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 […]
Other News
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 […]
Appeals court allows federalization of troops but says they can’t be deployed
by Andrew Adams, Capitol News Illinois October 13, 2025 Article Summary A federal appeals court upheld a lower court’s temporary order barring President Donald Trump’s administration from deploying National Guard troops in Illinois without the governor’s approval. Protests continue in Broadview, where local and state police make arrests in an […]
Veto session preview: Federal issues top of mind as lawmakers seek transit, energy solutions
by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois October 13, 2025 Article Summary The General Assembly will return for the annual fall veto session from Oct. 14-16 and Oct. 28-30 with several key items on their agenda. Federal immigration and law enforcement actions in the Chicago area are weighing on lawmakers’ minds, […]
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 […]
Illinois’ budget on track for deficit as new federal policies create challenges
by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois October 10, 2025 Article Summary The governor’s office now projects a $267 million deficit for the current fiscal year 2026 budget. Corporate tax cuts enacted at the federal level, combined with tariffs and declining consumer spending, is causing state corporate tax revenue to decline. […]
Budzinski urges bipartisan deal to end shutdown, but draws ‘red line’ on health care
by Brenden Moore, Capitol News Illinois October 10, 2025 Article Summary U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski urged Congress to come to a bipartisan agreement to reopen the government. But she also said that the renewal of Affordable Care Act tax credits that are set to expire at the end of the […]
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 […]











