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Illinois residents have seen more than $1.1 billion in medical debt erased, with the help of a state program that launched less than a year-and-a-half ago. More than 500,000 Illinois residents have so far benefitted from the program, with average debt relief of about $1,200 a person, according to the governor's office. More than $1.1 billion in medical debt erased in Illinois, with the help of a state program More than 500,000 Illinois residents have so far benefited from the program, with average debt relief of about $1,200 per person, according to the governor's office. In some cases, the program terminated tens of thousands of dollars worth of medical debt for individuals, and, for one person, more than $300,000 worth of medical debt. Read Story © Copyright 2026 Chicago Tribune. All rights reserved. 1000 Albion Avenue | Schaumburg, IL 60193-454...

The Rev. Jesse Jackson was a consistent presence in my ear when I became mayor and helped me remain focused on making sure our initiatives and investments reflected the lived experience of real people The Rev. Jesse Jackson was our public conscience. He did not allow anyone to look away from the suffering of people here and abroad. Commentary The Rev. Jesse Jackson challenged me to think bigger The Rev. Jesse Jackson was a consistent presence in my ear when I became mayor and helped me remain focused on making sure our initiatives and investments reflected the lived experience of real people in Chicago, writes former Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Read Story Related articles: The Rev. Jesse Jackson, civil rights icon and Chicago-based presidential candidate, dies at 84 Rev. Jesse Jackson remembered as one of the 'last great leaders' by Chicago friends and neighbors ...