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 […]
Author: Dani Tietz
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]