Rural Hospitals’ Plea To Federal Government: Help Us Stay Open
Rural hospitals aren’t just providers of medicine and health care, but also are often major employers and a massive part of a town’s tax base. However,…
The Messy Technological Roots Of The U.S. Trade War With China
The U.S. trade war with China, now approaching a year, is often framed as hurting manufacturing and agriculture the most. But that’s mainly collateral…
Facing Lost Funds And Representation, Illinois Hopes It Can Count On You
Illinois’ population loss could be a warning for larger changes to come. Between July 2017 and July 2018, Illinois lost more than 45,000 people, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. It’s still the sixth-most populated state, but is one of only a handful of states that lost people over that time period. That means Illinois…
J.B. Pritzker Interview — On Criminal Justice, Higher Ed, Taxes, And Legislative Ethics
J.B. Pritzker is set to becomes the 43rd governor of Illinois on Monday. He won in part by promising to make college more affordable, improve the state…
What Do You Want To Know About Rebuilding Illinois’ Roads, Bridges And Infrastructure?
The need for new or repaired roads, bridges, buildings and other infrastructure in Illinois continues to outpace the amount of funding available to complete the projects. With a new governor and legislative session starting in January, discussions have already started with an aim to change that. Illinois Newsroom will follow negotiations of a capital plan….
Department of Corrections Director Blames Illinois Lawmakers For Lack Of Spending On Prison Books
Last spring, Illinois Newsroom reported that the Illinois Department of Corrections spent less than $300 on books for all of its prisons the prior year. In a recent interview, IDOC Director John Baldwin said state lawmakers dictate how the agency spends its money. Data obtained via an open records request shows the department used to…
Farm Bill Boosts Money To Rural Areas With Slow Or No Internet
Small internet service providers in Illinois are optimistic after the farm bill – which President Trump recently signed – included more money for…
High On The Highway: Challenges With Marijuana DUIs
Come January 14, Illinois will have a new pro-pot-legalization governor and a Democrat-held legislature, leading many to believe the state will legalize recreational cannabis. That’s exciting for some, concerning for others. At a recent “News & Brews” community event about what legalization may mean for Illinois, several attendees asked how police officers plan to deal…
Answering Your Questions About Cannabis Legalization
The issue of marijuana legalization in Illinois has been hotly debated for years. But assumptions, inaccuracies, and unknowns still fuel arguments on all sides across the state. As vocal legalization supporter and governor-elect J.B. Pritzker prepares to take office, Illinois residents are trying to understand how the potential legalization will affect them. During Illinois Newsroom’s…
What Happens To Pot Convictions If Illinois Legalizes?
The push to legalize recreational marijuana in Illinois could get a jump-start early next year. State Sen. Heather Steans, a Chicago Democrat, said this week she plans to introduce legislation early next year to tax and regulate the use and sale of marijuana. Incoming Democratic governor J.B. Pritzker campaigned on a pro-legalization platform, and House…
Illinois Prison Monitor ‘Absolutely Convinced’ Mentally Ill Inmates Abused
The Illinois Department of Corrections continues to flounder in its efforts to care for inmates with mental illness, according to a new report authored…
Neurosurgeon Tells NRA Gun Violence Is His ‘Lane’
Physicians across the country have a message for the National Rifle Association: Gun violence is our concern. It’s part of a battle being fought…
Effort To Eliminate Medical Co-Pay For Prison Inmates Fails
Illinois prison inmates will continue to pay $5 for medical and dental visits, after the legislature tried and failed to get rid of the fee last week….
USMCA: Trump Signs New Trade Agreement With Mexico And Canada To Replace NAFTA
“This has been a battle, and battles sometimes make great friendships,” President Trump said as he signed the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement alongside America’s closest neighbors.
Can This Tiny House Solve Senior Housing Shortage?
If you’re a Baby Boomer, here are a couple of statistics that should concern you. By 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 and over. Yet a Harvard…