Illinois Public Media News

On the 21st: We visit a music class at Leal elementary school and learn about a new research study exploring the factors that influence children's pursuit of music lessons. We also discussed how the lack of volunteers enlisting in local fire departments in recent years is affecting communities in Illinois, and checked in with social service agencies following Governor Rauner's budget address.

"The long-standing assumption is that fungicides won't be toxic to insects," says May Berenbaum, an entomologist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. But Berenbaum and her colleagues found, in a study published Monday by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, that fungicides can harm bees by making it harder for them to metabolize their food.

In their second debate, the three women seeking the Democratic nomination for Urbana mayor weighed in on downtown and 'family friendly' events, but also had a chance to highlight what set them apart, each answering questions direct specifically about them. An audience of about 100 attended the event at Riggs Brewery, hosted by the Champaign County Young Democrats, Chambana Moms, and Smile Politely.

Champaign Unit 4 has promoted from within for its next superintendent. The school board announced Wednesday night that Susan Zola, currently serving as the District's Assistant Superintendent for Achievement, Curriculum, and Instruction at the District's 12 elementary schools will take over for the retiring Judy Wiegand on July 1. Zola was chosen from three candidates after a national search was conducted.

Governor Bruce Rauner gave his third annual budget address to the General Assembly today.  Here are his full remarks, with explanatory notes from Illinois Public Radio reporters.