Illinois Public Media News

Gridlock has kept money from going to higher education in Illinois since July. Then, in a matter of hours on Thursday, Democratic lawmakers approved a plan that would pump $720 million into the system. Republicans are calling it a "cruel hoax" that's giving students false hope, even though they, too, say they want to help higher ed.

Trevor Thompson scored 16 points and Ohio State survived a furious comeback by Illinois to win in overtime Thursday night, 68-63.
 

Carle will file its appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court by the February 9th deadline.  Earlier this month, a state appellate court ruled Illinois' law governing when hospitals are property tax exempt for charity care is unconstitutional. A Carle spokesperson says it's about "protecting the community's health care resources."

Democratic legislators have approved $721 million for tuition grants and community colleges. But Republicans call it an empty promise because Illinois still doesn't have a budget.  Gov. Bruce Rauner has already indicated he'll veto the measure.

Gov. Bruce Rauner gave his second state of the state address Wednesday; he got a largely tepid response.