Illinois Public Media News

On the 21st: Universal Basic Income is the idea that giving residents a fixed amount of money on a regular basis—with no strings attached—is a good way to address poverty and inequality. Now, one Alderman wants to launch a pilot program in Chicago. Plus, adopting a child is too expensive for many families, but the state has created a new tax credit to try and make it easier. And, we heard about one of Argonne National Labortaory's latest inventions: a reusable sponge that can clean up oil spills.

Planned Parenthood of Illinois is speaking out against proposed changes to the only federal program that provides funding for birth control. Those changes include a so-called "gag rule" that could affect thousands of Illinois residents.

On the 21st: Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan says that the federal government is withholding money for local law enforcement because of the state's immigration policies. Plus, what one local town is doing to try and keep its community art from disappearing. And, we review the week in Illinois politics, including two gun control bills that became law.

A conservative political group is suing to overturn the Illinois campaign law restricting so-called independent expenditure committees.

Rep. John Shimkus’ 15th Congressional District includes steelworkers near Granite City, whose jobs were restored shortly after President Trump imposed tariffs, and soybean farmers whose prices took a hit after China retaliated with their own tariffs. Shimkus said his top priority throughout the Farm Bill negotiations will be the agricultural safety net that will offer protections to farmers concerned about a looming trade war.