
‘We didn’t have time’: Pritzker, leaders defend adjourning without Bears deal
A bipartisan vote on a hastily crafted bill in the Senate around 3:30 a.m. Monday morning gave late life to hopes the legislature would pass a bill giving the Bears property tax certainty.

IPM says farewell to Morning Edition host Kimberly Schofield
Kimberly Schofield became the All Things Considered host in 2022 and was promoted to Morning Edition host in 2023.

Schools to get funding increase, but less than some had urged
Illinois lawmakers passed a budget Monday morning that includes a full $350 million increase in Evidence-Based Funding for public schools, money earmarked specifically for the neediest school districts in the state.

Honorary Bishop King James Underwood Way pays tribute to a longtime church leader and community builder
An honorary street sign on Grove Street in Champaign — from Sixth to Wright — marks the legacy of Bishop King James Underwood, a recognition given to a man who built community, both spiritually and physically.

Session slog ends in $56B budget, new taxes on social media companies, crypto, fantasy sports
Gas tax increase suspended while new taxes on businesses plug revenue hole

Lawmakers pass bill to shield abortion information from digital medical records
The measure seeks to protect abortion patients in Illinois from out-of-state retaliation.

Illinois pension divestment repeal sparks debate over free speech
Passed unanimously in 2015, the law made Illinois a national leader in anti-BDS pension legislation. Now, lawmakers are weighing competing concerns.

Lawmakers approve bill to regulate e-bikes, scooters
Senate Bill 3336 would establish regulations on “micromobility” transportation such as e-bikes and e-scooters that include age requirements, speed limits and rules on where they can be operated.

Honorary Rabbi Ben Frankel Way recognizes the founder of the world’s first Hillel
Rabbi Benjamin Frankel founded the Hillel at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign in 1923. Hillel has since grown into an international movement reaching more than 800 campuses across the globe.

UPDATE: Man arrested after Champaign road crew worker killed in crash
The Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office said that a 29-year-old Tennessee man has been charged with one count of reckless homicide, according to several reports.

Illinois lawmakers pass landmark AI accountability bill
The measure aims to promote accountability among the most powerful AI models.

Champaign City Council weighs in on proposed homelessness prevention plan
City of Champaign aims to support renters and landlords alike in their proposed plan, including allocating more funds to existing resources as well as creating new programs and funding options.

Honorary Patricia Avery Neal Way recognizes a woman of possibility
Nestled between North Street and Columbia Avenue, the 600 block of Walnut Street is known as Honorary Patricia Avery-Neal Way. The street recognizes a woman who left a legacy of breaking barriers and advocating for social justice in the Champaign community.

University of Illinois student struggles as family’s sole provider following his uncle’s deportation
Reynaldo Camas-Aranda grew up in a house with his uncle, aunt and mother in Cicero. His uncle’s arrest during Operation Midway Blitz has strained the family’s finances.

Honorary Chris Decker Drive remembers a friend and protector of downtown Champaign
Honorary Chris Decker Drive is located in Champaign on Main Street between Walnut and Chestnut Street. For more than two decades, Chris Decker worked in downtown Champaign as a security professional.

WILL Call: What’s Happening in Central Illinois May 28 – May 31
Movies on the quad, Friday Night Live, an author fair and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.

Three I-57/I-74 interchange ramps to close for next few weeks
These closures come on the tail end of the quarter-billion dollar upgrade project, which is expected to be mostly completed by the end of this year.

Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation breaks ground on accessible playground, drop off lane
Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation was founded in 1985 and has been providing year-round opportunities for children and adults with disabilities, such as afterschool programs, overnight trips, special Olympics and summer day camps.
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