After decades of growth, the number of men and women in the Illinois prison system has declined sharply in the last several years. A complex blend of decisions is behind the drop — ranging from the highest reaches of power in the General Assembly down to individual police on the beat.

When lawmakers made performance-based budgeting the law in Illinois, they promised it would transform the way the state spends money. But after years of failing to invest in the program, backers say Illinois is finally getting serious about Budgeting for Results.

The state of Illinois has a problem with its prison boot camps: too many empty beds.

It was a logical step for a state that granted suffrage rights years before.

Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the most comprehensive abortion law in the land.

The legislative session that wrapped up a few days ago was dominated by debates over weighty topics like preserving abortion rights, legalizing recreational cannabis sales, and changing the income tax structure of the state. But out of the spotlight, some comparatively smaller changes were considered for the public education system.

Illinois has too few mental health providers to deal with demand, putting those who don't get care at risk.

Recreational pot, construction projects and more — here’s what we know.

News Analysis — The Illinois Department of Corrections did not fare well in a recent state audit. Among the findings was that the agency could not account for 3,568 pieces of equipment. Dig into the numbers and property records, and you’ll find a bigger story about the challenges of pursuing efficiency in state government.

A small but growing number of U.S. women are choosing to give birth at home. However home birth midwives are not regulated by the state of Illinois. Many mothers still choose to stay home, despite the risks involved in not having a proper vetting system.