WSIU | Powered By You

NPR News Feed

Indianapolis Sikh Community Mourns 4 Of Its Members Killed In Shooting

By Jeannette Muhammad • 17 minutes ago

Members of Indianapolis' Sikh community are mourning four of its members who were killed in Thursday night's shooting attack at a FedEx warehouse that left eight victims dead.

"These kinds of violent attacks are a threat to all of us," said community member Maninder Singh Walia in a statement released by the Sikh Coalition. "Our community has a long road of healing — physically, mentally, and spiritually — to recover from this tragedy."

Global COVID-19 Deaths Top 3 Million

By Jeannette Muhammad • 1 hour ago

Global deaths from COVID-19 has surpassed 3 million, according to the latest data from John Hopkins University.

Leading in those deaths are the United States, with more than 566,000, and Brazil, with more than 368,000. They are followed by Mexico, India and the United Kingdom.

The global death toll reached 1 million in September 2020 and 2 million in January.

Prince Philip Is Memorialized In An Intimate Funeral Ceremony

By Matthew S. Schwartz • 4 hours ago

Updated April 17, 2021 at 11:54 AM ET

Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Queen Elizabeth II was memorialized Saturday in a funeral service, decades in the making, before being laid to rest in Windsor Castle.

Because of the pandemic, many of the usual ceremonies were dropped. After a national moment of silence, Philip's body was carried to the gates of Windsor Castle in a personalized hearse, a Land Rover that he helped modify.

More News

Illinois News

COVID-19 Pandemic

SIU News

Pritzker Announces $1.6 Billion in Federal Funding for Early Childhood Services

By Grace Barbic & Capitol News Illinois • 22 hours ago

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Friday that $1.6 billion in federal funding will be allocated toward early childhood education and child care providers in Illinois.

The funds will be provided through the American Rescue Plan passed by Congress in March, Pritzker announced at a news conference in Aurora on Friday, and will include $140 million in direct grants for child care providers to be dispersed over the next three weeks.

Quarter of Illinois’ Population Fully Vaccinated

By Sarah Mansur & Capitol News Illinois • Apr 16, 2021

Nearly one quarter of the state’s population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to data released Friday by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

With more than 3.18 million state residents fully vaccinated, the percentage of fully vaccinated Illinoisans has reached 24.95 percent as of Thursday.

Cannabis Operator in Southern Illinois Looks to Create More Local Jobs

By Brad Palmer • Apr 16, 2021

A cannabis cultivation company that operates a production facility in Union County is working with an area community college to create new jobs.

Advocates Push for Added State Funding in Disability Support Services

By Jennifer Fuller • Apr 16, 2021

Advocates for people with disabilities are pushing Illinois lawmakers to do better when it comes to funding for caregivers across the state.

The Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, along with partner organizations, says a new study shows direct support providers need more financial support.

Family Offers Reward for Information into the 2019 Death of a Tamms Man

By Brad Palmer • Apr 16, 2021

The family of a Tamms man is offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for his death.

WSIU News Morning Update (4/16/2021)

By Leah Lerner • Apr 16, 2021

Dan Klefstad and Leah Lerner report this morning's news for April 16th.

Safe Shawnee Hiking with Expert Hiker Shawn Gossman

By Kevin Boucher • Apr 16, 2021

Listen

Listening...

5:59

Over the last several weeks, several hikers have sustained injuries after falling in the Shawnee National Forest. On this edition of WSIU InFocus, we speak with hiking expert Shawn Gossman about how to enjoy southern Illinois' natural areas while staying out of the emergency room.

Climate Update: April 2021

By Jeff Williams • Apr 16, 2021

Unity Point Environmental Club

Climate Update is a monthly radio essay dedicated to exploring the impact of climate on our world. The program is produced by the 4th Grade students in the Environmental Club at Unity Point School in Carbondale, Illinois.

Climate Update regularly airs the second Friday of the month on WSIU Radio.

Elected Chicago School Board Bill Passes House

By Tim Kirsininkas & Capitol News Illinois • Apr 16, 2021

A bill which would implement an elected Chicago school board passed the Illinois House Thursday, while opponents of the legislation continued to push for compromise amendments.

House Bill 2908 would create elections for 21 Chicago school board members in the 2023 and 2027 consolidated primary elections. Currently, the seven sitting Chicago Board of Education members are appointed by the Mayor.

Leaders Encourage Vaccinated Illinoisans To Reach Out To Vaccine Hesitant Friends

By Steph Whiteside • Apr 15, 2021

Senator Tammy Duckworth is encouraging all Illinoisans to get the COVID-19 vaccines for the sake of the community.

In a virtual town hall Thursday night, leaders including Duckworth and Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike stressed the need for vaccines. Duckworth emphasized the need for people to work as a community and get vaccinated to protect each other, especially those too young to get the shot. Ezike encouraged those who have already been vaccinated to reach out to friends and neighbors.