University funding overhaul bill advances in House despite U of I opposition
Legislation would create a need-based formula for universities similar to one used for K-12 schools.
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All top Champaign Unit 4 administrators asked to reapply for their jobs
The Champaign Unit 4 Board of Education approved demotions or resignations of all top administrators. They can reapply for their jobs.
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University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students to pay more for campus health insurance in fall
The University of Illinois says increasing prescription costs and more use of mental health services are causes.
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A student farming program is expanding in urban schools. Here’s what city kids get out of FFA
Program advisors say students are learning skills that can help them work in a wide range of industries — from biotech to cosmetology.
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Enrollment at Illinois public K-12 schools is down 10% over the past decade. Will some schools have to close?
Schools closing isn’t super common, but it does happen. Data WNIJ obtained from the Illinois State Board of Education shows 72 public schools have closed in the past five years.
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Emmy-nominated talk show host and University of Illinois alumnus Sean Evans selected as 2026 commencement speaker
Sean Evans graduated from U of I with a degree in broadcast journalism in 2008 and is the co-creator and host of the popular YouTube show “Hot Ones.”
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Illinois reparations commission publishes report on history of racial inequality
In nearly 300 pages, “Taking Account” outlines the policies and legal systems the state has used to exclude and harm African Americans since its founding.
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Illinois universities adjust to reduced state funding as lawmakers consider new formula
The proposed bill would calculate how much money each university needs based on factors like student enrollment and academic support.
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University of Illinois to ‘blend’ students from inside and outside prison in fall course
For the Urbana-Champaign students, the course offers a chance to distinguish myth and reality in information about prisons and prisoners.
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Capitol Briefs: U of I still concerned about higher ed funding overhaul proposal
The president of the University of Illinois System said Wednesday that negotiations are continuing over legislation to overhaul the way the state funds higher education, but the state’s flagship university remains opposed to the legislation in its current form.
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Decatur Public Schools selects next superintendent
Moody will take over leadership of Decatur Public Schools in July after Superintendent Rochelle Clark retires. Her starting salary will be $237,500.
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Here’s how one Urbana High School teacher is using AI in the classroom
The Urbana School District released guidance for teachers in January on the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms, ahead of published guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education, which is expected this summer.
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Springfield high schoolers honor Black History Month with competitive quiz bowl
SPRINGFIELD — As three teams of students sat on stage in the auditorium of Springfield Southeast High School Sunday, tensions were running high. In the first hour, students gasped and cheered as they learned the answers during the Springfield Black History Bowl. But by the second hour, it was clear that last year’s winners of…
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Illinois schools counted on federal grants to ease a shortage of school psychologists. After cancelation and a year of court battles, the future’s uncertain.
Over the past year, the Trump administration has terminated multiple grants — together worth over $10 million — that were supposed to help schools in Illinois hire more mental health professionals.
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Pritzker calls for small increase to Illinois higher education funding. Some advocates say it’s a cut
When Gov. JB Pritzker delivered his annual budget address on Wednesday, he recommended Illinois lawmakers increase funding for higher education by 1% and hold funding steady for the need-based Monetary Assistance Program
