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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 Bruce Rauner has rescinded his decision to lay off 124 nurses at the Illinois Department of Corrections.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.

The Illinois House floor.
Tom Lisi/NPR Illinois

News Local/State

House Democrats Pass Abortion Legislation

As women rallied at the Illinois Capitol Tuesday, the House passed a measure that would allow abortion to be covered by Medicaid and state-employee health insurance. If it also passes the Senate, it would be the first abortion legislation sent to the governor’s desk in 17 years.

Head shot of Joshua Johnson
NPR

News Local/State

Meet 1A Host Joshua Johnson

WILL AM-580 is welcoming a new voice to our airwaves beginning Monday, May 1. The talk show 1A will air weekdays from 9-11am, just before Illinois Public Media's daily talk show “The 21st.”