Latest news with #Porfirio
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bill preventing AI instructors in Illinois community college courses passes Senate
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Artificial intelligence has crept into many spaces, but state lawmakers are trying to ensure they're not leading classrooms. A bill in the Illinois Capitol would bar community colleges from having AI teach any class. Instructors would still be able to use AI if they choose, but every course would need a human assigned to it. Illinois pharmacists could soon dispense Ella emergency contraceptive without a doctor's prescription The bill's sponsor, Sen. Mike Porfirio (D-Lyons Township), said it's important to be proactive when it comes to regulating AI. 'We need to make sure that we find the appropriate role of AI on our society, whether that's academia, business, etcetera,' the senator said. 'I think there's certainly some good and exciting things that it may bring. But we need to make sure it's not replacing faculty or staff; you want to protect teachers' jobs.' Porfirio added that instructors are irreplaceable to students. 'It's recognizing, acknowledging the value that instructors bring to students lives and development,' he said. 'Not only academically but holistically as well.' The bill passed the Senate 46-12 Wednesday. This comes after Harvard University announced plans to have AI teach an Introduction to Computer Science course. Students in CS50 (which has hundreds of students enrolled on campus and thousands online) are allowed to use AI designed by instructors to help explain and advise lines of code. Harvard professor David Malan said in a lecture about the AI instructor at Ai4 in 2023 that the tools have generally boosted student's grades. In feedback they shared with Malan about the AI bot, one student said they loved how nonjudgmental the bot was in answering 'stupid' questions. 'Dangerous, reckless behavior': IL lawmaker works to crack down on street racing with bill 'It has, as one could expect, an inhuman level of patience,' the student wrote in their course review. In a statement, the Illinois Community College Board said no community college in the state has any plans on using AI to substitute instructors. 'Our colleges remain firmly committed to the value of faculty-led instruction and educators' critical role in student learning, support, and success,' the group said in a statement to WCIA. 'The ICCB will continue to monitor developments in educational technology while upholding our mission to provide accessible, high-quality education across the state.' The bill is based off of a California law that went into effect in 2024. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Politico
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Pope Leo knows Illinois
Presented by TGIF, Illinois. Chicago is losing its mind over da pope, via the Block Club. TOP TALKER WHITE SMOKE from the Sistine Chapel on Thursday revealed a White Sox fan who knows Illinois politics — and Catholics in the state couldn't be more excited. Robert Prevost, who was born in Chicago and grew up in suburban Dolton, was tapped as the next pope. He's the first American-born pope in the church's history. (And the first one from Chicago!) He's taken the name Pope Leo XIV. 'The fact that he comes from humble beginnings, a working-class background and has lived and breathed that human experience, that's the coolest thing,' said state Sen. Mike Porfirio, who was on the Senate floor Thursday, proudly sharing an old photo of himself with friends and the now new pope on a religious outing when Porfirio was a teenager. 'Someone from Chicago who knows our neighborhoods, our streets, I think that's incredibly exciting.' 'Incredibly meaningful,' is how Mike Zalewski described the appointment. Like Porfirio, Zalewski graduated from St. Rita of Cascia High School on Chicago's Southwest Side, where Pope Leo had previously taught. 'The idea that one of its sons could end up being the Bishop of Rome truly demonstrates the idea that Chicago is a special place,' said Zalewski, a lobbyist and former state representative. Pope Leo has deep Chicago roots. He attended St. Mary of the Assumption School on the Far South Side and worked in Chicago, too. The Sun-Times has more about his background here. Josh Hale, CEO of Big Shoulders Fund in Chicago, which works with Catholic schools, said the new pope 'is known as a bridge builder who brings people together, harkening to his Chicago roots, a city [that] comes together in challenging moments to solve big issues.' The pope's new name, Pope Leo XIV, drew praise from Chicagoans, too. 'By selecting the name Leo, the new pope signaled his solidarity with working people and gave a nod to his South Side working class roots,' said Chicago Federation of President Labor Bob Reiter. 'The previous pope to bear that name, Pope Leo XIII, was known as 'The Pope of the Workers.'' He's even a registered voter in Illinois, according to the Will County clerk. Pope Leo voted in the general election in 2024, 2018, 2014 and 2012, and he registered as a Republican in the 2016, 2014 and 2012 primaries, the records show. The new pope apparently isn't afraid to speak up: As a cardinal, a social media account linked to him criticized Vance and Trump over immigration, by POLITICO's Ali Bianco and Gregory Svirnovskiy Let's hope he has a sense of humor: Soon after his appointment, Pope Leo appeared in cheeky memes on social media. There was Pope Leo making an entrance in Bulls style, Pope Leo as a Bears fan. And Pope Leo enjoying a Chicago hot dog. When he's not pope-ing: His brother, who lives in New Lenox, said Pope Leo XIV loves Wordle, Words with Friends and the Chicago White Sox, via Dana Rebik. Chicago and Illinois politicians praise 'Da Pope,' by the Sun-Times' Mitchell Armentrout From Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson: 'The pope is from Chicago. This is one of the biggest moments in the modern history of our city. Pope Leo XIV will be a champion for workers all over the world. It's only right that he was born and educated in the most pro-worker city in America. .... This is a tremendous moment for our Catholic community and for all Chicagoans.' From Gov. JB Pritzker: 'Hailing from Chicago, Pope Leo XIV ushers in a new chapter that I join those in our state welcoming in at a time when we need compassion, unity, and peace,' he posted here. MORE HEADLINES 'It was a shocking moment': At home in New Lenox, new pope's brother found out like everyone else, by the Daily Herald's Jake Griffin Prevost's boyhood neighbors predicted he would become pope, by WGN's Dana Rebik and BJ Lutz Leo is America's first pope. His worldview appears at odds with 'America First,' by POLITICO's Megan Messerly, Rachael Bade and Eli Stokols Pope Leo XIV seen as bridge builder after Francis' turbulent reign, by POLITICO's Ben Munster and Hannah Roberts World leaders react as Robert Francis Prevost becomes first American pope, by Time's Chantelle Lee Pope Leo XIV's religious order still mired in secrecy over child sex abuse, by the Sun-Times' Robert Herguth Prevost was 'the pride and joy of every priest and nun' at St. Mary's on Chicago's South Side, by the Tribune's team Hyde Park theological school celebrates alumnus Robert Prevost being elected next pope: 'He exudes holiness,' by the Sun-Times' Mary Norkol Hot dogs, trading cards and a new Cubs-Sox feud: How big brands reacted to Pope Leo XIV, by Ad Age's Brandon Doerrer The cover or Time. WHERE'S JB No official public events WHERE's BRANDON At the Cabrini Development Project at 10 a.m. for the final-phase groundbreaking Where's Toni No official public events Have a tip, suggestion, birthday, new job or a complaint? Email skapos@ BUSINESS OF POLITICS — ON THE TRAIL: Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi is making campaign-kickoff stops today for his U.S. Senate campaign in Peoria at 9 a.m., Chicago at 2 p.m. and Schaumburg at 5:30 p.m. His Chicago visit is expected to include an announcement of support from labor. — Memory lane: Congresswoman Robin Kelly celebrated her birthday with a fundraising party Thursday at Bocce's in south suburban Matteson. Attendees included former state Rep. Al Riley and Judge Linzey Jones, who, along with late Rich Township Democratic Committeeman Tim Bradford first encouraged Kelly to run for state representative 23 years ago. Also spotted: Judge John Anderson, Judge John Pavich, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, School District 168 Superintendent Donna Leak, Rich Township Assessor Sam Brown, Hopkins Park Mayor Mark Hodge, Richton Park Mayor Rick Reinbold, Richton Park Clerk Mike Jordan and Park Forest Trustee John V. Moore, who's also Kelly's political director. — Patrick Hanley, an environmental leader, announced his candidacy for the 9th District Illinois state Senate seat — and he has an endorsement from Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, too. Hanley is running for the seat now held by Sen. Laura Fine, who's running for the now-retiring Schakowsky seat. Hanley told supporters Thursday that his campaign platform is about 'sustainability and economic growth.' In a statement, Schakowsky said, 'Patrick is exactly the kind of bold, progressive Democratic leader — and fighter — that Illinois needs.' — Sen. Tammy Duckworth on Donald Trump, IVF initiatives, VA support, endorsing Juliana Stratton and the new pope, via WGN Radio. TAKING NAMES — 'Crony capitalism': GOP megadonor Ken Griffin slams Trump trade war: 'The Citadel founder's frustration with the president's policies reflects broader concerns among executives over how the trade war could derail the economy,' by POLITICO's Sam Sutton. — The Funniest Guy from Joliet: How Jim Downey transformed 50 years of 'SNL,' by the Tribune's Christopher Borrelli THE STATEWIDES — After a lot of negotiations, the Illinois State Senate passed the Illinois Junk Fee Transparency Act to curb the use of deceptive and excessive junk fees. Economic Security Illinois Action put forward the legislation with lead sponsor state Sen. Omar Aquino and in partnership with state Rep. Bob Morgan and Illinois Atty Gen. Kwame Raoul. — The rush in Illinois to become a U.S. citizen amid immigration crackdown, by WBEZ's Adriana Cardona-Maguigad — Michael Polsky's Invenergy awards $1.7B as part of largest U.S. power line project, by Crain's John Pletz CHICAGO — CPS Board president rips into outgoing CEO and budget-cutting proposals, by WBEZ's Sarah Karp — Chicago school board members raise concerns about Illinois labeling schools, by Chalkbeat's Becky Vevea Reader Digest We asked what totally unserious campaign slogan you'd choose if you were running for office: Janice Anderson: 'Get your head out of your asses voters and elect Janice Anderson.' Graham Grady: 'I'm GG. Vote for me!' Lucas Hawley: 'Why not me? Nothing else in your government is going right?' Jim Lyons: 'You could do worse.' Jen McMillin: 'The B*tch in Black.' Ron Michaelson: 'I Like Mike,' taken after the famous 'I Like Ike' when Eisenhower ran for President. Jeff Nathan: 'Vote for me. I'm not a lawyer.' John Straus: 'Vote for Straus … You could do worse.' Timothy Thomas: 'Get it right this time!' Barry Tusin: 'Often wrong — never uncertain.' Erika Weaver: 'SickaYOU, SickaHIM, SickaYALL! Where's my them music?' NEXT QUESTION: What's a political debate issue that should be decided by a game of rock scissors paper instead? KEEPING UP WITH THE DELEGATION — Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16), who co-chairs the Congressional Soccer Caucus, participated in the first meeting for the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026. 'It is critical that federal, state and local agencies and officials are equipped with the resources they need to enhance security efforts, modernize travel processes and invest in the necessary improvements in technology,' he said in a statement. — Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) joined in reintroducing the Autonomy for All Disabled Veterans Act, which will provide veterans with additional federal funding to make accessibility improvements to their homes. — Congressman Jesus 'Chuy' Garcia (IL-04) pokes at the president's 'Gulf of America' action, via post. THE NATIONAL TAKE — Distrust of Trump hangs over the emerging U.S.-U.K. trade deal, by POLITICO's Daniel Desrochers — 'We don't have a choice': A business group decides to push back on Trump, by POLITICO's Gabby Miller — Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden is fired by Trump, by POLITICO's Nicholas Wu, Lisa Kashinsky and Katherine Tully-McManus IN MEMORIAM — A Lori Healey celebration of life will be held Tuesday at Women's Park & Gardens. Details here EVENTS — May 29: Liz Nicholson, a Cook County Board of Review candidate, is holding a fundraiser at Moe's Cantina. Details here — June 9: A Pride Month kick-off fundraiser for state Rep. Kelly Cassidy and MWRD Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis. Details here TRIVIA THURSDAY's ANSWER: Congrats to Cristina Nonato for correctly answering that the U.S. Population Center jumped the Mississippi from Illinois to Missouri in 1980. TODAY's QUESTION: Who was Gov. Frank Orren Lowden's father in-law? Email skapos@ HAPPY BIRTHDAY Today: Des Plaines City Clerk Dominik Bronakowski, Clayco Chief Growth Officer and Chicagoland President Michael Fassnacht, Personal PAC founder Marcie Love, political consultant Larry Luster, Elevate Illinois CEO Janet Mathis, former Cook County president's deputy chief of staff Rachel Ruttenberg, National Conference of State Legislatures Senior Policy Specialist Eric Mayo, BuiltIn Senior Editorial Director Nicholas Jackson and the late Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak Saturday: Du Quoin Mayor Josh Downs, Illinois Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford, former state Rep. John Bradley, former political candidate Dr. Dave Nayak, Evanston Democratic Party President Kathy Hayes, actor and former Cook County Judge Gloria Coco, policy expert Katharine Eastvold, media relations expert John Gorman, political strategist Adam Gunther and marketing pro Erik Curren Sunday: Illinois Senate Dems Comms Specialist Natalie Bak, former Planned Parenthood of Illinois CEO Jennifer Welch, City Colleges Technology Support Director Steve Saba, researcher and retired law library director Scott Burgh and policy adviser Sam Mulopulos -30-
