Tag Archives: Illinois

Economist: Ill. Economy Struggles as U.S. Recovers

The Illinois economy usually rises and falls with the rest of the country. But a government forecasting group says as the nation slowly emerges from the recession, Illinois isn’t. Chris Slaby reports. Edward Boss is chief economist for the non-partisan … Continue reading

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Springfield Art Co-Op Hosts Group Exhibit

The Pharmacy is Springfield’s art collective and co-op. It will host a group exhibition tomorrow night (Saturday 3/9) from 6 to 9 at its warehouse, located at 1022 South Pasfield street. Adam Nicholson helps lead the co-operative, he recently spoke with … Continue reading

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Illinois Bond Rating Lowered Yet Again

Illinois lawmakers’ failure to pass a pension overhaul has led to yet another downgrade of the state’s bond rating. Amanda Vinicky has more. Illinois’ rating has taken its second hit in just as many weeks. This time, Standard and Poor’s … Continue reading

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Major Pension Plan Poised For House Vote

Over the protests of state employee unions, an Illinois House committee today gave bipartisan support to a plan intended to repair Illinois’ underfunded pensions. That leaves the measure poised for a House vote, as the legislative session quickly comes to … Continue reading

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New Pension Plan: A Fresh Start? Or Dead On Arrival?

A pension debt topping $96 billion – and counting – continues to plague Illinois. Many prior attempts to do something about it have resulted in defeat. Now a dozen rank-and-file legislators are making a go of it. They unveiled a … Continue reading

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Illinois Activists Want Higher Minimum Wage

Activists across Illinois want business leaders to support an increase in the minimum wage. Jordan Humphrey gathered with other protesters outside of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce building in Springfield. They argue the federal minimum wage should be raised to … Continue reading

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Holland Recommended to Remain Auditor General for Next Decade

Auditor General William Holland has served for two decades as the state’s highest auditing authority. It’s time for the General Assembly to consider who that position should go to next. And Holland is on track for another ten-year term. Holland … Continue reading

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Illinois Senate Opposes Privately Run Detention Centers

A private company has plans to build an immigration detention center in Crete, in the far south suburbs of Chicago. But the Illinois Senate has approved legislation that would ban such facilities. Rachel Otwell has the report.

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Lawmakers Target Men in Response to Abortion Ultrasounds

Last month, a committee that usually deals with agricultural issues approved a measure that would require doctors to offer an ultrasound to women seeking abortions. Opponents of the measure are fighting back.

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Illinois Stays Smoke Free

Illinois will remain a smoke free state.  The Illinois House this afternoon voted down a measure that critics say would have eroded the statewide ban.  Amanda Vinicky reports:

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Home Care Workers Protest Medicaid Cut Proposal

The Governor’s call for cuts to Medicaid brought protestors to the state capitol today.  They say the cuts could be harmful for those who rely on home care services.   Rachel Otwell has the report:

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Possible Extra Year Of Math To Graduate High School

Legislators in Springfield are pushing to tack on a year of math for high school students. But not everyone thinks that’s a good idea.  Rachel Otwell has the report:

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Abortion Bills Sail Through Agriculture Committee

Illinois proposals dealing with abortion brought as much controversy for where they were debated Tuesday as what’s in the legislation. Rachel Otwell has the details.

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Land of Drinkin’ – Study Says Illinois Binges on Booze

The Midwest is a hot spot for binge drinking. That’s according to a recent report which says up to one in four adults in Illinois is a binge drinker. Rachel Otwell reports.

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U of I Professor Works To Understand High Latino Obestity And Diabetes Rates

Last year 16 percent of the population in Illinois was Hispanic, according to the US Census Bureau.  And according to the Centers for Disease Control, one in 10 Latinos in the country over age 20 have diabetes. Angela Wiley, a … Continue reading

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Gov. Quinn Signs Pension Reform Bill

Gov. Pat Quinn has signed into law pension reforms aimed at fixing some loopholes in the system. The law takes effect immediately. It aims to end the practice of so-called double dipping for public employees. In some cases, employees took … Continue reading

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