I was devastated when I saw the notification ping onto my phone that Nanika were taking away some of their noodle dishes.

Twelve candidates take the stage for October's Democratic primary debate, which begins at 8 p.m. ET. NPR reporters are posting context and analysis in real time. Loading...

Political conflict can be both helpful and harmful to local government. According to a new study, which it is depends on the nature of the conflict. A Northern Illinois University researcher surveyed city councils and other municipal bodies to examine two types of conflict. Political Science Chair Scot Schraufnagel said "policy conflict" is when lawmakers have differences of opinion on specific issues and laws. “Policy conflict does not detract from governing board effectiveness," he said. "In fact, there’s a positive relationship between higher policy conflict and the perception of a better functioning legislature.” The other type is "relational conflict." “People sabotaging someone else’s legislative initiative just simply because they don’t like them, or so forth," he said, "so it’s about personalities, and not about policy." This, according to Schraufnagel, leads to a win-at-all-costs mentality and actively prevents cooperation. He said the study’s conclusions could have strong

Three Republicans made their cases for why they deserve their party's nomination for the 17th Congressional District this March.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said in his State of the State address Wednesday that “urgent action” is needed this session to deal with climate change. “Adopting new clean energy legislation," Pritzker said, "that reduces carbon pollution, promotes renewable energy, and accelerates electrification of our transportation sector.” The governor said Illinois is already suffering from the effects of climate change. He cited last year’s polar vortex and devastating floods as examples. Pritzker stressed any legislation must put consumers and climate first -- not utility companies. His comments drew praise from advocates of new renewable energy legislation, both inside and outside the Capitol. State Representative Will Davis (D-East Hazel Crest), the Illinois House sponsor of the Path to 100 Act that seeks to increase the State's renewable energy portfolio, lauded the governor in a media interview following the address: " Governor Pritzker understands the need to pass legislation this spring

Mary Louise Kelly and Sarah McCammon will host NPR's live coverage of the Iowa Caucuses with reports from the NPR Politics Team. Just push "Play" below:

The first U.S. presidential contest of the 2020 election begins Monday night with results from the Iowa caucuses coming in throughout the evening. Stream NPR's live audio coverage below and on many public radio stations. Follow our liveblog coverage and results here . For nearly half a century , the Iowa caucuses have kicked off the presidential primary and caucus season with the potential to shape the 11-candidate field right as the election enters full swing. That said, with a population of around 3 million people and only about 16% of the state population coming out to caucus in 2016, a very small number of people have a significant amount of power tonight. Looking at the numbers, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders leads in the polls followed closely by former Vice President Joe Biden. Not far behind Biden trials Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg. What's more, Iowans often decide who they are supporting late. As of mid-Jan., a Monmouth

Illinois elected officials have strong feelings about former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's early release from prison. He served eight years of his 14 year sentence because President Donald Trump commuted his sentence earlier this week. Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara doesn't agree with the president's move. "I really think it was a horrible decision and sends a really bad signal, not just to politicians, but to all citizens across the state." McNamara elaborated. "Look back at what he did. He literally tried to do one of the worst things you can do in politics, which is to enrich himself while selling a public seat." Rockford's Democratic mayor said Blagojevich bypassed the trust of the citizens. McNamara emphasized that this is not a partisan issue. "Republican, Democrat, Green Party, Independent -- what he did is despicable and I think he should serve his full sentence." John Beck identifies as a moderate Republican and is the alderman for Rockford's 12th ward. He said the

As the Illinois primary election draws closer, college students are preparing to cast their votes. Some for the first time. As part of our series, "You're the Boss," we asked several NIU voters at campus voter registration events about their most important issues in the election, and what questions they would ask candidates and current officeholders directly if they had the chance. Here's what they had to say: Salvador Meza, electrical and computer engineering major, Chicago “Well, on a national level, there seems to be a lot of division within the country. It would be nice to have a candidate that can united on both sides, see both sides of the matter. That would be the primary thing. Definitely immigration. Right now immigration is a big thing for me at least. On the state level, definitely taxes. Taxes need to get a little bit sorted on what’s going on, but what’s new in Illinois, right?” “I’d definitely ask them what would be their plan for immigration for not only the DACA

Coronavirus concerns cast a shadow over the primaries on election day in Illinois. Ohio canceled their polling locations. Election judges in DeKalb and Aurora were both pleasantly surprised with the turnout. In Chicago, midday voter totals were around half of what they were during the 2016 primary. Jacob Chan is an NIU student voting in DeKalb. He said he saw the difference at his polling location. "I was gonna come out because it's important, but the biggest impact is that it's empty," said Chan. Election judges said they have seen some voters in masks or gloves, and that many came with their own pens and sanitizers. In DeKalb, two registration sites closed due to election judges not able to come in. In Cook County, 10% of judges didn't come in because of concerns. That news drove Will Sitton to sign up to be a judge. “I actually volunteered last minute to come out because I read online that a bunch of people canceled, a bunch of election volunteers didn't want to come in because they

Rockford alderman and community activist John Beck has died. The 57-year-old Republican represented the city’s 12 th ward since 2001. He worked for the Rockford Park District as its Arts, Events, and Recreation Project Manager for the past 13 years. Beck also was known as a champion of accessibility and defender of the Americans With Disabilities Act. He served for 22 years as Development Director for RAMP, a Rockford-based organization offering services and advocacy for people with disabilities. He was a founding member of the Rockford Chariots wheelchair basketball association. And according to a news release from the Rockford Park District, Beck conducted assessments throughout the district “to insure the inclusion of people with disabilities in parks and recreation.” Rockford Park District Executive Director Jay Sandine said the “park district family” is heartbroken. “We will miss his quality service and we will miss his smile,” he wrote. “One thing we will not miss is his spirit

When Celtic arrived home after their defeat by Feyenoord on May 6, 1970, everyone at Parkhead was understandably deflated, while the fans were in mourning for the lost chance of glory.

Comic Relief and Children In Need are teaming up for the first time ever to hold a special fundraising night on BBC One.

ITV bosses have confirmed when their popular daytime show Loose Women will return with new episodes.

Shops are closing. Newspaper sales are falling. But we’ve chosen to keep our coverage of the Coronavirus crisis free because it’s so important that the people of Glasgow stay informed during this difficult time.

Like everyone else, my hands have taking a true beating from hand sanitiser, hand wash and cleaning products throughout this pandemic.

IF your child uses English as an additional language, you might be worried about them not being at school just now and missing out on using and learning English.

Banks and building socities have launched a range of offers on ISAs as the new tax year begins.

HE MIGHT have been one of the world’s most beautiful men but teenage heart-throb David Cassidy failed to turn many heads when he arrived in Glasgow in May 1974.

IN this continuing history of Glasgow we have reached the time of the Reformation, and the city played an important role in the whole process of turning a Roman Catholic nation into a Protestant country.

IT IS a harrowing image: a naked, malnourished body of an inmate at Bergen-Belsen lies dead on the ground.

SINGER Marti Pellow has told fans he is proud of his Scottish roots and hometown Clydebank.

BONFIRES so hot they cracked tenement windows. Jiving with the GIs in George Square. Singing and dancing with joy, knowing that finally, the war was over….

Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland commissioned a series of portraits of WW2 veterans as part of the national celebration.

We take a look back into the archives and explore Glasgow's past.

AS Scotland’s National Dance Company, Scottish Ballet aims to bring the benefits and joy of dance to everyone.

Kevin P. Gilday & The Glasgow Cross have announced their new album, 'Pure Concrete'.

A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD girl has become an online sensation after her videos as Glasgow characters have gone viral.

Pair are found out

THIS is terrible news (City Blinds and Shutters ceases trading immediately – with 63 jobs lost, Glasgow Times online).

STRIKING the right balance between decision making and maintaining robust scrutiny and accountability is a constant conversation at the best of times, and is ever more important during a crisis. This played out strongly at the Scottish Parliament this week, and raises important questions for our own council too.

Lights On G1 are calling for donations of tinned food, washing powder and soap.

WITH just a dozen league games remaining, Glasgow Clan are running out of time to rediscover their form.

IF there were belts handed out for unassuming modesty then Ricky Burns would be boxing’s perennial undisputed world champion.

CELTIC hero Chris Sutton has joked that Rangers' SPFL dossier has "shaken Scottish football to the core".

Perhaps there were some who had hoped for a dossier of lurid juiciness.

IT’S been six weeks since we went into lockdown and even though we have a long way to go until any normality is to return, it was so good to hear that the Scottish Government has started to consider what the future would look like for us when the time comes to ease restrictions.

LAST week, the council announced plans for a Covid-19 Recovery Group to steer the city’s response to the profound economic shock that has accompanied the public health crisis.

THE Standard Life Foundation (SLF) has published the results of its UK financial impact tracker.

HOW many hearts have been broken under that disco ball?

I’VE been thinking a lot, as ever, about aliens.

People Make Glasgow safer while staying at home.

THE accommodation more often than not leaves a lot to be desired.

A FEW months ago, while sitting with some mum friends, one of them talked about how her nine-year-old daughter was obsessed with Tik Tok.

A film festival postponed due to the coronavirus is going virtual and moving part of its programme online to ensure that audiences do not miss out.

MISSING beloved grandparents is something we can all relate to during coronavirus lockdown – now a Glasgow poet has made a 60-second film about it.

RANGERS managing director Stewart Robertson last night dismissed claims the Ibrox club are attempting to prevent Celtic from being awarded the Ladbrokes Premiership title.

AN AWARD-WINNING documentary featuring former Rangers footballer David Robertson will return to TV screens on Tuesday.

Lawrie Sanchez watched a young Steven Davis tear it up on a Northern Ireland training pitch and knew he had a serious leader on his hands.

Celtic are monitoring the progress of promising young Bulgarian striker Martin Minchev.