Community college enrollment surges
The Pritzker Administration says the latest surge in community college enrollment across the state is the highest on record.
Pritzker said on Tuesday that the 2025 Spring enrollment at Illinois community colleges increased nearly 9% from the previous year, the third consecutive spring that community college enrollment has increased across Illinois.
The governor has proposed a program to allow community colleges to offer four-year bachelor’s degrees.
Red meat allergy cases rise
Alpha-gal syndrome, also known as red meat allergy, has arrived in Illinois, with cases rising at higher rates since 2020. The condition is caused by the bite of the Lone Star tick.
Now, a local lawmaker wants to raise awareness of the disease. The plan by State Rep. Dan Swanson would increase education around the disease and require medical reporters to report any cases of the disease in Illinois.
Makers Madness at Sweet 16
With nearly 250,000 votes cast, the field of contenders competing in the sixth annual “Makers Madness” contest has been narrowed to the Top 16. Hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, Makers Madness is a bracket-style tournament in which voters across the state will decide which product is The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. The top four vote-getters from the first round of voting are Gindo’s Spice of Life, Chef Heatley’s Hot Pepper Farm Salsa, Titanium Vacuum Chamber, and Whiskey Acres Blue Popcorn Bourbon.
