CPS leaders are citing rising pension payments and operating costs, while arguing the district needs greater support from state and federal leaders. Some policy analysts, meanwhile, say the district is responsible for its own deteriorating finances.

A new study from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute explores how a 3% surtax on Illinois residents earning $1 million or more per year could impact the state.

Supporters argue that not opting in would leave money on the table that could otherwise go to support students in the state. Those opposed argue the program diverts public dollars to private schools while public schools remain underfunded.

The bill is designed to make sure that Chicago police officers and firefighters earn pension benefits at the same level as downstate first responders.

Illinois has more units of local government than any other state. That fact has some critics asking the question: how much is too much?

The challenges facing Chicago are problems with clear solutions. So argue the authors of a new book that charts a path for government reforms in the city.