Illinois shines with multiple schools in 2025 world university rankings
Two leading universities in Illinois have earned prestigious spots in the latest global university rankings for 2025, reinforcing the state’s strong academic presence on the international stage. The ranking, now in its 11th year, evaluated over 2,200 institutions across the world. It considered multiple performance indicators such as global and regional academic reputation, volume and impact of scholarly publications, book output, citation influence, and international academic collaboratio
Illinois shines with multiple schools in 2025 world university rankings
Two leading universities in Illinois have earned prestigious spots in the latest global university rankings for 2025, reinforcing the state’s strong academic presence on the international stage. The ranking, now in its 11th year, evaluated over 2,200 institutions across the world. It considered multiple performance indicators such as global and regional academic reputation, volume and impact of scholarly publications, book output, citation influence, and international academic collaboratio
Six-year-old suffocates from Mylar balloon in Illinois
A six-year-old boy from Mount Carmel, Illinois tragically died following an incident involving a helium-filled Mylar balloon, according to officials. The incident took place at the child's home on May 29 and is believed to have resulted from suffocation caused by the balloon. Authorities are still conducting additional tests, but early findings strongly point to accidental asphyxiation. The child, Gunner Matthew Hyatt, had just celebrated his sixth birthday a week earlier. He
Six-year-old suffocates from Mylar balloon in Illinois
A six-year-old boy from Mount Carmel, Illinois tragically died following an incident involving a helium-filled Mylar balloon, according to officials. The incident took place at the child's home on May 29 and is believed to have resulted from suffocation caused by the balloon. Authorities are still conducting additional tests, but early findings strongly point to accidental asphyxiation. The child, Gunner Matthew Hyatt, had just celebrated his sixth birthday a week earlier. He
I-88 exit ramp to IL-83 in Oak Brook closed after excavator hits overpass
A crash involving a commercial vehicle hauling an excavator has led to the temporary closure of a key exit ramp off Interstate 88 in Oak Brook, Illinois. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, when state police responded to a report of a vehicle accident on the I-88 westbound exit ramp leading to Illinois Route 83, also known as Kingery Highway. The crash has disrupted traffic near a busy commercial hub, causing delays and detours that are expected to last for several days.
I-88 exit ramp to IL-83 in Oak Brook closed after excavator hits overpass
A crash involving a commercial vehicle hauling an excavator has led to the temporary closure of a key exit ramp off Interstate 88 in Oak Brook, Illinois. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Tuesday, when state police responded to a report of a vehicle accident on the I-88 westbound exit ramp leading to Illinois Route 83, also known as Kingery Highway. The crash has disrupted traffic near a busy commercial hub, causing delays and detours that are expected to last for several days.
Pope Leo XIV’s boyhood home could become historic site amid Dolton’s eminent domain move
Dolton, Illinois – In a move that has stirred both local and international attention, the Village of Dolton has announced plans to acquire the boyhood home of Pope Leo XIV—formerly Robert Francis Prevost—through the legal authority of eminent domain. The modest brick residence, located at 212 East 141st Place, is being described as a “piece of papal history” by a national auction house currently listing the home. However, prospective buyers hopin
Pope Leo XIV’s boyhood home could become historic site amid Dolton’s eminent domain move
Dolton, Illinois – In a move that has stirred both local and international attention, the Village of Dolton has announced plans to acquire the boyhood home of Pope Leo XIV—formerly Robert Francis Prevost—through the legal authority of eminent domain. The modest brick residence, located at 212 East 141st Place, is being described as a “piece of papal history” by a national auction house currently listing the home. However, prospective buyers hopin
Severe thunderstorms knock out power for over 100,000 across Illinois and Indiana
Severe thunderstorms swept through several regions in Illinois and Indiana on Thursday, leaving a trail of destruction and disrupting the lives of thousands of residents. Strong winds, lightning, and heavy rain led to widespread power outages and triggered tornado watches across both states as emergency services and utility crews scrambled to respond to the impact. As of 10 p.m. Thursday, Illinois utility provider ComEd reported a total of 1,104 outages across the state, with m
Severe thunderstorms knock out power for over 100,000 across Illinois and Indiana
Severe thunderstorms swept through several regions in Illinois and Indiana on Thursday, leaving a trail of destruction and disrupting the lives of thousands of residents. Strong winds, lightning, and heavy rain led to widespread power outages and triggered tornado watches across both states as emergency services and utility crews scrambled to respond to the impact. As of 10 p.m. Thursday, Illinois utility provider ComEd reported a total of 1,104 outages across the state, with m
Illinois hotels to ban small plastic bottles by July 2025 under new law
A new law passed by the Illinois General Assembly is set to make significant changes for hotels in the state, affecting how they provide personal care products to customers. Beginning on July 1, 2025, hotels with 50 or more rooms will no longer be allowed to offer small, single-use plastic bottles containing products such as shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. This law, which officially took effect on January 1, 2025, is known as the "Small Single-Use Plastic Bottle Act" and was intro
Illinois hotels to ban small plastic bottles by July 2025 under new law
A new law passed by the Illinois General Assembly is set to make significant changes for hotels in the state, affecting how they provide personal care products to customers. Beginning on July 1, 2025, hotels with 50 or more rooms will no longer be allowed to offer small, single-use plastic bottles containing products such as shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. This law, which officially took effect on January 1, 2025, is known as the "Small Single-Use Plastic Bottle Act" and was intro
Illinois Tech Becomes First US University to Open Campus in India
In a groundbreaking development for Indian higher education, the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) has received official approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish a degree-granting campus in India. The Chicago-based university’s Mumbai campus is set to open in 2026, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in computer science, engineering, and business. This makes Illinois Tech the first US university to receive UGC approval under India&rsq
Illinois Tech Becomes First US University to Open Campus in India
In a groundbreaking development for Indian higher education, the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) has received official approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish a degree-granting campus in India. The Chicago-based university’s Mumbai campus is set to open in 2026, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in computer science, engineering, and business. This makes Illinois Tech the first US university to receive UGC approval under India&rsq
Tragedy in Chatham: Fatal car crash at Illinois daycare kills four
A tragic incident in Chatham, Illinois on Monday afternoon has left a community reeling after a car crashed through the wall of a local daycare center, killing four people and injuring six others. The victims, all female students aged between 4 and 18, were attending the Youth Needing Other Things (YNOT) Outdoors camp, an after-school program, when the devastating event occurred. According to police officials, the vehicle drove through the east side of the YNOT facility on Breckenridge Road at a
Tragedy in Chatham: Fatal car crash at Illinois daycare kills four
A tragic incident in Chatham, Illinois on Monday afternoon has left a community reeling after a car crashed through the wall of a local daycare center, killing four people and injuring six others. The victims, all female students aged between 4 and 18, were attending the Youth Needing Other Things (YNOT) Outdoors camp, an after-school program, when the devastating event occurred. According to police officials, the vehicle drove through the east side of the YNOT facility on Breckenridge Road at a
Tularemia Alert in Illinois: Wildlife Infections Raise Health Concerns for Residents and Pets
Residents of Illinois are being urged to stay vigilant after a dead rabbit found in Tuscola tested positive for tularemia, a bacterial disease that poses a risk to both humans and animals. The Douglas County Health Department confirmed that the rabbit was discovered and tested following reports of unusual animal deaths in the area. Tuscola, located about 25 miles south of Champaign, became the focus of public health attention after the positive result. Adding to the concern, officials also re
Tularemia Alert in Illinois: Wildlife Infections Raise Health Concerns for Residents and Pets
Residents of Illinois are being urged to stay vigilant after a dead rabbit found in Tuscola tested positive for tularemia, a bacterial disease that poses a risk to both humans and animals. The Douglas County Health Department confirmed that the rabbit was discovered and tested following reports of unusual animal deaths in the area. Tuscola, located about 25 miles south of Champaign, became the focus of public health attention after the positive result. Adding to the concern, officials also re
Tourist Wins $3.1 Million Jackpot on Illinois Lottery Visit to Chicago
A trip to Chicago ended with far more than sightseeing and selfies for one lucky tourist who now returns home $3.1 million richer. The unexpected windfall came courtesy of the Illinois Lottery’s FastPlay Ultimate Diamond Jackpot game, with the winning ticket purchased at Komal Wine and Liquors near O’Hare International Airport. The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, snagged a $3,188,104 jackpot while enjoying a visit to one of America’s most iconic cities.
Tourist Wins $3.1 Million Jackpot on Illinois Lottery Visit to Chicago
A trip to Chicago ended with far more than sightseeing and selfies for one lucky tourist who now returns home $3.1 million richer. The unexpected windfall came courtesy of the Illinois Lottery’s FastPlay Ultimate Diamond Jackpot game, with the winning ticket purchased at Komal Wine and Liquors near O’Hare International Airport. The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, snagged a $3,188,104 jackpot while enjoying a visit to one of America’s most iconic cities.
Illinois Leaders Sue Trump Over $11.3M Library and Museum Funding Cuts
In a significant escalation of political and legal resistance, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and a coalition of 20 state attorneys general have filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump’s decision to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a move that threatens millions in federal funding for cultural institutions across the country. Illinois stands to lose $11.3 million in annual support for its libraries, museums, and historical archives if the
Illinois Leaders Sue Trump Over $11.3M Library and Museum Funding Cuts
In a significant escalation of political and legal resistance, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and a coalition of 20 state attorneys general have filed a lawsuit against former President Donald Trump’s decision to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a move that threatens millions in federal funding for cultural institutions across the country. Illinois stands to lose $11.3 million in annual support for its libraries, museums, and historical archives if the









