Illinois quick hits: DePaul pro-Palestinian encampment dismantled

DePaul pro-Palestinian encampment dismantled

A Pro-Palestinian encampment at DePaul University in Chicago's' Lincoln Park neighborhood was dismantled by Chicago Police Thursday as school officials released a statement saying the nearly 20-day encampment had led to "the disruption of university operations, interference with student learning, and safety threats to individuals and the public."

According to the school, the cost to repair physical damage to the quad is nearly $180,000.

Marking Mental Health Awareness Month

Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined state leaders and mental health advocates to mark Mental Health Awareness Month and discuss ongoing state initiatives to improve services for people dealing with mental health issues and their families.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month activities, the Transformation Initiative is also distributing materials to promote a sense of calm and wellness, including a collaborative Spotify playlist with songs from mental health advocates across the state.

Measure would ban wildlife hunt contests

The Illinois House has passed a measure that initially aimed at banning coyote contests or competitions, but now includes any fur-bearing mammal.

Critics of the legislation, including the Sportsmen’s Alliance, said coyote contests aid in predator population control. They said when left unchecked, disease spreads and predation of livestock increases.