Illinois prisons need $2.5 billion in repairs, and that’s just the beginning
Mold, leaky roofs, sewage backups, unsafe drinking water and raccoon infestations are at the top of the list. Next up: dire staffing shortages and an aging population.
Durbin tests positive again for COVID-19
It’s the third time he has had a positive test in a year.
Drought, deluge and the climate curious farmers of central Illinois
The state’s largest industry can’t ignore global warming — but change can be slow and expensive. Here’s what farmers say is tipping the scales for them now.
Illinois Supreme Court rules SAFE-T Act does not violate state constitution
Illinois is set to become the first state in the nation to eliminate cash bail after the state Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a landmark criminal justice reform law did not violate the state’s constitution. The high court said the law should now go into effect in September.
London bridges? Pritzker to lead United Kingdom trade mission with state business and education leaders
Gov. J.B. Pritzker was planning to jet off to the United Kingdom Tuesday night for the first leg of a trade mission that includes meetings in London to strengthen economic cooperation between Illinois and Great Britain. Pritzker plans to first attend the Goodwood Festival of Speed from Thursday though Sunday, in West Sussex, where he’ll…
U of I student information is caught in global cyberattack
The University of Illinois system learned in June that personal information of some of its past and present students was exposed in a May 31 global cyberattack. Emails went out July 3 to students, faculty and staff. It is unknown how many students’ information was compromised at the National; Student Clearinghouse, where higher education data…
Former GOP gubernatorial nominee Bailey challenges Bost for U.S. House seat
The two Republicans will vie for Illinois’ 12th congressional district during next year’s primary elections.
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.