Biden and Trump will debate tonight. Follow NPR for live coverage
President Biden and former President Donald Trump are set to take the stage at 9 p.m. ET Thursday for the first presidential debate of the 2024 general election.
The Supreme Court rejects a nationwide opioid settlement with OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma
The agreement provided that the Connecticut-based company would emerge from bankruptcy as a different entity, with its profits used for treatment and prevention. The high court had put the settlement on hold last summer, after the Biden administration objected.
Supreme Court blocks enforcement of EPA’s ‘good neighbor’ rule on downwind pollution
Three energy-producing states — Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia — challenged the rule, along with the steel industry and other groups, calling it costly and ineffective. The rule is on hold in a dozen other states because of the court challenges.
Former GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger endorses Biden, whose campaign wants to flip anti-Trump Republicans
The former Illinois congressman calls Trump “a direct threat to every fundamental American value.” Trump has dismissed Kinzinger’s efforts to rally fellow Republicans against him.
Quantum technology companies set for big tax incentives under new law
Economic development package also expands film, EV industry tax breaks.
Advocates say SCOTUS ruling paves way for law ensuring abusers have guns confiscated
Urge passage of ‘Karina’s Bill’ when lawmakers return in the fall.
Amid pushback to requests for more police, Urbana City Council votes to fund only two positions
The Urbana City Council moved to approve its budget for the next fiscal year at a council meeting Tuesday. The Urbana Police Department had asked the Council to fund 11 positions. But after months of pressure from community members to divert funds away from police to groups that provide social services, the Council voted to…
Illinois’ ban on ‘bump stocks’ remains in place despite U.S. Supreme Court decision
SCOTUS expected to announce whether it will hear unrelated appeal of 2023 assault weapon ban.
State budget includes hefty taxes, but not on ‘everyday ordinary taxpayers,’ Democrats say
It brings in over $1 billion in new taxes, but proponents say the taxes don’t severely hit individual pocketbooks. There’s a $200 million increase on sports betting operations and more than half a billion by limiting annual claims on business operating loss.
New opponent emerges for Nikki Budzinski, with support from Green Party presidential hopeful Jill Stein
On Thursday, 27-year-old Chibuihe “Chibu” Asonye stumped with Green Party presidential hopeful Jill Stein in Champaign-Urbana.
Champaign floats sales tax increase to replace statewide grocery tax
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the state budget on Wednesday that eliminates the statewide, 1 percent grocery tax. Because the tax was a source of revenue for local governments, the city of Champaign is looking for ways to offset a loss of about $2.7 million per year.
Brushing off concerns of overspending, Pritzker signs $53.1 billion state budget
Illinois’ largest-ever spending plan increases education, human services, infrastructure funding.
Judge considering whether slated candidates can appear on November ballot
Would-be GOP candidates sued over new law Democrats pushed through legislature.
Sam Banks and Mark Holm selected to join Champaign Unit 4 school board after months of turmoil
The Champaign-Ford Regional Office of Education announced the selection Friday, after months of turbulence on the Champaign Unit 4 Board of Education.
Illinois legislative staff union sues Speaker Welch demanding recognition
ILSA filed a lawsuit against Speaker Welch in Cook County Circuit Court Friday, alleging he’s violating their right to organize under Article I Section 25 of the Illinois Constitution – the ballot measure voters approved.