Illinois Public Media News

One year after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed states outside of Nevada to set up their own sports betting rules, some experts are offering Illinois lawmakers tips as a final proposal is drafted. 

Illinois Republicans on Thursday were trying to elbow their way back into budget negotiations.

Thomas Mangelsen has spent a lifetime in nature, taking millions of photos around the world. Now, his favorites are part of a new exhibit at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago. Plus, Governor Pritzker says he wants to end the HIV epidemic in Illinois by 2030. Today, the director of the Illinois Department of Public Health joins us to talk about what needs to be done to achieve that goal. And, Camp Kesem is a sleepaway camp for kids whose parents have been affected by cancer. We’ll talk with one Illinois mother and daughter about their experience.

When health researchers make headlines, it’s often for a sensational project – like manipulating genes to create a baby. But others are examining broader issues, including how – and where – you live affects your health. A research project out of Indiana aims to add understanding of how all the pieces of the health puzzle fit together.

In lieu of government research, a state with legal marijuana, like Colorado, is left to develop its own set of rules. That can leave cannabis growers largely on their own.

Illinois has an official proposal to legalize recreational cannabis, but the bill language is still a work in progress. On Wednesday, legislators in the Senate Executive committee were able to pick apart details of the legislation and make suggestions for changes. 

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced plans Wednesday to overhaul the state’s troubled child welfare system. That comes after a report criticized the Department of Children and Family Services’ reluctance to remove children from their homes.

With more American households renting now than at any point in the last 50 years, some lawmakers say it’s time to get rid of Illinois’ ban on rent control. Plus, can forgoing a daily latte really put you on better financial footing? It’s just some of the advice women are calling out. And, Chicago Cubs shortstop Addison Russell is back on the field after being suspended for domestic violence. Also, throughout the summer, Brookfield Zoo visitors can experience the new “Brick Safari” Exhibit, which includes 40 different life-size animal sculptures.

Floodwaters on the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers may be going down, but rain has continued to soak farmland around much of the state. More rain could be on the way later this month.

So far in 2019, sixteen Illinois State troopers have been hit on the road and three have been killed. Of those three, two of them were killed by drivers in violation of Scott's Law according to the Illinois State Police.