Illinois Public Media News

'The Black White Love Play', an original musical written by Jackie Taylor, CEO of Chicago's Black Ensemble Theater, delves into the courtship of Roger and Chaz Ebert, and their more than 20 years of marriage. 

It's been nine months since Illinois' income tax rate dropped when a temporary tax hike rolled back on January first. And though the state is operating without a budget, Illinois is already spending over 90 percent of what it spent last year...which has already led to a cash shortage.

Texas authorities say Sandra Bland hanged herself in her jail cell, but Sandra Bland's sister, Sharon Cooper, says "she had everything to live for."  

The llinois Department of Transportation may be wrapping up its busy construction season, but the upcoming winter will mean more repairs for road crews to work on next summer. But that depends on getting a state budget in place first.

Illinois State Senator Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon) calls 10-term incumenbent John Shimkus a career politician who's making decisions to appeal to special interests. The Republican is challenging Shimkus in the 33-county 15th Congressional District.