Northeastern Illinois University's student-run newspaper

NEIU Independent
Northeastern Illinois University's student-run newspaper

NEIU Independent
Northeastern Illinois University's student-run newspaper

NEIU Independent

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief

All content by Matthew Rago
Phillip Noffz and Matthew Scanlan sparring at boxing club| Photo by Rachel Willard

NEIU student, boxing instructor dead in suspected homicide

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
July 9, 2020
Examining Chicago's history of police brutality: the LaQuan McDonald cover-up

Examining Chicago’s history of police brutality: the LaQuan McDonald cover-up

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
June 3, 2020
Wisconsin reports single-day record in new COVID-19 cases, 8% positivity rate

Wisconsin reports single-day record in new COVID-19 cases, 8% positivity rate

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 20, 2020
Pritzker family owns stake in company providing COVID-19 tests

Pritzker family owns stake in company providing COVID-19 tests

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 18, 2020
Florida experiences 4.7% uptick in COVID-19 cases, 14% increase in deaths since entering phase one of reopening plan

Florida experiences 4.7% uptick in COVID-19 cases, 14% increase in deaths since entering phase one of reopening plan

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 17, 2020
Wisconsin's COVID-19 cases jump 65%, Milwaukee's positivity rate increases by 100%

Wisconsin’s COVID-19 cases jump 65%, Milwaukee’s positivity rate increases by 100%

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 17, 2020
Four Illinois counties to vote on secession from Chicago. What if they succeed?

Four Illinois counties to vote on secession from Chicago. What if they succeed?

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 16, 2020
"It's coming down"; Pritzker announces every region is meeting standard to move to stage three of Restore Illinois

“It’s coming down”; Pritzker announces every region is meeting standard to move to stage three of Restore Illinois

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 15, 2020
Brommel-Hanson-McGee scholarship deadline extended

Brommel-Hanson-McGee scholarship deadline extended

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 13, 2020
"It's not a hoax"; Illinois officials warn of second wave as state reports record death toll

“It’s not a hoax”; Illinois officials warn of second wave as state reports record death toll

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 13, 2020
VOTE: Blink-182 vs. Avenged Sevenfold

VOTE: Blink-182 vs. Avenged Sevenfold

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 13, 2020
Illinois Director of Public Health addresses potential inflation, underrepresentation of COVID-19 death toll

Illinois Director of Public Health addresses potential inflation, underrepresentation of COVID-19 death toll

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 12, 2020
"Players won't be strong-armed"; Workplace safety, unfair compensation emerge as concerns among MLB players

“Players won’t be strong-armed”; Workplace safety, unfair compensation emerge as concerns among MLB players

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 12, 2020
'Workers and their families are hurting'; J.B. Pritzker announces $25 million infrastructure grant

‘Workers and their families are hurting’; J.B. Pritzker announces $25 million infrastructure grant

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 12, 2020
Grubhub, Uber Eats will soon have to disclose fees charged to restaurants

Grubhub, Uber Eats will soon have to disclose fees charged to restaurants

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 12, 2020
VOTE: Foo Fighters vs. My Chemical Romance

VOTE: Foo Fighters vs. My Chemical Romance

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 11, 2020
VOTE: Linkin Park vs. Godsmack

VOTE: Linkin Park vs. Godsmack

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 11, 2020
MLB owners approve plan to start season by July

MLB owners approve plan to start season by July

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 11, 2020
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker anticipates delay in COVID-19 peak, Illinois announces arrival of COVID-19 trial drug

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker anticipates delay in COVID-19 peak, Illinois announces arrival of COVID-19 trial drug

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 11, 2020
WWE: Six takeaways from Money In The Bank

WWE: Six takeaways from Money In The Bank

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 11, 2020
Breaking down MLB's 80-game season proposal

Breaking down MLB’s 80-game season proposal

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 9, 2020
Rock n' roll pioneer Little Richard dead at 87

Rock n’ roll pioneer Little Richard dead at 87

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 9, 2020
Two white men accused of killing Ahmaud Arbery won't be charged with hate crime. Here's why.

Two white men accused of killing Ahmaud Arbery won’t be charged with hate crime. Here’s why.

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 8, 2020
VOTE: Breaking Benjamin vs. Tool vs. Three Days Grace

VOTE: Breaking Benjamin vs. Tool vs. Three Days Grace

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 8, 2020
VOTE: Three Days Grace vs. Tool vs. Breaking Benjamin

VOTE: Three Days Grace vs. Tool vs. Breaking Benjamin

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 7, 2020
Pritzker waives unemployment wait period as Illinois surpasses 3,000 COVID-19 deaths

Pritzker waives unemployment wait period as Illinois surpasses 3,000 COVID-19 deaths

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 7, 2020
FACT CHECK: Did the CDC reduce its COVID-19 death count?

FACT CHECK: Did the CDC reduce its COVID-19 death count?

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 7, 2020
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker to prioritize accessible healthcare in minority community, reaffirms mandate to wear masks

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker to prioritize accessible healthcare in minority community, reaffirms mandate to wear masks

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 6, 2020
Chicago White Sox roster: the good and the bad

Chicago White Sox roster: the good and the bad

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 6, 2020
Pritzker announces five-step 'Reopen Illinois' plan; 'We are very conscientious that there are people who cannot pay their bills and cannot provide for their families'

Pritzker announces five-step ‘Reopen Illinois’ plan; ‘We are very conscientious that there are people who cannot pay their bills and cannot provide for their families’

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 5, 2020
INTERVIEW: Blake Allison discusses Egypt Central reunion, three latest singles

INTERVIEW: Blake Allison discusses Egypt Central reunion, three latest singles

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 4, 2020
'If people are persistently defiant, they can be put in jail': Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announces 17% COVID-19 positivity rate over past 24 hours

‘If people are persistently defiant, they can be put in jail’: Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announces 17% COVID-19 positivity rate over past 24 hours

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 4, 2020
FAN VOTE: Alter Bridge/Creed vs. Avenged Sevenfold

FAN VOTE: Alter Bridge/Creed vs. Avenged Sevenfold

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 4, 2020
Trump vs. Biden: How did we get here, America?

Trump vs. Biden: How did we get here, America?

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 4, 2020
Photo by Yvette de Wit

How Missouri plans to resume concerts starting Monday, despite an increase in COVID-19 cases

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 3, 2020
The Nagy-Trubisky connection has set the Bears back years. How long of a leash will Pace give them? | Photo by: NBCSports.com

BREAKING: Bears decline Mitch Trubisky’s fifth-year option

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 2, 2020
NEIU transitions to remote instruction, pass/no pass grading for all three summer semesters

NEIU transitions to remote instruction, pass/no pass grading for all three summer semesters

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
May 1, 2020
BREAKING: Chicago Bears sign Tashaun Gipson to one-year deal

BREAKING: Chicago Bears sign Tashaun Gipson to one-year deal

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 30, 2020
Chicago Fire Department commander's home site of viral Chicago house party

Chicago Fire Department commander’s home site of viral Chicago house party

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 30, 2020
NCAA Board of Governors votes to allow athletes to profit off their name, likeness and image

NCAA Board of Governors votes to allow athletes to profit off their name, likeness and image

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 29, 2020
The Pippen myth: How Scottie Pippen went from underrated to overrated

The Pippen myth: How Scottie Pippen went from underrated to overrated

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 28, 2020
REPORT: Kim Jong Un rumored dead, satellite images suggest possible location

REPORT: Kim Jong Un rumored dead, satellite images suggest possible location

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 25, 2020
Louder Than Life, Bourbon & Beyond, Hometown Rising all cancelled

Louder Than Life, Bourbon & Beyond, Hometown Rising all cancelled

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 24, 2020
NFL Draft: Best remaining players on Day 2

NFL Draft: Best remaining players on Day 2

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 24, 2020
Dak Prescott's brother Jace passes away at age 31

Dak Prescott’s brother Jace passes away at age 31

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 23, 2020
Empty hallway in NEIU's Salme Harju Steinberg Fine Arts Center

NEIU to reimburse students for unused services

Matthew Rago and Rachel Willard
April 23, 2020
Chicago Pride Parade postponed for first time ever

Chicago Pride Parade postponed for first time ever

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 22, 2020
Falling In Reverse guitarist Derek Jones dead at age 35

Falling In Reverse guitarist Derek Jones dead at age 35

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 22, 2020
Trump administration prohibits DACA recipients from coronavirus relief aid

Trump administration prohibits DACA recipients from coronavirus relief aid

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 21, 2020
Trump administration prohibits DACA students from receiving federal aid

Trump administration prohibits DACA students from receiving federal aid

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 21, 2020
MLB to eliminate 25% of minor league baseball franchises

MLB to eliminate 25% of minor league baseball franchises

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 21, 2020
Trump now is tasked with leading a country that elected him on the basis of his hateful rhetoric.

BREAKING: Trump to suspend immigration to the United States of America

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 20, 2020
VOTE: Foo Fighters vs. Godsmack

VOTE: Foo Fighters vs. Godsmack

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 19, 2020
Angel Diaz

NEIU Student Government Association election results: Angel Diaz wins presidency

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 17, 2020
BREAKING: Bears release tight end Trey Burton

BREAKING: Bears release tight end Trey Burton

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 17, 2020
Skip Bayless goes on angry HORSE rant against LeBron James, Zach LaVine

Skip Bayless goes on angry HORSE rant against LeBron James, Zach LaVine

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 16, 2020
Von Miller, Denver Broncos issue statements on coronavirus diagnosis

Von Miller, Denver Broncos issue statements on coronavirus diagnosis

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 16, 2020
Trump appoints Vince McMahon, Rob Manfred and Adam Silver to help "get sports back"

Trump appoints Vince McMahon, Rob Manfred and Adam Silver to help “get sports back”

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 15, 2020
Americans began receiving their stimulus checks today. Here's how to get yours.

Americans began receiving their stimulus checks today. Here’s how to get yours.

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 15, 2020
The rise, fall and resurrection of Derrick Rose

The rise, fall and resurrection of Derrick Rose

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 14, 2020
Obamacare architect warns sporting events, concerts won't return until 2021

Obamacare architect warns sporting events, concerts won’t return until 2021

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 13, 2020
BREAKING: Bernie Sanders endorses Joe Biden for president

BREAKING: Bernie Sanders endorses Joe Biden for president

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 13, 2020
Critics accuse Bulls, White Sox owner of racism. Here's why they are wrong.

Critics accuse Bulls, White Sox owner of racism. Here’s why they are wrong.

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 12, 2020
America remains divided as US surpasses Spain, Italy and France in combined COVID-19 cases

America remains divided as US surpasses Spain, Italy and France in combined COVID-19 cases

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 11, 2020
Chicago Bulls should inquire about feuding Jazz All-Stars

Chicago Bulls should inquire about feuding Jazz All-Stars

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 10, 2020
Evanescence at The Wiltern

VOTE IN LINK: The Red Hot Chili Peppers (5) vs. Evanescence (12)

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 9, 2020
BREAKING: Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker recommends canceling all large summer events

BREAKING: Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker recommends canceling all large summer events

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 9, 2020
The U.S. faces a massively uncertain future after the election of arguably the most controversial presidential candidate in it’s history.

WATCH: Compilation of Trump’s COVID-19 misinformation circulates

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 9, 2020
Northeastern Illinois University's halls remain empty as the university transitions to online instruction

Instructors are grading students on their ability to teach themselves. Just end the semester.

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 8, 2020
Northeastern Illinois University announces first case of coronavirus

Northeastern Illinois University announces first case of coronavirus

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 7, 2020
From left to right: drummer Scott Phillips, vocalist Myles Kennedy, lead guitarist Mark Tremonti and bassist Brian Marshall | Photo courtesy of Alter Bridge

11 tragically underrated rock deep cuts

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 7, 2020
NBA ball royaltyfree

REPORT: NBA to consider rapid-response testing to resume season

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 6, 2020
U.K. Prime Minister in intensive care after COVID-19 symptoms worsen

U.K. Prime Minister in intensive care after COVID-19 symptoms worsen

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 6, 2020
VOTE: My Chemical Romance (4) vs. Coldplay (13)

VOTE: My Chemical Romance (4) vs. Coldplay (13)

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 5, 2020
FACT CHECK: Did the Trump administration fire the entire pandemic team? Well, sort of

FACT CHECK: Did the Trump administration fire the entire pandemic team? Well, sort of

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 5, 2020
Wrestlemania Night One: Results, Grades and Analysis

Wrestlemania Night One: Results, Grades and Analysis

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 4, 2020
Photo courtesy of Tom Munaco

Wrestlemania 36: Final predictions for biggest matches

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 4, 2020
Meet the candidates for NEIU's Student Government Association elections

Meet the candidates for NEIU’s Student Government Association elections

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 4, 2020
President George W. Bush is presented with a Chicago White Sox jacket and baseball jersey, Monday, Feb. 13, 2006 by White Sox players Jermaine Dye, left, and Paul Konerko in the East Room of the White House, where President Bush honored the 2005 World Series Champions. White House Photo by Eric Draper)

Chicago White Sox: 6 biggest draft busts since 2005

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 3, 2020
REPORT: Bulls to begin front office overhaul

REPORT: Bulls to begin front office overhaul

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 3, 2020
NEIU Campus Recreation and Physical Education Complex closed until May 1

NEIU Campus Recreation and Physical Education Complex closed until May 1

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 2, 2020
Fountains of Wayne singer, best known for 'Stacy's Mom,' dies from coronavirus COVID-19

Fountains of Wayne singer, best known for ‘Stacy’s Mom,’ dies from coronavirus COVID-19

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 2, 2020
Todd McShay lists only one player as “Tier 1” draft prospect

Todd McShay lists only one player as “Tier 1” draft prospect

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 1, 2020
VOTE: Linkin Park (1) vs. Paramore (16)

VOTE: Linkin Park (1) vs. Paramore (16)

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
April 1, 2020
WATCH: Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot plays guitar, basketball to 'save lives'

WATCH: Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot plays guitar, basketball to ‘save lives’

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
March 31, 2020
Opinion | Gavin Newsom commutes convicted child murderers, goes too far left

Opinion | Gavin Newsom commutes convicted child murderers, goes too far left

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
March 31, 2020
WATCH: Austin Theory almost kills Montez Ford

WATCH: Austin Theory almost kills Montez Ford

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
March 30, 2020
Ranking the greatest matches in Wrestlemania history

Ranking the greatest matches in Wrestlemania history

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
March 30, 2020
How Ryan Pace once again whiffed on securing the Bears' franchise quarterback

How Ryan Pace once again whiffed on securing the Bears’ franchise quarterback

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
March 29, 2020
Chicago Bears: Five biggest draft busts of the past decade

Chicago Bears: Five biggest draft busts of the past decade

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
March 28, 2020
Miguel Discart from Bruxelles, Belgique [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)]

It’s time to postpone Wrestlemania

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
March 28, 2020
Comparing America's coronavirus response to Spanish Flu, Black Death and smallpox

Comparing America’s coronavirus response to Spanish Flu, Black Death and smallpox

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
March 27, 2020
BREAKING: Rammstein lead singer spent night in ICU, tests negative for coronavirus

BREAKING: Rammstein lead singer spent night in ICU, tests negative for coronavirus

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
March 27, 2020
Courtesy of K. Sizemore

REPORT: Key performer withdraws from Wrestlemania

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
March 26, 2020
The Coronavirus COVID-19 illustrated, rotating. | By Maximilian Schönherr

Illinois state officials confirm 673 new coronavirus cases, bringing total to 2,538

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
March 26, 2020
Examining NEIU's pass/fail policy

Examining NEIU’s pass/fail policy

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
March 26, 2020
Public packs Chicago lakefront, Mayor Lightfoot shuts down access

Public packs Chicago lakefront, Mayor Lightfoot shuts down access

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
March 26, 2020
A breakdown of the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package

A breakdown of the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
March 25, 2020
The Classic Crime talk 'Patterns in the Static,' importance of perspective

The Classic Crime talk ‘Patterns in the Static,’ importance of perspective

Matthew Rago, Editor-in-Chief
March 25, 2020
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