Illinois Public Media News

Now Illinois is $130 billion away from having its pension systems fully funded. The debt is the standing legacy of the 100-plus years of missed opportunity. Those contributions that Illinois never made could’ve sat in investments and banks, accruing interest and returns — namely the world’s postwar boom that has only lately started to subside. Public employees are in the political crosshairs through no fault of their own.

Members of the Illinois Senate return to Springfield Tuesday. They’re once again expected to vote on a deal meant to end Illinois’ budget stalemate.

Chicago Public Schools officials are seeking a preliminary injunction barring the state of Illinois from disbursing education funds until it adequately funds the state's largest school district. Faced with a huge deficit and an upcoming teacher pension payment, CEO Forrest Claypool says the Chicago school year could end three weeks early if the state doesn't come through with funds.

On the 21st: We learned why some Illinois residents are frustrated with Washington lawmakers representing their districts. Plus, we discussed recent reports of sexual assault on college campuses in Illinois and got the latest in Illinois politics from reporters across the state.

The Dean of Libraries on the University of Illinois Urbana campus says he is not a candidate for the permanent provost position.  Wilkin says chancellor Robert Jones hopes to have a permanent provost in place in about 8-12 months.