Illinois Public Media News

Democratic Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth and the incumbent -- Republican Mark Kirk -- met Thursday in Springfield. It was the first of only two televised debates, and their only downstate match-up.

The University of Illinois is forming the school's first Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame and a member of its first class will be former Chicago Bears great Dick Butkus. He was named as the Hall's first inaugural member Thursday. An induction ceremony planned in Champaign-Urbana for next September. 

On the 21st: We discussed how women are being perceived and treated this election year. Plus, we learned what's trending in Halloween costumes this year and caught up with the Chicago Urban League on the organization's 10-year plan for a more equitable city.

For months, U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk has said he would write in former CIA Director David Petraeus for president. This week, Kirk backed off that stance, praising Petraeus’s military record but refusing to confirm he would vote for him. Kirk also reiterated his frustration with Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton. 

This fall marks the first time Democrat Scott Bennett has campaigned for his Illinois Senate seat. The former prosecutor, who was appointed to the seat, faces Republican Urbana Alderman Mike Madigan on November 8. He says Governor Bruce Rauner needs to make more concessions from his 'Turnaround Agenda' as budget negotiations continue.