Illinois Public Media News

The Illinois General Assembly is considering legislation meant to expand privacy rights on the Internet. Two of the bills cleared procedural hurdles Thursday in the House, but they both have powerful opponents. Democrats say it’s a needed corrective to what’s happening in Washington. President Trump is expected to undo privacy rules put in place at the end of the Obama administration.

On The 21st: We learned how dispatchers in Illinois are being trained to respond to mental health crises. Plus, how is the city of Carbondale preparing to host tens of thousands for this summer’s eclipse? We also spoke with the founder of Caring Black Men of Decatur, and talked with a South Carolina comedian who does not shy away from hot-button issues.

Voters in Champaign County are considering two different referenda affecting the Champaign County Nursing  Home. One is to raise a special property tax that funds the facility, while the other would allow the county board to consider its sale or disposal. 

Decatur’s ability to attract business has become one of the main issues of debate before next week’s mayoral election. Challenger and longtime businessman John Phillips also contends recent hikes in property taxes and water and sewer fees are creating a burden for residents. Incumbent Julie Moore-Wolfe, a former city council member, has been in office since 2015, appointed after the passing of former mayor Mike McElroy.

It’s been two years since Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner unveiled his Republican “Turnaround Agenda.” On Wednesday, a group of rank-and-file Democratic legislators responded with their own “Comeback Agenda.”