Illinois
A new initiative looks to makes courts more accessible to the public
About 30 million people in the U.S. navigate often complex court cases without lawyers. Illinois is leveraging tech and libraries to change that.
Move over! Two map apps to notify drivers when state police are stopped ahead
The Illinois State Police is using Waze and Google Maps to alert drivers in real time about roadside personnel in an effort to cut down on injuries.
A national blueprint for taking money out of justice
COMMENTARY | A year ago, Illinois became the first state to abolish cash bail. Critics argued this reform would result in an increase in crime—they were wrong.
How states can tackle vaccine hesitancy with data
From school safety to 'Tis the Sneezin’ public health campaigns, states are using public, local vaccination data to help people make better choices.
Food prices are high. To help, states are cutting the grocery tax.
The number of states that still tax groceries is shrinking. Voters in two states will decide in November whether to join a movement away from the sales tax.
In some cities, second thoughts about gunshot detection sensors
Recent studies on technology that alerts police to gunfire have found it has little impact on shootings or prosecutions.
The government spends millions to open grocery stores in food deserts. The real test is their survival.
In 2018, Illinois officials highlighted the opening of six stores through a $13.5 million grocery initiative. Four of them have closed.
Guaranteed income programs might improve people's lives, but not their health
A new study examining cash transfer programs' effects on participants' health found limited impact.
The results of the biggest study on guaranteed income programs are finally in
For three years, 1,000 people received $1,000 per month—no strings attached. They took better jobs. Some went back to school. Others started opening businesses.
New toll transponders cut costs for agencies and drivers
Illinois is the latest state to roll out sticker tags, which are gaining popularity over the clunky boxes that drivers have been mounting on their windshields for decades.
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Amid Economic Uncertainty, State Tax Revenues Decline
If there’s good news in April's numbers, though, it might be that most states were already planning for softer revenue growth in fiscal 2024 and many have robust rainy day funds to weather a potential downturn. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
'I Don’t Know Where I’m Going to Go': HUD Displaces Even More Residents in This Small City
HUD already closed four public housing complexes in the Cairo, Ill., area. Now the federal agency is set to demolish a high-rise, gutting the city of some of its last affordable housing.
Voters Will Decide This Fall on Whether to Add the Right to Unionize to One State's Constitution
The proposed amendment would guarantee workers in Illinois the "fundamental right" to collectively bargain over wages, hours and working conditions as well as to protect their "economic welfare."
A Local Government Plans to Pay Off Millions in Residents' Medical Debt
Cook County, Illinois, where Chicago is located, is launching the initiative using American Rescue Plan dollars and hopes to wipe out hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid bills.
Cities With the Lowest Home Prices in the US
Housing prices are soaring and interest rates are rising, but median home prices in these places are less than $185,000.
In a State Renowned for Its Budget Mess, Glimmers of a Turnaround
After decades of mismanagement, analysts say Illinois is “heading in the right direction” but still has work to do.
States Seek Waiver for $380M in Unemployment Loan Interest
The push for a break from the federal government on the borrowing costs comes as Republicans in Congress are increasingly scrutinizing aid for states.
The Indictment of the Nation’s Longest-serving Legislative Leader
The federal prosecution of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan is the latest, and biggest, development in a push to crack down on corruption in Chicago.
Legislation Seeks to Block Secrecy With Economic Development Deals
Bills put forward in at least three states aim to ensure there's transparency around tax breaks and other incentives.
Only State That Tapped Emergency Fed Program Pays Off $2B Loan
The program was set up in the early days of the pandemic to help steady the then-rattled world of municipal finance. Now, just one government agency still has debt from it outstanding.
