From the WGLT newsroom, I'm Ben Howell. Use of a statewide domestic violence hotline sharply increased last year. A new report says calls rose 26% compared to 2023. The greatest increases were in Livingston, Logan, and Pyatt counties. Emuna McClerkin is a data and research associate for the Network, an advocacy group who tallied the data.

From the WGLT newsroom, I'm Ben Howell. Use of a statewide domestic violence hotline sharply increased last year. A new report says calls rose 26% compared to 2023. The greatest increases were in Livingston, Logan, and Pyatt counties. Emuna McClerkin is a data and research associate for the Network, an advocacy group who tallied the data.

And the growth in context to the hotline does not necessarily reflect a growth in domestic violence. What it could reflect is a growth in the awareness and capacity of the hotline. McClerkin says the hotline hired two service coordinators tasked with increasing awareness in central and southern Illinois. A federal judge has sentenced former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan to 7.5 years in prison.

And the growth in context to the hotline does not necessarily reflect a growth in domestic violence. What it could reflect is a growth in the awareness and capacity of the hotline. McClerkin says the hotline hired two service coordinators tasked with increasing awareness in central and southern Illinois. A federal judge has sentenced former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan to 7.5 years in prison.

By 3 years' probation for his conviction on corruption charges. Madigan also must pay a $2.5 million fine. Madigan told the judge he was truly sorry for putting the people of the state of Illinois through this. In February, a jury found Madigan guilty of bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud, and other crimes. The 83-year-old Madigan had asked the judge if he could spend his final days with his family.

By 3 years' probation for his conviction on corruption charges. Madigan also must pay a $2.5 million fine. Madigan told the judge he was truly sorry for putting the people of the state of Illinois through this. In February, a jury found Madigan guilty of bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud, and other crimes. The 83-year-old Madigan had asked the judge if he could spend his final days with his family.

Governor JB Pritzker and Congressman Darren LaHood poked at each other during Thursday's House Oversight Committee hearing on sanctuary cities. LaHood was a guest of the committee. He used his time to slam Pritzker over flaws in the state, including what he said was the highest combined state and local tax burden in the country. Pritzker.

Governor JB Pritzker and Congressman Darren LaHood poked at each other during Thursday's House Oversight Committee hearing on sanctuary cities. LaHood was a guest of the committee. He used his time to slam Pritzker over flaws in the state, including what he said was the highest combined state and local tax burden in the country. Pritzker.

Counter punched. Thank you, Congressman. I'm glad to see you here. I know you were unwilling to meet with your constituents about the Medicaid cuts that you answer the question. Pritzker has been talked about as a potential presidential candidate in the next election cycle. LaHood is considering a run for the US Senate seat opened by Dick Durbin's coming retirement.

Counter punched. Thank you, Congressman. I'm glad to see you here. I know you were unwilling to meet with your constituents about the Medicaid cuts that you answer the question. Pritzker has been talked about as a potential presidential candidate in the next election cycle. LaHood is considering a run for the US Senate seat opened by Dick Durbin's coming retirement.

McLean County's new World Transportation Service will be free to passengers when it starts July 1st. The county has directed Connect Transit to apply for federal funding to cover its costs. County Board Chair Elizabeth Johnston says the service, branded as Connect Go will hopefully improve service long term.

McLean County's new World Transportation Service will be free to passengers when it starts July 1st. The county has directed Connect Transit to apply for federal funding to cover its costs. County Board Chair Elizabeth Johnston says the service, branded as Connect Go will hopefully improve service long term.

So I'm very

So I'm very

excited.

excited.

about the ideas that Connect Transit has, um, to expand the services and to create something that is more sustainable and user friendly for our rural

about the ideas that Connect Transit has, um, to expand the services and to create something that is more sustainable and user friendly for our rural

residents. The county pulled out of a multi-county agreement with Showbus for rural transportation. I'm Ben.

residents. The county pulled out of a multi-county agreement with Showbus for rural transportation. I'm Ben.