Illinois will host what could be the most expensive race for governor in U.S. history. The huge increase in campaign spending raises a lot of questions about the rise of big money in politics. Between now and the election, Illinois Issues will examine the impact in a series we're calling Money Machines.

Passing a state budget is arguably the most important thing the Illinois General Assembly does every year — or at least should do every year.

Another voice is urging Gov. Bruce Rauner to work with the budget that was passed over his objections.

The Illinois House has approved a 1.2 percentage-point increase in the state income tax. Last night, more than a dozen Republicans joined the majority Democrats to pass the legislation, despite the objections of Governor Bruce Rauner.

Illinois' unemployment insurance program will see some changes next year, the result of something that's rare in Springfield these days as a budget stalemate persists: hard-fought negotiations giving way to a compromise.