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
Plan That Would Allow Ex-Felons To Work In Schools Gets Support From Conservatives
Current state law prohibits people with felony records from working in a school, or volunteering, or even driving a truck that makes deliveries to a school. But a measure pending before the Illinois House of Representatives could change that.
__medium.jpg)
Lawmakers Host Marathon Budget Hearing On U of I Campus
After a two-week break, lawmakers return to Springfield Tuesday for the latter half of their spring legislative session. But reaching a budget compromise won’t be easy, if Monday's marathon budget hearing in Urbana is any indication.
WCIA’s Benton Stepping Down From The Anchor Desk
The Champaign news anchor says a brain tumor is affecting his ability to do his job, and will step down after broadcasts Monday night. But he hopes to continue with his Crime Watch programs.
Champaign Voters Asked To Weigh In On Township Buildings Sale At Town Meeting
City of Champaign Township wants to explore selling its two office buildings and buying new ones, but they need voter approval at Tuesday's annual town meeting to move ahead.
Are People Really Leaving Illinois In Droves?
Last year, Illinois was one of a handful of states that lost population. More than 90,000 people moved elsewhere. It became a campaign issue for Governor when then candidate Bruce Rauner criticized the state's lack of friendliness to business, but the numbers don't mean mean there is a crisis, or even a real clamor, to leave the state.
Rauner Agrees To Allow Union Fair Share Fees, Awaits Lawsuit
Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration says it has agreed to allow government agencies to reinstate mandatory fair share fees for non-union members in return for union agreement to a faster timeline for resolving their dispute over the payments.
Pilot Program Set To Help Break Heroin Addiction
The Champaign County Drug Court will soon offer a new option for some trying to break their addiction to heroin. The pilot program launches later this month and will eventually provide medication and therapy to up to 30 people who qualify and consent to the treatment.
Rose’s Legislation Would Relax Procurement Rules To Save State Universities Millions
State Sen. Chapin Rose says procurement rules enacted in response to the corrupt Blagojevich administration went too far, imposing a burden that turns away qualified low bidders.
Northern Illinois Tornadoes Cause Damage, Injuries, Two Deaths
Northern Illinois University meteorologist Gilbert Sebenste said he was able to see the tornado from 18 miles away. He says in his 25 years of storm-chasing, he had never seen one like this. Dekalb and Ogle counties have been declared state disaster areas by Gov. Bruce Rauner.
