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News Local/State

Parkland President Lays Out Growth Strategy

Higher education has been one of the most notable victims of the Illinois budget impasse, which is nearing two years. So, it's unusual to hear Parkland College president Tom Ramage talk about growth amid that backdrop.

Champaign County Nursing Home.
Champaign County Nursing Home

News Local/State

Death Of Resident At Champaign County Nursing Home Under Investigation

Champaign County Administrator Rick Snider says the county nursing home is cooperating with an investigation into the death of a resident of the home. According to the News-Gazette, the county coroner and Illinois State Police are investigating the death of a 78-year-old woman who was discovered last weekend in the courtyard and may have been outside in high temperatures for as many as three hours.

Jason Barickman
Sean Powers/Illinois Public Media

News Local/State

Sen. Barickman On School Funding ‘Compromise’

Earlier this week, a group of Illinois Republicans announced a series of compromise measures they said could lead to a state budget. It includes a revised school funding plan, sponsored by State Senator Jason Barickman, of Bloomington.

Barickman calls his latest plan quote a huge step forward. It omits controversial language about collective bargaining, and on some areas, it duplicates the Democrats' plan, known as Senate Bill 1. But like Gov. Bruce Rauner and his education czar, Beth Purvis, Barickman still isn't happy with that plan.