The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has issued a memo pausing all activities and events related to its Special Emphasis Programs, effective immediately and until further notice. This decision affects 11 annual observances, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, Pride Month, Holocaust Days of Remembrance, and other cultural […]
The Trump administration has presented federal employees with a “Fork in the Road” decision regarding their future in government service. On January 28, 2025, an email was sent to federal workers outlining a deferred resignation offer, giving them the option to voluntarily leave their positions by September 30, 2025. Key […]
A new bill introduced in the Illinois General Assembly aims to explore the possibility of implementing ranked-choice voting for state and local elections. House Bill 1786, sponsored by Representative Maura Hirschauer (D-49), proposes the creation of a Ranked-Choice Voting in State and Local Elections Task Force. Key Points of the […]
Parkland College is set to celebrate Black History Month in February with an array of events centered around the theme “African Americans and Labor.” Parkland aims to highlight both historical and contemporary contributions of African Americans to the workforce, with a program packed with educational and cultural activities designed to […]
A new bill introduced in the Illinois State Senate aims to establish a mandatory one-year expulsion policy for students who commit sexual violence or assault on school grounds or at school-related events. Senate Bill 0098, introduced by Senator Steve McClure (R-54) on January 17, 2025, proposes an amendment to the […]
Illinois legislators have introduced a new bill that would allow terminally ill patients to request life-ending medication from their physicians. The End-of-Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act, filed as HB1328 and SB9 in the 104th General Assembly, aims to provide a legal framework for medical aid in dying in […]
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set Monday, January 27, 2025, as the official start date for the nation’s 2025 tax season. This year’s filing season brings a host of improvements and expanded services aimed at modernizing the tax filing process and assisting taxpayers. Key Highlights Expanded Direct File Program: The […]
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced Tuesday that Illinois has secured approximately $51 million in federal funding for the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub. This initiative leverages the state’s leading production of raw agricultural materials to develop sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based products. This funding from […]
Fred Kroner, a name synonymous with East Central Illinois sports reporting, has ventured into new territory with his debut novel, “The Tracks of Disappearance.” After a career spanning over five decades, the seasoned journalist turns to fiction, crafting a narrative that explores the profound themes of identity, freedom, and the […]
Mahomet Parks and Rec will host the first of four summer concerts at Barber Park this Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. Each Friday concert will not only feature an array of live music but also an assortment of food trucks, activities like face painting, a bounce house for kids, […]
