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Editor's note: This story was originally published in the Champaign News-Gazette on Feb. 18.
CHAMPAIGN – A malware attack on the servers of the Illini Media Company left the student-run The Daily Illini unable to publish its print edition Feb. 18 and compromised employee information, the newspaper reported Feb. 17.
"As you can imagine, we are in emergency mode over here," co-publisher Kit Donahue said in a text message the afternoon of Feb. 17 between back-to-back meetings. "I can tell you that it was a ransomware attack and it happened (the) morning (of Feb. 16). Online coverage is not a problem, and our radio station, WPGU, is still able to broadcast.”
She said The Daily Illini was working with its tech team and local law enforcement.
“But because this is an ongoing criminal investigation, we don't have a lot of information we are able to share at this point," Donahue said.
Illini Media Co. is the parent company of The Daily Illini, WPGU-FM and the Illio yearbook. The newspaper has a daily online presence but for about the past five years has published a print edition only twice a week.
It announced the malware attack Feb. 16 on social media, saying that print editions beyond Feb. 18 could be affected as well. The paper also reported that the attack was the second on the company's servers this year and "much larger" than the first in early January, when the paper was online only.
"Just pure shock," Chris Harlan, interim chair of Illini Media's board, said of their reaction to the attack.
A banker whose full-time job is CEO of the UI Community Credit Union, Harlan has had a bank-robbery-holdup metaphor going through his head since learning of the ransomware attack. He confirmed that Illini Media is working with the FBI.
With several people from the U of I on the Illini Media board, Harlan said they are getting good advice and trying to come to an agreement with a consultant to resolve the crisis.
"I went and looked at the report done of the public health district, and it's oddly very similar," Harlan said.
He was referring to a hack on the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District's server in early March, which took some services offline for as long as a week.
In late April, Parkland College was similarly victimized. Both Parkland and the health district had insurance that covered most of the nearly $1 million combined cost to rectify their situations.
Parkland's premium for a year's worth of that insurance coverage was $27,706, spokesperson Stephanie Stuart said.
Both those agencies worked with the FBI because there is not a lot that local law enforcement can do to investigate, said Urbana Police Sgt. Tim McNaught, who has specialized in computer forensic work for a little more than a decade.
"We could do a network investigation to figure out if it came in through an email or where it came from. The problem is, it's hard to trace," said McNaught, who's never personally investigated a network malware crime. "It's possible but difficult because these guys are good at hiding themselves. Oftentimes, they're not even in the U.S. They are overseas somewhere."
For just more than 10 years, McNaught has been the only investigator in his department with the expertise to do computer forensics. The training and the work are time-consuming, and not all local officers have the disposition or willingness to do such tedious investigatory work, especially for child-exploitation crimes, he noted.
Despite the lengthy and often costly process of trying to figure out where or how the breach happened, the agents said they have had success. Even if a victimized company resolved an attack without FBI help, the agency wants to hear from them.
Just 2 weeks ago, the FBI's National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force published a fact sheet about ransomware that said the most common ways that cyber criminals infect victims' machines are through email phishing campaigns and vulnerabilities in Remote Desktop Protocol and other widely used software programs.
To minimize the risk of ransomware attacks, the agency recommends:
Following the attacks on Parkland and the health district last spring, both stressed that no personal information was leaked in either incident, but officials gave few details of what happened.
McNaught said it's not uncommon for victims to not want to say much about such breaches because they basically amount to a hit on an agency's reputation, even though they are victims.
For information on cyberattacks or to report an attack, call the FBI's Springfield office at 217- 522-9675. Complaints should also be reported online to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov/Home/ Ransomware.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 9, 2026 Media Contact Information: Illinois Principals Association Alison Maley, government and public relations director 2940 Baker Drive Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 299-3122 alison@ilprincipals.org
The Illinois Principals Association (IPA) encourages communities to celebrate Principal Appreciation Week Oct. 18-24, 2026, and Principal Appreciation Day on Friday, Oct. 23, to highlight the dedication of principals, assistant principals, and deans. This annual recognition has been recognized by Illinois governors since 1990. October is also National Principals Month, supported by the IPA, the National Principals Association (NPA), the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA). Brian Faulkner, IPA president and principal of Kaneland Harter Middle School (Sugar Grove), shared: "During Principal Appreciation Week, we celebrate the dedicated school leaders across Illinois who work tirelessly to create schools where students can learn, grow, and thrive. Principals are lead learners, culture builders, advocates, and champions for both students and staff. We are grateful for the passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment they bring to their schools and learning communities each and every day." “This year, we celebrate our state’s school leaders for what they do – unlocking the potential of those they serve,” said Dr. Jason Leahy, IPA executive director. “These courageous individuals lead their learning organizations with optimism, humility, vision, perseverance, and a deep commitment to do what is best for their students. Both research and common sense tell us how critical these servants are to positively influence young people, teachers, and communities. For this, they deserve our respect and gratitude.” IPA invites teachers, students, parents, and community members to show appreciation for school leaders on Friday, Oct. 23.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2026 Media Contact Information: Illinois Principals Association Alison Maley, government and public relations director 2940 Baker Drive Springfield, IL 62703 (217) 299-3122 alison@ilprincipals.org
The Illinois Principals Association (IPA) will host its 55th Education Leaders Annual Conference, “Unlocking Potential,” from Oct. 18 to Oct. 20 in Peoria. The event will feature keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities to help school leaders enhance their impact on schools and communities. 2026-2027 IPA President Brian Faulkner shared, “Unlocking Potential is grounded in the belief that leadership is not confined to a title. Leadership lives within every member of our school community, and when we create opportunities for others to lead, we unlock the collective potential of our students, staff, and communities.” The conference kicks off Sunday, Oct. 18, with a golf tournament, committee meetings, and a welcome reception honoring past IPA presidents. Keynote speakers include: Phil Januszewski, a 20-year educator turned full-time motivator, will deliver a keynote Monday morning titled “Less Tired. More Inspired: Three Actions Toward Thriving Instead of Surviving.” Januszewski will share three crucial actions that will allow leaders to leverage individual strengths and passions to reach higher levels of happiness, fulfillment, and giving, all while avoiding burnout and a negative mindset. Brian Faulkner, 2026-2027 IPA president, and Illinois State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders will speak Monday afternoon. IPA Awards for Excellence, Herman Graves Awards, Reaching Out & Building Bridges Awards, and the Mr. John Ourth & Dr. Fred W. Singleton Professional Development Scholarships will also be presented at this session. Dr. Mary Hemphill, CEO and founder of The Limitless Leader LLC, will open Tuesday morning with her session “Future-Proof Leadership: Unlocking Potential in a Skills-Based Economy.” Future-proof leadership will equip principals. assistant principals and deans with a practical framework for leading a skills-based economy, including actionable strategies to implement immediately for kindergarten through high school. Additionally, Tuesday’s IGNITE session will feature fast-paced presentations from school and district leader duos, including Dr. Ben Collins, superintendent, Park Ridge-Niles School District 64; Dr. Courtney Goodman, principal, Eugene Field Elementary School (Park Ridge); Dr. Jill Griffin, superintendent, Bethalto Community Unit School District 8; and Justin Newell, principal, Civic Memorial High School (Bethalto). These leaders will share their perspectives on implementing the School Leader Paradigm and Illinois School Leader Evaluation Plan in their respective districts. The conference will conclude with IPA Deputy Executive Director Brian Schwartz and IPA Government & Public Relations Director Alison Maley, who will provide updates on new education-related laws passed during the 2026 Illinois Legislative Session, and offering insights on how school leaders can stay informed and advocate for their schools. For more information about the IPA or to register to attend, please visit ilprincipals.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 1, 2026 Media Contact Information: Office of the Highway Commissioner Northfield Township Road District 237 Melvin Drive, Northbrook, IL 60062 (847) 724-8300 ntroad@northfieldtownship.com
Property acquisition moves the MWRD–Road District partnership closer to protecting 130 residential structures and critical roadways from flooding across Northfield Township NORTHBROOK — The Northfield Township Road District (NTRD) announced that the purchase of the nearly 16-acre property for the stormwater detention basin serving the Central Road Flood Control Project closed Sept. 8. The project is designed to reduce flooding affecting 130 residential structures and several roadways in South Glenview. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Board of Commissioners authorized the purchase of the 15.82-acre site, along with a 0.91-acre temporary construction easement, from Ridgewood Cemetery Company, Inc., for $8.15 million plus closing costs. The property acquisition is a major milestone in the intergovernmental partnership between the Road District and the MWRD to deliver flood relief along the Central Road corridor from the Des Plaines River to Glenwood Lane. “For the families in South Glenview who have watched water come up their driveways year after year, this property acquisition means the detention basin is no longer a line on a drawing — it is on its way to becoming real,” said Highway Commissioner Michael J. Korman. “When Central Road stays open and dry during a major storm, every resident of Northfield Township benefits, whether they are commuting, getting kids to school, or counting on first responders to get through.” The project will bring direct relief to residents of South Glenview and the surrounding unincorporated area, where flooding has repeatedly threatened homes, yards, and streets. Once operational, the project is expected to reduce flooding that impacts 130 single- and multi-family residential structures, as well as several roadways within and around the project area. The full project includes new mainline storm sewers under Central Road and Dearlove Road and lateral storm sewers on Glenwood Lane, Glendale Road, Glenshire Road and Hillside Road within the Road District’s jurisdiction. The approximately 16-acre detention basin site near Dee Road and Central Avenue will capture and temporarily store stormwater during major rainfall events, reducing pressure on the corridor’s existing drainage system. While the detention basin will capture and store stormwater at the west end of the corridor, the benefits extend across the entire Road District. Reduced flooding protects the pavement, culverts and drainage infrastructure the Road District maintains on behalf of all Township residents, lowers long-term repair costs, and keeps a vital east–west route reliable during severe weather. MWRD is leading and funding the $8.15 million land acquisition, along with the design and construction of the project. Once construction is complete, the Road District will assume long-term ownership and maintenance of the improvements within its jurisdiction. “Strong partnerships are essential to building more resilient communities, and we appreciate the Northfield Township Road District's collaboration on the Central Road Flood Control Project,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “Together, we're expanding stormwater storage, reducing flood risks, and protecting our waterways while creating lasting benefits for Northfield Township residents.” Next steps include completing due diligence on the property, conducting survey and staking work, and continued progress on the project design. Aquatic biologists from the MWRD’s Monitoring and Research Department will also be assessing the potential transfer of turtles and fish. The aquatic biologists are conducting an environmental suitability assessment in September to evaluate that conditions are appropriate for this plan. The Road District will keep residents informed as the project advances toward construction. For updates on this project and other Road District programs, visit ntroad.com. About the Northfield Township Road District The Northfield Township Road District is an independent unit of local government organized under the Illinois Highway Code (605 ILCS 5/), responsible for the construction, maintenance, and drainage of roads within its jurisdiction in Cook County, Illinois. The Road District is led by an elected Highway Commissioner and serves residents across Northfield Township, including unincorporated areas.
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