Illinois Public Media News

On The 21st: Why are so many high school grads here in Illinois leaving the state for college? Plus, with farm income down and more farmers filing for bankruptcy, comparisons are being drawn to the crisis of the 1980s. But economists are hesitant to call it that. And, recovery efforts continue across the Midwest after massive flooding forced thousands of people out of their homes. Also, we're talking March Madness. 

State Rep. Karina Villa is a 40-year-old Democrat representing West Chicago. She's one of dozens of fresh faces at the Illinois State Capitol this year and also one of seven lawmakers in the House of Representatives whose election flipped a red seat blue -- from Republican to Democrat.

Experts often blame the painkiller fentanyl for skyrocketing overdose deaths among illegal drug users. Now a series of deaths at an Ohio hospital is raising questions about oversight in prescribing the drug. 

On The 21st: Why is using the word 'crisis' detrimental when we're talking about Illinois' pension situation? Plus, Terry Allen has been in an Illinois prison for 36 years, even though he was never sentenced for the crime that got him there in the first place. And, we'll talk about how difficult it can be for those with student debt to become homeowners. 

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has agreed to pay raises and money owed to the state’s more than 40,000 child care workers and home aides.