Read the transcript from our latest podcast: State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, talks with Shaw Local reporter Bill Freskos about rural healthcare access, the state of local hospitals and more

State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, talks with Shaw Local reporter Bill Freskos about rural healthcare access, the state of local hospitals and her objectives in the Illinois General Assembly

The Illinois State Police have announced that data from 2024 shows a decrease in shootings on Illinois interstate roads for the third year in a row.

Following almost a year of legal battles and fierce public opposition from many customers, water utility Aqua Illinois is set to raise its rates in 2025, impacting water customers in 14 northern Illinois counties.

What policies would you support to ease the burden on Illinois taxpayers? David Simpson: Equal education funding across the state will lower property tax.

Should Illinois impose a state parks fee that is earmarked for maintenance of those facilities? If so, how should it be implemented? Randi Olson: At this point, there should not be a state park fee. At some point, there is a possibility we might need one.

House Bill 5134 would require those convicted of sex trafficking, involuntary servitude, and involuntary sexual servitude of a minor to register as a sex offender

State. Rep. Jeff Keicher, R-Sycamore, was appointed this week to serve on the Illinois Human Trafficking Task Force in Springfield, according to a news release from the legislator’s office.

Crystal Loughran on repealing the SAFE-T Act: "We need stiffer sentencing guidelines giving criminals more jail time and the possibility of criminals seeing up to 80% of their sentences." Read her full questionnaire here.