Dave Koehler

Gov. JB Pritzker said he wants Illinois State University and the AFSCME union to come back to the negotiating table as the strike enters its fourth week. "It seems like there is a deal to be made," he said.

On day 17 of the AFSCME Local 1110 strike, union representatives presented the president of Illinois State University with nearly 7,000 petition signatures urging his negotiation of a fair deal. A state senator on campus said the strike is "putting pressure on us as legislators as well."

The Illinois Senate unanimously has voted to expand orders of protection to online spaces and allow victims to indefinitely extend protection orders. The bill would give law enforcement more tools to investigate violations of orders of protection.

Ecology Action Center has more fundraising to do before identifying a location for a countywide hazardous waste collection site. It's the largest project the Normal nonprofit has ever attempted.

Much of the legislation they discussed Monday night at an annual legislative town hall hosted by the Prairie Pride Coalition and Equality Illinois is aimed at keeping in place support that’s being scuttled by the Trump administration.

The state has announced a $5 million grant for the Bloomington-Normal Water Reclamation District [BNWRD] that is intended to stimulate business development on the west side of the Twin Cities.

Democratic lawmakers mostly support the proposal, but have concerns about higher education funding. Republicans have concern about increases in taxes and increased spending.

Illinois municipalities face confusion on whether the Illinois election code allows for the implementation of ranked choice voting. Illinois lawmakers introduced a bill that would clarify how local governments can implement ranked choice voting.

Lawmakers have concerns about increasing higher education funding this year, with a tight budget. They are waiting for more information to decide on a change to the funding model.

Illinois farmers feel the impacts of tariffs, inflation and more competition. The federal government introduced bridge payments, but these payments are not enough to offset the cost of farming.