Illinois Public Media News

The new state budget awaiting Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s signature includes what advocates say is a much-needed $80 million increase in funding for mental health and addiction treatment.

For almost two weeks, there were reports of at least 8 tornadoes across the country. Many of those were here in the Midwest. Why this is happening, and how can we talk to kids about it? Plus, a new report from the Erikson Institute looks into early childhood well-being. And, we'll speak with Alex Pancoe, a Highland Park native who recently got back from climbing Mount Everest during a deadly climbing season. 

Loneliness in older adults can lead to serious health problems. This is especially an issue in rural America, where seniors may be more isolated. Senior centers were created to combat this
problem, but they face challenges of their own.

Jury selection moves into its second day Tuesday at the federal courthouse in Peoria, in the capital murder trial of the man accused in the disappearance of University of Illinois visiting scholar Yingying Zhang.

University of Illinois President Timothy Killeen is “delighted” and “very excited” about the funding increase for higher education included in the newly approved state budget. He said the investment in higher education spending represents an “historic turn in absolutely the right direction,” Killeen said.