A House committee heard a bill that would create an independent ombudsman to monitor and inspect the Illinois Department of Corrections.
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Should Illinois create an independent ombudsman to oversee the state prison system?
Illinois news covers state government, elections, business, public safety and civic life across the Prairie State. Reporting reaches Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, Peoria and Springfield.
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Do you plan to go outside and watch the meteor shower this week?
The Northern Taurids, known for bright fireballs, are expected to peak over Illinois around November 11-12, 2026.
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Do you think job conditions in your state are getting better?
A WalletHub report released October 28 places Illinois 33rd among states for employment, with Missouri ranked 14th.
Live Poll
Would you trust a utility worker who came to your door unannounced?
Scammers posing as Ameren employees have reportedly visited homes in southern Illinois, prompting customer verification guidance.
The Illinois Democrat's milestone places him among the top 100 vote casters in congressional history.
Live Poll
Do you think Illinois's weather is getting worse in your area?
Illinois recorded its warmest September on record and October ranked third-highest, with fall running warmer and drier than normal.
The page follows the legislature and the governor's office, statewide elections, the courts and the industries that define the Illinois economy. Coverage extends through Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, Peoria and Springfield and the communities across the state. Chicago's scale means that decisions made in the city carry weight throughout the state budget and the broader Illinois policy debate. The relationship between the city and downstate communities—distinct in economy, population density and political temperament—is the structural tension that returns most reliably to the state's agenda.
