Illinois Public Media News

The Illinois House and Senate both voted Friday morning to approve a $600 million short-term funding fix for financially struggling colleges and universities that have been without funding during the state budget stalemate.

A judge has dismissed criminal charges against Jack McCullough, but is making no immediate decision on a request to appoint a special prosecutor in the case of the 76-year-old man who a state's attorney says was wrongly convicted in a 1957 killing.  

On The 21st: Thursday night, Illinois university presidents awaited news of a funding measure that would’ve provided them with the first state funds in almost a year - until it fell through. We spoke with an statehouse reporter in Springfield who filled us in on Friday's activities, including the eventual passage of a bill that would enable funding for state universities. Plus, we spoke with choreographer Endalyn Taylor about the musical, Kiss Me, Kate, and her dance career; the Midwest and Jewish origins of one of America's most popular cookbooks; and we honor Prince with a song.

Busey Bank held its annual Champaign County economic seminar Thursday morning.  The company reports that most economic indicators in the county, including retail sales, major payrolls, and new home construction are higher than a year ago.  But the picture isn’t entirely rosy. 

To the shock of Republicans, the Democratic sponsor of a bill to provide partial state funding for state colleges and universities withdrew her measure just before a scheduled vote Thursday night.