![In this photo arranged to show the number "32," the number is displayed at a local supermarket in Los Angeles, on Thursday, July 11, 2013.](https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/AP175887537413-768x512.jpg)
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.
![Several Illinois politicians watch as Governor Pritzker signs a bill into law.](https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240605-BUDGET-SIGNED-AA-768x512.jpg)
Brushing off concerns of overspending, Pritzker signs $53.1 billion state budget
Illinois’ largest-ever spending plan increases education, human services, infrastructure funding.
![courthouse in Sangamon County, Illinois](https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sangamon-County-Complex2-700-700-p-C-97.jpg)
Judge considering whether slated candidates can appear on November ballot
Would-be GOP candidates sued over new law Democrats pushed through legislature.
![](https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240409_Unit4BOESamBanks-768x432.jpg)
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.
![man in glasses looking forward](https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WelchDegman-768x432.webp)
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.
![Illinois State Capitol](https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/20240523-DOME-THROUGH-TREE-AA-768x512.jpg)
Ban on ‘captive audience’ meetings, AI regulations among 466 bills to pass this session
Bill allowing digital driver’s licenses also clears General Assembly.
![Donald Trump photographed in a courtroom.](https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Trump_Hush_Money_24151521060348-768x512.jpg)
Guilty: Trump becomes first former U.S. president convicted of felony crimes
The verdict represents a stunning courtroom reckoning for Trump, who was indicted in three other felony cases but wasn’t convicted until now.
![Donald Trump standing](https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Trump_Hush_Money_24151784894034-768x513.jpg)
Trump could still vote for himself after New York conviction if he’s not in prison on Election Day
In Trump’s case, New York law only removes the right to vote for felony convictions when people are incarcerated. Once they’re out of prison, their rights are automatically restored, even if they’re on parole, per a 2021 law passed by the state’s Democratic legislature.
![Donald Trump looking at the camera.](https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Trump_Hush_Money_24151513041902-768x512.jpg)
Illinois reaction to Donald Trump’s guilty verdict falls on party lines
Jurors convicted Trump on all 34 counts after deliberating for 9.5 hours. As the verdict was read, he sat stone-faced in court, looking down.
![State lawmakers in Illinois](https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GORDON-BOOTH-0224-768x512.jpg)
Once again working through the night, lawmakers finalize $53.1 billion budget
Democrats needed three tries to pass $1.1 billion revenue plan just before 5 a.m.
![Sen. Laura Fine and an aide watch Sen. Michael Halpin speak](https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/240526-FINE-AA-700-700-p-C-97.jpg)
Lawmakers move to pause – then further regulate – carbon dioxide pipeline development
Deal brokered by governor’s office also creates state funds for training first responders SPRINGFIELD – After state regulators rebuffed several proposed carbon transport projects over
![Illinois Senate members celebrate](https://ipmnewsroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/celebrate-0140-opt-768x512.jpg)
Senate Democrats send $53.1B spending plan to House
Representatives return next week for potential final approval.