State Rep. Ammons On The State Budget Impasse
State Rep. Carol Ammons, a freshman Democratic lawmaker in the Illinois House, discusses what it might take in order for the state to reach an end to its eight-month budget impasse.
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
Decatur Fires Police Chief But Doesn’t Say Why
The city issued a press release Thursday stating that Brad Sweeney, who's been chief since January 2015, has been fired, but City Manager Tim Gleason said he wouldn't provide further comment because this is a personnel matter. Deputy Chief James Getz was named interim police chief.
Rauner Moves Forward With Privately Funded Economic Development Agency
Governor Bruce Rauner has used his executive powers to create a privately run and funded economic development agency that he says will "jump-start" job growth.
Illini Men Outlast Rutgers
It took three overtimes, but the Illinois men's basketball team survived Rutgers for a Big Ten road win.
State Sen. Righter On The Budget Impasse In Illinois
State Senator Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) a 20-year veteran of the Illinois General Assembly, talks about what it might take to reach a budget agreement in Springfield.
EIU Laying Off 200 Employees, Asking Union Faculty To Accept Furlough Days
Layoff notices are going out to 200 non-instructional employees at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, while members of the union representing faculty and academic employees consider an administration request to take unpaid furlough days.
Illinois Issues: What Are Consent Decrees?
Gov. Bruce Rauner says he wants to get the state out of legal agreements called consent decrees. The deals are a big part of the reason the government is still operating without a budget; they also impact the lives of thousands of Illinois residents. But unless you are affected by one, you've probably never heard of them.
Champaign Council Approves $70,000 Settlement, Third Involving Officer Rush
The three excessive force lawsuit settlements involving police officer Matt Rush total $320,000. Concerned citizens have been calling for for Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz to file charges against Rush. Council members also may lobby with Urbana leaders for changes in the police union arbitration process.
Comptroller: Illinois Will Fall $6.2B In Debt Without Budget
Illinois is on track to fall more than $6 billion further into debt amid the months-long budget stalemate. Comptroller Leslie Munger says spending will outpace last year's rates by $1.2 billion, which also includes a $5 billion revenue drop from the rolled back temporary income tax increase.
Attorney General Seeks Stay Of Tax Ruling Impacting Urbana Hospitals
The Illinois Attorney General's office wants the 4th District Appellate Court to delay enforcement of the January 5 ruling which found a 2012 state law involving tax exemptions for hospitals that provide charity care to be unconstitutional. The motion for a stay was filed with the appelate court on January 28. Carle is appealing last month's ruling to the Illinois Supreme Court.
