Heather Robinson
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Founder 🎨: @werisecoagency | Storyteller • Metaverse Builder • Passionate about empowering communities • Past: @SLAMonline • @HowardU alum • she/her
Articles by Heather Robinson
How to Sell a Genocide has been removed from a library near Bondi – but libraries represent freedom of thought
© 2026 Tolerance.ca ® Inc. All reproduction rights reserved. All information reproduced on the Web pages of www.tolerance.ca (including articles, images, photographs, and logos) is protected by intellectual property rights owned by Tolerance.ca ® Inc. or, in certain cases, by its author. Any reproduction of the information for use other than personal use is prohibited.
How to Sell a Genocide has been removed from a library near Bondi – but libraries represent freedom of thought Original
Sydney’s Waverley Council, which includes Bondi Beach within its boundaries, has removed a book on the war on Gaza, titled How to Sell a Genocide, from its library shelves, pending review. This followed a complaint from a survivor of last year’s Bondi Beach massacre.
How to Sell a Genocide has been removed from a library near Bondi – but libraries represent freedom of thought
© 2026 Tolerance.ca ® Inc. All reproduction rights reserved. All information reproduced on the Web pages of www.tolerance.ca (including articles, images, photographs, and logos) is protected by intellectual property rights owned by Tolerance.ca ® Inc. or, in certain cases, by its author. Any reproduction of the information for use other than personal use is prohibited.
One driver killed, another hospitalized after Iroquois Co. crash; part of I-57 closed Original
IROQUOIS COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — One driver was killed and another was hospitalized after a crash on I-57 northbound in Iroquois County early Monday morning. Just after 5 a.m., Illinois State Police troopers responded to milepost 275 in Buckley for reports of a deadly crash involving two vehicles.
Pet on the Set | Vermilion County Animal Shelter
VERMILION COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Joining us for Pet on the Set today is Kate Such from Vermilion County Animal Shelter, who introduces us to Flora the teeny, tiny puppy. Flora is an eight-week old pit mix. She came in to the shelter with her nine other siblings, and they had a rough start to life, as the litter had been living in a small crate together. Due to this, Flora and her siblings’ growth was stunted, both size-wise and developmentally.
Pet on the Set | Edgar County Animal Shelter
EDGAR COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Andrea Kispert of the Edgar County Animal Shelter brings us this week’s Pet on the Set — Dolly! This sweet, petite dog came into the shelter with her three pups. At three years old, Dolly is housebroken and gets along with everybody. If you’re interested in adopting Dolly, visit the shelter in-person during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at 1205 N High St., in Paris, or call the office at 217-466-9415.
Champaign Police investigating shots fired report just blocks away from Sunday shooting
Mon, June 29, 2026 at 8:28 PM UTC CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Officers are on the scene of a shots fired investigation in Champaign Monday afternoon. Just after 2 p.m., officers responded to reports of shots fired in the area of 4th Street and Beardsley Avenue.
Urbana man shot in the leg, multiple homes struck by gunfire in Sunday night shooting
Mon, June 29, 2026 at 5:50 PM UTC URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — A shooting investigation is underway in Urbana after a man showed up to the hospital with a gunshot wound Sunday night. The investigation began after a 23-year-old Urbana man arrived at Carle Hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound on his leg, the Urbana Police Department said in a release Monday afternoon.
Cannabis use and glutamate across the psychosis spectrum: in vivo evidence from 7T proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy
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Abstract Cannabis use is linked to elevated psychosis risk, yet the neurobiological mechanisms that couple use to symptom expression remain unclear. Because glutamatergic dysregulation has been implicated in both cannabis effects and psychosis vulnerability, we examined whether brain glutamate relates to dimensional psychosis symptoms as a function of cannabis use across the psychosis spectrum.
By David R. Roalf, Tyler Moore, Maggie K. Pecsok, Ally Atkins, Erica B. Baller, Monica E. Calkins, Mariella De Biasi, Christian Kohler, Christian Köhler, Christina Mastracchio, Heather Robinson, Ravinder Reddy, Kosha Ruparel, Daniel Wolf, Ruben C. Gur, Raquel E. Gur, J. Scott, Jacquelyn Stifelman, Arianna Mordy, Sage Rush-Goebel
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Nature
Verified
UIS, union faculty reach tentative agreement, suspending 11-day strike
SRPINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Members of the faculty union returned to work at the University of Illinois Springfield on Monday after a tentative agreement was reached, suspending an 11-day strike. The university and the UIS United Faculty (UISUF) members reached a tentative agreement Sunday night on the terms of a three-year contract. The union members agreed to resume teaching on Monday, April 20, with classes back on a regular schedule, the university announced following the decision.
Mr. Trump, Don't Make a Deal with the Devil in Iran
Original Article Posted By: Mercedes44, 3/26/2026 6:17:02 PM Mithal al-Alusi has a message for President Donald Trump: Don't make a deal with the devil. "Negotiating with the Islamic Republic of Iran at this time would be like trying to make peace with Hitler the last few days of his life," said Alusi in a telephone interview this week from Erbil, Kurdistan.
Danville man accused of shooting postal worker with BB gun Original
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — A Danville man was arrested on Monday after police say he was accused of shooting a postal worker with a BB gun last week. On Feb. 17, Danville Police Department officers responded to the 200 block of Hazel Street after they were notified that a United States Postal Service employee was shot with a BB gun while he was delivering the mail. While investigating, detectives came up with a suspect: 49-year-old Jay Ollis of Danville.
Proposed cuts at State Library of Victoria go against its mission - and will hurt the disadvantaged
The State Library of Victoria – recognised this year as the third most popular library in the world – is proposing major cuts to staff and services. The number of reference librarians will be cut from 25 to ten. Children’s and family engagement officers will be axed, as will digital access officers. The number of free computers available to the public will be “dramatically” reduced, too. Some of our most vulnerable citizens depend on library digital access for basic services.
Australia’s public libraries are thriving as the cost of living rises. We can’t afford to lose them
Library visits in the United States have almost halved over the past decade. But in Australia, they’re up 10% compared to a year ago, according to a new report. In fact, our public libraries are thriving – and cost of living pressures seem to be playing a role. Public engagement with library programs and events has increased by one million. Loans of books, DVDs and other items are at their highest rate in five years, and overall loans are up 23%.
Australia’s public libraries are thriving as the cost of living rises. We can’t afford to lose them
© 2025 Tolerance.ca ® Inc. All reproduction rights reserved. All information reproduced on the Web pages of www.tolerance.ca (including articles, images, photographs, and logos) is protected by intellectual property rights owned by Tolerance.ca ® Inc. or, in certain cases, by its author. Any reproduction of the information for use other than personal use is prohibited.
Two cats rescued from Mattoon house fire Original
MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — Firefighters rescued two cats from a Mattoon home when the building caught fire Friday morning. Just before 6 a.m., Mattoon firefighters responded to reports of the fire at 1417 Piatt Avenue. When they arrived, they said they saw smoke coming from the building. All residents had already safely exited the home, but two cats were still inside. Firefighters worked quickly to search the home for the cats while fighting the fire, which was in the kitchen.
Danville man gets 9 years for unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon
VERMILION COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — A man from Danville will spend nine years behind bars after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. 26-year-old Marcus Batts was sentenced to nine years at the Illinois Department of Corrections and will serve one-year mandatory supervised release following his incarceration for the class 2 felony, Vermilion County State’s Attorney Jacqueline Lacy said in a release.
OSF cites loss of $361M in plan to reduce services at Urbana hospital, merge with Danville location
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana is looking to discontinue some services, citing financial losses of more than $361 million, declines in the use of several services and the inability to recruit and retain specialty physicians.
Jaws at 50: how a single movie changed our perception of white sharks forever
It’s been 50 years since Steven Spielberg’s movie Jaws first cast a terrifying shadow across our screens. At a low point during production, Spielberg worried he’d only ever be known for “”. The film, however, did not tank. Jaws broke box office records and became the highest-grossing movie at the time, only surpassed by the first Star Wars released two years later in 1977.
Field catches fire near Gibson City
GIBSON CITY, Ill. (WCIA) — Gibson City firefighters responded to a field fire that quickly got out of control on Sunday. The fire happened about three miles north of Gibson City. Two fire trucks from the Gibson City Fire Department responded to put out the flames and stop it from spreading further. Central Illinois is under an elevated fire risk on Sunday due to a drop in humidity and higher gusts of wind.
What’s behind the spate of arts leadership departures in Australia? Perhaps a mismatch of values
The past few months has seen the sudden departure of leadership from some of the country’s most prestigious artistic companies: the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Queensland Ballet, Queensland Theatre, Opera Australia and the Adelaide Festival. These women cited various reasons for leaving, from job opportunities in government, to funding issues, to disagreements with artists and the board. It certainly seems like a difficult time for arts organisations and their boards.
PHOTOS: Storms sweep Central Illinois overnight
Heather Robinson July 16, 2024 at 7:19 AM·2 min read CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — After severe weather and storm warnings swept across the state overnight, Central Illinois is cleaning up the aftermath. Across several counties, trees and power lines went down with the strong winds and left much to clean up Tuesday morning.
Woman dead after deputy-involved shooting in Springfield
Heather Robinson July 6, 2024 at 10:39 AM·1 min read SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A woman is dead after a deputy-involved shooting in Springfield early Saturday morning. According to the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, around 12:50 a.m., sheriffs were dispatched to a residence in the 2800 block of Hoover Avenue for reports of a “prowler.” Two deputies began to search the area. Around 1:21 a.m., deputies reported that shots had been fired and a female had been struck.
Central IL farmer nearly lost barn, hundreds of hay bales from high temperatures
TEUTOPOLIS, Ill. (WCIA) — While high temperatures sweeping Central Illinois this week caused air conditioning complications for many, one local farmer experienced a different side effect of the heat. According to the Teutopolis Fire Protection District, a local farmer contacted the department on Friday just before noon with concerns that the hay inside his barn might ignite as it was getting extremely hot.
UPDATE: Coroner identifies 23-year-old killed in Springfield stabbing
Heather Robinson June 1, 2024 at 12:48 PM·1 min read UPDATE at 3:30 p.m. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Sangamon County Coroner has released the identity of the 23-year-old killed in a stabbing early Saturday morning. According to Coroner Jim Allmon, Michael Gristy, 23 of Springfield, was pronounced dead in the HSHS St. John’s Hospital emergency room at 5:09 a.m., shortly after he was transported from the crime scene.
Danville resident arrested in Indiana for suspected meth dealing
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — A person from Danville was arrested early Thursday morning after a traffic stop in Indiana led police to suspect criminal activity. Indiana State Police say just after 1 a.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a 1999 Toyota Avalon near 8th and High Streets in West Lebanon. When the officer was interacting with the vehicle’s occupants, he saw indicators of criminal activity, which led him to call for a K-9 unit for further investigation.
Businesses present generous donations to Operation Honor Guard
Update at 10 a.m. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Eric Jordan with Lanz Heating and Cooling presents a $5,000 donation to Rich Darby and the Operation Honor Guard. “Just being a part of this organization that gives back to those that have given so much is really an honor,” Jordan said. Last year, someone reached out to the businesses as being a sponsor of the show. Her son was a veteran, and she lost his flag somewhere over the course of a couple of moves.
One person, five pets dead in Danville house fire
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — One person and five pets are dead after a house fire in Danville late Friday night. Around 11:52 p.m., Danville firefighters were dispatched to the 1300 block of McKinley Avenue where they saw a residence on fire with heavy flames coming from the front and sides of the home. A bystander told the firefighters that one of the occupants was still inside the home.
IDOT to resume milling, resurfacing project on IL 121
EFFINGHAM, Ill. (WCIA) — The resurfacing project on Illinois 121 through Mt. Zion, from U.S. 36 to southern limits of Mt. Zion, is resuming on Monday, April 15, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced. The $11.9 million project is partially complete, with upgraded traffic signals sand sidewalk ramps already finished. Still remaining are the milling, resurfacing and striping.
Local music legend Mark Rubel passes away
ILLINOIS (WCIA) — A local music legend whose impact grew to reach far and wide outside of Central Illinois has passed away peacefully on Friday at the age of 65. Mark Rubel held a variety of positions around the area, but all shared a commonality of serving the community of music lovers. Sasha, Rubel’s sister, made the announcement on Rubel’s Facebook page on Friday. In her tribute, Sasha mentioned Rubel’s love for people and his overall impact.
Local music legend Mark Rubel passes away Original
ILLINOIS (WCIA) — A local music legend whose impact grew to reach far and wide outside of Central Illinois has passed away peacefully on Friday at the age of 65. Mark Rubel held a variety of positions around the area, but all shared a commonality of serving the community of music lovers. Sasha, Rubel’s sister, made the announcement on Rubel’s Facebook page on Friday. In her tribute, Sasha mentioned Rubel’s love for people and his overall impact.
Illinois public health adopts new COVID guidelines
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The CDC changed its longstanding guidance for Americans Friday, shortening the wait time after a positive COVID-19 test from five days to one. A year ago, COVID was the third leading cause of death in the United States. Now, it is the tenth. Reasons like this are why medical officials throughout the community are clumping COVID with other upper respiratory illnesses.
Annual speedskating competition races to Champaign this weekend
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — This weekend, over 150 athletes from across the county are making their way to Champaign for an annual speedskating competition. The Land of Lincoln Short Track Championships will be at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Ice Arena March 2-3. The event is just ahead of the national championships, which are just a few weeks after in Michigan. The Champaign Regional Speedskating club is hosting the event, which is the largest regional meet in Illinois.
Mattoon eye surgeon charged with criminal sexual abuse
MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — An eye surgeon in Mattoon is being charged with sexual abuse. Dr. Ronald Miller is being charged with one count of criminal sexual abuse. The class 4 felony could see Miller in prison for up to three years and a fine of $25,000 if found guilty. A pretrial date for Dr. Miller has been set for 2 p.m. on March 4 at the Coles County Courthouse. Miller is accused of touching a female transportation aid in his office.
‘Downright disrespectful’: Danville community rallying behind business after abrupt closure
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — An abrupt notice of a lease termination has a Danville business scrambling and it’s leaving a sour taste in the mouth of the city’s mayor. The Village Mall is forcing a family fun center called The Jump Off out of the building at what the owner says is his busiest season. Owner Alvarez Dixon said the notice came as a surprise, but that he also should have seen the writings on the walls. The mayor of Danville says it’s a decision that should have been handled differently.
Champaign Co. pedestrian killed in collision with vehicle
CHAMPAIGN CO. (WCIA) — Champaign County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the scene of a crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian Friday night. Around 10 p.m., the deputies arrived in Brown Township, in the area of 3200 North and 600 East near Fisher. They responded to a report of a traffic crash between a vehicle and a pedestrian. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
Illinois American Water, Citizen’s Utility Board at odds over rate hike
ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Illinois American Water is proposing a rate hike, sparking a debate between the Citizen’s Utility Board and the water utility company. The company filed a request with the Illinois Commerce Commission to raise its rates on Thursday, Feb. 8. They said the average residential wastewater bill would go up by about $5 per month, with the average customer seeing a $24 increase in residential monthly water service bills.
‘It’s cruelty’: Urbana men rescue abandoned dog left in cage
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — Around 6:30 a.m. Friday morning, maintenance worker Justin Matthew pulled into work when he heard a noise in the distance. “So I get in, clock in and tell the other guys, ‘I think there’s a dog over there,'” Matthew said. “Sure enough, we went over there, the dog’s sitting in a cage. Like I said, we got there, he was skinny, real sick looking.” What Matthew and his coworker found was a two-year-old dog. She was left in a cage near the old Champaign Humane Society — abandoned.
Year of the dragon: Urbana kicks off Lunar New Year celebration
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — 2024 is the year of the dragon. Although the Chinese New Year falls on Feb. 10, this weekend, Central Illinois residents can get an early start in the festivities. Saturday, Feb. 3 from 2-3:30 p.m., Downtown Urbana is hosting an event with free performances, activities, food and more. The event will be held at the Philips Recreation Center.
Monticello kennel hosts Doggy Date Night
MONTICELLO, Ill. (WCIA) — Dog owners in Central Illinois have the chance to give their pups a night to remember at the Doggy Date Night event. Willow Branch Kennel is hosting the event this Saturday, Jan. 27, from 5-8 p.m. at their doggy daycare facility in Monticello.
IDOT to repair potholes following winter weather
ILLINOIS (WCIA) — If you’ve experienced hitting a few more potholes than normal on your morning commute, you’re not alone. Harsh winter weather over the last couple of weeks caused the “freeze-thaw cycle,” leaving Central Illinois covered in potholes. During precipitation, water can seep underneath the pavement, and when frozen, the moisture can cause the concrete or asphalt to break.
Mahomet Volunteer event to help invasive species removal
MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA) — Volunteers can take part in efforts to remove invasive species in Mahomet today, as part of the Invasive Woody Removal volunteer event. From 10-12 p.m. at the River Bend Forest Preserve, volunteers can help remove species invsaive to Central Illinois like honeysuckle, autumn olive and Callery pear. Weather permitting, there will also be a burn pile for the collected plants.
Veteran’s Day 2023: Meet the heroes who kept America safe Original
On Veterans Day Weekend 2023, we can be proud that the United States still has citizens willing to fight and die for their country. As America faces renewed threats both at home and abroad, meet eight brave US veterans of our nation’s two most recent conflicts, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. In their post-military lives, these heroes continue to embody a spirit of service, and encourage all of us to follow suit.
Vietnam POWs to be honored 50 years after Nixon celebrated them with historic banquet Original
It was — and still is — the biggest banquet in White House history. In a tent on the South Lawn on May 24 in 1973, 1,600 people gathered to honor 591 prisoners of war who had finally been released from Vietnam. On Wednesday dozens of the survivors of the 591 will be honored again at a reenactment of the meal at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda, California.
A Church. The State. And a Holy War.
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A Church. The State. And a Holy War.
Calvary Chapel in Silicon Valley refused to close during the Covid lockdowns, arguing freedom of religion. Then the government surveillance began. It was Father’s Day 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, and Marci Dauer was walking with her husband Monte along the beach in Santa Cruz when they noticed a young woman sitting alone by the pier, disoriented and crying. “She said she had lost her phone and her friends,” says Marci. “It was 1 p.m. and I could smell alcohol on her breath.
How Lori Vallow went from beauty pageant winner to being accused of murder
“Did you do something to your children? Are your children still alive?” a reporter asked Lori Vallow as the blonde strolled toward the beachfront townhouse she and her newlywed husband Chad Daybell had rented for $6000 a month on Kauai just weeks after the death of his wife, Tammy.
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