It's been about three years since the first public rumblings of a troubled future for Western Illinois University.   With last week's news of more WIU layoffs in the face of declining enrollment and funding limitations, I went back to review this Facebook post that I wrote in April, 2016, after the musician Prince passed away: 

Jasmine Crighton joined the Shop Talk panel in August 2013.  This week she recorded her final program, which focused on the latest Status of Women in the U.S. Media report.

Organizers of the Buy into Western Illinois University petition drive feel their effort has taken on greater urgency in the aftermath of the latest round of layoffs at the institution.  Western sent 132 layoff notices to faculty and staff from across the university on March 1. 

Western Illinois University emailed layoff notices on Friday to 132 employees, which is about 8% of the total workforce.

Midwest Academy closed its doors in early 2016 following a raid by local, state, and federal law enforcement agents investigating allegations of sexual abuse. More than three years later, the property could get a new owner.

It might soon be legal to drive an ATV or a UTV on a gravel road in Lee County. Supporters of the proposed ordinance say it's a long time coming.

There is a list of 18 academic programs at Western Illinois University being considered for elimination. A report reviewing each of them has been turned over to the administration and decisions are expected soon.

Loyola University in Chicago insists that reporters with the student newspaper set up on-campus interviews through the school's communications spokesperson. The Shop Talk crew feels the university is trying to control the student journalists rather than help them.