A study by Third Way, a nonpartisan research group that tries to straddle Washington’s ideological lines, finds that “expensive” schools actually are worth the cost, in part because they offer so much financial aid. But “cheaper” schools that force students into loan programs rank worse, with fewer students graduating and relatively few of them landing top-paying jobs.

WTF?

The article shows that compared with the national average, Illinois used to be a relatively low-expenditure, low-revenue state. This changed in the mid-1990s, when, unlike the typical U.S. state, Illinois began consistently spending more than it brought in. A major contributor to this budgetary imbalance was the accumulation of pension liabilities.

These organizations are being forced to get creative with their funding efforts by reaching out to new donors, mobilizing their board of directors and utilizing social media for marketing.

Schools across Illinois have until August 22 to decide if they’ll place a tax hike question on the November ballot. “It appears there are a lot of districts considering taking a step toward a referendum, either in November or maybe next year,” Illinois Association of School Boards spokesman Gary Adkins said.

As Illinois battled to overcome the Great Depression, another fight simmered in the Executive Mansion. Democratic Gov. Henry Horner, Illinois’ first Jewish governor, clashed with the Chicago machine. The acrimony helped define the Horner administration, considered one of the best in Illinois history.