Triangulating The Teacher Shortage
Illinois lawmakers have proposed a variety of plans to tackle the state's severe teacher shortage. This week, State Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill), bundled three popular concepts into one bill.
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
Illinois Considers Raising Gas Tax, Vehicle Fees
Lawmakers are considering whether to ask Illinoisans to pay more for gasoline — with the money dedicated to fixing crumbling infrastructure.
Durbin Calls For More Research Funding After Touring U Of I Crop Science Project
A tour of a crop science research project at the University of Illinois elicited Senator Dick Durbin’s hope of seeing federal funding for scientific research increase by five percent each year, starting with the next budget.
Champaign-Urbana Remembers Those Killed In Christchurch Attacks
Dozens of community members of all faiths filled the Central Illinois Mosque and Islamic Center in Urbana Wednesday evening to commemorate the lives of those killed in the attack in Christchurch, New Zealand.
For Many Low Wage Workers, Housing Is Out Of Reach
An estimated 10,643 people in Illinois are homeless according to federal data. Many of those are working - but still can’t make ends meet.
Attorneys: Church List Of Accused Illinois Clergy Incomplete
Advocates for clergy abuse victims released the names Wednesday of 395 priests and lay people in Illinois they say have been publicly accused of sexually abusing children — a roster more than twice as long as what the state's six dioceses previously released.
Election 2019: Champaign Mayor Deb Frank Feinen Makes Her Case For Reelection
Champaign Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen is asking voters to elect her to a second term, so she can continue to work on projects she says have helped the city grow and improve. Feinen, an attorney, is facing challenger Azark David Cobbs in the April 2nd municipal election.
Durbin Says FAA Nomination Welcome But “Way Overdue”
Senator Dick Durbin says he needs to learn more about Stephen M. Dickson, President Trump’s nominee to head the Federal Aviation Administration before deciding if he’ll vote to confirm him. But the Illinois Democrat says having any nominee at all is progress.
Rookie Lawmaker Making Mental Health A Priority
State Rep. Karina Villa is a 40-year-old Democrat representing West Chicago. She's one of dozens of fresh faces at the Illinois State Capitol this year and also one of seven lawmakers in the House of Representatives whose election flipped a red seat blue -- from Republican to Democrat.
Fentanyl Can Lead To Overdoses In Hospitals, Too
Experts often blame the painkiller fentanyl for skyrocketing overdose deaths among illegal drug users. Now a series of deaths at an Ohio hospital is raising questions about oversight in prescribing the drug.
