The Trump administration is actively weighing a series of proposals aimed at encouraging American women to have more children. Among the most discussed ideas is a $5,000 “baby bonus” – a direct cash incentive that would be awarded to every American mother following childbirth. The bonus, if implemented, could supplement […]
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Illinois College Leaders Join National Push to Defend Free Expression, Oppose Political Interference in Higher Ed
A coalition of higher education leaders, including several prominent Illinois colleges, has joined a nationwide initiative urging campuses to foster constructive engagement and uphold the principles of free expression amid rising tensions and polarization. “As leaders of America’s colleges, universities, and scholarly societies, we speak with one voice against the […]
IMF Warns of Slower Global Growth Amid Rising Trade Tensions and Uncertainty
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has sharply downgraded its global economic outlook for 2025, citing intensifying trade tensions, policy uncertainty, and the lingering effects of recent tariff hikes as major headwinds for growth and inflation. In its latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) report released Tuesday, the IMF projects global growth […]
Trump Signs Executive Order Rolling Back Disparate-Impact Liability, Shifting Federal Civil Rights Enforcement
President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order aimed at eliminating the use of disparate-impact liability in federal civil rights enforcement, marking a significant shift in how the government addresses discrimination and affirmative action policies. The order, titled “Restoring Equality of Opportunity and Meritocracy,” asserts that the United States […]
HHS Urges Voluntary Industry Action on Red Food Dye
The Health and Human Services Department released a statement Wednesday, stating they intend to phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s food supply through a series of new measures. Those efforts, though, will rely on voluntary efforts from the food industry. “We don’t have an agreement, we have […]
As Egg Prices Soar, Big Producers Rake in Record Profits, Report Finds
While American consumers continue to pay inflated prices for eggs, large-scale producers—especially industry giant Cal-Maine—are reaping enormous profits, according to a new report by Food & Water Watch. The report finds that since the bird flu outbreak began in 2022, egg prices have more than doubled at the retail level, […]
Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin to retire after more than 4 decades in Congress
by Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois April 23, 2025 Editor’s note: This story has been updated with more information about Durbin’s career and potential replacements. Longtime U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the No. 2 Democrat in the Senate, announced he will retire after his term ends in January 2027. […]
Twelve States Sue President Trump Over Sweeping Tariffs, Citing Constitutional Violations and Economic Harm
A coalition of twelve U.S. states filed a lawsuit Wednesday in the U.S. Court of International Trade challenging a series of sweeping tariffs imposed by President Donald J. Trump, arguing that the measures are unconstitutional, lack statutory authority, and are causing widespread economic harm across the country. The lawsuit, led […]
CDC Study Shows Progress in Autism Identification Amid Misleading Political Rhetoric
A study released last week by the CDC found that more children have access to evaluations for autism and more children are being identified as autistic. The study concluded that actual cases of autism are not rising, but rather better screening and expanded diagnostic definitions are helping more children receive […]
Illinois scrambles to boost locally produced farm products after Trump’s funding freeze
by Simon Carr and Medill Illinois News Bureau, Capitol News Illinois April 21, 2025 SPRINGFIELD — When Illinois named small farmer Nathan Ryder a finalist for a federal $100,000 Local Food Infrastructure Grant, he made big plans for his farm in the southeastern tip of the state. Then the U.S. […]