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Illini Hall of Fame inductee Dick Butkus and U of I Athletic Director Josh Whitman at Thursday's announcement at Memorial Stadium.
Rob McColley

News Local/State

Illini Start Sports Hall Of Fame, Dick Butkus In 1st Class

The University of Illinois is forming the school's first Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame and a member of its first class will be former Chicago Bears great Dick Butkus. He was named as the Hall's first inaugural member Thursday. An induction ceremony planned in Champaign-Urbana for next September. 

.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL)
Andrew Gill / WBEZ

News Local/State

Kirk Backs Off Write-In Vote For Petraeus

For months, U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk has said he would write in former CIA Director David Petraeus for president. This week, Kirk backed off that stance, praising Petraeus’s military record but refusing to confirm he would vote for him. Kirk also reiterated his frustration with Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton. 

Champaign Democratic Senator Scott Bennett
Bennett for Senate Campaign

News Local/State

Senator Bennett Faces First Election In 52nd District

This fall marks the first time Democrat Scott Bennett has campaigned for his Illinois Senate seat. The former prosecutor, who was appointed to the seat, faces Republican Urbana Alderman Mike Madigan on November 8. He says Governor Bruce Rauner needs to make more concessions from his 'Turnaround Agenda' as budget negotiations continue.

The patient service desk at Nu Med, a medical marijuana dispensary that opens next week in Urbana.
Travis Stansel/Illinois Public Media

News Local/State

Urbana Medical Marijuana Facility Opens

The second medical marijuana dispensary to open in Champaign County is now seeing its first customers. Nu Med is located at 105 East University in Urbana, the site of a former Blockbuster Video location. It joins Champaign-based Phoenix Botanical as the two dispensaries allowed by the state's pilot program in State Police District 10, which includes Champaign, Vermilion, and seven other Central Illinois counties.

Urbana Alderman and Senate candidate Mike Madigan (R) debates incumbent Scott Bennett of Champaign on October 5 at the Champaign City Building.
Jeff Bossert/Illinois Public Media

News Local/State

‘The Other Mike Madigan’ Challenges Bennett In 52nd District Senate Race

The Republican who shares a name with Illinois' longtime Democratic House Speaker is touting a number of Governor Bruce Rauner's business reforms as challenges Democrat Scott Bennett in Illinois' 52nd District. "The Other Mike Madigan" is an Urbana Alderman and restaurant owner who says solutions to Illinois' budget woes start with serious tax reform, and reductions in government spending.