Students protest University of Illinois fossil fuel investments
When the push for the University of Illinois to divest from fossil fuels began thirteen years ago, many students said they were hopeful that administrators would listen to their concerns. But students who gathered at the Alma Mater statue on Friday for an Earth Day climate strike on April 22 said they’re still fighting for […]
Pritzker lifts public transportation face covering requirement
SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker officially lifted the state requirement that face coverings be worn on public transportation Wednesday after a federal judge overturned the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mask mandate. U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle of the Middle District of Florida ruled on Monday that the federal mask mandate was unlawful since […]
Pritzker ends Illinois mask mandate for public transit
CHICAGO — Gov. J.B. Pritzker is ending the state’s mask mandate on public transportation a day after a federal judge overturned the government’s plan to keep restrictions in place until May 3. Masks will no longer will be required on public transit, in public transit hubs, or at airports. However, local governments can maintain their […]
Second Drug Exposure for Thomson Prison Officers
John Zumkehr, president of Local 40-70 of the American Federation of Government Employees, says the officer was exposed Tuesday, rushed to a hospital, treated, and then later released. He says it’s a national problem at federal prisons, not just at Thomson. “We’ve asked for simple equipment, drug detection equipment, ion machines, for our mailroom. That […]
Biden warns Putin of ‘severe costs’ of Ukraine invasion
WASHINGTON — The White House says President Joe Biden told Russia’s Vladimir Putin that invading Ukraine would cause “widespread human suffering” and that the West was committed to diplomacy to end the crisis but “equally prepared for other scenarios.” Biden also told Putin the United States and its allies would respond “decisively and impose swift […]
Illini women top Butler 78-66; men lose Hutcherson for season
CHAMPAIGN — The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team evened their record at 5-5 this season with a 78-66 win over Butler at State Farm Center Sunday afternoon. First-year guard Adalia McKenzie scored a career-high 23 points on 9-15 shooting. She also grabbed four rebounds and a steal, and dished out two assists. She credited her […]
I-74 bridge over Mississippi replaces one dating to 1935
SPRINGFIELD — Officials from Illinois, Iowa, and the federal government are celebrating the completion of a new bridge carrying Interstate 74 over the Mississippi River. State and local politicians and Federal Highway Administration staff members gathered on the structure recently to publicize its opening to traffic sometime this month. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says the […]
Illini women fall to #25 Florida State 67-58
CHAMPAIGN — The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team lost 67-58 to No. 25 Florida State Thursday night in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. Cold shooting, turnovers and bench scoring hurt Illinois throughout. Head coach Nancy Fahey says the team was competitive until the Lady Seminoles turned up the defensive pressure. “We did a great job on […]
U of I chancellor offers optimism as pandemic continues
URBANA – Coronavirus transmission remains high. Gun violence is up. Despite these worrying indicators, University of Illinois Urbana Chancellor Robert Jones said on Thursday he sees causes for optimism. “I know there are a few of you asking, ‘Jones, did you once again accidentally put your rose-colored glasses this morning?’” Jones joked. Thursday marked the […]
Pritzker signs law banning dark money, out-of-state contributions in judicial campaigns
SPRINGFIELD — Campaign contributions from out-of-staters and so-called dark money groups will be banned in Illinois judicial campaigns beginning in January under legislation Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law Monday. Several states have enacted laws forcing disclosure of funders to nonprofits — including social welfare groups [501(c)4s], labor unions [501(c)5s] and industry trade groups [501(c)6s], […]
WATCH Newstown: Medill Professor’s Documentary on the Closing of the Youngstown Vindicator
When Northwestern University professor and video journalist Craig Duff heard that the 150-year-old Youngstown Vindicator was closing, he resolved to go back to the area where he grew up in northeast Ohio and document how the community was coping with the loss of its newspaper. What the veteran of CNN, Time.com and The New York […]
How Some Schools Are Using Weekly Testing To Keep Kids In Class — And COVID Out
On a recent Monday morning, a group of preschoolers filed into the gymnasium at Hillside School in the west Chicago suburbs. These 4- and 5-year olds were the first of more than 200 students to get tested for the coronavirus that day — and every Monday — for the foreseeable future. At the front of […]
Production Begins: Rivian Electric Truck First To Market
Rivian has passed a significant milestone with the start of commercial production of its R1T electric pickup trucks. A video was posted online early Tuesday apparently showing the first truck rolling off the line at Rivian’s Normal manufacturing plant, with workers gathered around. RJ Scaringe, founder and CEO of the California-based company, tweeted later Tuesday […]
Hundreds Are Dead After A Massive Earthquake Hits Haiti
Updated August 15, 2021 at 11:51 AM ET A massive 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on Saturday morning, the U.S. Geological Survey said, raising fears of destruction similar to the devastating 2010 quake that shattered the country. At least 724 people have died and more than 2,800 were injured, according to Jerry Chandler, Haiti’s director […]
New Laws Aim To Prevent “Period Poverty”
EDWARDSVILLE — Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation Thursday that will expand access to feminine hygiene products for impoverished and homeless women and college students. Pritzker said the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted women being disproportionately forced to make sacrifices because of monetary trouble. “Keep a job or stay home to care for children, pay the rent […]