(Rantoul–jm) – A fight broke out between 70-80 cadets at Lincoln’s Challenge Academy Wednesday evening in Rantoul. Police detained at least six to eight cadets. In addition, a couple were transported to the hospital for injuries.
(Springfield-jm) – An Illinois House committee approved a plan Wednesday to create state oversight for homeschooling after hours of debate. The measure was approved along party lines with one Democrat voting present. Under the new bill, families would be required to tell their school districts when they decide to homeschool their children, and the parents or guardians would need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. If education authorities have concerns that children are receiving inadequate schooling, they could require parents to share evidence of teaching materials and student work. Hundreds of homeschool parents and students to the bill packed into the state capitol Wednesday morning to oppose the bill, along with over 40-thousand witness slips being posted against the bill. Representative Regan Deering of Decatur spoke on her support for the families who showed up at the capitol and on her opposition to the measure…
State Representative Regan Deering of Decatur.
Representative Chris Miller of Hindsboro said following the vote that it’s important to not give up the fight…
State Representative Chris Miller of Hindsboro. The sponsor of the measure has promised to bring an amendment to the bill back to committee before it heads to the House floor for a vote.
(Springfield-jm) – Illinois House Republicans gave an update Wednesday on the lawsuit they filed in late January in the Illinois Supreme Court, challenging the legislative map they claim unconstitutionally favors Democrats. Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie said that the Illinois Attorney General, who is responsible for defending the state board of elections, has declined to take a position on whether the complaint was filed in a timely manner. She also reported that on Friday of last week, Michael Casper, Mike Madigan’s longtime friend, attorney, and number three on his magic lobbyist list, filed a brief to intervene on behalf of Senate President Harmon and House Speaker Welch. McCombie believes this to be a positive development for the lawsuit…
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie. The Republican plaintiffs are asking the state Supreme Court to strike down the map and appoint a “Special Master” to draft a valid and constitutionally acceptable redistricting plan, an issue they say is going to positively benefit both Republicans and Democrats.
(The Center Square) – Workers in the Illinois Department of Aging’s Community Care Program are calling for higher taxes to pay for higher wages. The program, established in 1979, assists older adults who might otherwise need nursing home care to remain in their homes by providing non-medical in-home and community-based services.Legislation has been introduced in House Bill 1330 that would require each in-home service provider to spend a minimum of 80% of total payments the provider receives for services on total compensation for direct service workers who furnish those services. The measure would create a minimum wage of at least $20 an hour for in-home workers. In Home Health Care Worker Jenny Smith tells us her feelings.
In Home Health Care Worker Jenny Smith.
(Paxton–dm)-The Paxton Street Scape project is moving along but the city is looking for help from the state elected officials. Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold has this update.
Paxton Mayor Bill Ingold.
(The Center Square) – In debating the Trump administration’s potential closure of the U.S. Department of Education, a Republican Illinois legislator is urging Democrats to butt out. President Donald Trump talked about closing the federal agency during the campaign. Last week, it was reported half of the department’s staff were being let go. On the Illinois House Floor Tuesday, House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, told majority statehouse Democrats who’ve complained about Trump’s actions that it may actually be good for Illinois.
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie R-Savanna. State Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, responded that she would need some guarantees that special education, rural teacher grants and other programs don’t go away.
State Rep. Sue Scherer, D.-Decatur
(Rantoul–dm)-The Rantoul/Paxton VFW is sponsoring a dance on Saturday March 29th. Rantoul/Paxton VFW Manager Jim Quinlan has more information.
Rantoul/Paxton VFW Manager Jim Quinlan. Proceeds from the dance will be going to upgrade their kitchen.
WPXN News Notes…
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank will hold a foodmobile today from 9-930 at Edge Insurance in Buckley, 10-10:30 at Durham Park in Onarga, 11-11:30 at the Crescent City community center, 12:30-1 at the Watseka Trinity Church and 1:30-2 at the Milford post office.
The Paxton Emergency Response Service will hold their all you can eat chicken and noodle supper this evening from 4:30-6:30. The meal includes chicken and noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, dessert and drink. Cost is $11 for adults, kids 6-13 is $6, kids under 5 are free. Delivery is available in town by calling 217-379-0349.
