Shared Sentence: Illinois Moves To Help Kids Of The Incarcerated
A pair of laws recently enacted in Illinois were designed to take into account how children are affected by their parents’ incarceration and to find…
U.S. Kills Top Iranian Military Leader In Airstrike
Gen. Qassem Soleimani was killed Friday in Baghdad. The U.S. secretary of defense said Soleimani “was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members throughout the region.”
Flash Index Shows Continuing Steady Growth
The Illinois economy continues to grow at a steady rate. The University of Illinois Flash Index ticked up to 105.6 in December, slightly higher than November’s 105.4. Any number above 100 indicates economic growth.
News Around Illinois — January 2, 2020
Illinois Sees First Legal Sales Of Recreational Cannabis The sale of cannabis for recreational purposes is now legal in Illinois. The change took effect with the new year, to the delight of pot fans. Many began lining up hours early at dispensaries. The Chicago Sun-Times reports that about 500 people were outside Dispensary 33 in…
First Day Of Legal Recreational Cannabis In Illinois Draws Hundreds To CU Dispensaries
CHAMPAIGN – Wednesday marked the first day of legal recreational cannabis in Illinois. Hundreds of people from Champaign-Urbana and across central Illinois flocked to two dispensaries in Champaign-Urbana early New Year’s Day to make purchases as early as 6 a.m.
On Eve Of Legal Marijuana In Illinois, Governor Pardons 11,017 Past Convictions
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday issued pardons for more than 11,000 low-level marijuana convictions.
Voices In The News 2019
As we close the book on 2019, we thought we’d take a few minutes to listen back to what has been a most consequential year in Illinois government and…
Vaping, Medicaid and Opioids — Top Health Stories Of 2019
A wide range of healthcare issues drew headlines in 2019, affecting the lives of millions of Americans. Here are some highlights from Side Effects…
Why This Free Health Clinic Is Pushing To Expand Medicaid
On a chilly afternoon, Terry Cox has come to Mountain View, Mo., to see a dentist. He’s waiting on a bench outside a converted rectory. “Came to get a…
State Minimum Wage Increases January 1
SPRINGFIELD – The minimum wage in Illinois is about to go up by a dollar. According to the Illinois Department of Labor, it will be $9.25 per hour on January 1, 2020. It will rise to $10 per hour on July 1, 2020. State lawmakers approved the wage hike in February, and it’s the first…
What Employers And Workers Need To Know About Legal Recreational Marijuana In Illinois
BELLEVILLE — Ahead of the new year, local businesses and employers across Illinois are trying to determine how legal recreational marijuana will impact them. The law change, which came only six months ago, is forcing many employers to rethink how their workplaces handle drug policy and testing. Lawmakers in Springfield wrote parts of the Cannabis…
U of I Law Professor Remains On Leave Instead Of Returning
A University of Illinois law professor accused of sexual misconduct had been slated to return to teach in January. But he will instead be placed on “university-sanctioned leave.” In fall of last year, details of a U of I investigation into claims of sexual misconduct against Jay Kesan were made public by the media. Amid…
New Year, New Illinois Laws: What’s Coming In 2020
The more than 255 new Illinois laws taking effect on New Year’s Day may affect everything from your car to your paycheck. We took a look at some of the biggest changes coming in 2020. Higher Wages, Tip Ownership Illinois minimum wage is going up by a dollar, from $8.25 to $9.25, starting New Year’s Day…
Local TV Stations Changing Frequencies To Accommodate Wireless Carriers
Television stations around the country are moving to different broadcast frequencies including multiple stations throughout Illinois. An important note: even though stations are changing how they send out broadcasts, the channels viewers use to reach them on their TVs will still be the same. For example, WCIA-TV, the CBS affiliate based in Champaign will remain…
News Around Illinois – December 27, 2019
Students Serve Ex-Prof With Sexual Assault Suit Via Email URBANA – The alleged victims of a former University of Illinois associate professor turned to email to finally serve him with their federal lawsuit accusing him of sexually and emotionally exploiting them. The civil lawsuit filed by some of Gary Xu’s former students had been held…