The Illinois Senate Transportation Committee advanced House Bill 1226, a measure set to bring major changes to the state’s driver’s license examination and renewal process. The measure would increase the required behind-the-wheel testing age from 79 to 87. The legislation, which amends several sections of the Illinois Vehicle Code, will […]
Author: Dani Tietz
April 29 Session looked at TIF agreements with local taxing bodies
The Village Board of St. Joseph will review minutes of the April 29 Special Board meeting about the development of a TIF District on May 13. The board minutes are on the consent agenda. A TIF district is a tool used by municipalities to redevelop areas that are considered blighted […]
Department of Education Terminates Key Grant for PBS Children’s Programming
The U.S. Department of Education has abruptly terminated the long-standing “Ready To Learn” grant, a move that will strip $23 million in funding from PBS children’s shows and educational initiatives nationwide. The decision, announced last week, is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce or eliminate […]
Illinois Lawmakers Advance Bill to Boost Cardiac Emergency Preparedness in Schools
Illinois lawmakers have taken a significant step toward improving student safety with the advancement of a new bill aimed at strengthening schools’ readiness for cardiac emergencies. House Bill 3275, which recently passed the House with broad bipartisan support, would require schools across the state to implement comprehensive cardiac emergency response […]
Illinois Lawmakers Advance Bill to Strengthen School Cardiac Emergency Preparedness
The Illinois General Assembly has moved forward with House Bill 3275, a measure designed to improve emergency preparedness and student safety in schools by mandating enhanced training and planning for cardiac emergencies. The bill aims to ensure a rapid and effective response to life-threatening cardiac incidents during school activities, potentially […]
Noem Faces Backlash for Using Shaefer’s Tragedy in Political Messaging
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Springfield, Illinois, today, sharply criticizing the state’s “sanctuary” immigration policies and Governor JB Pritzker’s leadership, while Illinois officials and demonstrators pushed back, calling her appearance a “publicity stunt”. Standing near the site where community advocate Emma Shafer was killed in 2023, Noem held a […]
House Republicans Advance Plan to Sell Federal Lands in Nevada, Utah Amid Housing, Tax Cut Debate
House Republicans have advanced a controversial amendment authorizing the sale of thousands of acres of federal public land in Nevada and Utah. The amendment, introduced by Reps. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.) and Celeste Maloy (R-Utah), were approved late Tuesday night as part of a broader budget reconciliation package after a marathon […]
Trump’s FY 2026 “Skinny Budget”: Deep Non-Defense Cuts, Defense Boost, and Policy Overhaul
President Donald Trump unveiled his fiscal year 2026 discretionary budget request on Friday, proposing an unprecedented 22.6% reduction in non-defense spending while boosting defense funding by 13% to a record $1.01 trillion. The budget, which administration officials describe as a “paradigm shift,” aims to eliminate what they call “woke” and […]
Supreme Court Allows Trump’s Ban on Transgender Military Personnel to Take Effect
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the Trump administration can enforce its ban on transgender individuals serving in the military while ongoing legal battles proceed, overturning lower court orders that had blocked the policy. The decision, delivered in a brief unsigned order, allows the Department of Defense to begin […]
Urbana’s Market at the Square Kicks Off 2025 Season
The City of Urbana’s beloved Market at the Square launched its 2025 season on Saturday, May 3, marking its 46th year as one of Illinois’ premier farmers markets. The market, now located outdoors in the parking lot at the corner of Illinois and Vine Streets, will be open every Saturday […]