© 2026 NPR Illinois
For your right to be curious.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Build a transformational philanthropy program for this trusted NPR affiliate.
Seeking a 100% major gift fundraiser passionate about public media to develop relationships with people who support an informed and civil central Illinois.
Hire will have community visibility, many prospects, and professional resources.
Interviews in progress, open until filled. Apply now.

Are you availabile to be a local fill-in anchor on Morning Edition and/or All Things Considered?
Must be available with notice either weekdays from 5:30 to 9 a.m. and/or 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Apply by June 5, 5 p.m.

State Week: Education is a winner in new state budget

State Week logo (capitol dome)
Brian Mackey
/
NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS

This week, Gov. Pritzker signed the new budget. It takes effect July 1. Included in the spending plan is a much larger investment in education.

We examine the funding for pre-school and child care, additional funds for K-12 schools and an increase to help colleges and universities.

The governor also signed a law aimed at preventing "venue shopping" in lawsuits that challenge the Illinois Constitution. It requires those cases be filed in either Cook or Sangamon County.

And a quick update on what the Chicago Bears may be thinking when it comes to finding a new home field.

Host Sean Crawford is joined by Professor Emeritus Charlie Wheeler and Capitol News Illinois Reporter Peter Hancock.

The former director of the Public Affairs Reporting (PAR) graduate program is Professor Charles N. Wheeler III, a veteran newsman who came to the University of Illinois at Springfield following a 24-year career at the Chicago Sun-Times.
Peter Hancock joined the Capitol News Illinois team as a reporter in January 2019.
Related Stories