(Chicago–jc) The University of Illinois Board of Trustees approved the board's annual state funding request for the fiscal year that begins July 1. The request will be submitted for consideration by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, Gov. JB Pritzker and the Legislature. The proposal's total operating funds request of $804.4 million would provide a 13.2% increase from the current year's $710.6 million appropriation. The requested increase would support four goals: keeping more Illinois students in the state and supporting their success; enhancing academic excellence by recruiting and retaining faculty and staff; accounting for inflationary and other cost increases; and support for other state-funded operations.
(Springfield–dm)-The state of Illinois' Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program has relieved more than $72 million worth of medical debt for over 52,000 Illinois residents. Officials said the debt abolishment is the first effort as part of the state's commitment to erase roughly $1 billion in medical debt across Illinois. The average amount of debt abolished per person is $1,349 and the maximum debt abolished for one individual is over $242,000.
(Champaign–jc) –C-U at Home is thrilled to announce the launch of its signature
annual event, One Winter Night, a powerful two-night experience that brings the community together to support those experiencing homelessness. Taking place at The Venue CU in Champaign, this year's One Winter Night event builds on last year's two-night success, serving as the organization's largest fundraiser of the year. The event begins Friday, February 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM with the Outdoor Challenge, where participants brave the elements by sleeping outside for one night. This immersive experience raises awareness of the challenges faced by individuals without shelter.
(USDA–dm)-The USDA is requesting public input on its climate mitigation and adaptation conservation practice standards. WPXN's Dan Mushrush has more.
(Paxton–jc) – The city of Paxton will be paying less for insurance with the Municipal League Risk Management Association this year. The city has seen less claims this year. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold says this will save the city some dollars...
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold
(Springfield–jc) The state of Illinois is facing a budget deficit of several Billion dollars as the fall veto session is complete for this week. 51st District State Senator Chapin Rose, Republican from Mahomet, says leaders need to start now and look at ways to be fiscally responsible to the citizens of Illinois...
51st District State Senator Chapin Rose of Mahomet
The second week of the fall veto session is set for next week
(Watseka–jc) Watseka is a venue for an upcoming winter-Christmas festival. The event will feature hot dogs or chili while you browse through local craft booths, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, watch the Christmas tree lighting ceremony and
Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce "Winter Wonderland" Parade. Kids can
enjoy carnival rides, visit with Santa and enjoy S'mores with the Watseka Fire
Department after the parade! This is a free event and will take place in Watseka on November 29th.
The Illinois Department of Public Health is seeking to fill a number of positions at its upcoming job fair in Springfield.The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, at the Illinois Department of Agriculture Building on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. IDPH has a variety of openings, a number of which do not require prior public health experience
(Rantoul–jc) A new Champaign County company is acquiring warehouse space in the village of Rantoul. Buzzard Pipe Organ Builders are relocating their business to 700 Veterans Parkway in Rantoul. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith says its another positive addition to the village...
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith
(The Center Square) – The push is on for Illinois legislators to advance some form of pension reform to address what proponents say are shortfalls in Tier II pensions. Illinois implemented Tier II pensions with fewer benefits in 2011. Former Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed the measure, Saying it brought savings. A measure proposed at the statehouse would bring Tier II into line with Social Security, something estimated to cost taxpayers about $5 billion extra over several years.
Former Illinois Governor Pat Quinn. Illinois unfunded pension liability is 140 billion dollars.
(Springfield–jc) Several legislators are looking into more permanent protections for the Mahomet Aquifer. WPXN's Joel Cluver has the story...
(Chicago–jc) – A popular attraction is returning to Chicago this winter. Hot Tub Boats, which are self-contained and can seat up to six people, are returning to the Chicago River. A 90-minute hot tub cruise costs $350 on weekdays, and $425 on weekends. The Hot Tub Boat rides sold out last year.
