On campus: University students rally for fossil fuel divestment
Fossil Free Illinois and other student organizations organized a rally Friday, calling for the University to divest from fossil fuels. Protesters marched across the Main Quad holding signs and chanting.
The rally’s organizers have said the UI System has over $170 million invested in the fossil fuel industry. Robin Kaler, associate chancellor for strategic communications and marketing, has stated the number is around $13 million.
Representatives from organizations like Students for Environmental Concerns, Students for Justice in Palestine and the Graduate Employees’ Organization, among others, gave speeches. Several commented on their personal discomfort with University investment in fossil fuels.
On campus: UI System library programs receive over $1 million in grants
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The UI System will receive over $1 million in grants from the state and the Institute of Museum and Library Services to support library service programs, according to a press release from the Secretary of State’s office.
In total, libraries and literacy programs across Illinois will receive over $28.3 million in grants for 2026. $1,276,679 will go to the University’s Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois.
Another $40,781 will go towards Illinois Public Media’s Radio Information Service at WILL. WILL provides narrated newspaper and magazine content for residents with visual impairments and other accessibility needs.
“We are all incredibly grateful that the State of Illinois values libraries of all kinds, and supports our work in this crucial way,” wrote Claire Stewart, the Juanita J. and Robert E. Simpson dean of libraries and University librarian, in an email to The Daily Illini.
In the US: Trump adds fee to H-1B visa applications
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday that will add a $100,000 fee to H-1B visa applications. Historically, the visa has allowed skilled foreign workers to temporarily stay and work in the U.S.
In the order, Trump wrote that the program has created an unfavorable job market for American citizens, specifically those in STEM fields.
“The large-scale replacement of American workers through systemic abuse of the program has undermined both our economic and national security,” the order read.
Worldwide: Western nations recognize Palestinian state
The U.K., Canada, Portugal and Australia officially recognized the existence of a Palestinian state Sunday in a symbolic move. A Palestinian state is currently recognized by around 75% of United Nations member states, according to the BBC.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the act in a statement, calling it a “huge prize for terrorism.”
Other countries, including France, have said they plan to recognize a Palestinian state in the near future.
