(Springfield-jm) – A plan moving in Springfield could require the Illinois State Board of Education to identify days where major school events may conflict with cultural or religious holidays. Sponsors and advocates told the Senate Education Committee that many public school students have missed major events with their classmates because they were absent or unable to attend school that day. Schools and the Illinois High School Association would have the option to use this online list as an advisory tool to help make the best schedules for their local community. The plan would not allow for school closures or excused absences due to cultural reasons but would assist school districts with planning events around the observances.
(Springfield-jm) – A bill in the Illinois statehouse is pushing for all schools to create a set of plans for emergencies. State Senator Michael Hastings is pushing for a bill giving school districts all over Illinois standards for their threat assessment procedures. This is after countless threats and school shootings both in Illinois and the U.S. In the bill, the Illinois State Board of Education and the Office of the State Fire Marshal would write guidance for school districts, private schools and first responders for how to develop threat assessment procedures, rapid entry response plans and cardiac emergency response plans.
(Springfield–jc)-- One bill in Springfield would ban certain herbicides. In updating our story from earlier today, 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington says actions are needed by area citizens……
106th District State Representative Jason Bunting, Republican from Emmington.
More information is found on Buntings website.
(Undated-jm) – The leases of six federally-leased buildings in central Illinois are on the chopping block, according to the Department of Government Efficiency website.The DOGE website claims that eliminating these leases will save around $350,000. They include the International Revenue Service National Office and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in Champaign and the Departmental Management, the Employment Standards Administration: Wage and Hour Division, the Public Buildings Service and Small Business Administration in Springfield.
(Rantoul–jc) The village of Rantoul is in the process of hiring an adjudication employee. Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith talks about the new position…
Rantoul Mayor Chuck Smith
(The Center Square) – Some Indiana lawmakers want to change their state’s border and welcome 33 Illinois counties that want to leave their state. Over the past few years, 33 of Illinois’ 102 have voted to leave the state. The most recent string of southern Illinois counties supporting secession included Calhoun, Clinton, Greene, Iroquois, Jersey, Madison, and Perry, all of which voted to secede from the state in November. Instead of creating a new state, like some of the counties want, the Republican-majority Indiana General Assembly wants to adjust Indiana’s border and welcome the unhappy counties into the Hoosier state.
(Springfield-jm) – A bill in Springfield would help train middle school and high school students how to behave appropriately in the workplace. State Representative Camille Lilly said many high school graduates have issues keeping their first jobs, as the culture shift from school to the workplace causes the new workers to commit ethical violations without even realizing. This plan from Illinois House Democrats would train teenagers from grade 6 onwards how to behave professionally, dress appropriately, respect authority and arrive on time among others.
(Springfield-jm) – Republican lawmakers provided an update on their lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of Illinois' legislative map. The lawsuit, originally filed on January 28, argues that the current state map is a product of partisan gerrymandering. Republicans have requested that the Illinois Supreme Court appoint a special master to redraw the map. They emphasize the urgency of addressing the district boundaries before the next election cycle.
(Springfield–jc) A number of Chicago area House Democrats rose to speak on the House floor Wednesday afternoon to talk about how badly they believe President Trump’s action on tariffs will hurt the agriculture industry in the state of Illinois. Their action didn’t sit well with the several lawmakers, including 106th District State Representative Jason Bunting of Emmington…
106th District State Representative Jason Bunting Republican from Emmington.
Last year, despite having 28 sponsors from both sides of the aisle, Democrat leadership would not allow the measure to be brought to the floor for debate or even be assigned to a committee.
(Springfield-jm) – Does your teenager have a hard time getting up to go to school every morning? State lawmakers could pass a plan this spring to change the high school start time to 8:45 a.m. Advocates told the House Education Policy Committee Wednesday that students can sleep for eight hours, succeed in classes, and experience better mental health. Libertyville High School changed the start time to 8:45 a.m. in 2018, and students have seen significant improvements. California and Florida have implemented similar laws to improve outcomes for high school students.
(The Center Square) – As the backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives continues across the country, scores of women gathered at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield calling for more trade jobs. Dozens of building trades affiliates, union leaders, contractors and construction workers gathered Wednesday for Illinois Tradeswomen Advocacy Day. State Representative . Lisa Hernandez, Democrat from Cicero, has introduced a resolution in an effort to create equal access to job opportunities in construction…
2nd District State Representative Lisa Hernandez, Democrat from Cicero
(Roberts-jm) – The Roberts Village Board of Directors unanimously approved a $2 increase in the monthly base rate for water service this week. Our partners at the Ford County Chronicle report that the board voted 5-0 on the increase, which will be effective at the start of the new fiscal year on May 1. The board initially talked about raising the water rates during their January and February meetings. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency requires a 3-5% increase to stay eligible for state grant funding.
(Loda–jc) The Loda American Legion Auxiliary is hosting a craft show and bake sale on Saturday at the American Legion Hall in the village. Loda American Legion Auxiliary President Diane Eilts talks about who will be there…
Loda American Legion Auxiliary President Diane Eilts. The event runs from 9am until 2pm
(Champaign–jc) Champaign County Coroner Laurie Brauer is releasing the name of a Champaign man who has died after he was struck by a motor vehicle on Tuesday evening. 58 year old James McCammon, was pronounced dead in the Carle Foundation Hospital Emergency Department last night.An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday, March 6th This death is being investigated by the Champaign Police Department and the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
(Springfield-jm) – State senators are advocating for new legislation aimed at assisting children who struggle with stuttering by requiring insurance companies to cover speech therapy. The proposed measure seeks to nurture children's communication skills, enabling them to become more functional adults and providing families with essential support. Currently, insurance policies only cover speech therapy if the issues were present at birth or are the result of an accident.
WPXN News notes…
The Loda American Legion will hold their fish and chicken fry on Friday, March 7th from 4-7 pm. Dinner includes your choice of fish or chicken, baked beans, green beans, coleslaw and tartar sauce for $10.
The Elliott Amvets will hold their Family Night Dinner on Friday, March 7th from 5-7pm. Dinner includes your choice of chicken, fish or shrimp and 2 sides for $15.
Paxton IGA will hold their cookout fundraiser benefiting the Loda Immanuel Lutheran Ladies on Saturday March 8th from 10-2.
The C-U Symphony Orchestra will perform Beethoven’s 5th Symphony on Saturday, March 8th at 7:30pm at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Roberts will hold their pancake and sausage breakfast on Sunday, March 9th at the Roberts Gym from 7-1. Cost is $10 for adults, kids 10 and under are $5.
