PNS Daily Newscast - April 20, 2018
The DOJ delivers the Comey memos to Congress. Also on our rundown: More evidence that rent prices are out of reach in many markets; Wisconsin counties brace for sulfide mining; and the Earth Day focus this weekend in North Dakota is on recycling.

Public News Service - IL: Budget Policy & Priorities

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As Americans are dropping their checks in the mail to pay Uncle Sam, advocates in Illinois are calling for a fair tax for the state. Illinois is just one of a handful of states in the nation with a flat tax. On Tuesday, Republicans in Springfield united against the idea of

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Seven in 10 juveniles arrested in Illinois have underlying mental health issues, and advocates are urging lawmakers to offer them treatment rather than jail time. According to the report “Stemming the Tide,” 30,000 young people have been arrested and 11,000 in

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Thousands of college students in Illinois became eligible to receive SNAP benefits at the first of the year, but many don't realize it. So now a campaign is under way to let the students know about their eligibility so they won't drop out of school because of financial rea

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Illinois lawmakers have been discussing funding for so-called safety-net hospitals: those that are required to provide medical services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay, and that often are the only facilities that will accept low-income patients. The facilities a

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A teacher shortage continues to plague Illinois, especially its southern counties. A new survey by the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools finds nearly 80 percent of districts have fewer teachers than they need. The group's president, Mark Jontry,

PARK RIDGE, Ill. -- A program that helps homeless young women in Illinois is taking a new approach with the new year. The Harbour began in 1971 and now serves 39 communities in the state, offering a safe place to stay for girls and young women. Executive Director Kris Salyards said in a tense situ

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Even though Illinois lawmakers approved a long overdue state budget over the summer, the effects of not having one for so long are still being felt across the state. Illinois has racked up $15 billion of unpaid bills and owes $250 billion in pensions to state workers when

CHICAGO – While many children are now heading back to school in Illinois and around the country, many other children who are victims of the crisis in Syria are suffering and not able to attend class. According to the United Nations, many children who have fled their war-torn countries with t