WSIU | Powered By You

NPR News Feed

Pope Francis Prays For George Floyd, Decries 'The Sin Of Racism'

By Bill Chappell • 21 minutes ago

Catholics cannot tolerate racism and also "claim to defend the sacredness of every human life," Pope Francis says, commenting on the upheaval that has followed the death of George Floyd in police custody.

The pope is urging the U.S. to reach a national reconciliation, after days of protests and violence.

"My friends, we cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life," the pope said on Wednesday.

How Much Do We Need The Police?

By Leah Donnella • 1 hour ago

One effect of the widespread protests across U.S. cities this week has been to renew discussions of what role the police should play in society.

For many Americans, it goes without saying that the police are critical in maintaining public safety. Have an emergency? Call the police. But many others — especially black people and poor people — have long countered that the police pose more of a threat to their safety than a boon. See a police officer? Walk the other direction.

Senator Amy Klobuchar Discusses Her State's Response To George Floyd's Death

By editor • 1 hour ago

More News

Illinois News

Election 2020 Coverage

SIU News

Daily Update: 1,600 More COVID-19 Cases (June 2)

By Jennifer Fuller • 16 hours ago

More than 1,600 new cases of COVID-19 were reported on Tuesday. The state's Department of Public Health confirms 1,614 new positive test results, bringing the overall total to 122,848.

In addition, another 113 people died due to COVID-19. The state's death toll is now 5,525.

Phase 3 Allows Small Business Owners To Open New Store

By Benjy Jeffords • 18 hours ago

Listen

Listening...

0:56

Phase 3 Allows Small Business Owners To Open New Store

The COVID-19 pandemic forced non-essential businesses to close until recently.

In early March Jimmy Stanton and his wife began the process of opening a new retail shop in the Wright Center selling CBD products, unique gifts and smoking accessories.

WSIU News Morning Update (6/2/20)

By Leah Lerner • 23 hours ago

Dan Klefstad and Leah Lerner present this morning's news for June 1st.

State Lawmakers Respond to Protests, Offer Plans For Change

By Sam Dunklau • Jun 1, 2020

As outrage and protest against police brutality and racial injustice has spilled into the streets of cities across the country, several Black Illinois state lawmakers are offering their plans for how to fix those problems.

New COVID-19 Cases Under 1,000 (June 1)

By Jennifer Fuller • Jun 1, 2020

Illinois reported 974 new cases of COVID-19 on Monday, the first time the new case count dipped below 1,000 since early April. While one day's totals don't indicate a trend, health leaders say they're hopeful the numbers will continue to drop.

The state's total infections now tops 120,000 - at 121,234 positive cases. In addition, 23 new deaths were reported, bringing the death toll to 5,412.