Drawing Fair Lines - September

Why are Illinois citizens tackling gerrymandering with the Independent Map Amendment? http://www.mapamendment.org

Top 20 Local Government Units Paying the Most for Pension Spiking Costs

A total of 458 local government entities in Illinois owe nearly $29 million from pension spiking costs.

The Dead are Collecting Millions in Illinois Pensions

How will the state get the taxpayers' money back?

11 Conditions, Illnesses Rejected for Illinois Medical Marijuana Program

Rauner vetoes bill that would make PTSD qualifying condition. Plus, more on spending bill and pension reform appeal efforts.

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.

Does the Lottery Need a Lottery to Fund Its Prize Payouts?

State law won't allow the Illinois Lottery to reward certain winners while there's no state budget. But a lawsuit could change that.

No Answers Yet as Forest Preserve Board Pushes Annexation Item to Committee

No definitive action yet as issue moves into committee.

Foster Announces Support For Iran Nuclear Agreement

Congressman Bill Foster Announced support for the Iran Nuclear Agreement with Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz and scientist Richard Garwin

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."

Mayor Says Annexation Would 'Split Lemont in Half', Tells Residents 'We Need Your Help'

Area to be annexed would include Cog Hill, Mid-Iron, Gleneagles and Ludwig Farm. Mayor asks residents to help fight it.

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.

Mayor to Make Announcement Regarding Palos Park Annexation Plan

Mayor Brian Reaves has news on the possible annexation of Mid-Iron Golf Club, Cog Hill, Ludwig Farm, and Gleneagles.

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.

Village Assists with Storm Cleanup

Storm debris will be picked up Thursday.

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.

Village Board OKs Preliminary Plans for Mixed Housing Development

Estates of Montefiori would be built at the site of the defunct Montefiori Banquets.

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.

Vehicle Sticker Late Fee Waived Until August 7

Haven't bought your vehicle sticker yet? You have a little more time.

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.

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.

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.”