From the WGLT newsroom, I'm Ben Howell. The Illinois Board of Higher Education says it is evaluating a program to help create diverse faculty at Illinois universities as the federal administration continues to attack DEI programs. Illinois State University social work faculty member Stacey Wiggins got her PhD with the help of a

From the WGLT newsroom, I'm Ben Howell. The Illinois Board of Higher Education says it is evaluating a program to help create diverse faculty at Illinois universities as the federal administration continues to attack DEI programs. Illinois State University social work faculty member Stacey Wiggins got her PhD with the help of a

diversifying faculty in Illinois Fellowship. She says it helps attract and keep students from non-traditional backgrounds. So if you don't look out for this group, where is higher ed gonna go? Because we already know there's gonna be a dip, there's going to be a decline. ISU president Andave Tarhue says the program has helped the university grow in its own diverse faculty.

diversifying faculty in Illinois Fellowship. She says it helps attract and keep students from non-traditional backgrounds. So if you don't look out for this group, where is higher ed gonna go? Because we already know there's gonna be a dip, there's going to be a decline. ISU president Andave Tarhue says the program has helped the university grow in its own diverse faculty.

The Lexington School District has unveiled its new STEA edition at its junior and senior high school. The project added new agriculture, industrial technology, science, and visual arts classrooms. School board secretary Jamie Farrell says it's an emotional moment. The district had to overcome financial struggles a decade ago. 10 years ago, I wasn't sure if my kids would graduate from Lexington. The Lexington School District also dedicated a time capsule of the school's memorabilia to be opened in 2050.

The Lexington School District has unveiled its new STEA edition at its junior and senior high school. The project added new agriculture, industrial technology, science, and visual arts classrooms. School board secretary Jamie Farrell says it's an emotional moment. The district had to overcome financial struggles a decade ago. 10 years ago, I wasn't sure if my kids would graduate from Lexington. The Lexington School District also dedicated a time capsule of the school's memorabilia to be opened in 2050.

Illinois US Senator Dick Durbin is open to discussing Medicaid cuts, but not work requirements. Alex Degman

Illinois US Senator Dick Durbin is open to discussing Medicaid cuts, but not work requirements. Alex Degman

reports. Durbin, a Democrat, calls GOP proposals to cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid devastating. This is not a haircut. This is cutting their throats. The House.

reports. Durbin, a Democrat, calls GOP proposals to cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid devastating. This is not a haircut. This is cutting their throats. The House.

and Commerce Committee says it's on track to find $880 billion in savings over the next decade, $300 billion of which could come from new work requirements for Medicaid patients. Durbin doesn't think that's realistic. One of the major expenditures is for people who are in nursing homes. Now, I hope no one is arguing that those folks ought to have part-time jobs or full-time jobs. Durbin says he won't rule out every possible cut, but he didn't specify where he would find savings.

and Commerce Committee says it's on track to find $880 billion in savings over the next decade, $300 billion of which could come from new work requirements for Medicaid patients. Durbin doesn't think that's realistic. One of the major expenditures is for people who are in nursing homes. Now, I hope no one is arguing that those folks ought to have part-time jobs or full-time jobs. Durbin says he won't rule out every possible cut, but he didn't specify where he would find savings.

I'm Alex Degman.

I'm Alex Degman.

A slow and quiet procession in observance of cyclists injured and killed on public roadways is planned for Wednesday night in Bloomington, Normal. The annual ride of silence will start at 6:45 outside the McLean County Museum of History. The bike ride then will have a police escort north on Main Street to Uptown Normal.

A slow and quiet procession in observance of cyclists injured and killed on public roadways is planned for Wednesday night in Bloomington, Normal. The annual ride of silence will start at 6:45 outside the McLean County Museum of History. The bike ride then will have a police escort north on Main Street to Uptown Normal.