Illinois Public Media News

This weekend marks the sixth annual CU Pride Festival in downtown Champaign, and organizers say this year is unique. In June, the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states. Caitlin Jenner's very public transition made conversations about transgender issues even more mainstream.

There are some 20,730 stand-alone video poker machines scattered throughout the state. Thanks to them, state government took in some $200 million dollars in the last fiscal year; that's a huge, $80 million increase from the year before.

Union leaders are dealing with concerns from some members that some self-insured health plan payments for state employees have been halted as a result of the state budget impasse.  Four providers are asking members to upfront at the time of an appointment, and will be reimbursed later.

The Illinois Human Rights Commission said Timber Creek Bed and Breakfast in Paxton broke the law when denying access to a same-sex couple.  Todd and Mark Wathen wanted to hold a civil union ceremony there in 2011.

The cities of Champaign and Urbana, along with the University of Illinois, are asking for input for a longterm, multi-million dollar street improvement project. Students and community members have until next month to weigh in on its plans for "MCORE" — the Multimodal Corridor Enhancement Project.