
Top Illinois Democratic and GOP leaders discuss state budget on 21st Show
Illinois leaders from both sides of the aisle joined the 21st Show this week. They shared their views on taxes, federal policies, education funding, and tech.

Urbana becomes first city in Illinois to adopt ethical investments policy
The new rules prohibit the city from investing in certain companies that profit from war or conflict.

University of Illinois student struggles as family’s sole provider following his uncle’s deportation
Reynaldo Camas-Aranda grew up in a house with his uncle, aunt and mother in Cicero. His uncle’s arrest during Operation Midway Blitz has strained the family’s finances.

The Obama Presidential Center is more than a museum. The activity and outdoor spaces emphasize community
The sprawling 19-acre campus of the Obama Presidential Center includes a fruit and vegetable garden, huge playground, green spaces, branch library, community studio/theater space, and a 60,000 square foot athletic center.

Contentious housing project in Urbana divides city council members, residents
During a Monday Committee of the Whole meeting, the city considered a developer proposal to build a four-story apartment building on West Main Street just north of Boneyard Creek.

Barney Frank, former congressman and gay-rights pioneer, dies at 86
Frank was the first member of Congress to voluntarily come out, and also the first to marry a same-sex partner.

How the Supreme Court’s voting rights decision could impact Illinois and explaining Dick Durbin’s ‘John Lewis Voting Rights Act’
WNIJ’s Peter Medlin talked with Northern Illinois University professor Scot Schraufnagel about the Supreme Court’s recent decision to cut key parts of the Voting Rights Act and a bill Senator Dick Durbin has introduced multiple times to restore the Voting Rights Act.

Champaign considers increase in stormwater utility fee, seeks funding for road maintenance
Champaign’s draft capital improvements plan discusses various road and infrastructure projects. Officials discussed concerns with the adoption of electric vehicles, noting the change is reducing local gas tax revenue for road improvements.

Rep. LaHood again calls for ‘off ramp’ on U.S. war in Iran to bring fuel costs down
As an advocate for budget responsibility, LaHood admitted he is uneasy about the escalating cost of the war, estimated by some analysts and government officials to be approaching $50 billion.

Cardinal Blase Cupich discusses Pope Leo’s role in world affairs, emphasizes protection of ‘human dignity’
Cardinal Blaise Cupich discussed Pope Leo speaking up about global issues, and criticism that the Catholic Church has become political. on the 21st Show.

Trump-backed candidates win majority of Republican primary races for Indiana Senate
The victories by Trump-backed challengers on Tuesday hand the president wins in a deep red state just four months after lawmakers rejected his redistricting plan.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on Iran war, funding ICE, and redistricting
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi represents the 8th District in northern Illinois. He joined the 21st Show to share his thoughts on how the war with Iran is going, the U.S. House of Representatives voting to pass a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security minus Border Patrol and ICE, and what’s next for him after he leaves office next year.

