A Proposed Law Would Push Wealthy Suburbs to Build More Affordable Housing. Mayors Are Pushing Back.
Chicago’s Efforts to Keep Housing Affordable in Woodlawn Falls Short as Obama Center Nears Opening
More from Illinois Answers project
Months After Late Property Tax Bills, Thousands Are Still Waiting With No Resolution in Sight
Prison or treatment? Thousands participate in mental health courts. Half graduate — and millions are left out
Making It In chicago
Cook County Tried to Rid People of Medical Debt, but, for Many, Help Comes Too Late
Since 2022, Cook County has spent more than $4 million to forgive nearly $500 million worth of medical debt for some 278,000 residents, becoming…
‘Most Drivers Aren’t Making Money:’ App-Based Gig Work Promised Freedom and Flexibility. Workers Feel Exploited and Unsafe.
As the app-based informal economy grows, its many low-wage workers are demanding the same protections and benefits that many other full and part time…
‘Granny flats’ are illegal to build in most of Chicago —and political gridlock is keeping it that way.
A three-year pilot program that legalized accessory dwelling units or “granny flats” in some areas of the city opened up more housing options in…
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BGA Annual Luncheon & Celebration
This year’s Annual Luncheon celebrates the Better Government Association’s 100+ year record of advancing a more transparent, equitable and accountable government for all the people of Illinois through investigative journalism, policy advocacy and community engagement that hold power to account and drive meaningful reform. 2026 Annual Luncheon & CelebrationFriday, October 22, 2026 | 11:30 AM…
more from Illinois answers
After Chicago Cop was Shot, Frantic Search for Car Keys Delayed Care, Newly Obtained Video Shows
The rush to get Officer Krystal Rivera to a hospital was apparently delayed almost three critical minutes after she was fatally shot by her partner Carlos Baker, new records analyzed…
What to know about your county’s mental health court
This story is a collaboration between Illinois Answers and the Chicago bureau of MindSite News. Mental health courts have proliferated across Illinois in recent decades. Now, the state has 31 courts across…
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The BGA’s Illinois Answers Project is a nonprofit newsroom reporting on how power works in Illinois — who it serves, who it doesn’t, and ways to fix imbalances. Our journalists investigate wrongdoing, follow the impact on communities, and examine solutions that are making a difference. Learn more.
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Investigating Responses
Illinois’ Low-Cost Library Program Takes on the Justice Gap
Illinois Is Turning to Local Jails to Treat Mentally Ill Defendants. Some Early Results Offer Hope — and Warnings
Investigations
Chicago’s Warehouse Boom: Traffic and Safety Impacts
Body Cam Video Shows Chicago Cop Took Cover for 90 Seconds After Fatally Shooting His Partner, Krystal Rivera
Special Projects
Making it in Chicago: Detours and Dead Ends on the Path to Opportunity
The path to upward mobility is paved by affordable and quality education, housing, health care, as well as safe neighborhoods and good-paying jobs… things increasingly out of reach for many Chicagoans. Some city, state and community -led efforts could be part of a roadmap to economic opportunity.
Series – Strapped Down: Restraint Chairs in Illinois Jails
The Illinois Answers Project found jail staff are restraining people in chairs in ways that often violate policies and last longer than recommended by manufacturers.
Series – Underwater in Illinois: Responses to Flooding
The Illinois Answers Project explores how prepared Chicago and the state are to combat the growing environmental threats its residents face, particularly from the problem of severe flooding.
