Mackinaw
LATEST NEWS
As Illinois college enrollment numbers decline, budget deficits pop up
(The Center Square) – Republican state Sen. Chapin Rose is urging top university officials across the state to be smart in taking the steps to ensure their survival at a time when at least three institutions are facing fiscal year 2024 deficits of at least $14 million. At Northern Illinois University, school officials recently reported a $31.8 million deficit, while at Western Illinois University as many as 124 faculty and staff members were recently shown the door as part of a plan to erase a...
GreatSchools CEO explains how survey can improve schools
(The Center Square) – A nonprofit school information group has recognized 532 Illinois schools for positive, supportive learning environments. GreatSchools.org announced its Thrive Awards at a time when academic proficiency numbers remain low in the state’s public school systems. GreatSchools CEO Jon Deane said the awards were based on the state board of education’s 5Essentials survey, which looks at some of the most important characteristics of a school’s climate and...
Split Cook County from Illinois? A ballot question for some voters this fall
Should Cook County, home to Chicago and sprawling suburbs, break away from Illinois to form a new state? Voters in several Illinois counties could encounter a striking question, similarly phrased, on their ballots this fall.
Illinois Law Requires Women to Call Bachelors a Disturbing Name?
This is one law that I would never want to see enforced. A bizarre Illinois law allegedly requires women to call bachelors a name that will disturb many. When I saw this, I made the mistake of mentioning to my wife that I lived in Illinois when she met me. She was not amused. (*ahem*). I found a list of dumb laws and one on the books in Illinois is a bit ridiculous.
Central IL educators preview new goals, initiatives as school year begins
CENTRAL ILLINOIS, (WCIA) — For many districts across Central Illinois, their superintendents feel the school year is off to a great start. As teachers and students adjust to the daily routine of being in a classroom once again, many administrators are looking ahead to new programs being introduced in schools. In Decatur, there is a […]
More Illinois communities explore reinstating grocery tax
(The Center Square) – Not everyone is onboard with the elimination of the grocery tax in Illinois, including a number of communities around the state considering implementing their own tax when the state's expires. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Illinois will eliminate its 1% tax on grocery items. Gov. J.B. Pritzker included the change in his fiscal year 2025 budget. “We eliminated the state sales tax on groceries, which helps every...
Illinois’ Favorite Fast Food Chain Wins Local Talk Show Title
It's always time to celebrate when Portillo's cake is involved. This week Portillo's took home the honor of 'Stateline's Best Party Food,' on FOX39's Good Day Stateline. When you think party food, what comes to mind? Pasta? Sandwiches? Salads? Cake? Fun drinks? If that's not what you're thinking about... I'm not sure I want to be invited to your party.
Why Illinois is About to Be Invaded by Thousands Fleeing Florida
I was under the impression that Florida was one of the top destinations for people fleeing other states. Apparently, I had that backwards as there is new evidence showing that there is currently an exodus happening from the Sunshine State and many are heading directly toward Illinois. The Daily Mail...
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.