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Proactive building inspections one step closer to reality in Chicago — but questions of funding and logistics remain

A ‘Healthy Homes’ working group has six months to map a path forward for an apartment registry and regular safety inspections for rental units.

by Alex Nitkin March 18, 2026March 18, 2026

Recent

Criminal Justice & Public Safety

Madison County judge finds name in Epstein files because of legal representation

As an associate at an Edwardsville law firm, he represented Epstein in a 2013 debt collection matter  

by Beth Hundsdorfer, Capitol News Illinois and Janelle O'Dea

Investigations

Illinois Regulators Say Prediction Markets Are Illegal Gambling, But Bettors — and the Trump Family — Love Them

Prediction market platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket rake in millions from wagers on sports and current events but pay nothing in state betting taxes and ignore regulations that govern online sportsbooks.

by Casey Toner and Hannah Meisel

Investigations

Prediction Markets Up Against Illinois’ Century-Old Gambling Law in Series of Lawsuits

Class-action lawsuits against prediction market platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi seek to make the financial giants pony up for bettors’ losses in Illinois and other states. The platforms continue to argue what they’re doing is perfectly legal.

by Casey Toner

Illinois Answers’ Public Databases

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Beyond the Byline and the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting

Join us for Beyond the Byline: Featuring the 22nd Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting on Thursday, May 7, from 3:30–8:30 p.m. at Venue SIX10 in downtown Chicago. The event will feature a community-centered storytelling panel elevating the sources, experts and lived experiences that informed Illinois Answers Project investigations; an engaging conversation with…

by Illinois Answers Project May 7 @ 3:30 pm – 8:30 pmJanuary 5, 2026|Venue SIX10

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The Illinois Answers Project is an investigations and solutions-focused nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization published by the Better Government Association. Launched in November 2022, the Illinois Answers Project identifies problems and solutions to significant Chicago and Illinois problems. Learn more

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Solutions

Investigating Responses

Illinois’ Low-Cost Library Program Takes on the Justice Gap

A pilot program in 18 libraries across nine counties trains staff to help residents navigate civil court proceedings, offering a lifeline in communities where legal aid and public transit are scarce.

by Sidnee King Pineda

Investigating Responses

Illinois Is Turning to Local Jails to Treat Mentally Ill Defendants. Some Early Results Offer Hope — and Warnings

Pilot programs in Kankakee and McHenry counties provide mental health care to defendants, from smaller jails, who have deemed unfit for trial and are awaiting a state hospital bed.

by Meredith Newman

Investigating Responses

These Counties Spend Transit Tax Money on Ride Services. They’re Lifelines for Thousands of Residents

Fledgling dial-a-ride networks are filling gaps in public transit in the collar counties, but they struggle to meet demand.

by Grace Hauck and Alex Nitkin

Our Series

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.