After hours of heated debate and testimony, a contentious bill limiting homeschooling in Illinois passed with a vote of 8-4-1, sparking fierce opposition from Republicans who condemned it as an infringement on parental rights. The bill, which supporters argue is aimed at ensuring quality education standards for all students, has quickly become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over parental control in education.
Illinois community colleges have experienced a record enrollment growth in the spring semester, with total enrollment reaching over 285,000 students, marking an 8.9% increase compared to last year.
“With the development of soundstages in Rantoul and an active group of local filmmakers and production companies, the film industry continues to grow in our community. Ensuring the infrastructure is in place for large productions is critical to making a significant impact on our local economy,” explains Mark Brown, Director of Event Services & Film for Experience Champaign-Urbana.
More than $99,600 in funding has been awarded to 113 schools across Illinois to support field trips for over 7,000 students to explore the state’s natural resources. The grants, provided through the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program, will allow students to visit state parks, museums, nature centers, and other conservation areas to engage in hands-on learning about nature and conservation.
“Despite significant uncertainty and disruption at the federal level, Illinois’ labor market and unemployment remained steady in January, and we’re encouraged to see 36,000 jobs created in Illinois compared to one year ago,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “Looking ahead, IDES and its state and local workforce partners continue to serve jobseekers and provide resources to bolster Illinois’ unmatched workforce.”
Left untreated, pneumonia can lead to sepsis or respiratory failure, leading to hospitalization, oxygen therapy, or even life support. Pneumonia can spread through respiratory droplets or contiminated surfaces. Washing your hands or sneezing into your elbow are essential to stop the spread. The pneumococcal vaccine is also an important tool that is recommended for people at higher risk—such as smokers, individuals with chronic illnesses like COPD, or those with weakened immune systems.
The Danville School District has launched a new initiative to support families experiencing hardships, including homelessness. A brand-new laundry room, located inside Mark Denman Elementary School, is now available for families in need, offering free access to washing and drying facilities to help students attend school with clean clothes.
The lab, which worked to expand soybean cultivation for both African and U.S. economic benefit, was funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which has been undergoing restructuring as part of a larger federal initiative.
Willliams currently serves as Director of Student Achievement for Young Audiences Charter Schools in the Greater New Orleans area. She has over 20 years of experience in instructional leadership, curriculum development, instructional design and professional learning facilitation.
Champaign Unit 4 Schools will host an important community discussion on the District’s Strategic Plan. Families and community members are invited to attend this event to hear directly from staff about the current state and future direction of the plan.