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
The Illinois legislative session that wrapped up a few days ago was dominated by debates over weighty topics like preserving abortion rights, legalizing recreational cannabis sales, and changing the income tax structure of the state. But no action was taken to address Illinois' continuing teacher shortage.
Last week, Illinois Newsroom reported on the removal of more than 200 books from the shelves of a college in prison program’s library inside the Danville Correctional Center in east-central Illinois. Several authors and editors of books that were removed from the EJP library agreed to speak to Illinois Newsroom.
State Representative Carol Ammons said she didn’t vote on a historic bill to legalize the use and sale of cannabis in Illinois because she didn’t have a chance to express her concerns about the legislation.
State Representative Tom Bennett (R-Gibson City) discusses the major votes of the end of the spring session in Springfield, including the new state budget, a new infrastructure plan, the legalization of recreational marijuana and a proposed constitutional amendment for a progressive state income tax.
When you go to the doctor, there is a pretty good chance that person wasn’t born in the United States. There are thousands of foreign-born doctors working here — in every specialty. But recent changes in immigration law are making the transition tougher.
Rural communities are some of the most politically disenfranchised when it comes to climate policy, and last year’s National Climate Change Report showed they’re also among the most at risk when it comes to the effect of climate change. This could mean stronger storms, more intense droughts and earlier freezes.
The new state budget awaiting Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s signature includes what advocates say is a much-needed $80 million increase in funding for mental health and addiction treatment.
Loneliness in older adults can lead to serious health problems. This is especially an issue in rural America, where seniors may be more isolated. Senior centers were created to combat this
problem, but they face challenges of their own.
Jury selection moves into its second day Tuesday at the federal courthouse in Peoria, in the capital murder trial of the man accused in the disappearance of University of Illinois visiting scholar Yingying Zhang.
University of Illinois President Timothy Killeen is “delighted” and “very excited” about the funding increase for higher education included in the newly approved state budget. He said the investment in higher education spending represents an “historic turn in absolutely the right direction,” Killeen said.
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