Illinois Public Media News

State lawmakers have just two weeks to decide how they’ll move forward with several pieces of legislation. House Republican Leader Jim Durkin joins us to share his priorities. Plus, a southern Illinois mother faced thousands of dollars in hospital bills for her newborn because of Medicaid enrollment delays. She’s one of more than 112,000 who are facing problems with the program in Illinois. A new play at Steppenwolf explores the story of Ms. Joan Jett Blakk- a Chicago drag queen who ran for president in 1992.

A lawsuit filed Monday in Champaign County Circuit Court contends that contamination from a natural gas leak north of Mahomet has spread to additional residential water wells.

Losing a loved one to gun violence can cause anxiety, stress and other mental health symptoms; and simply living in an environment where violence is taking place can do the same. But experts say early intervention and support can help prevent some of those negative, long-term consequences. A new effort in east-central Illinois aims to provide near-immediate support to individuals who may be struggling.

Chicago will make history Monday when Lori Lightfoot is sworn in as the city's first black woman mayor and first openly gay mayor.

The Urbana District 116 School Board voted unanimously Sunday night to appoint Jennifer Ivory-Tatum as the new superintendent of schools. Ivory-Tatum previously worked in both Urbana and Champaign Unit 4 schools. She’s leaving her position as assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and assessment at Unit 4 to take the job in Urbana.

State Representative Carol Ammons said during a recent interview it will be difficult for her to get behind a proposed bill to legalize cannabis without significant changes to the legislation.

A couple of federal agencies you probably haven't heard of keep track of what farmers grow, what Americans eat and how the country's entire food system operates. And the Trump administration wants them out of Washington, D.C.

There’s a new developer lined up to buy and reopen the Urbana Landmark Hotel. And Mayor Diane Marlin says this new project is worth the city’s investment.

llinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is finally getting specific on what could be in a massive statewide building plan — and what taxes and fees could be raised to pay for it.

News Analysis — The Illinois Department of Corrections did not fare well in a recent state audit. Among the findings was that the agency could not account for 3,568 pieces of equipment.