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.
News Local/State
Efforts to preserve historic buildings in low-income and inner-city neighborhoods throughout the state face challenges — like the lack of access to financing and restoration projects taking a back seat to more pressing issues in the community.
News Local/State
Illinois makes running for office much harder for candidates who file as independents than those who identify as Democrats and Republicans. As Brian Mackey reports, that law is being challenged in federal court.
News Local/State
An overhaul of the retirement benefits Illinois gives state employees, public school teachers and university workers has been the subject of talks between state leaders in recent months. Gov. Bruce Rauner said so Wednesday, but he sounded uncertain as to what will come of it.
News Local/State
Illinois voters go to the polls on November 8, but they won't officially cast the votes for the next President. Both state parties have decided the handful of people who will have that privilege.
News Local/State
U.S. Senator Mark Kirk has gained an endorsement in his bid for re-election. It could help him win crucial votes from suburban moderates, but it might also frustrate an important part of the Republican electorate.
