News Local/State
Justine Siegal said she started her career patch playing tee ball, like many kids do. But at age 13, when she was told by her baseball coach to play softball instead, she refused to quit - and still hasn't left the game. The newest member of the Normal Cornbelters coaching staff, she's also scouted big leaguers, and pitched batting practice to major league hitters.
News Local/State
Video gaming machines have been popping up in Illinois bars and restaurants for nearly four years. For the most part, the increase in gaming machines and in revenue across the state has been steady. There are nearly 24,000 video gaming machines in Illinois, and the amount played over the last few years is in the billions of dollars -- with a b.
News Local/State
The emerald ash borer continues to devastate ash trees in Champaign and surrounding areas. The City of Champaign has removed about one third of the ash trees on its property since the insect was first found in the city in 2006.
News Local/State
The first Urbana Sweetcorn Festival was held more than 40 years ago. Urbana Business Association Executive Director Paris Blalock says the list of food options keeps expanding, with more than 80 vendors downtown this weekend.
News Local/State
Illinois' contribution to the state's largest public-pension fund is expected to increase by more than $400 million next year after the board overseeing the account, trustees with the Teachers' Retirement System, lowered its expected rate of return on investments. The move could lead to higher taxes or massive cuts to education and social services. Gov. Bruce Rauner says this could have a devestating impact on Illinois' current budget structure.
News Local/State
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed legislation to force insurance companies to locate beneficiaries of unclaimed life insurance policies and pay them money they're owed. Democratic Treasurer Michael Frerichs says his office has identified more than $550 million in unpaid benefits owed to Illinois residents.
News Local/State
The Illinois Supreme Court has ruled a voter referendum seeking to change the system Illinois uses to draw political boundaries is unconstitutional, meaning it can't appear on the November ballot. Gov. Bruce Rauner responded Thursday, saying the decision "does nothing to stem the outflow or change people’s views of how the system is rigged and corrupt."
News Local/State
A new state law will enable people with certain felony convictions to get a second chance to pursue careers in health care. Governor Bruce Rauner signed the legislation Thursday at Richland Community College in Decatur. That’s where local resident Lisa Creason earned a nursing degree in 2014, only to learn she didn’t qualify for an RN license because of a conviction nearly 20 years ago.
News Local/State
Bloomington physician David Gill has successfully sued to keep his name on the ballot in Illinois' 13th Congressional race. David Gill is running as an independent, and failed to file the number of valid signatures required by Illinois law. A federal judge says Gill must remain on the ballot, but the Illinois Attorney General is reviewing the judge's order.
News Local/State
Illinois Public Media’s Brian Moline discussed the 13th District with Chris Mooney, Director of the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs. Mooney says demographically, the district is one of the most even in the country.
