Illinois Public Media News

After months of controversy over allegations of cancer-causing emissions, medical sterilization company Sterigenics says it will not reopen an Illinois plant.

Kate Rosenberg-Douglas has managed her chronic back pain with prescription opioids for years. We'll talk about what it’s like to rely on opioids while they’re being condemned for causing addiction. Plus, next year you’ll need a new kind of driver’s license called a Real ID in order to fly in the US. We’ll revisit a conversation with the Illinois Secretary of State’s office on what you need to know. Also, one in five Americans have no retirement savings at all. We’ll hear from one Illinois economist about how to save smarter. And, researchers have found that many animal veterinarians struggle with ethical conflicts over what pet owners ask of them.

State Sen. Scott Bennett said he believes it’s the responsibility of the state government to ensure incarcerated people receive the education and information they need to make better choices upon their release. But, he said, that’s a tall order when the state is struggling to fund other necessary services, like its public education system.

The enrollment period for Illinois’ program to help low-income households with heat and electricity bills, energy conservation and weatherization, begins Tuesday, October 1^st. In Champaign County, applicants can enroll in the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission.

The rapidly unfolding Ukraine scandal has kicked impeachment investigations into high gear, with Democratic leaders in Congress now saying it will take just a number of weeks to consolidate findings from multiple House committees.