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A regional journalism collaboration focused on expanding access to trusted, timely and relevant information across three key statewide topics: Education, Political Impact and Health/Environment

Cubs players celebrating after winning the 2016 National League pennant.
David J. Phillip/AP

Chicago Cubs Beat Los Angeles Dodgers To Enter World Series For First Time Since 1945

Cursed by a Billy Goat, bedeviled by Bartman and crushed by decades of disappointment, the Chicago Cubs are at long last headed back to the World Series.  Kyle Hendricks outpitched Clayton Kershaw, Anthony Rizzo and Willson Contreras homered early and the Cubs won their first pennant since 1945, beating the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-0 Saturday night in Game 6 of the NL Championship Series.

DC Water General Manager and CEO George Hawkins
Provided by George Hawkins

Head Of DC Water Speaking About Cooperation

Drinking water has been part of the national conversation since the discovery of lead in Flint, Michigan’s water supply last year. That’s one reason the Prairie Rivers Network has invited George Hawkins to speak at their annual dinner Friday in Champaign. Hawkins is the General Manager and CEO of DC Water, one of the largest municipal water companies in the country.

Advertisement of sale of enslaved person in the Illinois Reporter, Dec. 12, 1826.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Musucem

Illinois Issues:Slave State

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. 

Illinois Unemployment Down And Steady, Yet Still Lags

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.

St. Rep. Reggie Phillips (R-Charleston).
Jim Meadows / Illinois Public Media

Republican Reggie Phillips Running For 2nd Term In 110th Illinois House District

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.