Illinois Public Media News

On the 21st: We talked with an organization in Illinois that is trying to help defray the cost of adoption. Plus, we talked about how a group of college students came up with a solution in just 36 hours to fix online fake news problems, and got tips for distinguishing between real and fake news from a librarian.

Ohio State University says a shelter-in-place warning has been lifted and the scene is secure following reports of an active shooter and at least seven people injured. It was later revealed the attacker drove a vehicle onto a curb, and used a butcher knife, and not a gun. Ohio State tweeted Monday morning that all classes would be canceled for the rest of the day.

It’s the final week of the fall veto session - and the last few days in office for State Representative Adam Brown of Champaign. The three-term House Republican, who did not run for re-election this year, says it’s a "shame" that the state budget hasn’t gotten more attention since lawmakers returned to Springfield two weeks ago.

A major energy package, automatic voter registration ---- and the state budget --- are all on the line … as state lawmakers return to the capitol this week. It’s the second half of the annual veto session.

Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro has died at age 90, according to Cuban state media, confirms NPR. Castro, who took power in the Cuban revolution in 1959, led his country for nearly 50 years. After undergoing intestinal surgery, Castro had ceded power in July 2006, to his younger brother Raul, who announced his death late Friday on Cuban state television.

One Illinois lawmaker is encouraged that Governor Bruce Rauner and his staff are part of the conversation on legislation to prevent two Illinois nuclear power plants from closing. 

Teenagers are texting while behind the wheel, despite the law prohibiting it. And that's not all they're doing. The survey from State Farm Insurancefound 80 percent of teens say they use their smartphones while driving. Along with sending text messages, they're using the phone for other purposes, including playing games.

Todd Gleason has some thoughts on food safety with Extension nutrition and wellness educator Mary Liz Wright for the Thanksgiving holiday.
 

The University of Illinois says it's suspending immediately all of the recent changes announced ahead of the new federal overtime rules. That includes salary increases and overtime eligibility related to the new changes under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The move comes after a federal judge in Texas blocked nationwide implementation of the new rules.