Politics and Government

The apparent Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump has the apparent support of central Illinois Congressman Darin LaHood. During a stop in Bloomington, LaHood (R-Dunlap) said he's standing by his statement that he will support whoever wins the GOP nomination.

Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis is supporting five bills to combat opioid abuse in McLean County and across the country. At least four of the measures are expected to be discussed on the House floor this week.

A new hotel proposed for downtown Bloomington could receive the benefits of a Tax Increment Financing District. Council members will vote tonight on creating a TIF study for an area that includes buildings at Front Street and Center Street.

Exelon Nuclear estimates it will lose more than 100 million dollars on its Clinton and Quad Cities Nuclear Power plants in 2017 unless it can get money to preserve those reactors.

The State of Illinois is being sued for not paying some of its social service contractors. Lawmakers and the governor have not agreed on a budget in 10 months.

Illinois House members are considering a proposal to change the state's flat income tax to a progressive one. The switch would mean people who earn more money would pay more in income taxes.

Yet again, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and Governor Bruce Rauner are at odds.  This time, over a constitutional amendment introduced by the Speaker.

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner visited a startup incubator in Peoria Tuesday touting his pro-business agenda.
Governor Rauner greeted a room of young business owners, software developers and designers essentially saying 'I Was like you once.'
 
“I was a venture capitalist myself for 32 years before going into public service. I know firsthand how hard it is to start a business and build a business, how much risk and sacrifice and sweat and worry is involved in it,” said Rauner.
 

The Illinois medical marijuana industry saw $2.2 million in retail sales during April, the largest one-month figure yet. Program director Joseph Wright says the program now includes 36 dispensaries and 6,200 qualified patients.

ISU Trustees will consider a three percent tuition hike for incoming students. Fees would also rise by three percent. Room and board would go up one percent.

Researchers analyzed why some hospitals make big profits and found a surprise: Seven of the 10 most profitable hospitals are nonprofits, including one in Urbana, Illinois, where hospital tax exemptions are headed for a contentious court battle.

As the state budget impasse has entered an eleventh month, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner says he's hopeful a "grand bargain" can be worked out by the end of May.  But, he's leaving the bargaining to others.

Former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert was sentenced Wednesday to 15 months in prison for breaking federal banking rules in a scheme to cover up sexual abuse.

Non Tenure Track professors at ISU are showing solidarity with their counterparts at other budget strapped campuses with a demonstration on the quad.

The Head of the McLean County Board says work still needs to be done to adjust to same day voter registration. Students at Illinois State University had wait times of up to three hours on primary Election Day last month. Some left discouraged without voting.

The Illinois Senate has moved swiftly to approved a spending plan the House passed just Tuesday.

A development entity is urging the Bloomington and Normal City Councils to talk about a sales tax revenue sharing agreement.

A $207 million balanced budget for the next year is under consideration by the Bloomington City Council tonight. The proposal includes additional revenue from a sales tax passed last year and includes more spending for the city’s infrastructure.

The Bloomington Police Department says it can't prove who drove over grave markers and damaged them in connection with a Donald Trump rally. The department says it has declined to file charges in the case.

There's evidence the state budget standoff is hurting the economy in Illinois and in Bloomington Normal.

Illinois State University students complaining of long lines at the polls last month have a sympathetic ear in a McLean County Board member. During a Finance committee meeting, Erik Rankin echoed Illinois State University students’ frustrations after waiting hours in some cases to vote at the Bone Student Center in last month’s primary.