In today’s Leading News, two suburban school districts discuss referendums. From Rolling Stone to Minooka, educators are talking about AI. Also in the news, that’s a big panther. 

‘Most pressing needs’: After public scrutiny, District 214 cuts potential referendum ask in half
Christopher Placek, Daily Herald, May 11

Oswego School District considering $317 million bond referendum in November
Eric Schelkopf, Shaw Local/Kendall County Now, May 11

Minooka District 201 officials outline plans for AI ‘playbook’ in fall
Dave Fidlin, Shaw Local Media, April 30

The Skills AI Can’t Replace — And Why We Need to Start Teaching Them in Schools
Elan Gepner-Dales, Rolling Stone, May 11

A 700-pound panther is coming to Eisenhower High School
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, May 8

In today’s Leading News, a look at statewide issues and potential legislation. 

How do data centers benefit the places where they’re built? Local mayors give mixed reviews
From taxes and community investment to water and energy depletion, data centers are a polarizing force
Nikoel Hytrek and UIS Public Affairs Reporting, CNI/Shaw Local Media, May 9

Illinois lawmakers face budget deadline, Bears stadium fight and insurance battle with 3 weeks left
Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, May 11

Illinois legislators gear up for final budget talks
Ben Szalinski, CNI/Decatur Herald and Review, May 1

Illinois Senate advances plan to expel students for sexual assault
Ben Szalinski, CNI/State Journal-Register, May 11

Pontiac students draft Illinois bill to create vape disposal system
Mateusz Janik, Bloomington Pantagraph, May 9

In today’s Leading News, read coverage of last week’s cyberattack that brought down Canvas, a popular education platform, nationwide. Also in the news, students, schools, and districts look ahead to the future. 

Cyberattack hits Canvas system used by thousands of schools as finals loom
Heather Hollingsworth, AP/Shaw Local Media, May 8

Canvas hack leads U. of I. to postpone finals, schools scramble without popular learning tool
Kalyn Belsha, Emmanuel Camarillo and Jennifer Tanaka, Chicago Sun-Times, May 8

New advanced welding course coming to East Aurora High School
Molly Morrow, Aurora Beacon-News, May 7

Vienna students selected for Statewide Student Advisory Council
Southern Illinoisan, Carbondale, May 9

Down on the Farm: Sterling High School Farmapalooza introduces grade-schoolers to ag life
Alex T. Paschal, Shaw Local/Sauk Valley, May 8

 In today’s Leading News, construction details in Indian Prairie SD 204. Decatur SD 61 Prep Academy group finishes strong. Groups fight to keep voter information out of the hands of the Department of Justice. A Lincoln Square sixth grader goes viral with a rap about dinosaurs. In other news, progress under Evidence-Based Funding is questioned by lawmakers.
 
More construction measures OK’d by District 204, including bids for new stadium scoreboards
Molly Morrow, Aurora Beacon-News, May 6

 Decatur Public Schools Prep Academy Cohort 2 reaches the finish line
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, May 1

Illinois groups fight to keep voter information out of DOJ hands
Peter Hancock, CNI/Kewanee Star Courier, May 7  
 
After viral dino rap, Lincoln Square sixth grader charts course for the future
Stefano Esposito, Chicago Sun-Times, May 5

Illinois lawmakers question progress under Evidence-Based Funding for public education
Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois, May 6

In today’s Leading News, read coverage of conversations on curriculum and coursework.

AI curriculum discussed, late pickup fee proposed at Lansing School District 158 meeting
Kinise Jordan, Landing Journal, May 6

Illinois schools have been required to teach Asian American history for 5 years. How is it going?
Micah Yason, WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times, May 1

Pontiac seniors turn class project into global conservation effort
Mateusz Janik, Bloomington Pantagraph, May 5

Earthmover Credit Union CEO and Oswego District 308 alum touts career pathways programs
Judy Harvey, Shaw Locak/Kendall County Now, April 28

These CPS students care for horses and pigs at school. They’re adding shelter puppies to their resume.
Emmanuel Camarillo, Chicago Sun-Times, April 30

In today’s Leading News, read about hot topics in education at the state, national, and international levels. Also in the news, officials in two districts cancel classes because of security threats. 

Illinois State Board of Education wants to revamp how it counts low-income students
Peter Hancock, CNI/Quad Cities Dispatch Argus, May 2

Several states — and the LA public schools — are setting limits on screen time
Sequoia Carrillo, All Things Considered/NPR, May 1

What to know about the Ten Commandments going up in public school classrooms
Jamie Stengle, Associated Press, April 22

Families of Canada school shooting victims sue OpenAI over shooter’s use of ChatGPT
Matt O’Brien, Associated Press, April 29

Person of interest detained, but police officer’s gun lost at Arlington Heights school still missing
Christopher Placek and Jake Griffin, Daily Herald, May 5

Bomb threat prompts evacuation at Normal Community High School, Normal police say
Kaitlyn Klepec, Bloomington Pantagraph, May 5

In today’s Leading News, the latest in facility news across the state. 

Eugene Field Elementary in Rock Island holds groundbreaking for $6M renovation, addition
Cesar Toscano, Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus, April 30

Breaking Ground for Morris High School's Major Renovation Project May 6
Tina Morrison, WCSJ, Morris, April 17

Price tag to update St. Charles schools set at almost $300M. Is voter tax request next?
Joey Weslo, Shaw Local/Kane County Chronicle, April 17

Public speaks on proposed $10M addition for Forreston schools
Earleen Hinton, Shaw Local News Network, April 27

Hostas on the Bluff plants new roots at former Fairview Heights school
Jennifer Green, Belleville News-Democrat, April 13

In today’s Leading News, it’s academic. 

Peoria school board approves nearly $1.85 million literacy curriculum overhaul
Molly Hughes, WCBU, Peoria, April 27

Popular Prospect High School world religion class subject of new documentary
Steve Zalusky, Daily Herald, April 28

Southwest suburban school district faces controversy over multiyear attempt to add Arabic language curriculum
Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune and Addison Wright, Daily Southtown, May 3

South Central School Board Increases Graduation Requirements
Austin Williams, WJBD, Salem, April 16

Astronomy Club features presentation by QHS teacher
Herald-Whig, Quincy, April 28

In today’s Leading News, the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating several Illinois school districts over teaching related to “sexual orientation and gender ideology.” Waukegan CUSD 60 discusses school facilities sales tax for Lake County. Also in the news, TIFs. 

DOJ investigation hits northern Illinois schools over classroom content questions
John Sahly, Shaw Local Media, May 1

Suburban school districts face federal probe over LGBTQ-related lessons
Emmanuel Camarillo, WBEZ, Chicago Sun-Times, April 30

Waukegan school board explores potential sales tax referendum: ‘To help all kids in Lake County’
Steve Sadin, Lake County News Sun/Chicago Tribune, April 24

High School District 218 votes to support Palos Heights’ 12-year TIF extension
Olivia Stevens, Daily Southtown, April 19

Normal council to vote on Uptown North TIF, redevelopment plans
Mateusz Janik, Bloomington Pantagraph, April 20