Illinois Public Media News

A court filing by Illinois’ Attorney General seeks to halt state worker paychecks by the end of February, and not let them resume until there’s agreement on a state budget. But it’s not yet clear if Thursday’s action would extend to University of Illinois employees. 

U of I spokesperson Tom Hardy says the system’s legal office is reviewing Lisa Madigan’s motion.

The American Lung Association's national “State of Tobacco Report” gives Illinois failing grades in four areas. They include Funding for State Tobacco Prevention Programs, Level of State Tobacco Taxes, Coverage and Access to Services to Quit Tobacco, and Minimum Age of Sale for Tobacco Products to 21. 

On the 21st: We heard from women who participated in marches last week about what next steps they are planning. Plus, we spoke with an Urbana High School student who was mentored by Steve Shoemaker for 12 years.

The concert pianist previewed his upcoming performances and discussed his recent tour with Illinois Public Media's Brian Moline. Gindes will perform Saturday night at Smith Hall on the University of Illinois Urbana campus.

On Saturday, January 28, 64 teams of kids in fourth through eighth grade will gather on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus and compete in solving practical problems using programmable toy robots.

The event is called a “Lego League” tournament, one of many around the world.  It’s being held at the ARC --- the Activities and Recreation Center on Peabody Drive on the U of I campus.