Illinois legislators (Representatives Nicholas K. Smith and Jay Hoffman) have introduced a new bill that would significantly alter the landscape of ticket sales and resales in the state. House Bill 3108, introduced on February 18, 2025, by Representatives Nicholas K. Smith and Jay Hoffman, proposes several amendments to the Ticket […]
Author: Dani Tietz
Champaign County Housing Market Shows Mixed Signals in January 2025
The Champaign County housing market kicked off 2025 with a complex landscape, characterized by rising prices and tight inventory despite a slight dip in sales. According to a recent report from the Champaign County Association of REALTORS® (CCAR), the area experienced both challenges and opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. Key […]
Illinois Advanced Placement Students Set New Records in Participation and Performance
According to the Illinois State Board of Education, the Class of 2024 in Illinois achieved success in Advanced Placement (AP) participation and performance, setting new records and outpacing national averages. Performance Highlights Illinois has made significant strides in AP exam performance over the past decade: “Over the years, we’ve seen […]
Carle Health Announces Discontinuation of Regional Insurance Plans
Carle Health has announced that its subsidiaries Health Alliance and FirstCarolinaCare will cease operations for all lines of business except Medicare Advantage, effective January 1, 2026. The decision comes as a result of significant changes in the health insurance industry, particularly affecting provider-owned insurers. Key Points Reasons for Discontinuation: Timeline […]
Elon Musk’s Email to Federal Employees Sparks Confusion, Security Concerns, and Pushback
In a move that has caused widespread confusion and controversy within the U.S. federal government, Elon Musk, advisor to President Donald Trump and head of the Department of Government Efficiency, sent an email to federal employees on Saturday requesting them to list five accomplishments from the previous week. The email, […]
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 […]