For it's 41st year, the student-run film festival, The Big Muddy takes off next week.

The festival showcases independent filmmakers from all over the world for a week, at no cost.

President of the Big Muddy Crew Aster Arseneau says for the southern Illinois region, the festival is a cultural institution.

"Well, I'm from Carbondale, and I feel this is a love letter to Carbondale from me since I'm leaving soon because it allows people to see films they wouldn't see anywhere else," Arseneau said.

Illinois Democrats have introduced two measures that would expand abortion access in the state by removing a parental notification requirement and a ban on late-term abortions.

The Chicago Tribune reports the proposed legislation was filed Wednesday. One bill would repeal the state's parental notice law, which requires minors notify a legal guardian before having an abortion.

President Donald Trump is saying he needs to use emergency powers to protect the nation from drug dealers and illegal immigrants.

The president Friday declared a national emergency and plans to find other funds for the wall after expressing unhappiness about a congressional border security deal.

President Trump spoke about border security at the White House. Congress passed a compromise spending measure Thursday to avert a government that includes some funding for the border barrier. But the White House says Trump will also sign an emergency declaration that will allow him to divert additional funds to build a wall as he has long promised.

The Illinois House Thursday joined the Senate, which had previously passed a bill to increase the state minimum wage.

The current eight dollars 25 cents an hour will gradually rise to 15 bucks an hour by 2025.

The first signing class is set to go for the inaugural season of SIU Saluki women's soccer.

Head coach Grant Williams Thursday announced the first 20 players...18 of them freshmen.

SIU Trustees have set tuition and fee rates for next year - with no increase for undergraduates or graduate students on the Carbondale campus.

GasBuddy's 2019 Consumer Sentiment on Gasoline Study reveals Americans are more dependent on and frustrated by fuel purchases than ever before.

The study finds a staggering 86 percent of Americans depending on gasoline for their everyday lives.

Additional key findings:

The Wayne County Sheriff's Office, Fairfield Police Department and U-S Marshall Service are actively searching for an escapee from a work release program.

Having the wool pulled over your eyes by someone you love is one thing, but imagine unknowingly becoming an accomplice to crime.

Jessica Tharp, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Central Illinois, explains singles looking for a love connection online may fall prey to scammers who use affection to manipulate victims out of their money.