Illinois Public Media News

Illinois’ population losses have become a source of concern among state policymakers. But as Brian Mackey explains — a change in federal policy could make things much worse.

U.S. Representative Rodney Davis’ decision not to hold public meetings with constituents has drawn protests from liberal activist groups. One of those groups is holding its own meetings and inviting the Taylorville Republican to attend.

The Champaign-Urbana community is speaking out against reported Immigration raids in the past couple of weeks. Members of the CU Immigration Forum says Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, have targeted unspecified locations in the area at least twice this month. About 40 people rallied outside the federal courthouse in Urbana Friday.

Former University of Illinois women’s basketball coach Matt Bollant will take the same job at Eastern Illinois University. The university in Charleston announced Friday that they were hiring Bollant to replace Debbie Black, who was let go last month after four seasons.

Professors at the University of Illinois Springfield could go on strike. That’s the result of a vote this week by United Faculty, a chapter of the Illinois Federation of Teachers. Back when it was called Sangamon State University, the Springfield campus had a faculty union. But since joining the University of Illinois system, professors have been without a bargaining unit.