Illinois Public Media News

On the north side of Champaign, a seven-block section of residential neighborhood is being torn down. City officials say all of the old houses that made up Bristol Place will be gone by the end of the year, to be replaced by entirely new housing --- and, they hope, better living conditions.

Governor Bruce Rauner came to the University of Illinois’ Urbana-Champaign campus Wednesday to sign a bill streamlining the procurement process for state institutions. The bill (SB 8) regulates purchases throughout state government. But the measure is one that state universities have particularly wanted to speed up the process of purchasing goods and equipment.

On the 21st: Two years of unpaid bills during the state’s budget impasse have driven many doctors into debt. What does all this mean for Medicaid patients in Illinois? Plus, we spoke with Cairo mayor Tyrone Coleman following HUD Secretary Ben Carson's visit regarding public housing development.

During its two-year state budget crisis, Illinois racked up more than $3 billion in debt to providers who serve the state’s most vulnerable patients - and it could be months, even years, before it’s all paid off. And some doctors in private practice are being pushed to the brink as they wait.

Another voice is urging Gov. Bruce Rauner to work with the budget that was passed over his objections.