Events Calendar
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Education
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Litchfield Board of Education for February 17, 2026
Litchfield Board of Education Meeting | February 17, 2026 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Litchfield Community Unit School District #12 Board of Education met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, to address curriculum,...
District Pre-Buys Technology to Beat Tariffs, Pays for Major Inspections
Litchfield Board of Education Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield School Board approved a higher-than-average monthly bill list due to strategic technology purchases and required facility inspections....
Board Approves Redesigned Educator Evaluation System Moving to March Timeline
Litchfield Board of Education Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield School Board approved a redesigned educator evaluation system that streamlines performance components and shifts the evaluation timeline...
Litchfield Board Reviews SCI Center Growth, Weighs Future Funding Model
Litchfield Board of Education Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield School Board received a comprehensive update on the South Central Illinois (SCI) Regional Workforce Training and Innovation...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Litchfield CUSD #12 for January 20, 2026
Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Meeting SummaryThe Litchfield Community Unit School District No. 12 Board of Education met on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, to finalize the academic...
Principals Highlight “Success Days” and Data-Driven Incentives
Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary: Litchfield school principals presented updates to the Board of Education regarding recent professional development focusing on data analysis and new...
M.A.K.E.-I.T. Program Hits Capacity, Announces “Diggin’ It” Summer Theme
Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary:The Litchfield School District’s M.A.K.E.-I.T. program reported a successful end to the calendar year with enrollment at full capacity and a...
Montgomery County News
Highway Department to Borrow $300,000 for New Tandem Dump Truck
January Committee Meeting Article Summary: The Roads & Bridges Committee approved the purchase of a 2027 Western Star dump truck, utilizing a loan from the county's Coal Royalty Fund to bypass...
County Updates Solar Ordinance and Pursues Renewable Energy Tax Credits
January Committee Meeting Article Summary: The county is revising its solar ordinance to comply with new state laws and has hired a consultant to capture up to $150,000 in tax credits...
County Secures $450 Per Acre for Farm Lease, Approves Courthouse Repairs
January Committee Meeting Article Summary: The Buildings & Grounds Committee awarded a lucrative three-year farm lease and approved contracts to restore historic woodwork and repaint the courthouse porch. Buildings & Grounds...
Committee Recommends Significant Salary Increase for County Elected Officials
January Committee Meeting Article Summary: The Finance & Budget Committee has recommended setting salaries for the County Clerk, Treasurer, and Circuit Clerk at 60 percent of the State’s Attorney’s salary, which...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Montgomery County Board for Jan. 13, 2026
Montgomery County Board Meeting | Jan. 13, 2026 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Montgomery County Board’s January meeting was defined by substantial capital spending on highway infrastructure and law enforcement equipment. The...
Board Considers Property Purchase for Recovery Court Expansion
Montgomery County Board Meeting | Jan. 13, 2026 Article Summary: The board discussed purchasing a property at 127 N. Main Street in Hillsboro to house the Recovery Court, but returned the...
Summit Ridge Agrees to $25,000 Donation; Pattern Energy Updates Board
Montgomery County Board Meeting | Jan. 13, 2026 Article Summary: The board approved a community agreement with a solar developer benefiting a local education center and received a timeline update on...
Illinois News
Illinois lawmakers weigh options to change rising property tax structure
By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Republican state Rep. Joe Sosnowski has filed legislation he hopes will make life easier on Illinois...
Critics warn Illinois bill could lead to government overreach in newborn care
By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Family Institute is raising concerns over a proposed bill that would offer voluntary home...
Presidents, governor honor late civil rights leader Jackson; mayor says tax the rich
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Former President Barack Obama said his path to the White House was laid by late civil rights...
Illinois Quick Hits: Rockford sex abuse suspect arrested
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois State Police say a tip from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children led to...
Pritzker pushes back on Megaproject tax concerns
By Sean Reed | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker pushed back on the idea that proposed legislation, dubbed the “Megaprojects Bill,”...
Illinois pols react to Homeland Security secretary’s exit, reassignment
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A member of Congress from Illinois says it is not enough for President Donald Trump to fire...
Illinois quick hits: Appeals court vacates use of force injunction; Charges filed for possession of sex abuse materials; Gas prices keep rising
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Appeals court vacates use of force injunction The Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has vacated U.S. District Court Judge Sara...
National News
Everyday Economics: Existing home sales report may be noisy. Inflation will shape outlook
By Orphe DivounguyThe Center Square This week’s economic calendar includes several important housing reports, including existing home sales, housing starts, and building permits. But the most consequential releases are likely...
Texodus: At least 12 Texas members of Congress won’t be returning next year
By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Twelve members of Texas’ congressional delegation elected in 2024 won’t be returning to office next year. Eleven are incumbents; one is deceased. The number is...
War in Iran shocks markets, costs U.S. taxpayers $1 billion a day
By Brett RowlandThe Center Square The escalating war in Iran has already rattled global markets and driven oil prices to their highest levels since April 2024. If the conflict persists,...
Mississippi primaries to watch on Tuesday
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Mississippi will hold its state primary elections on Tuesday, making it the fourth state in the nation to elect party representatives in preparation for the...
Advocates, lawmakers propose increased cigarette tax
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Anti-tobacco advocates and state officials across the country are proposing an increased tax on cigarette packs. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids published an annual report...
Legal experts anticipate SCOTUS will overturn drug user gun ban
By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Legal experts anticipate the U.S. Supreme Court will strike down a law barring unlawful drug users from possessing firearms. On Monday, justices of the U.S....
Parents’ rights advocates hail SCOTUS ruling against secret gender transitions
By Tate MillerThe Center Square The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Mirabelli v. Olson deciding against California’s law that allowed for gender transitions of school children without parental knowledge has...
