Stories Of The Enslaved In Illinois
One was sold away from her children. Another was freed and became a businessman. Others were freed only to be kidnapped and sold back into slavery….
How The Impeachment Vote Affects The Balance Of Power In The Federal Government
NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly talks with Vikram Amar, professor of constitutional law at the University of Illinois, about the consequences of the impeachment vote.
Trump Set To Give ‘Victory’ Speech After Acquittal By The Senate
The Senate found President Trump not guilty of the impeachment charges against him. Trump claimed he was “totally vindicated” and plans to give remarks at noon ET on Thursday. Watch the speech live.
In First For Pritzker, General Assembly Overrides Veto
Illinois Senators overwhelmingly override Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s veto of a sales tax exemption Wednesday, a day after member of the House did the same. It’s the first time that’s happened during Pritzker’s time in office. The 54-to-1 Senate vote reinstates a tax break for private jet maintenance companies. They’ll be able to buy aircraft parts…
Move Over Iowa And New Hampshire — Gov Says Illinois Should Hold First Primary
SPRINGFIELD – Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants to elbow Iowa and New Hampshire out of the way in future presidential elections — so Illinois can seize the starring role in the primaries. Pritzker went public with the idea of Illinois going first on Monday evening — before America learned the full extent of the train wreck in the Iowa caucuses….
Early Voting In Illinois Primary Begins
The Illinois Primary election takes place on March 17. But the casting of ballots begins Thursday, February 6. Under Illinois’ early voting law, voters can cast their ballots up to forty days before an election, although they won’t be counted until after the polls close on Election Day. Early voters can cast their ballots in…
‘Not Guilty’: Trump Acquitted On 2 Articles Of Impeachment As Historic Trial Closes
Senators voted as expected to clear President Trump on both articles of impeachment filed by the House. Now Washington must try to pick up the pieces.
Trump Delivers State Of The Union Address To A Divided Nation
Republicans loved the made-for-television moments in President Trump’s third State of the Union speech as he made his case for reelection. Democrats did not.
In Responding To Harassment Complaint, Madigan Says Focus Was On The Victim
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is defending his handling of harassment and assault complaints against former state Rep. Jack Franks. Madigan says his office first received a sexual harassment complaint about Franks in fall 2018. Franks, a Democrat, left the General Assembly after being elected chairman of the McHenry County Board in 2016….
Iowa Caucuses: Results Delayed Over ‘Reporting Issue’; Officials Blame Malfunctions
Multiple Iowa county chairs told NPR that there were malfunctions in a new app used by the state Democratic Party that delayed reporting. The party expects to report results later Tuesday.
A National Survey On Immigration Led Me To A Rural Iowa Town Changed By Immigrants
On a Monday night, a week before the Iowa caucuses, about 20 residents gathered at the Norelius library in Denison, Iowa, for a mock caucus. Latina…
Audit Questions Cybersecurity At Illinois State Board Of Elections
SPRINGFIELD – An audit is criticizing cybersecurity practices at the Illinois State Board of Elections, but the board is taking issue with some of the findings. The audit criticizes the board for not doing enough to reduce the risk of a hack, and for not having cybersecurity training when new people are hired and every…
Report Links Chicago’s Black Population Loss To Rising Inequality
A new report busts some myths and offers nuances about Chicago’s declining black population and its correlation to racial inequality.
County Board Chair Faces Primary Challenge From ‘Progressive Choice’
Democrat Giraldo Rosales became chairman of the Champaign County Board a year ago, with the support of Republicans and a few moderate Democrats, defeating his own party’s nominee. Now Rosales, who ran for re-election unopposed four years ago, is being challenged by progressive Democrat Emily Rodriguez in the March 17th primary. Rosales and Rodriguez spoke…
Inskeep’s ‘Imperfect Union’ Examines Frémonts, Westward Expansion
You hear Steve Inskeep’s voice weekday mornings on hundreds of public radio stations across the country, including WILL, as one of the hosts of NPR’s Morning Edition. He’s also a bestselling author. His latest book out this month looks at the westward expansion of the United States in the mid-19th century, through the story of…