Pritzker Announces Seven Billion In Federal School Funding
Illinois is set to receive an influx of federal funding for public schools. Governor J.B. Pritzker announced seven-billion dollars in funding yesterday headed to the state from the recently passed American Rescue Plan. The money will be used to support initiatives for renewed Kindergarten through 12th grade learning. #...
Apr 02, 2021
U Of I System Extending Making Standardized Admission Tests Optional
The University of Illinois System is extending a policy making standardized admissions testing optional. The System's Board of Trustees approved a request this week to allow high school students to apply for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years without taking standardized tests. The policy is already in place for the 2...
Apr 02, 2021
Congressman Davis Encouraging Hesitant People To Get COVID-19 Vaccination
Congressman Rodney Davis is encouraging hesitant people to get the COVID-19 vaccination. Davis is one of several congressional Republicans working to dispel myths about the safety of the vaccines. He has visited several vaccination sites in Illinois and says getting the vaccines to rural communities should be a priorit...
Apr 02, 2021
Proposed Law Would Prevent Workplaces From Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination Proof
Illinois House Republican leaders are proposing a measure that would ban workplaces from requiring employees to provide proof that they've been vaccinated for COVID-19. The legislation would make it illegal for employers to require employees to prove they've received a vaccine approved for emergency use authorization b...
Apr 02, 2021
IDOT Spends Over Six Million Picking Up Litter
The Illinois Department of Transportation wants taxpayers to be aware of the cost of tossing trash where it doesn't belong. IDOT says it spent over six- million dollars last year picking up litter. Officials say crews have to be sent out to pick up trash to prevent pollution rather than dealing with more crucial issues...
Apr 01, 2021
Former Illinois Congressman Ray LaHood Linked To Campaign Financial Irregularities
Former Illinois Congressman Ray LaHood is resolving allegations that linked him to campaign finance irregularities. The Department of Justice announced yesterday that then U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood knew that a 2012 contribution for 50-thousand dollars made by another party actually came from a foreign nation...
Apr 01, 2021
Mark Goebel / CC
Utility Shutoff Moratorium Ends
Illinois residents with overdue utility bills could soon be facing disconnection notices. The Illinois Commerce Commission ended a moratorium on utility shutoffs yesterday. Utility companies say they are offering financial assistance programs for customers who contact them to get on payment plans. Companies also say so...
Apr 01, 2021
Lake Land College Gets Grant for Parking Lot Renovation
The Illinois Capital Development Board had given a $1.7 million dollar grant for the improvements to parking lot A at Lake Land College. The funds come from the state, with local matching funds supporting a total investment of $2.3 million dollars. The funding will help address deferred maintenance projects on the Lake...
Apr 01, 2021
First Responders, Law Enforcement Honoring Late Coles County Deputy
First responders and law enforcement are honoring one of their own. A funeral procession was held for Deputy Brett Kastl yesterday morning in Charleston. Kastl died last Wednesday from a medical issue after serving 14 years with the Coles County Sheriff's Department. While at the department, he was a field training off...
Mar 30, 2021
Legislature Proposing Enhanced Safety Measures For No-Contact Orders
A bill in the Illinois Legislature is proposing enhanced safety measures for no-contact orders. The proposal would expand no-contact orders to include all electronic contact. The increased protection would mean that contact such as texting, emailing, and social media messages would be a violation. Those committing the ...
Mar 30, 2021