Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

Illinois lawmakers worry about paper coupons, death carpets, stickers, beauty sleep
What pressing issues did the Illinois General Assembly consider among 6,745 bills this past session? They pondered a sticker commission, “end-of-life” carpets, paper grocery coupons, 15-year-old voters and their own beauty sleep. The Illinois...

Nuclear plant deal sets stage for AI billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg to reshape Illinois energy policy
As Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg expands his ravenous data centers, he’s agreed to take over subsidies that Illinois ratepayers have been providing to a nuclear power station in central Illinois since 2017. The move could be the first step in a...

Illinois enacts new law targeting pharmacy benefit managers
Legislation aimed at reforming the role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) was signed into law on July 1. House Bill 1697, supported by Senator Craig Wilcox, addresses concerns about PBMs' influence and practices. The bill ends spread pricing,...

Illinois quick hits: EPA employees demand jobs back
EPA employees demand jobs back More than 30 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency employees from Chicago are demanding they be reinstated to active duty. The 31 employees say they were put on administrative leave after signing a letter of dissent...

Council appoints interim member to fill vacancy until November election
The Harbor Springs City Council held a special meeting on July 2 to appoint a new member to their table, following the resignation of Michael Behrmann, who moved out of the area last month. Bob Buckner was appointed following some statements by...

Today in Chicago History: ‘Boy orator’ William Jennings Bryan delivers ‘Cross of Gold’ speech
Here’s a look back at what happened in the Chicago area on July 8, according to the Tribune’s archives. Is an important event missing from this date? Email us. Weather records (from the National Weather Service, Chicago) High temperature: 99...

Where to live tax-free in 2025: Best states for retired US military personnel
Military retirees have one less thing to worry about in many parts of the US state income tax. A growing number of states are choosing to exempt military retirement pay from taxation entirely, giving veterans a financial incentive to settle there...

Free Concert At Pro Football Game This Weekend In Illinois
John Deere Country Night Takes Over the Steamwheelers Game This Saturday The Quad City Steamwheelers are tipping their hats to local roots this Saturday night with John Deere Country Night at Vibrant Arena at The MARK. Steamwheelers Steamwheelers...

Violent Fourth of July weekend leaves more than 50 shot, 6 killed in blue city
Fox News national correspondent Jeff Paul has the latest on a drive-by shooting outside a Chicago nightclub that left multiple casualties and injuries on ‘The Faulkner Focus.’ NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! During a bloody Fourth of...

Law Enforcement Officers from Across Illinois Joining Forces to Combat Speeding
The Rock Falls Police Department is partnering with the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) with the support of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), and more...

Rock Island County Governance, Health, and Administration Committee met July 7
Rock Island County Governance, Health, and Administration Committee met July 7. Here is the agenda provided by the committee: Call to order and roll call Public comment Consider Minutes from the Governance, Health, and Administration's prior...

Senator Andy Kim criticizes health insurance and education policy impacts on New Jersey residents
Andy Kim U.S. House of Representatives from New Jersey's 3rd district | Official U.S. House HeadshotAndy Kim U.S. House of Representatives from New Jersey's 3rd district | Official U.S. House Headshot Senator Andy Kim, representing New Jersey's...

Editorial: Chicago’s ‘open outcry’ traders finally get their day in court against CME Group
On Monday, jury selection began in a trial that few would have predicted ever would come to pass 11 years ago when longtime Chicago traders sued CME Group, alleging they were cheated when the old Chicago Board of Trade and Mercantile Exchange...

Chicago’s plan to replace lead pipes puts it 30 years behind the federal deadline
Banking for now on an outdated EPA rule from the first Trump administration, the city with the most lead service lines in the country doesn’t plan to finish replacing them until 2076. By Keerti Gopal and Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco for Inside Climate...

Trump’s big bill may come at a political cost
WASHINGTON (AP) — Barack Obama had the Affordable Care Act. Joe Biden had the Inflation Reduction Act. President Donald Trump will have the tax cuts. All were hailed in the moment and became ripe political targets in campaigns that followed. In...

Illinois vs. Wisconsin income tax claim ignored gap in sales tax rates Letters to the Editor
Reading the article, “Illinois’ income taxes lower than Wisconsin’s,” on June 29, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann points out that Wisconsin income taxes, whose rates increase as one's income increases, are higher than Illinois. What he...

Former Winchester EMS employee charged by ISP for theft and wire fraud
By Benjamin Cox on July 9, 2025 at 11:04am The Scott County State’s Attorney’s Office has announced charges in an investigation surrounding theft of funds from the Winchester EMS. According to a press release, on Monday, the Illinois State Police...

Gov. Maura Healey approves $5M for immigrant legal defense fund in FY26 state budget
Gov. Maura Healey approved a $5 million legal defense fund for immigrants as part of the fiscal year 2026 state budget she signed Friday, a pot of money supporters say helps people fight deportations but critics knock as providing protections to...

Don't Waste Your Money | Lawsuit claims Aldi house brands too close for comfort
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Shoppers love Aldi for it slow priced groceries, especially on its house brands. But now a competitor is suing Aldi, claiming some of those house brands look too much like the original. What's not to like about Aldi?...

Federal charges filed against seven in Chicago drug trafficking probe
Morris Pasqual, Acting U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of IllinoisMorris Pasqual, Acting U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois A federal investigation targeting drug and...