217 Today: Thursday, June 17, 2021
John Hanlon, right, has stayed in contact with Rolando Cruz, left, a man he describes as “a great father” to four children. Illinois Innocence Project
Thursday, June 17, 2021
Today's headlines:
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The Illinois House Wednesday approved sweeping gun legislation expanding mandated background checks to person-to-person gun sales.
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Illinois’ budget beginning July 1 will include automatic cost of living adjustments for state lawmakers, and a class-action lawsuit filed by a former Republican House member could open the door to the state having to dole out 10 years in back pay.
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Juneteenth is this Saturday and celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. In Champaign County, organizers are preparing Juneteenth events to celebrate African American culture and remind people of issues affecting the community today.
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As of Wednesday, about a quarter of Black residents and a third of Hispanic residents in Champaign County are fully vaccinated, compared to about 44% of White residents.
In today's deep dive, a conversation with John Hanlon, who is retiring. Hanlon is the director of the Illinois Innocence Project who helped change the state of Illinois.
Reporting today contributed by Hannah Meisel, Derek Cantu, Vivian La and Edith Brady Lunny.