College students rallied in the state Capitol rotunda Wednesday. They’re urging lawmakers to restore state funding to universities and community colleges. State schools have already cut faculty, classes, and services. But thousands of public and private Illinois college students may have to drop out if lawmakers don’t revive low-income MAP grants for next semester.

Over the summer, Hannah Meisel took a look at how the lack of a full state budget was affecting businesses in university towns. This week, Illinois Issues is revisiting that story because as the budget impasse drags on, several universities could face fiscal crisis and college-town economies continue to suffer.

The political spotlight has shifted to the election, but the state budget crisis continues to cost the people of Illinois.

Democratic leaders in the legislature and Gov. Bruce Rauner appear to be close to a deal to approve some funding for social service providers, higher education, capital construction and state operations. The proposal would also fund K-12 schools for all of next fiscal year. But the plan can’t erase the destruction caused by the state going for a year without a budget.​​

On the 21st: There are more than 175,000 Illinois kids with a parent in prison - we spoke with some of these families and the organizations that help them stay in touch. Also, a fusion energy testing facility is starting operations in Illinois. And $600 million will soon start flowing to Illinois colleges and universities. We spoke with the president of Western Illinois University about what this means for his campus.