Illinois Public Media News

On The 21st: We spoke with writer Garrard Conley about his memoir, 'Boy Erased.' We also spoke about a soil testing startup that aims to fine-tune the way farmers apply fertilizers.

Thursday marked the last meeting of the Champaign Unit 4 Tier 2 Facilities Committee, which unanimously agreed that Central High School should remain on site and expand, rather than be torn down and rebuilt. The panel didn't endorse a specific financial package for a fall bond issue that would also include additions at Centennial High School, and work on as many as four other school district buildings. 

On The 21st: We spoke with 14-year-old Wilmette resident Jack Yonover, writer and director of the film "That Bites," and discussed child food allergies with the director of the first downstate food allergies program. Plus, the TSA says waits at the nation's airports are getting shorter; and, we celebrate 30 years since the debut of "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."

Moody's Investors Services has lowered the state's credit rating another level, to Baa2, two levels above "junk" status, citing the "political gridlock" that's blocked Illinois from having a budget for more than a year. Gov. Bruce Rauner says this news "underscores the need for real structural changes to repair the years of unbalanced budgets and deficit spending by the majority party on Illinois’ finances."

There are more differences than similarities, according to a professor who has researched the issues and taught in both states.  Illinois Public Media's Brian Moline spoke with Nancy Hudspeth of Cal State Stanislaus.