WILL-AM

News Local/State

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois joined Democratic congressional candidate Betsy Dirksen Londrigan for a visit to the University of Illinois campus on Friday. Speaking to students on the Quad outside of the Illini Union, Durbin and Londrigan emphasized the importance of voting in the upcoming midterm election on Nov. 6. 

News Local/State

The Illinois Flash Index remains steady this month at 105.2. Any number over 100 indicates economic growth for the state, while any number under 100 shows economic contraction.

News Local/State

Earlier this month, the Uptown People’s Law Center and the Roderick and Solange MacArthur Justice Center filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Chicago chapter against the Illinois Department of Corrections director and the wardens of 11 state prisons, among other corrections staff.

News Local/State

Earlier in the week, the Champaign Federation of Teachers and Unit 4  released their respective proposals for what they’d like to see in the new teacher contract. The last one expired in June of this year. Some of the major sticking points highlighted by both sides were over pay, class size and professional development.

News Local/State

Across the Midwest, health care has emerged as one of the year’s biggest campaign flash points—in races from U.S. Senate to state attorney general. In Illinois, Missouri, Ohio and Indiana, speeches, debates and ads highlighting partisan disputes over major health care issues. Among them: the Affordable Care Act, a single-payer health system and decriminalization of drug use.

News Local/State

In an especially contentious election year, there are a couple alternatives to the major party candidates in the race for Illinois governor. But, even some backers of third parties say they aren’t great options either, though that’s not where they want the story to end.

News Local/State

Farmers started forming co-ops nearly a century ago, primarily to get better prices for their crops. They pooled their resources, put up storage bins and gained leverage with buyers.

News Local/State

Children who grow up in poverty or other adversity are prone to worse health & educational outcomes. But having a stable, nurturing relationship with a parent or caregiver can offer protection. That's where home-visiting nurses can play a role.

News Local/State

Illinois's 15th Congressional district stretches from the southern tip of Illinois to parts of the Metro East Area of St. Louis all the way to Danville. Republican John Shimkus is running for his 12th term in Congress. He was unopposed in the 2016 general election but this year faces a challenge from Democrat Kevin Gaither of Charleston.

News Local/State

Lily Furgeson had a great experience in sex ed in middle school. Furgeson, who is a 17-year-old senior at a Chicago Public Schools high school, said her eighth grade sex ed teacher made sure to include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender identities as part of their curriculum.