Natasha Korecki
Several small cities in southern Illinois are preparing for visitors to come and see a total solar eclipse on Aug. 21. This will be the first in the mainland U.S. in almost four decades.
AP File Photo

Preparing For Eclipse; Senate Bill 1 Override; Donors Help Flooded Libraries; Video Game Art Gallery

On the 21st: The Senate took a big step toward passing a major school funding bill by overriding Governor Rauner’s veto, and the House will vote this Wednesday. When can public schools across the state expect to get the money they are owed? Plus — there’s only one more week until the total solar eclipse. We’ll tell you what you need to know to get ready for this once-in-a-lifetime chance.

Senate President John Cullerton, Gov. Bruce Rauner, and House Speaker Michael Madigan are pictured in file photos.
Brian Mackey/NPR Illinois

Illinois’ Third Year Without a Budget Looms Ahead; Airport Security; Levee Dispute; Sports Update

On today's 21st: Illinois is getting national attention today because if lawmakers do not reach an agreement by tomorrow, the state enters an unprecedented third year without a budget. Plus, we look at the Trump administration's announcement that airlines need to step up security, Illinois and Missouri's dispute over a levee, and WBEZ's Cheryl Raye Stout gives an update on Chicago sports.

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