Illinois Issues

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on online shopping left two things clear – consumers who buy online will have to pay sales tax on more items, and some states will see more money from those online purchases.

Hemp has been used for centuries to make rope, fishnets, paper, car parts, fuel and much more. It’s an unruly crop. It’s skinny, it’s tall, but what has made it controversial is that it’s a derivative of the cannabis plant.

Experts blame the long-standing problem on discrimination, especially the "inadequate, inequitable'' education funding system.

Illinois will host what could be the most expensive race for governor in U.S. history. The huge increase in campaign spending raises a lot of questions about the rise of big money in politics. Between now and the election, Illinois Issues will examine the impact in a series we're calling Money Machines.

On Wednesday, Illinois ratified the Equal Rights Amendment, a proposed change to the U.S. Constitution — 46 years after Congress approved it.

A measure that has passed the Illinois House would require hospitals to have Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) who can treat and examine victims of sexual assault. Some say it would mean better collection of forensic evidence and better treatment of victims.

For this week’s Illinois Issues, we bring you a story about a measure that would train more nurses how to collect DNA evidence after a sexual assault for use in a criminal trial, often referred to as rape kits. NPR Illinois spoke with Melissa Souto about her experience undergoing the testing. Souto, a 23-year-old Chicago resident, said she was sexually assaulted two years ago on an Illinois college campus. She could not say where since her legal case is pending. Following the incident, Souto

Keeping cases unsealed leaves guiltless tenants at risk for rejection, but that could make it difficult for landlords to be diligent in screening, Realtors say.

Watch the first Illinois Issues Forum from Springfield. Our 2018 election coverage starts discussing the fiscal health of Illinois. This forum is produced and hosted by NPR Illinois with support provided by AARP Illinois. The Panel: Jim Edgar, Retired, Illinois Governor / Visiting Senior Fellow, University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs (IGPA) Donne Trotter, Retired, Illinois State Senator Beverly Bunch, PhD, Professor, University of Illinois Springfield / State Budget

Chris Quintana covers the "culture wars" on college campuses and other news for The Chronicle of Higher Education . He was intrigued by the story of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's one-time icon, Chief Illiniwek. Quintana visited the school and surrounding area for a story released earlier this year .

As more retail chains shut down, cities across Illinois figure out what to do with millions of square feet of empty space.

In the wake of mass shootings comes the debate around gun laws. This week, I explore a different angle: the personal responsibility of carrying a firearm.

Last month, the state's voters decided on the Republican and Democratic nominees for governor. But with the primaries behind them, the winners still have to convince those who wanted someone else at the top of the ticket.

Illinois’ bicentennial commission finds ways to commemorate the state’s 200th with little time and limited budget. Illinois will celebrate its 200th birthday with statewide events, building projects, specialty Pepsi cans, stamps, rosé, apparel and even an officials brew, "1818 Prairie State Farmhouse Ale." For this anniversary, no major building will be constructed. Instead, renovations of the Executive Mansion, budgeted at $15 million, are to be completed, and construction of a Bicentennial

In the wake of the #MeToo movement, state lawmakers have tried to address sexual harassment in a variety of ways. We explore what's been done and what some say may be ahead.