Tourist killed, 2nd injured after being shoved into ravine near famous German castle were reportedly U. of. I graduates
German police say they have arrested a 30-year-old American man in the attack at Neuschwanstein castle Wednesday.
Mulling run for Congress, farmer Bailey sows seeds for support from indicted Trump: ‘It’s an hon
Fresh from his front-row seat at Donald Trump’s post-arraignment political rally, downstate farmer Darren Bailey on Wednesday pledged his full-throated support for the former president — ahead of the former state senator’s own expected attempt at a political comeback. “It’s an honor to stand with this man,” Bailey wrote on Facebook above a photo of…
Illinois wants more EVs on the road, but the new budget just reduced funding for EV rebates
The new budget, signed into law last week, includes $12 million for the EV rebate program, officials said. That’s about $7.3 million less than was spent on the rebate program last year.
Midwest hospitals see an uptick in respiratory cases as wildfire smoke swirls in the region
As wildfires burn in eastern Canada, smoke and pollutants drift over the heavily impacted Northeast and into the Midwest. Poor air quality levels in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, may be hurting people with more sensitive breathing conditions. Some healthcare providers in the Midwest say they are seeing more respiratory illnesses in the past few…
Pritzker touts early education funding in signing $50.4 billion budget
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has traveled the state this week to tout the budget’s funding of his Smart Start initiative, a focal point of his 2024 budget aimed at improving access to preschool, increasing funding for child care providers and investing in early childhood facilities. Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday signed his fifth budget — a…
How Asian Americans got wrapped up in the affirmative action debate — and why many want out
The U.S. Supreme Court is due to rule this month on the fate of affirmative action in college admissions. Justices are considering two cases challenging the consideration of race, including one that alleges discrimination against Asian American applicants. For decades Asian American students have been cast, often unwillingly, as victims of affirmative action policies meant…
Illinois Chamber of Commerce President dead at 57
Maisch died Wednesday at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. He was 57. No cause of death was given.
Miller says she will vote against debt limit deal
Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL15) says she will not support the debt ceiling deal negotiated by President Biden and House Speaker McCarthy.
State budget clears first hurdle with Senate vote — but elected school board map hits possible stall until next year
The plodding along on the state budget could still see the Illinois House passing the $50.6 billion spending plan by Friday.
Catholic church in Illinois vastly underreported clergy sex abuse, Kwame Raoul finds
According to the results of a state investigation announced Tuesday by Illinois attorney general Kwame Raoul, the six Catholic dioceses in the state failed to acknowledge hundreds of allegedly abusive priests and other religious figures.
Florida Gov. DeSantis hints at a presidential run in his speech to Republicans in Peoria
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday in Peoria teased at a presidential run he’s widely expected to announce later this month. Its a theme he’s honed in upon in recent appearances before friendly crowds. In a campaign-style speech at the Peoria and Tazewell County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner, DeSantis said it’s time for the Republican Party to look forward and offer what he calls a positive vision for the future, instead of nursing past grievances.
Illinois’ government has spent billions in federal pandemic aid. What do some programs do when the money runs out?
With the Illinois and federal COVID-19 emergency orders ending May 11, some new programs will now seek state dollars.
Chicago to host 2024 Democratic National Convention
The Democratic convention, to run from Aug. 19-22, 2024, is expected to draw up to 50,000 visitors to Chicago. Chicago last hosted a convention in 1996.
Victim identified in deadly Belvidere roof collapse, five remain in critical condition
One person is dead after a roof collapse during a concert in Belvidere in northern Illinois, about an hour west of Chicago.
The Illinois EPA has issued drinking water violation notices to 10 state-run prisons
Since last December, the agency has alleged facilities were not testing their water for harmful chemicals.