Illinois Public Media News

On The 21st: We talk to the filmmakers behind a new documentary on the Chinese Exclusion Act which will be shown on PBS tonight. Plus, the National Spelling Bee is underway- we caught up with a few Illinois contestants before they left for DC to see how they’re feeling ahead of the big competition. But first, from 2012 to 2016, more than eighty percent of gun-related deaths in rural Illinois were suicides, which is higher than the rest of the country. We catch up with Illinois Newsroom Reporter Madelyn Beck to learn more about gun suicides in rural areas. 

Governor Bruce Rauner Tuesday announced the Department of Transportation’s multi-year plan for road projects across the state, which includes some major projects in Champaign County.

The Illinois General Assembly has approved a plan aimed at making sure people in jails can exercise their right to vote.

A measure that has passed the Illinois House would require hospitals to have Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) who can treat and examine victims of sexual assault. Some say it would mean better collection of forensic evidence and better treatment of victims.

It’s been just about six months since a new Illinois law allowing 16 and 17 year olds to donate organs went into effect. Has the change made a difference for those waiting for life-saving organ transplants?