Illinois Public Media News

Urbana native and Chicago Cubs pitcher Spencer Patton joined Lisa, John, and Brian for this week's episode of "The Bandwagon" sports podcast.  Here's a small taste of the discussion.

Champaign Police say Robbie M. Patton, 18, of Champaign turned himself in to authorities Thursday night, reporting to the Champaign County Jail at 10:15 p.m. He's charged with First Degree Murder in connection with the early Sunday morning shooting death of George Korchev of Mundelein. He also faces a count of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm. Bond is set at $5-million.

Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz and opponent and Assistant Public Defender George Vargas found little to agree on during a candidates' forum Thursday. He alleged "incompetence" on the part of her office, referencing the weekend shootings near the University of Illinois, and why suspect Robbie Patton was allowed to spend time in a Corrections boot camp, and was not imprisoned for a prior incident.

On the 21st: We learned about what's driving the teacher shortage in the U.S. and talked with former Illinois teachers about the challenges they faced in the classroom. We also spoke with Illinois Senator Mark Kirk about his partnership with the Cuitzillo social club.

Donald Trump visited the Chicago suburb of Bolingbrook Wednesday to raise money for his presidential campaign.