Illinois quick hits: Chicago Jewish Alliance on peace developments; Blue Ribbon Schools announced

Illinois quick hits: Chicago Jewish Alliance on peace developments; Blue Ribbon Schools announced

Spread the love

Chicago Jewish Alliance on peace developments

The Chicago Jewish Alliance has offered a response to the release of 20 hostages held by Hamas and the announcement of a ceasefire plan in the Middle East.

In a statement provided to The Center Square, the CJA said the return of the hostages is not only a political development but a profoundly human one.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked President Donald Trump and said no American president has ever done more for Israel.

Blue Ribbon Schools announced

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education announced the state’s Blue Ribbon Schools for 2025 after the U.S. Department of Education canceled the federal program recognizing academic excellence and student achievement.

Fifteen public schools and 13 private schools were recognized, including 11 Catholic schools from the Archdiocese of Chicago.

According to the National Center of Education Statistics, Illinois had 4,408 public schools in 2022 and 1,230 private schools in 2021.

Trout stocking delayed

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has delayed the stocking of catchable trout for the fall season until water temperatures are more suitable for the fish.

IDNR said trout stocked in waters warmer than 68 degrees could experience high mortality.

The official opening date for the fall trout season remains Oct. 18, but IDNR said trout will not be present at many sites until later this month.

The agency said sites are expected to be stocked by Oct. 31.

Sarah Roderick-Fitch contributed to this story.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Will County Board Graphic.03

Proposed State Legislation Sparks Debate Over Will County Veterans Assistance Commission Budget Control

Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: State legislation aimed at granting county boards ultimate approval power over Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) budgets sparked debate...
Chicago suit vs oil cos. may yet survive SCOTUS ruling, judge hints

Chicago suit vs oil cos. may yet survive SCOTUS ruling, judge hints

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Even as the Supreme Court considers a Colorado case that oil companies believe will decide if city and state governments can sue...
Two of ComEd Four released. new trial pending

Two of ComEd Four released. new trial pending

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A U.S. appellate court has ordered two defendants in the ComEd Four case to be released pending...
GOP candidate Bailey urges Trump to apologize to pope; bishop calls for dialogue

GOP candidate Bailey urges Trump to apologize to pope; bishop calls for dialogue

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – After President Donald Trump refused to apologize for his social media criticism of Pope Leo XIV, a...
Senator says taxpayers fleeced by corrections department

Senator says taxpayers fleeced by corrections department

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Corrections is facing questions over its failure to comply with state law while...
Illinois Quick Hits: CTU-backed senator launches 'tax the rich' campaign

Illinois Quick Hits: CTU-backed senator launches ‘tax the rich’ campaign

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois legislator backed by the Chicago Teachers Union is renewing her call to tax the rich...
Lawmaker slams Illinois tuition bill favoring illegal immigrants

Lawmaker slams Illinois tuition bill favoring illegal immigrants

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, is raising concerns about a proposal he says would expand access...
will county board meeting graphic.5

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee for April 7, 2026

Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 The Will County Board Public Works & Transportation Committee met on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, moving forward a...
Illinois Quick Hits: $3M in taxpayer funds go to Chicago neighborhood center

Illinois Quick Hits: $3M in taxpayer funds go to Chicago neighborhood center

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois taxpayers have provided $3 million for a new neighborhood center on Chicago’s Southwest Side. Gov. J.B....
Will County Board Graphic.03

Veterans Assistance Commission Buildout Complete, Body Scanner Installed at Juvenile Center

Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | April 7, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Facilities Department announced the successful completion of the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) building...
Temu, Shein hit with class actions demanding tariff refunds

Temu, Shein hit with class actions demanding tariff refunds

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Online Chinese discount marketplace giants Temu and Shein have each been hit with nationwide class action lawsuits, demanding they repay customers for...
Illinois has most government units, but consolidation brings challenges

Illinois has most government units, but consolidation brings challenges

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new report says Illinois is among the most fragmented states in the nation when it comes...
Illinois quick hits: Southwest to lay off 107 as O'Hare service ends

Illinois quick hits: Southwest to lay off 107 as O’Hare service ends

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Southwest to lay off 107 as O'Hare service ends According to an Illinois Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act notice, 107...
State House passes 133 bills, many potential impacts for Illinoisans

State House passes 133 bills, many potential impacts for Illinoisans

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois House of Representatives passed a total of 133 bills last week, sending them to the...
—Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock

Forest Preserve District Advances Major Extensions and Repairs on Plum Creek Greenway Trail in Crete Township

Article Summary: The Forest Preserve District is currently undertaking dual construction projects on the Plum Creek Greenway Trail, initiating a massive 1.5-mile southern extension through Plum Valley Preserve and commencing...