Illinois quick hits: Biss criticizes university payout; more time in emergency rooms
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.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Will County Approves Diamond Enterprise Zone Expansion to Support $355 Million Energy Investment
Federal Update: DHS Shutdown, War Powers, and Housing Legislation Dominate Washington
Will County Corporate Revenues Surpass Expectations, Igniting Debate Over Delinquent Tax Sales
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee for March 3, 2026
Will County Grants Extensions for Seven Solar and Commercial Projects Amid Permitting Delays
Construction Progresses on New Manhattan Fire Station, August Completion Anticipated
Will County Committee Postpones Liquor, Ad-Hoc Committee: Gaming, and Tobacco Ordinance Updates Amid Extensive Revisions
Land Use Committee Approves 4.98-Megawatt Solar Facility on Eagle Lake Road Near Peotone
Will County Advances Nearly $1.5 Million in Right-of-Way and Improvement Agreements for Weber, Gougar, and Laraway Roads
Public Works Committee: Approves $1.59 Million Contract for Scheer Road Bridge Replacement in Green Garden Township
Will County Board Backs $10 Million State Public Health Grant Increase Amid Funding Cuts
Barn Fire on Whispering Hills Lane Claims Livestock, Draws Extensive Mutual Aid Response
Will County Public Works Committee Shelves License Plate Reader Agreement Amid Bipartisan Privacy Concerns
