Illinois Public Media News

A statewide series of forums this year found plenty of concern about the direction Illinois is heading.  But we also found work is being done at the local level to solve some of the problems.

As life expectancy increases, farmers are staying in the business, but there’s still a need to plan for what happens when they die. At the same time, young farmers who come from non-farming backgrounds are looking for the space to grow their own careers.

The Urbana City Council endorsed the repeal of its ordinance against aggressive panhandling Monday night, after the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups that advocate for the homeless urged city leaders to do so to avoid potential litigation.

On the 21st: If you think that only science, math and history are the keys to success in school, think again. A new study links art and PE to graduation rates. And, a new program from the City of Champaign and the nonprofit C-U at Home is helping put people struggling with homelessness to work. But first, we update you on three congressional races in northern and northwestern Illinois.

Two years ago, Democrat George Danos lost a bid (his second one) for Champaign County Auditor to Republican John Farney by just 36 votes. Farney is now interim County Treasurer. And Danos is running again for auditor --- this time, against Farney’s replacement, Diane Michaels.