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St. Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood)
WUIS

News Local/State

The Other K-12 Funding Reform Commission

There's a commission on reforming how public schools are funded in Illinois, formed by the Governor. Then there's the meetings hosted by St. Senator Kimberly Lightford, where lawmakers of both parties --- and lobbyists, too --- get together to discuss the hard questions around education funding reform.

Illinois head coach Lovie Smith watches during the first quarter of an Saturday's 52-3 win over Murray State Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Bradley Leeb/Associated Press

News Local/State

U of I Trustees OK Contract For Coach, Killeen Bonus

University of Illinois trustees have approved a contract with football coach Lovie Smith that will pay him at least $21 million over six years. At their meeting Thursday, trustees also signed off on a $100,000 performance bonus for President Tim Killeen. Under his contract, the bonus was the maximum Killeen could have received for reaching performance goals.

A Jimmy John's location on University Avenue in Urbana.
Jeff Bossert/Illinois Public Media

News Local/State

Jimmy John’s Sells Majority Stake To Equity Firm

The Champaign-based sandwich chain has announced it's sold a majority stake in the company to Atlanta-based private equity firm Roark Capital Group. There will be no changes to management, as founder Jimmy John Liataud will continue to remain as chairman of the company's board and the largest individual shareholder. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

Champaign Centennial High School, where the District's teachers union approved a strike authorization vote Wednesday.
Jeff Bossert/Illinois Public Media

News Local/State

‘Overwhelming Majority’ of Champaign Teachers Approve Strike Authorization Vote

Champaign Federation of Teachers President Jennifer White says a large crowd turned out at Centennial High School's auditorium Wednesday to approve a strike authorization vote. The soonest a strike could happen is mid-to-late October, but White says the union remains optimistic heading into its ninth bargaining session with Unit 4 adminstrators on September 20.

Opening page to 'Kognito At-Risk' a new online simulation program offered by the U of I's Counseling Center.
U of I Counseling Center

News Local/State

Online Simulation Now Part Of Suicide Prevention Efforts At U Of I

In observance of National Suicide Prevention Week, counselors at the University of Illinois’ Urbana campus have new tools to connect those in need with help. Those on campus are encouraged to try out Kognito At-Risk, a on-line simulation program. The U of I’s Counseling Center says there are more than 1,000 suicides on college campuses each year.