It's A tragic trend. The rate of veterans who die by suicide is over 50% higher than that of the U.S. population. In the latest numbers available, 162 Illinois veterans died by suicide in 2022. It's a problem veteran and SIU graduate student Joshua Hinkle wears on an arm tattoo featuring 19 circles, "I've lost 19 people that I served with to suicide. I keep them on my arm. to remind me of why I'm here."

The Veteran Warriors hockey team touts itself as the only sports program in Central Illinois dedicated to rehabilitation and therapy for disabled veterans. They strive to provide a buddy-check support system and an experience for veterans suffering from PTSD, substance abuse, or other issues.

A bipartisan group of Senate Democrats and Republicans, including Dick Durbin of Illinois, reached a deal to reopen the government after the longest shutdown in U.S. history, voting on the first procedural step on the measure.

Food banks in central Illinois are waiting to see how a federal judge's ruling on SNAP benefits will impact their operations. The Trump administration has been ordered to fully restore food assistance while the government is shut down.

Rep. Anna Moeller, chair of state social service budget committee, discusses impact of federal turmoil

The Illinois State Board of Education released school report cards at the end of October. Area school districts are looking at the data to understand where students have grown and need to improve.WSIU's Brian Sapp talked with Carbondale Community High School to find out what the report card is showing them.

Everyone needs a little help now and then, and SIU’s Thanks “GivingBack” food drive offers the opportunity to help Salukis in need this holiday season.

State lawmakers passed some key legislation during their fall session, but several other measures failed to get through or were never called for a vote.