Illinois Public Media News

The age to buy tobacco products in Illinois will officially be raised from 18 to 21 next week. Supporters say the move is aimed at stopping young people from starting a bad habit.

The state of Illinois has a problem with its prison boot camps: too many empty beds. The Department of Corrections runs two military-style programs in DuQuoin and Dixon Springs. But the facilities are at just 12 percent of capacity. Illinois lawmakers are trying to boost that number.

It's Night 2 of the first primary debate of the 2020 election cycle. Follow NPR reporters' live analysis and fact checks of the candidates' remarks.

Just one week ago, the U.S. was on the brink of an armed conflict with Iran. And tensions are still high. Today, we talk about our country's relationship with Iran with Sen. Tammy Duckworth. Plus, what’s the difference between feeling stressed and experiencing burnout, and how can understanding that difference help challenge stigma around mental health? And halfway through 2019, we’re talking about the best movies so far this year while also looking forward to what’s coming this summer.

Illinois lawmakers plan to ask state prison officials why more than 200 books were removed from a college in prison program’s library at the Danville Correctional Center earlier this year.