
Junk fees, child torture, tipped wage proposals among bills to clear committee
More than 150 measures have moved thus far as House deadline approaches.

Illinois clamps down on Houston for a 65-55 March Madness win to reach Elite Eight
Next up is a meeting Saturday with ninth-seeded Iowa to see which Big Ten team will advance to the Final Four. It will be the 11th Elite Eight appearance for Illinois and its second in three seasons under Brad Underwood.

Strong to severe storms produce hail and high winds in central Illinois
Hail fell in parts of Champaign and Vermilion Counties on Thursday night.

Central Illinois Regional Airport seeks community donations to support unpaid TSA officers
On day 39 of the partial government shutdown, TSA officers across the country missed at least one full paycheck.

Lawmakers advance Pritzker’s cell phone ban, social media regulations
A bill expanding 4-year degrees at community colleges progresses after facing opposition last year.

Iran rejects US ceasefire plan, issues its own demands as strikes land across the Mideast
Iran’s defiance came as Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran and as the United States deployed paratroopers and more Marines to the region.

Illinois House committee advances bill banning immigration detention centers near homes, schools
The bill comes months after Broadview facility became focal point of Midway Blitz.

Following Shahid Khan’s honorary degree rejection, U of I System is reexamining the process
The University Senate has rejected both of U of I billionaire and alum Shahid Khan’s honorary degree nominations. Now, for privacy concerns and other reasons, the U of I system universities are taking a closer look at their processes for awarding honorary degrees.

Michelle Jett is set to be the next Champaign County executive
Michelle Jett is currently the director of administration for Champaign County. She held 60% of the vote, according to unofficial results on Tuesday night.

Yearslong ethanol policy standoff could cost Illinois drivers at the pump yet again
The Trump administration soon could announce that it will temporarily lift the restrictions on E15 sales during the summer amid pressure surrounding rising costs due to the conflict in Iran.

Legal battle intensifies over appointing special prosecutor for alleged ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ abuses
The Cook County state’s attorney calls demand “baseless” and claims effort would backfire.

WILL CALL: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Mar. 26 – Mar. 29
Opening night of a play, a professional ballet performance, an exhibition featuring locally-created games, and more are all happening in central Illinois this weekend.

Insurance bill combining homeowners and auto regulation passes House, awaits Senate action
Bill gives state authority to regulate homeowners and auto insurance premiums

All top Champaign Unit 4 administrators asked to reapply for their jobs
The Champaign Unit 4 Board of Education approved demotions or resignations of all top administrators. They can reapply for their jobs.

Juvenile suspect in custody following fatal shooting in Champaign outside Market Place Shopping Mall
Police arrested a 15-year-old after the fatal shooting in Champaign. The Champaign County Coroner’s office said the victim is Jaylen Bailey of Champaign.

Homer Lake Nature Center addition will bring new classroom to the park
The district is currently renovating the Homer Lake Interpretive Center.

Rep. Darin LaHood wants the war in Iran to wind down, doesn’t think ICE in airports is ‘the right approach’
The Peoria-area Republican representing parts of Bloomington-Normal won’t commit to green lighting a request for an additional $200 billion from Congress to fund the ongoing conflict.

Who can own big cats in America? Fatal tiger attack draws scrutiny to federal rules
Some animal welfare advocates say federal regulations don’t go far enough to protect these animals and the people interacting with them.
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