Illinois Public Media News

It’s the time of the year when department stores stock their shelves with different outfits for Halloween, including costumes of other cultures. Sexy Geisha, Hey Amigo Mexican man and replicas of Native American headdresses are some real life examples of cultural costumes and they can be found on various Halloween websites.

Cultural costumes have led to a controversial dilemma over whether or not they are racist, sexist and perpetuate cultural appropriation.

The Chanute Air Museum in Rantoul closes its doors Saturday, two months earlier than originally planned.  The original decision was made last spring for financial reasons, but Curator Mark Hanson says the closure date was moved up since many exhibits are already being moved. 

Exelon is putting off a decision for a year on whether to close a nuclear plant in Clinton. The company has already delayed decisions about the future of reactors in Quad Cities and Byron. It still wants Illinois lawmakers to approve a monthly surcharge on electric bills to reward generators who produce carbon-free power.

The state's inability to cover its expenses has some asking the question: Will Illinois run out of money?

There have been lawsuits against the NFL, but the one brought against the Illinois High School Association a year ago was the first class action suit against a prep sports governing body.