News Local/State
Champaign's finance director says finances have improved as he prepared to step down from the job he's held for 31 years. Richard Schnuer touts the city's AAA bond rating from two agencies, as well as investments in infrastructure and downtown development the past few years. "We just don't throw money at developers without knowing the outcome," he says.
News Local/State
President Obama reflected on the achievements of his eight years in the White House on Tuesday night, telling supporters in his hometown of Chicago that they were instrumental in helping him boost the nation's economy, create his signature health care reform law and extend equal rights to more Americans.
News Local/State
The NPR Politics team and reporters across the newsroom will be live-annotating President Obama's farewell address in Chicago on Tuesday night, scheduled to begin at 8 pm CT. The team will be adding fact-checks and background to Obama's comments as he gives them. We'll be watching in particular for remarks on his legacy, national security, health care and foreign policy, among other topics.
News Local/State
State Rep. Michael Madigan on Wednesday will seek his 17th term as speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. He's not expected to have any trouble winning. Gov. Bruce Rauner and his fellow Republicans have spent years vilifying Madigan. But lately the party has gone further, trying to sway House Democrats away from re-electing Madigan as their leader.
News Local/State
Three finalists for the job of Champaign Unit Four district superintendent will come to town next week, for interviews
News Local/State
Details of a massive, bipartisan compromise meant to end Illinois' budget stalemate emerged Monday in the Illinois Senate. But the plan has been put on hold until the new General Assembly is seated later this month.
News Local/State
Over the summer, Hannah Meisel took a look at how the lack of a full state budget was affecting businesses in university towns. This week, Illinois Issues is revisiting that story because as the budget impasse drags on, several universities could face fiscal crisis and college-town economies continue to suffer.
News Local/State
A business that works to connect those who qualify for medical marijuana to the product, and proper use of it, will open its first downstate clinic in less than a month. Caprice Sweatt, the founder and CEO of Medical Cannabis Outreach says its Shelbyville location will help those whose doctors still don’t approve of using the drug.
News Local/State
New Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb says the state can't become complacent in spurring economic growth.
News Local/State
University of Illinois leaders are recommending no increase in tuition for in-state students for the third straight year. If approved by university Trustees at their meeting in Chicago next week, this proposal would mark the 3-campus system’s longest rate freeze in 40 years. Tuition would go up 1.8 percent for graduate students, and out-of-state and international students.
