News Local/State
Last week, we introduced you to Jaime Smith, a mother of four from St. Joseph who is recovering from addiction to prescription pain killers and heroin. Recovery from opioid addiction is a difficult journey, but it’s sometimes even more difficult to begin.
News Local/State
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Kennedy talked about a labor group's endorsement of one of his rivals, Illinois' property tax system and whether marijuana should be legalized, in an interview originating at public radio station WBEZ in Chicago.
News Local/State
The state of Illinois has racked up over 14-billion dollars in unpaid bills since the budget impasse began nearly two years ago. The state owes the money to social service agencies, businesses, hospitals and school districts. The state Comptroller’s office says the state owes the Champaign Unit 4 School District about $4.8 million, making the district one of the state's bigger creditors in eastern Illinois. Unit 4 Chief Financial Officer Tom Lockman spoke to Illinois Public media about the money and how the district is getting by without it as part of ongoing series on the effects of the budget impasse.
News Local/State
There's a debate about the future of Lake Calumet on Chicago's far south side. Some residents want public access to the lake. The port district that controls the lake wants to expand.
News Local/State
Illinois government has been deadlocked on a state budget for 23 months. During that time, the once-perfunctory job of comptroller has gained in power and prominence. On paper, Susana Mendoza is simply in charge of paying the state's bills. But because there’s not nearly enough money to meet Illinois’ obligations, Mendoza must decide who to pay in what order.
News Local/State
Democratic state Rep. Scott Drury, from the Chicago suburb of Highwood, is entering the race for Illinois governor. Drury is the only Democrat in a generation who did not vote in favor of Michael Madigan to be speaker of the House. He says that proves an independence the other candidates lack.
News Local/State
Webster-Cantrell Hall in Decatur is shutting down a residential program for at-risk homeless teens, saying it is no longer financially viable after the state Department of Children and Family Services reduced its funding.
News Local/State
State Senator and Democratic candidate for governor Daniel Biss joined WBEZ's Morning Shift on Monday after the end of the Illinois legislature’s spring session, which again saw lawmakers unable to approve a budget. Biss talked about his approach to raising taxes, his relationship with House Speaker Michael Madigan, and more.
News Local/State
The General Assembly passed legislation aimed at strengthening hate crime laws after a post-presidental-campaign spike in bias incidents. Gov. Bruce Rauner and Attorney General Lisa Madigan each pushed a separate piece of hate crime legislation. Both sailed through the General Assembly.
News Local/State
The City Council in Champaign is expected to vote Tuesday night on a new budget that would boost hours at libraries and increase police and fire spending.
