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News Local/State

Illinois Issues: Legislative Checklist

The spring legislative session is in full swing under the shadow of a failed Grand Bargain, which aimed to end a 20-month stretch without a budget. Bills proposed are diverse, including lobbyist ethics, an Obama holiday, wage theft and animal welfare.

New Illinois basketball coach Brad Underwood addresses the media, while his family and Illini athletic staff look on.
Heather Winters for Illinois Public Media

News Local/State

New U Of I Basketball Coach Underwood: ‘I Dream Big.’

New University of Illinois men’s basketball coach Brad Underwood says he’s honored to be taking over a program in a city he’s visited many times before. The former Oklahoma State coach and 18th coach in Illini history met with reporters for the first time Monday in Champaign. Illinois Athletic Director Josh Whitman says the two of them hit it off instantly in their first face to face meeting Saturday.

Former Oklahoma State coach Brad Underwood reacts to a call against his team during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa State, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017, in Ames, Iowa.
Charlie Neibergall/AP

News Local/State

Illinois Hires Oklahoma State’s Underwood As New Coach

Oklahoma State coach Brad Underwood is leaving Stillwater for Illinois after just one season, calling the chance to lead the Fighting Illini a "once in a lifetime opportunity." Underwood spent three successful seasons at Stephen F. Austin before signing on to coach Oklahoma State for 2016-17. "We were looking for a proven winner who would build upon our proud tradition while developing an unmistakable identity for Illinois basketball," Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman said in a statement. "Brad's teams play a fast, aggressive style and show unyielding toughness."

In this June 9, 2015 photo, members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees protest outside the in Chicago.
Christian K. Lee/AP

News Local/State

Rauner Takes Union Fight To Illinois Supreme Court

Gov. Bruce Rauner has taken his confrontation with the state's largest public-employee union to the Supreme Court. The Republican announced Friday that his office has asked the high court to uphold a labor board ruling in his favor. That ruling last fall allowed Rauner to impose his preferred contract conditions on 38,000 members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31.

Norman Lear
Andy Kropa /Invision/AP

News Local/State

Television Icon Lear, Actress Huppert, To Attend 19th Ebertfest

Producer Norman Lear, who rose to prominence with programs like "All in The Family", and "The Jeffersons" has been announced as a guest at the 19th Annual Roger Ebert's Film Festival, scheduled for April 19-23 at Champaign's Virginia Theatre, accompanying the 2016 documentary "Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You." Also announced Friday as a guest is actress Isabelle Huppert, accompaying the 2016 thriller "Elle" for which she received an Oscar nomination.

Democratic Urbana mayoral candidate Diane Marlin and Republican candidate Rex Bradfield.
Urbana Public Television

News Local/State

Urbana Mayoral Candidates Bradfield & Marlin Differ on TIF Districts, Carle Suit In Debate

The candidates for Urbana mayor aired their agreements and disagreements at a debate Thursday night at the City Building.

Republican Rex Bradfield and Democrat Diane Marlin agree on some issues, like wanting to hire a city administrator and increase the size of Urbana’s police force.

But they disagree on some others, such as the city’s role in a legal battle over the tax-exempt status of healthcare provider Carle.