Dave Koehler

Illinois has a deep connection to the Underground Railroad. That's why lawmakers are pushing an initiative to preserve sites connected to this key part of history.

The Illinois Senate passed legislation Thursday that would extend press protections to public media outlets, including NPR and PBS affiliates, that are operated by Illinois colleges and universities.

Central Illinois lawmakers had mixed reactions to Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State and budget address. Some said they came to the Illinois House floor expecting more transparency about the budget and were disappointed by Pritzker’s focus on federal government and critique of Republican Party.

With budget negotiations around the corner, advocates from across Illinois have written a letter asking Gov. JB Pritzker to include an additional $100 million to the budget for homeless shelter services. That would mark more than a 30% increase over what the state currently spends on the unhoused.

Democratic Sen. Dave Koehler started his sixth term looking to advance legislation in agriculture and environment, but says the state budget causes some uncertainty.

More than 200 historical sites in Illinois have been identified as a part of the Underground Railroad in the state, according to an exploratory task force.

Democratic state Sen. Dave Koehler of Peoria is headed to a sixth term in Springfield after defeating Republican challenger Sally Owens, according to unofficial results late Tuesday.

State Sen. Dave Koehler, a Democrat from Peoria, is seeking a sixth term against Sally Owens, a first-time candidate and small business consultant in Peoria.

WGLT and its partners have scheduled two events this fall to help voters get informed ahead of the Nov. 5 election, including a Candidate Open House and 46th State Senate Forum.

WGLT checks in with Central Illinois Democrats at their convention in Chicago. In addition to bridge-building, outreach, and stoking the rank-and-file for the campaign, a lot of business is getting done.