United States tariffs on Mexico and Canada have been paused after three days of retaliatory tariff threats, a tanking stock market, and calls from billionaires to reconsider. Canada, Mexico, and the United States have agreed to negotiate during a 30-day period, then revisit the threat of tariffs. On Saturday, the […]
Other News
DIA Halts Cultural Observances Following Trump’s Ban on Diversity Initiatives
The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has issued a memo pausing all activities and events related to its Special Emphasis Programs, effective immediately and until further notice. This decision affects 11 annual observances, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, Pride Month, Holocaust Days of Remembrance, and other cultural […]
Trump Administration’s ‘Fork in the Road’: Federal Employees Face Voluntary Resignation Offer and Workforce Reforms
The Trump administration has presented federal employees with a “Fork in the Road” decision regarding their future in government service. On January 28, 2025, an email was sent to federal workers outlining a deferred resignation offer, giving them the option to voluntarily leave their positions by September 30, 2025. Key […]
Illinois Lawmakers Propose Bills on Ranked-Choice Voting
A new bill introduced in the Illinois General Assembly aims to explore the possibility of implementing ranked-choice voting for state and local elections. House Bill 1786, sponsored by Representative Maura Hirschauer (D-49), proposes the creation of a Ranked-Choice Voting in State and Local Elections Task Force. Key Points of the […]
Parkland College Celebrates Black History Month with Emphasis on “African Americans and Labor”
Parkland College is set to celebrate Black History Month in February with an array of events centered around the theme “African Americans and Labor.” Parkland aims to highlight both historical and contemporary contributions of African Americans to the workforce, with a program packed with educational and cultural activities designed to […]
Proposed Illinois Bill Mandates One-Year Expulsion for Students Committing Sexual Assault on School Grounds
A new bill introduced in the Illinois State Senate aims to establish a mandatory one-year expulsion policy for students who commit sexual violence or assault on school grounds or at school-related events. Senate Bill 0098, introduced by Senator Steve McClure (R-54) on January 17, 2025, proposes an amendment to the […]
Illinois Lawmakers Introduce End-of-Life Options Bill for Terminally Ill Patients
Illinois legislators have introduced a new bill that would allow terminally ill patients to request life-ending medication from their physicians. The End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act, filed as HB1328 and SB9 in the 104th General Assembly, aims to provide a legal framework for medical aid in dying in […]
Federal Aid Freeze Blocked: Judge Halts Trump’s Spending Directive Moments Before Implementation
U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan issued a temporary block on President Donald Trump’s directive to freeze federal aid spending, just minutes before it was set to take effect on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. The judge’s decision comes as a response to a lawsuit filed by a coalition of nonprofit organizations […]
Illinois Labor Market Shows Improvement in December
Illinois experienced a positive shift in its labor market during December, with the unemployment rate decreasing and job numbers rising, according to the latest data from IDES (Illinois Department of Employment Security). Unemployment Rate Drops The unemployment rate in Illinois fell to 5.2% in December, a 0.1 percentage point decrease […]
Champaign County Celebrates Art and Creativity with Exciting Opportunities for Local Artists
40 North | 88 West is calling on local artists to submit their artworks for a chance to become the official signature image of the 2025 Boneyard Arts Festival. The selected piece will be prominently featured across festival materials including registration packets, posters, billboards, and more. The submission deadline is […]