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The Illinois Senate left Springfield Thursday without voting on a bipartisan effort to end Illinois' budget stalemate. But hope springs eternal. The so-called grand bargain - devised earlier this month by the Senate's top leadership - was like a chili recipe where the cooks keep swapping ingredients. The latest version would increase the income tax by one-and-a-quarter percentage points, and further decrease government pensions.
On the 21st: We talked with scientists from across the state about their concerns regarding President Trump and the new administration, and spoke with a former Fermilab physicist who’s now in Congress. Plus, we learned about an idea for tuition-free college, and talked about a new project aimed at encouraging women with handwritten notes.
Gov. Bruce Rauner struck an upbeat tone in his third State of the State address Wednesday in Springfield.
He also tried to project an image of someone willing to compromise — but in such a way that Democrats say he glossed over his own role in the crisis that’s hobbling Illinois government.
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Michael Finke scored a game-high 17 points to help the Illini men break a three-game losing skid, winning 76-64 over the Iowa Hawkeyes last night in Champaign. Both teams are now in a five-way tie for 9th place in the Big Ten, with a conference record of 3-5. Illinois improves to 13-8 overall. Iowa drops to 11-10 on the year.
On the 21st: How would changes to the Affordable Care Act affect the million people in Illinois who receive coverage? We talk with health experts to get the latest. Plus, we discuss issues Illinois is facing heading into Gov. Rauner's "State of the State" address on Wednesday.
