Illinois quick hits: Biss criticizes university payout; more time in emergency rooms

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Biss criticizes university payout

Evanston Mayor and former Democratic state lawmaker Daniel Biss says President Donald Trump’s administration “essentially blackmailed” Northwestern University into an agreement to pay the federal government $75 million.

The Department of Justice said the deal announced last Friday would safeguard students, employees and faculty from unlawful discrimination, including race-based admissions practices and a hostile educational environment directed toward Jewish students.

The agreement restores Northwestern’s eligibility for future federal funding after the Trump administration froze nearly $800 million due to antisemitism allegations at the school.

More time in emergency rooms

Data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services indicates that Illinois patients spend more time than any of their Midwest counterparts in emergency care, with an average of 169 minutes per visit.

Whitley Law Firm examined CMS data and found that Illinois ranked 11th in the nation for median minutes spent in the emergency department before leaving.

Maryland patients averaged the longest time in the emergency care with 251 minutes, and North Dakota patients had the shortest median time at 110 minutes.

Santa at Old State Capitol

Families have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus at the Old State Capitol State Historic Site in Springfield this month.

Santa is scheduled to appear at the Old State Capitol Dec. 6, 13 and 20 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.