Illinois Public Media News

On The 21st: We learned about how the recent death of a Centennial High School student has sparked conversations about bullying, and had a wide-ranging discussion about the root of the problem and what can be done about it. We also learned about how the city of Galesburg has been trying to address lead in their water, and checked in with the LaSalle County Nursing Home about the last two weeks since a tornado touched down in their town.

An African-American student group is launching a campaign to pressure administrators to take steps to increase black enrollment at the University of Illinois. That included a demonstration in the middle of a U of I Board of Trustees meeting on the Urbana campus Wednesday.

Cronus Chemicals will start losing part of its nearly $40 million in state tax incentives if its proposed $1.9 billion ammonia fertilizer plant in Tuscola, Ill., is not operating by July 2, according to tax credit agreements.

Gov. Bruce Rauner’s new rules restricting overtime pay for home health aids passed a major test Tuesday. Starting August 1, caretakers will be limited to a 45-hour work-week. If people require more care, they’ll have to find an additional worker.

The Senior Digital Editor for CNBC talks about a recent visit to the University of Illinois Urbana campus, and the questions he got from journalism students.  He also discusses how financial reporting has changed since the 2008 financial crisis.

Interim Head Coach Jamall Walker picked up a victory in the Illini's NIT opener, 82-57 over Valparaiso at State Farm Center Tuesday night.  Malcolm Hill led the Illini with 25 points. Leron Black added a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, as the Illini advance to the second round to face the winner of Boise State and Utah, who play later Tuesday evening.

The developer who wants to renovate downtown Urbana’s Urbana Landmark Hotel made a presentation before the Urbana City Council Monday night. Dionis Rodriguez and his development firm Crimson Rock Capital have big plans for the 94-year-old building that closed last year --- but only if the city is ready to provide some financial assistance.

Matt Bollant has been fired as head women's basketball coach at Illinois after five seasons, compliing a record of 61-94, and 22-62 in the Big Ten Conference. The news comes three days after John Groce was fired as men's head basketball coach.  "I am excited to embrace a future for Illinois Women's Basketball where we realize the program's full - and virtually unlimited - potential," said U of I Athletic Director Josh Whitman.

On the 21st: We discussed the effectiveness of health apps and fitness trackers. Plus, a program in Peoria uses virtual reality to show kids the negative effects of smoking and vaping. And, we talked to two sports reporters about all things March Madness.

In his analysis piece for Illinois Issues, St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter Kevin McDermott states that Gov. Bruce Rauner has little to say to journalists, and that's not just a problem for reporters.