Illinois Featured Content

image of Illinois drivers license with REAL ID gold star. Photo via U of I Willard Airport website

Does REAL ID really make flying safer?

May 9, 2025 11:30 am

Obtaining a REAL ID has become straightforward in every state, provided you can provide the necessary documentation. Once you have your first REAL ID, obtaining renewals is straightforward and seamless.

Education’s fundamental purpose includes promoting communicative virtues such as empathy, open-mindedness and truthfulness, and providing opportunities for students to learn from and work with people of differing cultures, backgrounds and perspectives, Nicholas Burbules wrote in two recent papers. Photo by L. Brian Stauffer

What is education’s role in fostering responsible belief?

May 6, 2025 1:45 pm

Higher education should teach students how to understand each other across our differences. It’s about being exposed to diversities and learning to deal with them productively by talking, listening and trying to understand and empathize.

Jonathan W. Coppess, the Leonard and Lila Gardner-Illinois Farm Bureau Family of Companies Endowed Associate Professor in Agricultural Policy at the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Seriously. Photo by Fred Zwicky

What effect will tariffs have on consumers, farmers?

Apr 16, 2025 10:00 am

For U.S. farmers, tariffs are a double whammy of paying more for imported goods such as fertilizer and losing out on export markets, says U. of I. agricultural expert Jonathan W. Coppess.

Professor Christopher Gaulke. Photo by Craig Pessman

How does what lives in your gut affect your health?

Apr 8, 2025 2:45 pm

Professor of pathobiology Chris Gaulke discusses what roles the gut microbiome plays in digestion, immune health and cancer, as well as how what we consume affects it.

Professor Charles Fogelman, an expert on the politics of Lesotho. Photo by Fred Zwicky

How will (now 10%) tariffs, cuts to USAID, affect Africa's smallest nation?

Apr 11, 2025 8:45 am

Illinois professor Charles Fogelman describes how the tiny African country of Lesotho will likely experience the dual blows of ever-changing tariff announcements and the cessation of USAID funding.

Illinois anthropology professor Ellen Moodie describes the agreement between current U.S. and Salvadoran administrations that has allowed hundreds of Venezuelan immigrants to be deported from the U.S. and detained in an El Salvador “terrorism confinement center.”

Why were Venezuelan immigrants sent to El Salvador?

Mar 31, 2025 8:00 am

Professor Ellen Moodie describes the agreement between U.S. and Salvadoran administrations allowing hundreds of Venezuelan immigrants to be deported from the U.S. and detained in an El Salvador 'terrorism confinement center.'

What effect will a weakened consumer watchdog agency have on borrowers, bankruptcies?

Mar 26, 2025 2:30 pm

A weakened Consumer Financial Protection Bureau likely won’t lead to another subprime mortgage meltdown but 'a steady ratcheting up of unfair practices' for the average consumer, says bankruptcy expert Robert Lawless.

Emily E. LB. Twarog, a professor of labor and employment relations at Illinois and author of the 2017 book “Politics of the Pantry: Housewives, Food, and Consumer Protest in Twentieth-Century America.” Photo by L. Brian Stauffer.

What are the historical precedents for consumer activism, economic blackouts?

Mar 26, 2025 2:00 pm

Social media has changed the boycott since the days when that meant picketing outside stores, says professor Emily Twarog. 'There was a physical space where they were handing out flyers about why you, too, should join the boycott. It was very personal.'

How can digital technology contribute to human flourishing?

Mar 28, 2025 3:00 pm

John Schwenkle is the director of the new Illinois Forum on Human Flourishing in a Digital Age, which aims to examine the challenges of living in a world shaped by technology and to explore how digital tools might contribute to human flourishing.

Nancy Averett, a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign lecturer of journalism and expert in science and environmental journalism. Photo by Craig Pessman

How can science literacy help people better understand the news?

Mar 24, 2025 10:15 am

People get news from a wide range of sources that may not be trustworthy. 'Joe Rogan told viewers that he wasn’t going to get the COVID-19 vaccine because he worried about its safety...even though Rogan had zero evidence that it was unsafe.'

a farmer spreads liquid manure on a field in Italy. Public domain photo

How do we address the problem of PFAS in sewage sludge?

Mar 20, 2025 12:00 pm

Communities and federal agencies are waking up to the dangers of 'forever chemicals' in wastewater treatment sludge, which is often sprayed on farm fields as fertilizer. Researcher John Scott studies the problem.

southwest airlines photo montage by Alamy, via Adobe Stock

Southwest moves are a reaction to changing landscape in airline industry

Mar 11, 2025 2:00 pm

Southwest Airlines is reversing several policies - first come, first serve seating and 'Bags Fly Free' - in an effort to better compete with other airlines with razor thin profit margins. Professor Ed Rogowski explains why it was necessary now.

veterinary clinical medicine professor Jim Lowe. Photo by Fred Zwicky

What makes the bird flu virus so unusual?

Feb 10, 2025 9:00 am

The H5N1 virus attacks specific body systems in each species and behaves very differently in each - it can cause widespread death in some animals while barely affecting others, says Illinois professor Dr. Jim Lowe.

Zeynep Madak-Erdogan, the associate director for education at the Cancer Center at Illinois and a professor of food science and human nutrition. Photo by the Cancer Center at Illinois

How does alcohol consumption elevate risks of various cancers?

Jan 22, 2025 9:00 am

The recent Surgeon General's advisory indicates women are much more likely to develop these alcohol-related cancers. 'Since breast cancer risk is closely related to elevated estrogen levels, this creates greater susceptibility to alcohol’s carcinogenic effects in women.'

Professor John Murphy. Image by Della Perrone

How did Trump’s speech stack up to previous inaugural addresses?

Jan 23, 2025 9:30 am

'Inaugural addresses usually emphasize the humility of the new president as they face the profound responsibilities of the office. Trump does not do so. In fact, he says he was “saved by God” to make America great again.'

Rana B. Khoury, a professor of political science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who studies comparative and international politics, with a focus on the Middle East. Photo by Fred Zwicky

What does the future hold for Syria after Assad?

Jan 22, 2025 10:45 am

The outlook for Syria’s future is mixed, but there are reasons to be optimistic, says Rana B. Khoury, a professor of political science who studies comparative and international politics, with a focus on the Middle East.

social security card made out to John Q. Public. Via Wikimedia Commons

New law could mean bump in Social Security benefits for some public pensioners, expert says

Jan 9, 2025 11:30 am

The bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act means some retirees will receive a modest increase in their monthly checks, says Richard Kaplan, an internationally recognized expert on U.S. tax policy, elder law and retirement issues.

Dr. Stephany Lewis, a professor of zoological medicine at the U. of I. and the director of the University of Illinois Wildlife Medical Clinic. Photo by Fred Zwicky

Is the highly pathogenic avian influenza a threat to pets?

Jan 8, 2025 10:00 am

The American Veterinary Medical Association has issued recommendations for keeping pets and backyard flocks safe from highly pathogenic avian influenza, and the recommendations are also a useful guide for humans.

Labor and Employment Relations professor Michael LeRoy. Photo by Brian Stauffer

Will presidential transition affect potential East Coast dockworkers strike?

Jan 7, 2025 8:45 am

An East Coast dockworkers strike during the presidential transition could snarl supply chains and lead to another spike in inflation, says Michael LeRoy, a labor expert at Illinois.

Southeast view of Notre-Dame Cathedral before it was severely damaged by fire in 2019. The cathedral reopened Dec. 8 after a five-year restoration. Photo by Uoaei1, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

What can the Notre-Dame restoration tell us about how we value historic structures?

Dec 17, 2024 9:30 am

'Is the cathedral still Notre-Dame if we give it a glass roof and steel columns? The restoration team, with tremendous public input, decided not... In the end, we still want to be able to recognize that landmark building as continuing to tell its story.'

U. of I. health and kinesiology professor Rachel Hoopsick. Photo by Fred Zwicky

The national decline in drug-overdose deaths: Cause for celebration?

Dec 9, 2024 9:00 am

CDC data show drug-overdose deaths declined more than 16% between June 2023 and June 2024. 'At face value, this looks encouraging, but this doesn’t tell the whole story,' says U. of I. professor Rachel Hoopsick .

Illinois State Archaeological Survey research archaeologist Andrew White in front of Cahokia maps. Photo by Fred Zwicky

Are climate-related calamities erasing Illinois’ cultural history?

Dec 16, 2024 10:30 am

Climate change is likely to intensify the negative effects of flooding, erosion and development on cultural sites across Illinois, says Illinois State Archaeological Survey research archaeologist Andrew White.

How can we peacefully talk politics with people who have differing views?

Dec 11, 2024 8:45 am

Deciding in advance what one’s boundaries will be — and whether to discuss political issues at all — can be helpful prior to spending holidays with people who have vastly different political ideologies.

stock image of toddler with American flag and the quote, "'All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States' - From the 14th Amendment." Shutterstock image

Can birthright citizenship be repealed?

Dec 5, 2024 10:45 am

Birthright citizenship was enacted as part of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and no president has the authority to eliminate or modify a constitutional amendment, says immigration law expert Michael LeRoy.

Mina Raj, a professor of health and kinesiology. Photo by Fred Zwicky

How can the health care system more effectively support caregivers?

Dec 2, 2024 8:00 am

Caregivers to loved ones with aging, disability or health concerns face challenges within the healthcare system and in their personal lives, but policy and culture changes can help, said Professor Mina Raj.

Political science professor Brian Gaines. Photo by Brian Stauffer (2018)

What message did voters send this election?

Nov 21, 2024 8:45 am

Although Trump made inroads with some demographics, political science professor Brian Gaines says he’s 'not confident that those swings reflect enduring changes of party loyalty rather than short-term candidate effects.'

Proofessor Matt Stasiewicz. Photo by Fred Zwicky

How are outbreaks of foodborne illness found and fixed?

Nov 11, 2024 10:45 am

The outbreak of e-coli linked to onions on McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers is just the latest of many recent cases. Food Science professor Matt Stasiewicz talks about how outbreaks happen, how they are traced and stopped.

Dr. Steve Maren standing on the Bardeen Quad at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

'The sound of neurons': Q&A with Beckman Institute Director Steve Maren

Nov 6, 2024 9:30 am

'The first time I heard the sound of neurons firing, this “Pop!” “Pop!” “Pop!” that I can still remember to this day. I realized that as we do things and move through the world, our brains are actively working in real time.'

Journalism professor Melita Garza. Photo by Heather Hendren

Have newspaper political endorsements outlived their purpose?

Nov 1, 2024 10:00 am

Although presidential candidate endorsements can offer readers insight into a newspaper’s thinking about the direction, needs of the country, Professor Melita Garza says there's little evidence thier endorsements sway readers' votes.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign adjunct law professor Taisa Markus. Photo by Fred Zwicky

How should the next US president handle sanctions on Russia?

Oct 29, 2024 2:00 pm

No matter which candidate wins the presidential election, there’s a strong case to keep existing sanctions on Russia in place, says University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign adjunct law professor Taisa Markus.

Paul Bruno, a professor of education policy, organization and leadership. Photo by L. Brian Stauffer

How are funding reforms (vouchers and potentially Project 2025) affecting public education?

Oct 28, 2024 9:00 am

Changes on the Project 2025 agenda - such as eliminating meal subsidies and early childhood ed - could have profound implications for public schools students, said education professor Paul Bruno.

Microbiology professor Chris Brooke, who studies respiratory viruses. Photo by Fred Zwicky

Why should you get the new COVID-19 and flu shots?

Oct 22, 2024 9:30 am

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign microbiology professor Chris Brooke, a virologist who studies respiratory viruses, discusses what’s in the new vaccines, the best time to get them and why we need them at all.

University of Illinois professor Jim Best. Photo by L. Brian Stauffer

How do hurricanes impact inland regions hundreds of miles from coastal landfall locations?

Oct 7, 2024 12:00 pm

The flooding associated with hurricanes can extend deep into the interior of the continents and needs to be viewed as much more than just too much water, says University of Illinois professor Jim Best.

How is AI changing health care?

Oct 4, 2024 4:15 pm

Dr. Mark Cohen, dean of the Carle Illinois College of Medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, discussed the risks and rewards of using AI tools in health care and medical discovery.

Robert Bruno, a professor of labor and employment relations at Illinois. Photo by L. Brian Stauffer

How should labor movement handle the challenges of AI, automation at work?

Aug 27, 2024 11:00 am

Transitioning to a future of work that accounts for the job-destroying perils of artificial intelligence will require unions to be proactive in their bargaining and policy advocacy around automation, says U.of I. labor expert Robert Bruno,

Professor Robert Bruno. Photo by L. B. Stauffer

What’s the state of labor in the US ahead of the presidential election?

Aug 15, 2024 8:00 am

Organized labor has fared considerably better during the Biden administration than it did during the Trump years, and would likely be better off under a Kamala Harris presidency, says Robert Bruno, a labor expert at Illinois.

Makeshift memorial to victims of the August 3, 2019, mass shooting at an El Paso, TX, Walmart. From Wikimedia Commons

How have U.S. border policies affected attitudes toward migrants and violence against them?

Aug 1, 2024 10:30 am

Latina/Latino Studies Professor Gilberto Rosas says the increasingly militarized enforcement practices at the southern border has hardened attitudes toward migrants and contributed to violence against them,

Illinois anthropology professor Kendra Calhoun describes “linguistic self-censorship,” a technique for fooling algorithms meant to curb "inappropriate" or "offensive" speech. Photo by Fred Zwicky

How do people use self-censorship to avoid content suppression on sites like TikTok?

Aug 14, 2024 9:30 am

Anthropology professor Kendra Calhoun studies the creative language people use on social media platforms to fool algorithms that may incorrectly categorize content as 'inappropriate' or 'offensive.'

Susannah Scaroni, a three-time Paralympian who won gold at the 2020 Summer Paralympics, trains with her teammates on the Illinois Men’s and Women’s Wheelchair Track team during early morning workouts at the track at Demirjian Park. Photo by Fred Zwicky

Continuing success: Illinois wheelchair racers ready for the Paralympic Games

Aug 13, 2024 9:00 am

The 2024 Paralympic Games begin in Paris on August 28. U. of I. head coach of wheelchair track and road racing Adam Bleakney will be coaching for Team USA. All nine of the U.S. wheelchair racing athletes have a connection to Illinois.

Dr. Holly Rosencranz, an internal medicine physician and a clinical teaching professor in the Carle Illinois College of Medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Photo by Fred Zwicky

What are the signs of heat stroke?

Aug 9, 2024 12:30 pm

Heat stroke is a medical emergency, but recognizing the warning signs and knowing vulnerability factors and mitigation techniques can improve outcomes, says Dr. Holly Rosencranz, professor in the Carle Illinois College of Medicine.

Communication professor Davis Cisneros. Photo by Fred Zwicky

How do presidential candidates embody ideas about national identity?

Aug 1, 2024 9:00 am

Professor David Cisneros explores the dichotomous rhetoric from U.S. presidential candidates about Latinos and immigrants, as well as how beliefs about national identity and race are shaped by each presidency.

Digital humanities librarian Mary Ton is surrounded by some infamous deepfakes and images created by generative AI from recent years, as well as a magic lantern projector, which was one of the earliest ways to share images with a larger audience. Photo by Fred Zwicky

Deepfakes are harder to detect than ever before. How are they being used?

Jul 31, 2024 11:15 am

Social media provides an international platform to share deepfaked content quickly and anonymously, so be especially wary of the content that you’re encountering on social media this political season.

Communication professor JungHwan Yang. Photo by Leslie Stauffer

Will social media polls accurately predict the winner of the U.S. presidential election?

Jul 30, 2024 10:00 am

Professor JungHwan Yang's research team explored biases associated with political polls posted on social media, how their results compare with those reported by mainstream media and their potential influence on public discourse.

stock image of field workers. Creative Commons license via PxHere

Does new workplace safety rule protect workers against the dangers of extreme heat?

Jul 25, 2024 8:45 am

The Biden administration’s new rule to protect workers from the dangers of extreme heat ultimately may be undermined by a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, says U. of I. labor expert Michael LeRoy.

There is archaeological evidence that the Olympics began hundreds of years before the 8th century B.C.E., according to classics professor Dan Leon. (Illustration by Carly Conway."

From donkey chariots to shrines to Pelops: The ancient history of the Olympics

Jul 17, 2024 12:45 pm

With the Paris Olympic Games beginning later this month, classics professor Dan Leon discusses how the original Games looked thousands of years ago in Olympia.

Patrick Sweeney, a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign professor of molecular and integrative physiology. Photo by Fred Zwicky

How do drugs like Ozempic work for weight loss?

Jul 9, 2024 10:00 am

New weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy can be life-changing for those with type 2 diabetes or severe obesity, but are not the best choice for those only looking to lose a few pounds

Lauren R. Aronson, a clinical professor and the director of the Immigration Law Clinic at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Law. Photo by L. Brian Stauffer

How significant is the Biden administration’s new immigration executive order?

Jul 11, 2024 8:30 am

The new executive order from the Biden administration is more focused on family unity than the 'mass amnesty' some critics have portrayed it as, says University of Illinois law expert Lauren R. Aronson.

Have dynamics changed between teachers, Chicago Public Schools since 2019 strike?

Jun 24, 2024 9:45 am

An extended strike by Chicago public school teachers seems unlikely thanks to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s union credentials, says U. of I.'s Robert Bruno.

How is this year’s chaotic FAFSA application process affecting colleges, students?

Jun 26, 2024 3:00 pm

The release of the redesigned Free Application for Federal Student Aid has been fraught with technical glitches and delays, creating havoc for students and universities across the country.

Lorenzo Baber. File photo by Brian Stauffer

Why offer baccalaureate degrees through Illinois’ community colleges?

Jun 17, 2024 10:45 am

An Illinois bill that would enable community colleges to confer certain baccalaureate degrees could be a game-changer for nontraditional students and other underserved populations, according to U. of I.'s Lorenzo Baber.

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