by Ashley Soriano and Medill Illinois News Bureau February 21, 2025 CHICAGO — The effects of President Donald Trump’s planned tariffs on allies and rivals are yet to be seen, but farmers in Illinois are bracing for their impact – even as they wait years for Congress to pass long-term federal spending […]
Month: February 2025
Free Tax Prep Assistance at Salt & Light Through VITA Program
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program through UIUC Gies School of Business is providing free tax preparation services at Salt & Light, located at 1819 Philo Road, Urbana. This service is available to eligible individuals who need assistance with filing their tax returns. VITA is sponsored by the IRS (Internal […]
Bills Look to Expand Bachelor’s Degree Access at Community Colleges
Two bills currently under consideration in the Illinois General Assembly, House Bill 3717 and Senate Bill 2482, propose to amend the Public Community College Act to allow community college districts to offer baccalaureate degree programs under certain conditions. These bills aim to address workforce needs, promote equitable access to higher […]
Trump Executive Order Expands White House Control Over Independent Regulatory Agencies
President Trump has signed a new executive order designed to increase presidential oversight and control over all executive branch agencies, including those traditionally considered “independent regulatory agencies.” The order, titled “Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies,” seeks to ensure that these agencies are more accountable to the President. The executive order […]
DHS Launches $200M Ad Blitz Warning Undocumented Immigrants: “We Will Find You and Deport You”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is rolling out a massive $200 million advertising campaign with a stark message for undocumented migrants: “We will find you and deport you.” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the initiative last week. The two-year campaign will utilize a variety of media platforms, including TV, […]
Illinois Senate Bill Aims to Protect Patients from Aggressive Medical Debt Collection
A new bill introduced in the Illinois Senate seeks to amend the Fair Patient Billing Act, providing greater protections for patients facing medical debt. Senate Bill 1223, introduced by Senator Laura Fine, addresses several key issues related to medical debt collection and patient billing practices. The bill focuses on preventing […]
Trump Administration Ends Haiti’s TPS, Putting 520,000 Haitians at Risk of Deportation
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the termination of Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation, effective August 3, 2025. The decision impacts over 520,000 Haitian nationals residing in the United States under humanitarian protections initially granted after the 2010 earthquake. This move follows last month’s rescission of Venezuela’s TPS extension […]
Parkland College to increase tuition fees in Summer 2025
The Parkland College Board of Trustees has voted to increase tuition and fees by 4.2% starting from the Summer 2025 term. This decision will affect students in District 505, who will now pay $186 per credit hour for tuition and fees, representing a $7.50 increase for most of the college’s program […]
Trump Ousts Top Military Leaders in Sweeping Defense Shake-Up
In an unprecedented shake-up of military leadership, President Donald Trump has fired several top-ranking military officials, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Chief of the US Navy, and the Vice Chief of the Air Force. On Friday evening, Trump announced the dismissal of Air Force General […]
Illinois Secretary of State Clarifies REAL ID Requirements Ahead of May 7 Deadline
With the May 7th deadline for REAL ID enforcement fast approaching, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is working to clear up confusion surrounding the new federal requirements. Giannoulias emphasizes that while a REAL ID will be necessary for certain federal activities, it is not mandatory for everyone. The primary reason for […]