Illinois public schools could receive a $700 million funding increase.
( KTRS ) Illinois public schools could receive a $700 million increase to battle poverty under a budget plan proposed by the House majority leader. Democrat Barbara Flynn Currie’s legislation includes more than $5 billion for K-12 education. $700 million of that has been designated for “equity grant” funding. The spending plan would force Republican…
Illinois House Democrats defy governor, push own budget
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – The Democratic-led Illinois House passed a budget for next year in defiance of Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s wish for pro-business legislation he wants. Republicans howled in protest Wednesday after Democrats stopped debate on the budget plan and voted to pass it 63-53 vote. The state has been without a spending plan…
Belleville man charged in Washington Ave shooting
( KTRS ) One suspect is facing charges connected to a fatal carjacking on Washington Avenue in downtown St. Louis over the weekend. Police say that 19-year-old Ross Randolph of Belleville , IL. was one of two men involved in the shooting death of Brandi Hill. Investigators say the suspects approached Hill’s car, pulled passenger…
Wait for tax refunds in Missouri could stretch to ten weeks
(KTRS) – If you procrastinated in filing you tax returns, you may be waiting a while to get a refund from Missouri. The Post-Dispatch reports waits for refunds could extend to ten weeks. The Department of Revenue says they are trying to crack down on fraudulent returns and that is slowing the process. In 2014,…
Illinois lawmakers approve plan to keep guns from those with mental disability
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – Illinois lawmakers have approved a measure designed to prevent people with mental disabilities from owning guns. A proposal sponsored by Democratic Sen. Julie Morrison and Rep. Michael Zalewski strengthens existing law by requiring circuit court clerks to report the names of people a judge deems mentally disabled to the Illinois State…
Illinois pushes legal aid for juveniles in murder cases
( KTRS ) Illinois lawmakers are considering a measure that would require a lawyer to be present when police question juveniles younger than 15 in murder or sex offense investigations. Illinois currently mandates legal representation for children younger than 13 in those cases, even if they’re not the targets of the criminal probe. Juvenile interrogations…