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Jar of pennies tipped over.
Carter Staley/NPR Illinois

News Local/State

A Breakdown Of Barickman’s Bill

It's hard to find an issue that unites Illinois lawmakers, yet members of both political parties and Governor Bruce Rauner have consistently agreed the state needs to change the way it funds schools. Now, with the filing of two separate legislative plans, that once-unison chorus sounds out of tune.

John Bambanek
Twitter

News Local/State

After Withdrawal Of IBHE Nomination, Rauner Names Bambenek to Comm College Board

Two days after withdrawing his nomination to the state Board of Higher Education, Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed John Bambenek to a similar panel. The governor on Friday named the University of Illinois cybersecurity lecturer to the Illinois Community College Board. Bambanek wouldn’t comment on Rauner’s earlier decision, but says he’s grateful for the chance to serve.

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Wikimedia Commons

News Local/State

Soldier From Bloomington Killed In Attack In Afghanistan

The military says a 22-year-old soldier from central Illinois has been killed in Afghanistan. The Department of Defense released a statement Friday saying Sgt. Josh Rodgers of Bloomington was among two soldiers killed this week as a result of small arms fire in Nangarhar Province. Rodgers' family pastor, Paul Thomasson, tells the Pantagraph newspaper the family was notified of his death Wednesday.

Illinois Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, reacts to applause after taking the oath of office in the House chambers at the Illinois State Capitol Tuesday, March 3, 2015.
Seth Perlman/Associated Press

News Local/State

State GOP Lawmakers Claim Rauner Won’t Layoff Nurses

A group of Republican lawmakers say Gov. Bruce Rauner has rescinded his decision to lay off 124 nurses at the Illinois Department of Corrections. Rauner was planning to move the jobs to a private contractor. The governor has not confirmed the announcement. The Illinois Nurses Association, the union representing the IDOC nurses, says it’s taking all this with some skepticism.