Illinois Public Media News

The local history museum in Douglas County is asking voters to approve a tax referendum to fund the museum’s future.

Yesterday’s “I voted” sticker is today’s ballot selfie. But some voters last fall found out Illinois makes it illegal to take a selfie with your ballot. Lawmakers are trying to change that, inspired by the young people who simply wanted to share their fulfillment of their civic duty on social media.

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.