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Illinois' five state public pensions systems are underfunded by $83 billion. Local governments are having to dedicate more of their operating budgets each year to fund local public pensions. Thousands of public retirees are earning six-figure pensions annually, all while Illinois' taxpayers are being asked to contribute more.

Something's got to give.

In its four-day investigative series, "Broken Benefits, McHenry County and Illinois' public pension crisis," the Northwest Herald explores how we got there.

Stories

Day 1 - Coming Sunday

What is Illinois' public pension crisis and how did we get here? What has the state done so far to address the crisis? How many public pensions are there in Illinois and how do they work?

Day 2 - Coming Monday

Numerous local retirees from the public sector are collecting six-figure retirement pensions, many after seeing salary spikes at the end of their career. Our investigation shows that the salary spiking continues, despite attempts at reform. Also, what happened to pensions in the private sector?

Day 3 - Coming Tuesday

Local municipalities are faced with rising pension costs. The government agencies must either cut services or raise taxes to meet those obligations. How will this affect taxpayers, and how are smaller towns coping?

Day 4 - Coming Wednesday

Is there any way out of this mess? We explore potential solutions to the growing pension crisis.