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.
###
Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
Ad-Hoc Committee: Bath House Regulations Updated; Removes 60-Day Licensing Window
Land Use Committee Rejects Shorewood Solar Farm Despite 25-Year Lease Offer
Trustees Renew Federal Lobbyist Contract Following $800,000 Funding Win
Executive Committee Advances $28.7 Million BNSF Bridge Project for Lorenzo Road
Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox School District 122 for January 20, 2026
Meeting Summary and Briefs: New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees for January 19, 2026
Land Use Committee: ‘Clean Fill’ Proposal Stalls After Unauthorized Tree Removal Sparks Environmental Concerns
Contracts Approved for New West Principal and District Technology Director
New Lenox Village Board Approves $250,000 Digital Marketing Agreement to Promote Key Brands
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for February 17, 2026
Ad-Hoc Committee: Liquor Ordinance Stalls Over Drafting Errors; Debates License Cap Policy
Board Approves New Chief of Staff and Dean Roles; Trustees Clash Over Hiring Transparency
Green Garden Township Residents Threaten Incorporation to Block 6,000-Acre Solar Farm
New Lenox 122 Celebrates Art Program’s 20th Anniversary, Honors VFW Award Winners
