(Springfield-jm) – Announcing an agreement with unions representing Illinois educators about paid COVID-19 leave for vaccinated school staff, Governor J.B. Pritzker has vetoed a bill that was opposed by some school management groups. Among the initiatives Pritzker’s office announced is paid administrative leave for every employee of a public school district, public university, and public community college who is fully vaccinated. Because the initiative renders House Bill 2778 moot, Pritzker said he vetoed the bill.
(Springfield-jm) – Equal Pay Act reporting requirements for large businesses in Illinois begin March 24th. Under new state laws, private employers with more than 100 workers must file for an equal pay certificate with the Illinois Department of Labor. Assistant Director Jason Keller says due to the volume of businesses in Illinois, emails will go out in groups giving employers at least 120 days notice to comply. The first batch has already been sent…
Illinois Department of Labor Assistant Director Jason Keller. Keller notes it could take more than a year for an employer to receive notification from the department. This new requirement affects at least 47 hundred businesses in Illinois.
(St. Joseph-jm) – Tuesday break-ins at St. Joseph businesses are under investigation. According to Champaign County deputies, the crimes occurred at Country Chics, Salon 192 and Geschenk Coffee, Cafe & Gifts. Authorities responded to the business and could not find a suspect. They said they learned the same suspect broke into the other two businesses. In at least one business, an undisclosed amount of cash was stolen. The suspect entered the businesses either through forcing open doors or breaking a window, authorities said.
(Springfield-jm) – Republican members of the Illinois General Assembly are wanting to address police reform. The Democratic controlled General Assembly passed reform legislation that Republicans say put more people at risk. 53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington says the rise in violence is leading to long-time police officers being very discouraged…
53rd District State Senator Jason Barickman of Bloomington.
(Urbana-jm) – Moving into the second year of the pandemic and a new normal, the University of Illinois is discussing the future of higher education. The senate conference discussed moving forward and they think many teachers will embrace online learning or hybrid options. Officials also report greater attendance in meetings online. They're also looking at long-term options for faculty to work remotely.
(Washington-jm) – USDA's January WASDE report shows high prices for U.S. dairy products. Stephanie Ho reports…
(Springfield-jm) – As concern grows over children's mental health amid the pandemic, a new Illinois law allows kids to take five mental health days each year. These are classified as excused absences, meant to assist children get help if they need it. The law says kids don't need a doctor's note to take these mental health days. Students and parents will need to explicitly state that they're using this type of absence when they call in to their school office.
(Springfield-jm) – As you’re trying to stay warm this winter, the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office has a few safety tips to keep in mind. There are plenty of hazards when it comes to heating your home so it’s important to stay on top of things like having your furnace serviced regularly, says Fire Marshal Spokesperson J-C Fultz…
State Fire Marshal Spokesperson J-C Fultz. Another concern is carbon monoxide poisoning, so Fultz says you should install and check CO detectors regularly. Illinois fire departments responded to nearly 11 thousand carbon monoxide leaks in 2020.
(Watseka-jm) – Wanda Kendall Elementary School in Watseka is working to replace library books lost in a devastating flood. The Dollar General Literacy Foundation presented them with a grant worth $1,850. The money will be used to restock the library shelves for kids in preschool through first grade. In 2018, Watseka was hit by a massive flood. The damage permanently ruined thirty five percent of Wanda Kendall’s library books.
(Buckley-tr) – Christ Lutheran High School will be hosting a drive thru, free will donation spaghetti lunch on Sunday February 6th from 11am-1230pm. CLHS Director Sandy Spitz says there will even be white cake for dessert…
CLHS Director Sandy Spitz.
(Mahomet-jm) – The Mahomet-Seymour School Board has entered into an agreement with Educational Leadership Solutions to conduct a search for a new Superintendent of the Mahomet-Seymour School District after Lindsey Hall announced her resignation/retirement late in 2021. Final interviews with three candidates are expected to take place early in March with a contract by March 25.
(Washington-jm) – A reduction in U.S. pork exports is dominating USDA's forecast for an overall reduction in U.S. meat exports in 2022. Stephanie Ho reports…
