Illinois Public Media News

Galesburg Register-Mail reporter Marty Hobe says that while tests of Galesburg tap water reveals high lead levels, the problem there is not the same as the problem facing Flint, Michigan.

Thanks to a law signed last week, Illinois' public universities and community colleges are finally getting state money for the first time since last summer. Now, more could be on the way.

Economist David Merriman with the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs says a graduated income tax makes sense for the state, but questions the proposed rates currently on the table.  Merriman discusses the proposals with Illinois Public Media's Brian Moline.

As the state budget impasse has entered an eleventh month, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner says he's hopeful a "grand bargain" can be worked out by the end of May; but he's leaving the bargaining to others.

Groups of legislators have been meeting in private, attempting to hammer out compromises. Rauner says even though he's the governor he's not directly involved in talks.

On a 105 to 7 vote members of the Illinois House voted to give up the power of drawing their own districts. The remap proposal would give that authority to a court-appointed panel. 

After a dearth of redistricting opportunities, there's a chance Illinois voters could be faced with several options in the November election.