The Illinois National Guard is addressing sexual violence, self-directed harm, and workplace harassment.

The 21st was joined by the Illinois National Guard's public affairs director and command historian to talk about the group's history, from their inception in the 1700s all the way through the modern age. 

Lincoln’s Challenge Academy in Rantoul will delay the start of its next class to make sure the state plans to pay its share of the school’s costs amid the ongoing budget impasse. And it isn't the first time this has happened.

Authorities near one levee in far southwestern Illinois are being told to move to higher ground.  The county board in Alexander County issued an emergency evacuation Friday.  Meanwhile, Governor Bruce Rauner ordered the Illinois National Guard to help with the recovery effort.   

The National Guard-run program for at-risk youth in Rantoul was able to continue as scheduled in summer 2015, delayed only slightly to determine if staff could be paid during Illinois' budget impasse.  But that same lack of a budget is giving off an impression that Lincoln's Challenge is not taking new cadets, just weeks from when the next class is scheduled to start.