Last updated on Dec. 3, 2025 at 03:29 p.m.
On campus: Gates Foundation donates $1.5 million to Soybean Innovation Lab
The Gates Foundation gave $1.5 million to the University’s Soybean Innovation Lab, a research lab that was briefly closed in January due to federal funding cuts.
The lab seeks to give researchers, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and others “the critical information and technology needed for the successful advancement of soybean development in Africa,” according to its website.
After President Donald Trump’s executive orders forced them to cease operations in January, the lab received funding from a nonprofit organization, which allowed a few employees to continue work on a single project. Now, the Gates Foundation’s donation will fund the lab’s work on another project for two more years.
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On campus: Illinois defeats Northwestern in whiteout game
In a snowy Saturday home game, Illinois (8-4, 5-4) beat Northwestern (6-6, 4-5) 20-13. The victory against the Wildcats ensured the Illini maintained possession of the Land of Lincoln Hat — a trophy awarded each year to the winner of the matchup.
Senior defensive back Miles Scott intercepted two of Northwestern’s passes in the fourth quarter, warding off the Wildcats in the game’s final minutes. Senior linebacker Gabe Jacas also showed off, bringing his notable career number of sacks up to 27.
After their performance Saturday, the Illini will head to a postseason bowl game, which will be announced in early December.
In Illinois: Winter storm disrupts midwestern travel plans
A winter storm pummeled the Midwest Thanksgiving weekend, leaving nearly a foot of snow in some parts of Illinois and neighboring states. Thousands of flights were cancelled or delayed across the country Saturday and Sunday, with Chicago O’Hare International Airport accounting for a large portion of them.
Saturday marked the snowiest November day in Chicago’s recorded history, according to the National Weather Service. More storms may move into the Northeast early this week.
In the US: National Guard members shot near White House
Two National Guard members were shot Wednesday just blocks from the White House in Washington, D.C. One of the soldiers, 20-year-old U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, died the following day. The other, 24-year-old U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition.
The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was taken into police custody and identified as an Afghan national. The Trump administration paused all asylum decisions and visas for Afghan nationals Friday.
In the world: US and Ukraine hold peace talks
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Ukraine chief negotiator Rustem Umerov Sunday in Florida, where they discussed a proposal to end the three-year-long war in Ukraine.
Both described the meeting as “productive” but said that work remains to be done before a peace deal is reached. The pair revealed few further details about their conversation.
The U.S. special envoy will continue peace negotiations in Russia this week.
