Mike Quigley and Alderman James Cappleman joined Lakeview Pantry for a groundbreaking celebration Thursday.

How a Property Tax Freeze, New School Funding Formula Could Break the Stalemate in Springfield

Will suburban legislators oppose any efforts to change the state’s school funding formula if property taxes are frozen?

Map: Who's being hurt by the Illinois government shutdown?

These organizations and people are reeling from the state government shutdown.

Armed Marine Veteran Stands Watch Outside Recruiting Center

"They’re Marines. They’re the toughest people walking,” says Tom Willoughby. “But somebody needs to be out here to show they care.”

The Top 20 Highest-Paid State Employees in Illinois

A list of the top 20 state employees who had the highest salaries in 2014, according to the State Journal-Register

Bottom of the Ballot: 9 Unsuccessful Presidential Candidates from Illinois

Just in case you haven't heard enough lately about the 2016 presidential candidates.

Lake View Residents Don't Want A Rehab Facility In Their Neighborhood

Rockford-based company wants to convert building into transitional living center for addicts undergoing treatment.

Did you know these are the 14 official state symbols in Illinois?

Now that sweet corn is the official state vegetable, it joins this list of the other official state symbols.

Editorial: Rauner Forgoes Small Wins; Opts for Big Losses

“Not since 2002 has a Republican governor had a direct say in the give-and-take of creating a state spending plan.”

How the Financial Crises in Chicago and Illinois are Playing Out Like a Greek Tragedy

“Does it end like Detroit? Or Greece? Or just ashes? Ashes.”

14 Things You Need to Know about Rauner's New Pension Reform Bill

What’s in Gov. Bruce Rauner’s new Illinois pension reform bill?

Will Mike Madigan Raise Your Taxes Again?

Gov. Rauner has planted a flag on behalf of a beleaguered state. It reads: “No longer.” What will happen next? John Tillman comments.

Why the Pain of an Illinois Government Shutdown is Needed

Sometimes it takes pain to bring about change.

Chicago Magazine Marks 20th Anniversary of Killer Heat Wave

Chicago magazine reporter Mike Thomas offers an oral history of three hellish days in July 1995 when 739 Chicagoans died from heat.

Attorney General and Comptroller Go to Court Over State Paychecks

The longer Illinois goes without a budget, the murkier things look for state employees.

Day 6: Who's to Blame for the Illinois State Budget Stalemate?

“As Hinz pointed out, ‘reasonable’ people could get this all figured out in a couple of hours. In Illinois, it might take all summer.”

Will Same-Sex Marriage be a Boost to the Wedding Business?

Did the Supreme Court save the livelihoods of wedding workers?