Bill requiring schools to teach Native American history heads to Senate floor
Measure passed House last month.
Ralph Yarl shedding ‘buckets of tears,’ shooter out on bond
s 16-year-old Ralph Yarl struggles to come to grips with being shot for going to the wrong house to pick up his younger brothers, the white Kansas City, Missouri homeowner who shot the Black teenager is facing his day in court.
Ramadan fasts are part of intense training for Illinois wheelchair athlete
URBANA – Halfway through the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims around the globe are fasting from sunrise until sunset. In Urbana, one Muslim woman fasts while she trains up to two times a day. She came from Egypt alone to be able alongside Paralympic medalists. Hoda Elshorbagy dreams of being the first Egyptian woman to…
Program encourages Latinx students to grow science interest
CHAMPAIGN – Children and families gathered at Martens Center in Champaign’s Human Kinetics Park this week to enjoy food and learn more about science – entirely in Spanish. The Cena y Ciencias (Supper and Science) program takes place on the first Monday of every month during the school year. The program is a collaboration involving…
Local Champaign Guatemalan collective aims to break down language barriers
URBANA – In 2018 Kora Maldonado was in the delivery room at one of the local hospitals. She was translating Qʼanjobʼal for a friend prior to giving birth to her first child. Spanish-speaking interpreters were available through a monitor screen, but they couldn’t understand her Maya Spanish. “I was kind of thinking through that experience…
After decades, University of Illinois restarts repatriation of Native American ancestors
Despite being in an untenured position, Jenny Davis took a risk. She persuaded the University of Illinois to establish an office dedicated to implementing the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
Native American history, repatriation measures advance in Illinois House
State museum has 2nd largest collection of unrepatriated remains, per news investigation.
House passes bill prohibiting book bans
Libraries would be disqualified from state grants.
House narrowly passes bill allowing all-gender bathrooms
Sponsor earlier reported spread of misinformation, threats of violence.
U of I study finds age protects against mental health symptoms among older women of color
Editors Note: In our original post, Sandraluz Lara-Cinisomo’s name was not accurately published consistently and a few quotes weren’t accurate. We have corrected that and apologize for the error. URBANA – Black and Latina women are at a greater risk of getting COVID, but age seems to play a role in protecting against mental health…
LGBTQ book bans have spiked nationwide. Where do Decatur school board candidates stand?
One candidate running for Decatur school board said he supports age-restricting books with LGBTQ characters.
Teacher, custodian unions grill candidates for Champaign Unit 4 school board on shortages, Black Lives Matter
About three-quarters of districts in Illinois are struggling to hire bus drivers, cafeteria workers and teachers’ aides. Workers in Champaign want to know how future board members will help them.
Some school board candidates this year are pushing to limit lessons on Black history. Where do Champaign Unit 4 candidates stand?
Six candidates say students should learn African American history and the history of racism. The seventh, business owner Mark Holm, declined to be interviewed.
‘Equitable restrooms’ bill advances in House
Bill calls for setting standards for multi-occupant, all-gender facilities.
Illinois physician writes children’s book on how to be a first responder
The idea for “Ava Saves The Day” occurred to Breyanna Grays while working with stroke and heart attack patients in emergency rooms.