Illinois Public Media News

On the 21st: More farmers are installing solar panels on their land - in part because crop prices are falling and the state is providing incentives. But some worry that it’s a waste of Illinois’ fertile soil. And, funding for federal elections has gone down in Illinois over the years. Plus, the debate over a hate crimes bill has put Republican lawmakers on one side, and Indiana’s Republican governor on the other. And find out what two U of I alums are doing to save endangered penguins.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he’s counting on new taxes to help close the state’s 3.2 billion dollar budget hole. NPR Illinois reporters are taking a closer look at some of his ideas. First up, Jaclyn Driscoll breaks down the biggest chunk of revenue in Pritzker’s proposal - a tax on health insurers.

Organizers of the Buy into Western Illinois University petition drive feel their effort has taken on greater urgency in the aftermath of the latest round of layoffs at the institution.  Western sent 132 layoff notices to faculty and staff from across the university on March 1.

One million dollars --- that’s how much the Illinois treasurer’s office says about 9,000 private-sector employees have set aside so far, through Illinois’ new Secure Choice auto-enroll workplace retirement program.

On The 21st: Last year, fewer than 4 percent of incoming medical students in Illinois were black men. What’s behind that and what should be done about it? Plus, states are getting ready to make their own rules when it comes to sports betting. Here in Illinois, both Democrats and Republicans say it’s time to get in on this growing market. And, Governor JB Pritzker wants to change our state’s income tax so that higher-earners pay more. It’ll take a constitutional amendment and it’s going to be a long political fight.