Illinois House to vote on changes to workers’ compensation

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Democratic Speaker Michael Madigan says the Illinois House will consider changes to the state’s workers’ compensation insurance system when it reconvenes Thursday. Madigan put out a release Wednesday noting overhauling workers’ compensation is one of Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s top priorities. Madigan says considering the legislation shows lawmakers are “willing to…

Aide who handled Schock’s travel testifies before grand jury

(KTRS) Former U.S. Rep Aaron Schock’s executive assistant testified before a federal grand jury investigating allegations of improper spending by the onetime rising Republican star. Sarah Rogers was in Springfield’s federal building for a total of five hours Wednesday. But her attorney, Bill Coffield, says she did not testify the entire time. Prosecutors began reviewing…

Missouri Higher Education commissioner announces retirement

( KTRS ) A top Missouri higher education official says he’s retiring next year. Higher Education Commissioner David Russell on Wednesday announced plans to leave the position Jan. 1. Russell replaced former Commissioner Robert Stein upon his retirement in 2010. The 67-year-old Russell leads the Coordinating Board for Higher Education. Among the board’s responsibilities are…

MoDOT wants ideas for improvements to Interstate 70

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Facing limited funding and a cross-state highway in need of improvements, the Missouri Department of Transportation is asking for suggestions from the public on ways to turn Interstate 70 into a “highway of the future.” Stephen Miller, chairman of the Missouri State Highways and Transportation Commission, said Wednesday the transportation…