An ISU-based expert on political Islam says the odds are against battling individual acts of terror. The lowest bond ratings in the country, billions of dollars in debt, a governor and state legislature that can’t agree on a budget. That’s Illinois now, but not long ago it was California in similar financial straits. How comparing the two states can help Illinois now. Plus, as conversation with Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner about video gaming and a failed effort to move forward on a sales tax sharing discussion with the Town of Normal.