Illinois Public Media News

Illinois has more than $100 billion in pension debt. So far, attempts to fix it have been mostly illegal.

It's been nearly a week since Decatur's 5-cent a gallon motor fuel tax, for street repairs, took effect.  The city is also is charging a extra penny for diesel fuel.  Jay Billingsley, a third-generation gas station owner, calls it a "tough pill to swallow," but says he also has many loyal customers.  Public Works Director Rick Marley says the tax is needed for "hundreds" of projects.

Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert is asking for probation in his hush-money case. His lawyers cite the former Illinois congressman's health and say in a new court filing that he's already paid a high price. They note Hastert's "fall from grace has been swift and devastating."  The Chicago Tribune Thursday cited unidentified law enforcement sources as saying at least four people have made "credible allegations of sexual abuse.'

High School social studies teacher Greg Stock was sworn in Tuesday night, after the Champaign City Council chose him from a field of ten applicants to take the District Four council seat left vacant by the departure of Marci Dodds.

Bees are essential to our lives, yet they are dying by the thousands. Experts say there's no one solution for protecting them.