Lutheran Social Services of Illinois President Mark Stutrud talks with Amanda Vinicky about how the state budget impasse is affecting social services.

The Parkland College Board gave its tentative approval Wednesday night to a 12% tuition and fee increase for the next academic year, as well as cuts in the Champaign community college's tuition waiver program. Parkland President Tom Ramage says the cuts are just part of what's proposed to adjust to an expected 50% cut in state funding for fiscal year 2017.

It's a week into the New Year, and gyms across the country are packed with people who've vowed to get in shape.  Illinois Public Radio's Statehouse Bureau Chief Amanda Vinicky had resolved to be one of them ... but admits -- already, she's fallen short. Maybe Illinois' leaders will have better luck.  Vinicky asked around for their civic-minded resolutions. 

The Flash Index to the Illinois economy fell to 105.5 in December, from its November level of 106.1. Any reading above 100 reflects economic growth. But the December reading was the lowest in 2015 --- in fact the lowest reading since March, 2013.

Illinois’ top leaders have put off discussing how to resolve the state’s budget impasse until January. But given the state's growing deficit, they'll eventually confront the problem, including the need to find new revenue sources for state government.  The leading group for retirees is on the offensive over one particular tax break.