Illinois is poised to join Washington, D.C., and at least four other states with a $15-an-hour minimum by 2025, an 82-percent spike in current base pay. But it may not be the momentous impact on low-wage workers that some supporters expected.

From tax increases to sports betting to recreational marijuana, Illinois lawmakers weigh changes to address the state’s overwhelming financial problems. 

The Illinois Senate voted Thursday to hike the statewide minimum wage to $15 an hour within six years, quickly advancing a top campaign promise of newly elected Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

State Rep. Will Davis plans to file legislation this week that he says would expand the state’s share of renewable energy to 40 percent of total energy sources by 2030.

For the first time since taking full control of Illinois government, Democrats in Springfield are poised to flex their political muscles by quickly passing a statewide hike in the minimum wage.

New faces meet veteran leadership in the newly seated 101st General Assembly. City Council sees a flurry of reform proposals. Renewed scrutiny over R. Kelly allegations. And a heartbreaking “double doink” ends the Bears season.

He is currently ranked No. 251 on Forbes’ list of the wealthiest Americans. Gov.-elect J.B. Pritzker will fulfill his campaign pledge to put his assets in what the campaign describes as a blind trust. How it will work.

Mounting pension debt, a budget deficit and a backlog of unpaid bills – all effects of Illinois’ budget impasse – will continue to plague not just the state but its incoming governor and newly sworn-in class of legislators.

Outgoing Gov. Bruce Rauner reflects on the past four years, and gives recommendations to his successor.

The 69-year-old from Skokie has joined the lobbying firm Advantage Government Strategies.

Robert Peters, a Chicago political and community organizer, has been appointed to the Illinois Senate to finish the term of Attorney General-elect Kwame Raoul.

The Illinois Legislative Ethics Commission has chosen a permanent inspector general to investigate complaints against lawmakers. Former prosecutor and circuit judge Carol Pope was recommended Tuesday. 

Meet Anne Stava-Murray, an incoming Democratic state representative who says she is rejecting Michael Madigan’s bid for an 18th term as speaker of the House.

Gov. Bruce Rauner – once known for exerting an iron grip over Republican legislators that had them follow him in lockstep – got a taste Wednesday of his lame-duck status.

Legislative activity has resumed at the Illinois Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, following a threat of a bomb in the upper chambers of the statehouse.

A week after Illinois Democrats’ decisive general election victories, Illinois lawmakers returned to the capitol Tuesday for the start of the annual fall veto session.