![Donald Trump and Joe Biden debate on a CNN stage](https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/APTOPIX_Election_2024_Debate_24180099599639-768x512.jpg)
A halting Biden tries to confront Trump at debate but stirs Democratic panic about his candidacy
Biden’s uneven performance crystallized the concerns of many Americans that at, age 81, he is too old to serve as president. Meanwhile, the 78-year-old Trump’s rhetoric offered Americans an unwelcome reminder of the bombast he launched daily during his tumultuous four years in office, as he struggles to win over skeptical voters.
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FACT FOCUS: Here’s a look at some of the false claims made during Biden and Trump’s first debate
Trump once again falsely asserted that the U.S. had the greatest economy in history during his presidency and spread misleading claims about migrant crime. Biden overstated it when he asserted that Trump encouraged people to drink bleach to address COVID-19.
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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.
![trees surrounding the US Supreme Court.](https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Supreme_Court_24166551262765-768x512.jpg)
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.
![3 people standing in front of the US Supreme Court](https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Supreme_Court_24179491365660-768x512.jpg)
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 congressman Adam Kinzinger on Capitol Hill.](https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/AP21208733618581-768x558.jpg)
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.
![Lawmakers surround Illinois governor as he signs a bill.](https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240626-ECONOMIC-DEVELOPMENT-AA-768x512.jpg)
Quantum technology companies set for big tax incentives under new law
Economic development package also expands film, EV industry tax breaks.
![us supreme court building](https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/scotus-768x576.jpg)
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.
![Two men looking at a third man who is a judge.](https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Urbana-Police-Meeting-768x432.jpg)
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
![Governor Pritzker talking at a podium](https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240614-PRITZKER-AA-768x512.jpg)
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 government building in Illinois](https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Capitol-768x512.jpg)
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.
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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.