Addicted to Gambling in Illinois: ‘Someone Has Decided They Can Make Money Off You’
More from Illinois Answers project
A Growing Community of Recovering Gamblers Lifts Each Other Up as Formal Resources Lag
Chicago’s Efforts to Keep Housing Affordable in Woodlawn Falls Short as Obama Center Nears Opening
Making It In chicago
Unsettling Accounts: How Illinois is Confronting the Student Loan Crisis
Illinois has one of the highest rates of student loans in the country, compelling the state to intervene so that residents burdened by debt…
‘We’re at the Mercy of Child Care:’ Child Care Costs are Crushing Families — Illinois’ Largest Subsidy Excludes Thousands
While the state infuses hundreds of millions of dollars a year into child care programs, the strict eligibility requirements and limitations for its largest…
When Seniors Face Expensive Home Repairs, the Solutions Can be a Lifeline…Or Leave Their Families an Inheritance of Debt
Wealth and property passed down from parents to their children can be a major financial boost. But as some aging parents struggle financially, they…
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BGA Annual Luncheon & Celebration
This year’s Annual Luncheon celebrates the Better Government Association’s 100+ year record of advancing a more transparent, equitable and accountable government for all the people of Illinois through investigative journalism, policy advocacy and community engagement that hold power to account and drive meaningful reform. 2026 Annual Luncheon & CelebrationThursday, October 22, 2026 | 11:30 AM…
more from Illinois answers
Listen: Mental Health Courts Offer People Facing Prison an Imperfect Alternative
A new podcast episode revisits a recent investigation of mental health courts by Illinois Answers and Mindsite News.
A Proposed Law Would Push Wealthy Suburbs to Build More Affordable Housing. Mayors Are Pushing Back.
The effort to sharpen the state’s Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act is one of multiple bills pending in Springfield that aim to boost housing construction and widen affordability.
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The BGA’s Illinois Answers Project is a nonprofit newsroom reporting on how power works in Illinois — who it serves, who it doesn’t, and ways to fix imbalances. Our journalists investigate wrongdoing, follow the impact on communities, and examine solutions that are making a difference. Learn more.
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Investigating Responses
Prison or treatment? Thousands participate in mental health courts. Half graduate — and millions are left out
Investigations
Illinois toddlers are legally entitled to Early Intervention therapies. Here’s what to know
Early Intervention therapies help kids — but Illinois pays providers less than other states, stalling access
Special Projects
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.
