In-depth reporting from WILL, NPR, the Associated Press, and other sources
Contact WILL News at willnewsroom@illinois.edu
For the first time, Champaign County is holding a public meeting to help some people with criminal records remove those records from public access to help them move on with their lives.
Circuit Clerk Katie Blakeman says those with old convictions, particularly juvenile records, have trouble getting a job, and have few financial resources.
Because Illinois is a northern state and the former home of Abraham Lincoln, it isn’t typically associated with slavery. But there was slavery in Illinois for more than 100 years.
Even after Illinois entered the Union, loopholes in its laws allowed the practice to continue, making the future Land of Lincoln a quasi-slave state.
The latest data shows the number of unemployed Illinois residents is at its lowest since September of 2007. But officials with Governor Bruce Rauner's administration say Illinois is still lagging when it comes to job growth.
On the 21st: We talked about media coverage of immigration issues and newsroom diversity in media organizations. Plus, we talked with Chicago hip-hop artist Bardo about his new album “Gringo."
As he seeks a second term in the Illinois House, 110th District St. Representative Reggie Phillips says he hopes Republicans can gain enough seats to bring about a budget agreement that incorporates some of Gov. Bruce Rauner's "Turnaround Agenda" reforms, such as changes to workers' compensation laws. Phillips talked with Illinois Public Media's Jim Meadows.
