Top Democrats announce budget ‘deal,’ but details are scant as last-minute negotiations continue

Top Democrats announce budget ‘deal,’ but details are scant as last-minute negotiations continue

Gov. JB Pritzker and Democratic leaders announced Wednesday they’ve agreed to a framework for next year’s roughly $50 billion state spending plan, even as negotiations continued in the final stretch of lawmakers’ already-extended spring legislative session. 

Federal complaint charges Illinois man with attempted arson of Danville’s proposed abortion clinic
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Federal complaint charges Illinois man with attempted arson of Danville’s proposed abortion clinic

DANVILLE — A northern Illinois man accused of driving his car into a building proposed for use as an abortion clinic in Danville was scheduled to appear in federal court in Urbana Tuesday afternoon. Philip Buyno, 73, of Prophetstown faces a federal complaint of attempted arson. Buyno drove his car into the building with containers…

Illinois lawmakers are requiring honesty from crisis pregnancy centers. Here’s what Urbana activists want to do.
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Illinois lawmakers are requiring honesty from crisis pregnancy centers. Here’s what Urbana activists want to do.

CHAMPAIGN — When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last summer, Kit Santa Ana, an organizer in Champaign-Urbana, said she was inspired to do something.  That started, she said, with making sure local pregnancy centers were being honest with their clients.  Pregnancy resource centers offer resources and options to people who are pregnant. But local…

Florida Gov. DeSantis hints at a presidential run in his speech to Republicans in Peoria

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.

The Rantoul Village Board once again rejects a proposed cannabis growing facility.

The Rantoul Village Board once again rejects a proposed cannabis growing facility.

Once again, the Rantoul Village Board has voted against allowing a cannabis business to open in their town. The village board rejected a proposal Tuesday night to allow applications to open a cannabis growing facility in Rantoul, with Mayor Chuck Smith breaking a 3-3 tie vote.