Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Springfield, Illinois, today, sharply criticizing the state’s “sanctuary” immigration policies and Governor JB Pritzker’s leadership, while Illinois officials and demonstrators pushed back, calling her appearance a “publicity stunt”. Standing near the site where community advocate Emma Shafer was killed in 2023, Noem held a […]
Author: Dani Tietz
Kids Get Behind the Wheel at Touch-A-Truck Day in Champaign
Centennial Park in Champaign will transform into a wonderland of wheels and sirens on Wednesday, May 14, as families gather for the annual Touch-A-Truck Day. The event, running from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., invites children to climb aboard, honk horns, and explore a variety of large vehicles, including tow […]
House Republicans Advance Plan to Sell Federal Lands in Nevada, Utah Amid Housing, Tax Cut Debate
House Republicans have advanced a controversial amendment authorizing the sale of thousands of acres of federal public land in Nevada and Utah. The amendment, introduced by Reps. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.) and Celeste Maloy (R-Utah), were approved late Tuesday night as part of a broader budget reconciliation package after a marathon […]
Trump’s FY 2026 “Skinny Budget”: Deep Non-Defense Cuts, Defense Boost, and Policy Overhaul
President Donald Trump unveiled his fiscal year 2026 discretionary budget request on Friday, proposing an unprecedented 22.6% reduction in non-defense spending while boosting defense funding by 13% to a record $1.01 trillion. The budget, which administration officials describe as a “paradigm shift,” aims to eliminate what they call “woke” and […]
Supreme Court Allows Trump’s Ban on Transgender Military Personnel to Take Effect
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the Trump administration can enforce its ban on transgender individuals serving in the military while ongoing legal battles proceed, overturning lower court orders that had blocked the policy. The decision, delivered in a brief unsigned order, allows the Department of Defense to begin […]
Trump Allies File Lawsuit Seeking White House Control Over Federal Judiciary’s Key Offices
A conservative legal group with deep ties to President Donald Trump has launched a high-stakes legal challenge that could upend the balance of power between the executive and judicial branches of the U.S. government. The America First Legal Foundation (AFLF), founded by Trump homeland security advisor and White House deputy […]
Urbana’s Market at the Square Kicks Off 2025 Season
The City of Urbana’s beloved Market at the Square launched its 2025 season on Saturday, May 3, marking its 46th year as one of Illinois’ premier farmers markets. The market, now located outdoors in the parking lot at the corner of Illinois and Vine Streets, will be open every Saturday […]
The Trail Challenge Returns: Explore All 31 Trails in Champaign County
Champaign County Forest Preserves’ popular Trail Challenge is back for 2025, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to discover every hiking trail the Champaign County Forest Preserves has to offer. This year, the focus shifts from logging miles to exploring all 31 unique trails spread across the county’s scenic preserves. From May 1 […]
Maine Drops Lawsuit After Trump Administration Restores USDA Funding
Maine has dropped its lawsuit against the Trump administration after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agreed to reinstate federal funds for the state’s child nutrition programs, resolving a heated dispute tied to Maine’s policies on transgender athletes in school sports. The conflict began when the USDA froze approximately $3 […]
Attorney General Pamela Bondi Convenes First Meeting of Federal Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias
Attorney General Pamela Bondi hosted the inaugural meeting of the federal government’s new Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias on April 22 at the Department of Justice headquarters in Washington, D.C. The task force, established by an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in February, aims to identify and […]