When recreational marijuana becomes legal in Illinois on Jan. 1, it brings with it the potential for job creation in areas from breeding and cultivation to processing, marketing and retailing. The state’s community colleges want to prepare residents to do those jobs.“The law that recently passed the General Assembly and signed by the governor allows up to eight community colleges to establish a careers and cannabis certificate program, and that program allows students to be trained and the marijuana industry including the growing and cultivation of cannabis,” said Matt Berry, chief of staff of the Illinois Community College Board.
DECATUR, Ill. (AP) — Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed a measure aimed at helping more Illinois students receive federal financial aid to attend college. The new law makes completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid a requirement for graduation. The application is used by the federal government to determine whether a student is eligible for federal grants and loans.
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — Rapidly rising water levels in the Great Lakes are damaging shorelines and creating uncertainty for lakeshore residents. Duluth has dealt with three major storms on Lake Superior in less than two years, with total damage estimated at nearly $30 million. Duluth's construction project supervisor tells Minnesota Public Radio News high water levels are making the storms even more destructive. But higher lake levels benefit the shipping industry, since deeper water allows ships to carry more cargo.
(Springfield--jc) --A task force to find property tax relief for Illinoisans who pay the second-highest property tax in the nation is expected to come up with a plan by the end of the year.Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation Friday creating the Property Tax Relief Task Force. The governor said the bipartisan group will review the entirety of the state's property tax system, study best practices in other states and make short-term and long-term recommendations by the end of the year. Some Republicans have said that they are concerned the task force will be used to promote Pritzker’s proposed constitutional amendment to change the state's flat income tax to one with higher rates for higher earners. Democrats said lower property taxes are the goal.
(Washington--jc) Ag officials in Washington are working on accuracy. U-S-D-A leaders are working on making the drought monitor system more accurate and more detailed. Gary Crawford reports…
(Springfield--jc) -- Some teens have experienced severe breathing problems after vaping. Illinois Public Health Department Director Doctor Ngozi Ezike (en-gozi) (eh-zee-kay) says many people incorrectly assume vaping is a safe alternative to cigarettes...
Illinois Public Health Department Director Doctor Ngozi Ezike.
(Rantoul--jc) -- The Rantoul Township High School board is set to meet in a special session tonight. On the agenda is to accept the fiscal year 20-20 budget, select a new board member to fill a vacancy and hire a health technician. The Rantoul Township High School board meeting comes to order at 7 at the high school.
(Paxton--jc) -- A Senior Fair is coming to Paxton on Saturday. The event takes place at Pells Park in Paxton from 10m through 6pm. Organizer Mike Evinger says one reason for the free to attend event is to allow seniors in the Paxton area the chance to talk with dozens of businesses and groups in one area…
Paxton Senior Health Fair Organizer Mike Evinger
(Paxton--jc) -- Paxton-Buckley-Loda High School’s Panther Regiment marching band did a preview of their halftime show on Friday at Pells Park in Paxton The Panther Regiment will be led on the field by drum major Mallory Johnson. The first Paxton Buckley Loda football game is set for August 30th at Gibson City Melvin Sibley. The first home game is Friday September 6th against Georgetown RidgeFarm. You can hear all the PBL football games, here on WPXN.
(Champaign--jc) The weather numbers for July have been tabulated. Illinois water Survey in Champaign Spokesperson Kevin Grady says July will be remembered as hot and dry…
Illinois Water Survey-Champaign Spokesperson Kevin Grady
(Paxton--jc) -- Paxton City Alderwoman Susan Satterlee is chairing the next meeting by the city concerning any regulation of recreational marijuana business. The council’s license, permit and zoning committee will meet on week from today at 7pm to continue to look at the marijuana business issue. Recreational marijuana becomes legal in Illinois on January first. Mondays meeting takes place on the second floor of city hall
(Springfield--jc) - The Illinois State Board of Education is adopting new statewide learning standards for world languages, in hopes of giving students a more immersive experience. The updated standards guide teachers and students through 5 levels of proficiency says I-S-B-E Consultant Kim Johnson…
Illinois State Board of Education Consultant Kim Johnson
(Springfield--jc) -- Illinois is unlikely to join the list of states that offer a “back-to-school” sales tax holiday.Sales tax holidays are periods when specific goods are exempted from state, and sometimes local, sales taxes. Many states schedule the events for August when “back-to-school” shopping largely takes place.Illinois held a one-time sales tax holiday back in 2010, but Rob Karr, president of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, said it didn’t provide the boost some expected
(Gibson City--jc) -- A hymnfest is set for Gibson City on Sunday. The event takes place at 3pm on August 11th at the Gibson City United Methodist Church. The Gibson Area Music Foundation is sponsoring the hymnfest with Director Milt Kelly. The event will feature popular hymns and the stories behind them.
(Paxton--jc) -- The school building project for the Paxton Buckley Loda School system is nearing completion as local school officials continue to prepare for the first day of school. The Paxton Buckley Loda High School annual Pork Chop Kickoff is set for August 23rd at the high school in Paxton.
