Illinois quick hits: Illinois House members vote along party lines; More than 40% of CPS teachers missed 10 or more school days; State Treasurer says Bright Start earns gold
Illinois House members vote along party lines
Illinois U.S. House members voted along party lines as the chamber approved legislation to end the partial shutdown of the federal government on Wednesday night. All of the state’s Democratic U.S. representatives voted against the measure, and the three Illinois Republicans voted in favor. President Donald Trump promptly signed the bill to end the 45-day shutdown.
State Treasurer says Bright Start earns gold
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced that Illinois’ Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan earned its seventh gold rating from Morningstar. A statement from Frerichs’ office said the Chicago-based financial company listed Bright Start as one of only five gold-rated 529 plans in the country, citing “compelling investment options that are also highly cost-effective.”
More than 40% of CPS teachers missed 10 or more school days
Teacher absenteeism rates are rising in Chicago Public Schools and remain high in public schools statewide. Citing data from the Illinois State Board of Education’s Illinois Report Card, the Illinois Policy Institute said 43.2% of CPS teachers missed ten days or more during the 2024-25 school year. Statewide, 34% of public school teachers missed ten days or more for the second consecutive year.
###
Slight Chance Rain Showers then Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Opioid Settlement Grants Funnel Nearly $600,000 to Local Police and Community Programs
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Finance Committee for March 3, 2026
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for March 10, 2026
Ad-Hoc Committee: Will County Sheriff’s Office to Acquire Decibel Meters for Noise Complaints
Will County Public Works Approves Access for 56-Acre Truck Services Hub on Manhattan-Monee Road
Crest Hill Homeowner Granted Side Yard Setback Variance for Accessible Addition
State Update: County Officials Raise Alarms Over Pritzker’s ADU Zoning Push and Data Center Tax Breaks
Committee Approves $317K Guardrail Maintenance Contract Amid Discussion on Installation Dangers
Will County Approves Diamond Enterprise Zone Expansion to Support $355 Million Energy Investment
Federal Update: DHS Shutdown, War Powers, and Housing Legislation Dominate Washington
Will County Corporate Revenues Surpass Expectations, Igniting Debate Over Delinquent Tax Sales
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Public Works and Transportation Committee for March 3, 2026
Will County Grants Extensions for Seven Solar and Commercial Projects Amid Permitting Delays
Will County Committee Postpones Liquor, Ad-Hoc Committee: Gaming, and Tobacco Ordinance Updates Amid Extensive Revisions