The deficit in the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund remains over $4.3 billion and interest payments on the debt began accruing Sept. 6. Thus far, more than $6 million in interest has accrued on the money Illinois owes the federal government, according to the U.S. Treasury, and interest will continue to accrue at a rate of 2.27%. The state earmarked $10 million for interest payments this fiscal year.

A judge has ordered the Illinois State Board of Education to reinstate the recognition status of a private school while a court fight continues over the state’s school mask mandate.

The state revoked recognition for Parkview Christian Academy in Kendall County for refusing to follow Governor JB Pritzker’s coronavirus orders. The move impacted the school’s academic status and athletic eligibility.

Illinois’ economic performance over the last month was surprisingly good, at least as the University of Illinois Flash index sizes it up.

Study author Fred Giertz, a U of I economics professor who compiles the index from a weighted average of consumer spending, corporate earnings, and personal income, said the index beat covid-related expectations.