The Metro East county could become the 27th in downstate Illinois to vote on possibly seceding to form a new state. Political and legal experts believe separation is highly improbable.

The number of U.S. children dying from gunshot wounds has climbed in recent years. Keeping guns out of reach is one way to curb the trend — others argue to teach kids to handle guns responsibly.

The UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership, the Institute of Government and Public Affairs and the Illinois Innovation Network are co-hosting two days of presentations, discussion and networking around policy and social innovation. Interim director of the U of I Institute of Government and Public Affairs (IGPA) David Merriman, Associate Vice President at the University of Illinois System Jeannette Tamayo, and Executive Director for the Center for State Policy and Leadership at UIS Molly Lamb spoke to Community Voices about the many offerings during the two days.To register visit: https://appserv7.admin.uillinois.edu/FormBuilderSurvey/Survey/center_for_state_policy_and_leadership/conferences/cspl_events_april2024/Survey

A U.S. Supreme Court decision last year stripping wetlands of most federal protections is drawing more attention to the threatened ecosystems, and what states can do in response.

Some states make it much easier to get on the ballot as a minor-party presidential candidate, compared with running as an independent. That's why RFK Jr. and Cornel West have made their own parties.

The guitarist and arranger for one of the world's biggest rock bands is also a composer, whose work on Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film is up for an Oscar.