An analysis of money candidates received from Oct. 1, 2025 to June 30 found the majority of that total – $1.2 million — went to people running for board president.
Investigations
Posted inFollow-Up
Chicago Police Failed to Place Troubled Cop Under Strict Supervision Before He Fatally Shot Partner
Carlos Baker was referred to a program that subjects officers to intense oversight. Those who fail can face “severe” discipline or be fired. But Baker wasn’t enrolled before he shot Officer Krystal Rivera because a supervisor didn’t respond to an email.
Posted inInvestigating Responses
City Leaders Tout Tree-Planting Bonanza, But Neighborhood Disparities Persist
Departments have turned to community groups to help break through cultural barriers that have contributed to wide gaps in tree coverage, a critical public health measure
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Addicted to Gambling in Illinois: ‘Someone Has Decided They Can Make Money Off You’
People in Illinois lost more than $7.7 billion gambling last year. As lawmakers increasingly bet on gambling to pay the state’s bills, they have only spare change to treat compulsive gamblers
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
What Compulsive Gamblers Know
The hopes, dreams and tragedies of people who can’t stop betting
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
A Growing Community of Recovering Gamblers Lifts Each Other Up as Formal Resources Lag
How a podcast and 12-step network are doing the work the state can’t, and where it falls short
Posted inInvestigating Responses, Investigations
Listen: Mental Health Courts Offer People Facing Prison an Imperfect Alternative
A new podcast episode revisits a recent investigation of mental health courts by Illinois Answers and Mindsite News.
Posted inStatewide Investigations
Illinois toddlers are legally entitled to Early Intervention therapies. Here’s what to know
Parents who experience issues with Early Intervention can request mediation and due process hearings or file complaints with the state.
Posted inStatewide Investigations
Early Intervention therapies help kids — but Illinois pays providers less than other states, stalling access
Hundreds of therapists are leaving the program each year, causing some families to miss out on services they’re legally entitled to.
Posted inInvestigating Responses
A Proposed Law Would Push Wealthy Suburbs to Build More Affordable Housing. Mayors Are Pushing Back.
The effort to sharpen the state’s Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act is one of multiple bills pending in Springfield that aim to boost housing construction and widen affordability.
