A coalition of 15 Democratic governors representing more than one-third of the United States population unveiled the Governors Public Health Alliance on October 15. The independent state-level platform will coordinate public health policy as federal health agencies face unprecedented budget cuts, staff reductions, and controversial policy changes under the Trump […]
Author: Dani Tietz
Trump Hosts White House Dinner for Major Donors Behind $250 Million Ballroom Project
President Donald Trump welcomed approximately 130 wealthy donors, corporate executives, and political allies to a candlelit “Legacy Dinner” in the White House East Room on October 15, thanking them for their financial support of his ambitious $250 million ballroom construction project. This dinner occurred during an active government shutdown that […]
Layoffs Decimate Offices Enforcing Special Education Law, Threatening Services for 7.5 Million Students
Nearly all staff from the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) were dismissed during reduction-in-force actions that began Oct. 10, as part of broader government shutdown layoffs. The cuts represent a devastating blow to federal oversight of the Individuals with […]
Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Protests Scheduled for October 18: Urbana, Monticello
Millions of Americans are expected to take to the streets on Saturday, October 18, 2025, for the second nationwide “No Kings Day” protests against the Trump administration, as the federal government shutdown enters its third week with no resolution in sight. The protests, organized by a coalition of more than […]
Justice in Focus: Champaign-Urbana Hosts Community Event on Health Equity and Social Change
The Independent Media Center in Urbana will host an impactful event focused on health equity and social justice this Saturday, October 11, as the Justice Coalition presents a screening of the PBS documentary “Discovered Truth: A Health Care Journey.” The “Justice in Focus” event, organized by the Champaign-Urbana Public Health […]
Double Feature: University of Illinois Extension Brings Health and Family Life Event to Windsor of Savoy
The Windsor of Savoy, located at 401 Burwash Ave, Savoy, will host the Double Feature in conjunction with the University of Illinois Extension on Nov. 6 from 1-3 PM. The program is open to all and encourages participants to attend one or both sessions provided on the afternoon’s agenda. The event begins […]
Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s National Guard Deployment to Illinois
U.S. District Judge April Perry granted a temporary restraining order Thursday evening blocking the Trump administration from federalizing and deploying National Guard troops within Illinois. Judge Perry found that the Trump administration failed to meet the legal requirements for deploying federal troops. The order prevents defendants from “ordering the federalization […]
American Consumer Confidence Hits Lowest Point Since April
The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index fell sharply in September 2025, dropping 3.6 points to 94.2, marking the lowest level since April and signaling growing economic anxiety among American consumers. The Consumer Confidence Index ended January 2025 at 104.1, down from 109.5 in December 2024. The Present Situation Index, which measures […]
White House Memo Challenges Federal Worker Backpay Rights as Government Shutdown Enters Second Week
The Trump administration is now challenging a 2019 law that guarantees backpay to furloughed federal workers. In a reversal from established precedent, the Office of Management and Budget has quietly removed references to the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 from its shutdown guidance documents. This law, signed by […]
Government Shutdown Delays Critical Jobs Data as Economic Warning Signs Mount
The ongoing federal government shutdown has triggered a major information blackout on the state of the U.S. economy, just when policymakers most need employment data, with economist Mark Zandi warning that, according to alternative indicators, the job market is “weak and getting weaker.” The Bureau of Labor Statistics failed to […]













