In today’s Leading News, the latest on the tearing down of the U.S. Department of Education. Read about school facilities updates from around the state. Also in the news, embrace the chaos.
The Education Department is being dismantled. Here’s what that means
Collin Binkley and Annie Ma, Associated Press, November 18
Coal City District 1 approves annexation of Early Childhood Center, farmland behind district office
Michael Urbanec, Shaw Local/Morris Herald News, November 7
District 204 Board OKs construction-related measures as facilities overhaul continues
Molly Morrow, Aurora Beacon News, November 5
Evergreen Park High School to add bowling alley to sports complex
Olivia Stevens, Daily Southtown, November 15
Bement Breaks Ground on Gym Vestibule Addition
The Record Herald News, Arthur, November 6
U-46 names new Elgin middle school ‘Legacy’ for teacher who just received kidney transplant
Madhu Krishnamurthy, Daily Herald, November 4
Edwardsville District 7 approves additional $119K for high school softball field
Jason Koch, Edwardsville Intelligencer, November 10
Educators on the Six-Seven Trend: ‘Embrace the Chaos’
Jennifer Vilcarino, Education Week, November 13
The Education Department is being dismantled. Here’s what that means
Collin Binkley and Annie Ma, Associated Press, November 18
Coal City District 1 approves annexation of Early Childhood Center, farmland behind district office
Michael Urbanec, Shaw Local/Morris Herald News, November 7
District 204 Board OKs construction-related measures as facilities overhaul continues
Molly Morrow, Aurora Beacon News, November 5
Evergreen Park High School to add bowling alley to sports complex
Olivia Stevens, Daily Southtown, November 15
Bement Breaks Ground on Gym Vestibule Addition
The Record Herald News, Arthur, November 6
U-46 names new Elgin middle school ‘Legacy’ for teacher who just received kidney transplant
Madhu Krishnamurthy, Daily Herald, November 4
Edwardsville District 7 approves additional $119K for high school softball field
Jason Koch, Edwardsville Intelligencer, November 10
Educators on the Six-Seven Trend: ‘Embrace the Chaos’
Jennifer Vilcarino, Education Week, November 13
In today’s Leading News, River Forest SD 90 has reached a tentative contract agreement with its teachers union. Wauconda CUSD 118 rethinks its finance plan. School bus cameras capture school bus safety scofflaw drivers in Johnson County and Vienna schools. A CPS audit examines travel spending. Also in the news, literacy mentoring in Quincy SD 172.
River Forest teachers, District 90 reach tentative contract
Gregg Voss, Wednesday Journal, Oak Park and River Forest, November 11
‘We are listening’: Wauconda District 118 officials pause proposed deficit reduction plan
Mick Zawlslak, Daily Herald, November 11
School bus camera upgrades lead to more tickets in Johnson County
Mike Mohundro, WSIL, Carterville, November 10
CPS watchdog finds employee travel spending doubled after COVID — on trips to Las Vegas, Finland and Estonia
Emmanuel Camarillo and Sarah Karp, WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times, November 12
Mentor program helps QPS kindergartners grow in literacy
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, November 14
River Forest teachers, District 90 reach tentative contract
Gregg Voss, Wednesday Journal, Oak Park and River Forest, November 11
‘We are listening’: Wauconda District 118 officials pause proposed deficit reduction plan
Mick Zawlslak, Daily Herald, November 11
School bus camera upgrades lead to more tickets in Johnson County
Mike Mohundro, WSIL, Carterville, November 10
CPS watchdog finds employee travel spending doubled after COVID — on trips to Las Vegas, Finland and Estonia
Emmanuel Camarillo and Sarah Karp, WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times, November 12
Mentor program helps QPS kindergartners grow in literacy
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, November 14
In today’s Leading News, read updates and expectations after the federal government reopened last week, and other national news.
Families brace for continued gaps in Head Start service despite government reopening
Makiya Seminera, Associated Press/Chicago Tribune, November 13
After FCC Cuts, This Nonprofit Keeps Schools’ Wi-Fi Connections Alive
Lauraine Langreo, Education Week, November 5
Can federal immigration agents go in schools? Here’s what to know.
Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, November 12
What the Lapse in SNAP Funding Shows About the Role of Schools
Evie Blad, Education Week, November 12
Trump’s Ed. Dept. Slashed Civil Rights Enforcement. How States Are Responding
Brooke Schultz, Education Week, November 7
Families brace for continued gaps in Head Start service despite government reopening
Makiya Seminera, Associated Press/Chicago Tribune, November 13
After FCC Cuts, This Nonprofit Keeps Schools’ Wi-Fi Connections Alive
Lauraine Langreo, Education Week, November 5
Can federal immigration agents go in schools? Here’s what to know.
Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, November 12
What the Lapse in SNAP Funding Shows About the Role of Schools
Evie Blad, Education Week, November 12
Trump’s Ed. Dept. Slashed Civil Rights Enforcement. How States Are Responding
Brooke Schultz, Education Week, November 7
In today’s Leading News, read about contract negotiations in Cahokia Unit SD 187, discussions of mascot changes in Morris CHSD 101, a laundry program sponsored in Rockford SD 205, and Macomb CUSD 185 students learning about protecting birds. Also in the news, proposed legislation in Wisconsin is on a roll.
As contract talks stall, Cahokia school leaders, teachers clash over sick leave
Madison Lammert, Belleville News-Democrat, November 12
Morris High School Board Tables Selecting a New Mascot, Riverhawks Was Top Choice
WCSJ/WSPY, Morris/Plano, November 10
Free laundry program helps Rockford students and seniors stay fresh this fall
Abreanna Blose, Rockford Register-Star, November 12
Macomb students learn the importance of protecting birds of prey
WGEM, Quincy, November 4
Wisconsin considering a school margarine ban
Larry Lee, Brownfield Ag News. November 4
As contract talks stall, Cahokia school leaders, teachers clash over sick leave
Madison Lammert, Belleville News-Democrat, November 12
Morris High School Board Tables Selecting a New Mascot, Riverhawks Was Top Choice
WCSJ/WSPY, Morris/Plano, November 10
Free laundry program helps Rockford students and seniors stay fresh this fall
Abreanna Blose, Rockford Register-Star, November 12
Macomb students learn the importance of protecting birds of prey
WGEM, Quincy, November 4
Wisconsin considering a school margarine ban
Larry Lee, Brownfield Ag News. November 4
In today’s Leading News, read coverage of the federal government shutdown’s impacts on local school districts, as deals have been reached to reopen the federal government after 43 days.
For students who rely on SNAP, school food pantries offer some relief
Jillian Forstadt, NPR, November 12
Chicago SNAP beneficiaries find allies in community as government shutdown goes on
Darcel Rockett, Kate Armanini, and Hope Moses, Chicago Tribune, November 12
United Way of Whiteside County launches emergency meal program for students
Shaw Local, Sauk Valley, November 12
Food drive Sunday at ETHS, food aid happening citywide
Margo Milanowski, Evanston Round Table, November 11
https://evanstonroundtable.com/2025/11/11/snap-benefit-freeze-impact/
U.S. government shutdown ends
Associated Press, November 13
For students who rely on SNAP, school food pantries offer some relief
Jillian Forstadt, NPR, November 12
Chicago SNAP beneficiaries find allies in community as government shutdown goes on
Darcel Rockett, Kate Armanini, and Hope Moses, Chicago Tribune, November 12
United Way of Whiteside County launches emergency meal program for students
Shaw Local, Sauk Valley, November 12
Food drive Sunday at ETHS, food aid happening citywide
Margo Milanowski, Evanston Round Table, November 11
https://evanstonroundtable.com/2025/11/11/snap-benefit-freeze-impact/
U.S. government shutdown ends
Associated Press, November 13
In today’s Leading News, students and their school communities on honored veterans on Tuesday.
Schools honor veterans
Hancock County Journal-Pilot, Novembe11
Mattoon LIFT students serve free meal to veterans, will continue at parade
Rob Stroud, Journal Gazette & Times Courier, Charleston/Mattoon, November 11
Princeville students honor local veterans with 30-year tradition
Imani McClay, WEEK, Peoria, November 11
Rockford Public Schools hosts Veterans Day events across the district
Emily McMinn, WREX, Rockford, November 11
“Thank you for your service”
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, November 11
Schools honor veterans
Hancock County Journal-Pilot, Novembe11
Mattoon LIFT students serve free meal to veterans, will continue at parade
Rob Stroud, Journal Gazette & Times Courier, Charleston/Mattoon, November 11
Princeville students honor local veterans with 30-year tradition
Imani McClay, WEEK, Peoria, November 11
Rockford Public Schools hosts Veterans Day events across the district
Emily McMinn, WREX, Rockford, November 11
“Thank you for your service”
Deborah Gertz Husar, Herald-Whig, Quincy, November 11
In today’s Leading News, public school communities honor veterans.
Northbrook Fire Chief Named Honored Guest For Veterans Day Ceremony
Eric DeGrechie, Northbrook Patch, November 5
Gillespie schools induct five veterans during Wall of Honor ceremony
Chase Martin, Alton Telegraph, November 8
Milan elementary school students honor veterans
Brad Burton, KWQC, Quad Cities, November 10
Students and veterans unite at Centennial High for second annual Field of Flags event
Brianna Moreland, WICS, Champaign, November 9
Students salute veterans during Albert Cassens Elementary parade in Glen Carbon
Jason Koch, Edwardsville Intelligencer, November 10
Northbrook Fire Chief Named Honored Guest For Veterans Day Ceremony
Eric DeGrechie, Northbrook Patch, November 5
Gillespie schools induct five veterans during Wall of Honor ceremony
Chase Martin, Alton Telegraph, November 8
Milan elementary school students honor veterans
Brad Burton, KWQC, Quad Cities, November 10
Students and veterans unite at Centennial High for second annual Field of Flags event
Brianna Moreland, WICS, Champaign, November 9
Students salute veterans during Albert Cassens Elementary parade in Glen Carbon
Jason Koch, Edwardsville Intelligencer, November 10
In today’s Leading News, mind your nose and eyelashes, Chicagoland. Grants offer support for STEM and History. Also in the news, students, media, and trust.
Lake-effect snowstorm to dump up to 10 inches on Chicago — and create a chaotic Monday commute
Adriana Pérez and Laura Turbay, Chicago Tribune, November 10
School closings list for Illinois, Indiana: See if your school is closed as winter storm dumps snow
NBC 5 Chicago, November 10
Baxter Foundation announces $2.6M STEM education grant : ‘This is a benefit to the whole community’
Steve Sadin, Lake County News-Sun, November 7
Grant to Maroa-Forsyth school district to help preserve historical artifacts
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, November 7
84% of Teens Distrust the News. Why That Matters for Schools
Alyson Klein, Education Week, November 6
Lake-effect snowstorm to dump up to 10 inches on Chicago — and create a chaotic Monday commute
Adriana Pérez and Laura Turbay, Chicago Tribune, November 10
School closings list for Illinois, Indiana: See if your school is closed as winter storm dumps snow
NBC 5 Chicago, November 10
Baxter Foundation announces $2.6M STEM education grant : ‘This is a benefit to the whole community’
Steve Sadin, Lake County News-Sun, November 7
Grant to Maroa-Forsyth school district to help preserve historical artifacts
Valerie Wells, Decatur Herald and Review, November 7
84% of Teens Distrust the News. Why That Matters for Schools
Alyson Klein, Education Week, November 6
In today’s Leading News, ISBE presents a draft of changes to the state’s school rating system. Also in the news, read about student-led programs in the news.
Illinois releases draft proposal of new school rating system
Becky Vevea, Chalkbeat Chicago, November 5
Hinsdale Central brothers create tutoring program for athletes, because ‘struggle is real, but we can help’
Chuck Fieldman, Pioneer Press, Chicago suburbs, October 27
Inspired by a student protest, Chicago History Museum debuts exhibition about Latino history
Erica Thompson, Chicago Sun-Times, October 26
Illinois 'Democracy Schools' see strong civics education as a way past political polarization
Peter Medlin, Northern Public Radio, DeKalb, October 26
Lincoln-Way East senior launches STEM Sprouts program to inspire young science students
Judy Harvey, Shaw Local/Joliet Herald News, October 27
U-46 marks 75 years of educational radio
Daily Herald, October 27
Illinois releases draft proposal of new school rating system
Becky Vevea, Chalkbeat Chicago, November 5
Hinsdale Central brothers create tutoring program for athletes, because ‘struggle is real, but we can help’
Chuck Fieldman, Pioneer Press, Chicago suburbs, October 27
Inspired by a student protest, Chicago History Museum debuts exhibition about Latino history
Erica Thompson, Chicago Sun-Times, October 26
Illinois 'Democracy Schools' see strong civics education as a way past political polarization
Peter Medlin, Northern Public Radio, DeKalb, October 26
Lincoln-Way East senior launches STEM Sprouts program to inspire young science students
Judy Harvey, Shaw Local/Joliet Herald News, October 27
U-46 marks 75 years of educational radio
Daily Herald, October 27
In today’s Leading News, school districts and communities collaborate.
District 123 Hosts School Safety Collaboration with Local School Leaders and First Responders
Oak Lawn Patch, November 3
Wish list for District 186
Dave Dahl, WTAX Radio (Capitol City Now), Springfield, November 4
LeRoy schools first in McLean County to create data-rich school maps for first responders
Jason Howell, WEEK, Peoria, November 3
Will County schools receive 1,500 Spanish-language books to promote literacy and inclusion
Judy Harvey, Joliet Herald News, November 2
After two months of tragedies, Thornton Fractional South community rallies against violence
Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, November 2
District 123 Hosts School Safety Collaboration with Local School Leaders and First Responders
Oak Lawn Patch, November 3
Wish list for District 186
Dave Dahl, WTAX Radio (Capitol City Now), Springfield, November 4
LeRoy schools first in McLean County to create data-rich school maps for first responders
Jason Howell, WEEK, Peoria, November 3
Will County schools receive 1,500 Spanish-language books to promote literacy and inclusion
Judy Harvey, Joliet Herald News, November 2
After two months of tragedies, Thornton Fractional South community rallies against violence
Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, November 2
In today’s Leading News, Illinois responds to federal decisions.
Illinois bill ‘decouples’ state, federal taxes, raising revenue and angering businesses
Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois/Shaw Local Media, November 4
Illinois sues over rule change in forgiving federal public service student loans
Violet Miller, Chicago Sun-Times, November 3
Chronic absenteeism numbers dip for third year; state launches special task force to address problem
Madhu Krishnamurthy, Daily Herald, November 1
Fewer students are missing school. These state policies may have helped
Kadin Mills, NPR, November 1
Ed. Dept. Scraps Blue Ribbon Schools Honor. Some States Launch Their Own Versions
Brooke Schultz & Caitlynn Peetz Stephens, Education Week, November 3
Illinois bill ‘decouples’ state, federal taxes, raising revenue and angering businesses
Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois/Shaw Local Media, November 4
Illinois sues over rule change in forgiving federal public service student loans
Violet Miller, Chicago Sun-Times, November 3
Chronic absenteeism numbers dip for third year; state launches special task force to address problem
Madhu Krishnamurthy, Daily Herald, November 1
Fewer students are missing school. These state policies may have helped
Kadin Mills, NPR, November 1
Ed. Dept. Scraps Blue Ribbon Schools Honor. Some States Launch Their Own Versions
Brooke Schultz & Caitlynn Peetz Stephens, Education Week, November 3
In today’s Leading News, a look at Monday’s announcement that SNAP will be partially funded. Also in the news, schools, students, and safety.
Trump administration says SNAP will be partially funded after judges’ rulings
Curtis Yee, Michael Warren, Bridget Brown, Nell Clark, and Sam Burdette, Associated Press, November 3
Minooka Community High School exploring stronger windows for building security
Dave Fidlin, Shaw Local Media/Morris Herald News, November 3
District 149 reassigns sixth graders given nicotine gum at Calumet City school
Olivia Stevens, Daily Southtown, Chicago and suburbs, November 3
Police seeking leads on source of shooting threat to Danville school district office
Jennifer Bailey, Champaign News-Gazette, November 3
As more suburban schools switch to artificial turf, injury debate carries on
Dave Oberhelman, Daily Herald, November 1
Trump administration says SNAP will be partially funded after judges’ rulings
Curtis Yee, Michael Warren, Bridget Brown, Nell Clark, and Sam Burdette, Associated Press, November 3
Minooka Community High School exploring stronger windows for building security
Dave Fidlin, Shaw Local Media/Morris Herald News, November 3
District 149 reassigns sixth graders given nicotine gum at Calumet City school
Olivia Stevens, Daily Southtown, Chicago and suburbs, November 3
Police seeking leads on source of shooting threat to Danville school district office
Jennifer Bailey, Champaign News-Gazette, November 3
As more suburban schools switch to artificial turf, injury debate carries on
Dave Oberhelman, Daily Herald, November 1
In today’s Leading News, read about the impacts of federal immigration actions on schools and students.
Amid ‘law enforcement actions, protests,’ New Trier temporarily limits service trips to Chicago
The North Shore Record, October 24
Suspects fleeing immigration officials caught entering Warren High School in Gurnee
Jake Griffin, Daily Herald, October 30
D65, ETHS close campuses amid ICE reports
Matthew Eadie, Evanston Now, October 31
East Aurora School District moves to prohibit federal immigration actions on its property after incident at elementary school
Molly Morrow, Aurora Beacon-News, October 31
Attendance drops at Chicago schools in communities with increased immigration enforcement
Reema Amin and Cherry Salazar, Chalkbeat Chicago, October 31
Amid ‘law enforcement actions, protests,’ New Trier temporarily limits service trips to Chicago
The North Shore Record, October 24
Suspects fleeing immigration officials caught entering Warren High School in Gurnee
Jake Griffin, Daily Herald, October 30
D65, ETHS close campuses amid ICE reports
Matthew Eadie, Evanston Now, October 31
East Aurora School District moves to prohibit federal immigration actions on its property after incident at elementary school
Molly Morrow, Aurora Beacon-News, October 31
Attendance drops at Chicago schools in communities with increased immigration enforcement
Reema Amin and Cherry Salazar, Chalkbeat Chicago, October 31
Leading News
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