Illinois quick hits: Illinois House speaker's son to attend private school; AFSCME workers set strike date at Illinois State University; IDOT urges public to avoid distracted driving

Illinois quick hits: Illinois House speaker’s son to attend private school; AFSCME workers set strike date at Illinois State University; IDOT urges public to avoid distracted driving

Spread the love

Illinois House speaker’s son to attend private school

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, says his son will attend a Catholic high school. Welch announced in a social media post on Saturday that his son, Tyler, is taking his talents to Nazareth Academy. When asked by The Center Square in December about school choice legislation, the speaker said he promised to call a bill for a vote if 60 Democrats would support it.

AFSCME workers set strike date at Illinois State University

A group of Illinois State University employees say they may walk off the job as soon as Wednesday. AFSCME Local 1110 members voted to authorize a strike last week. According to a statement on the union’s website, workers are “fed up with the administration’s refusal to agree to fair wages.”

IDOT urges public to avoid distracted driving

The Illinois Department of Transportation says more law enforcement officers will be on the lookout during April for texting, social media use, video viewing and other forms of distracted driving. IDOT says 253 people died and 28,271 people were injured in crashes involving distractions between 2020 and 2024 in Illinois.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Illinois millionaire’s tax moves closer to November ballot

Illinois millionaire’s tax moves closer to November ballot

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A measure giving Illinois voters the opportunity to consider a millionaire’s tax is one step closer to...
Beecher Village Graphic.1

Beecher to Implement ‘No Food’ Rule for New Police Station Community Room

Village of Beecher Meeting | April 13, 2026 Article Summary: To avoid charging rental fees and managing cleanup logistics, the Village of Beecher will adopt a usage policy for its...
(Photo by Chad Merda)

Oldest preserve expansion pushes acreage past 24,000 milestone

The Forest Preserve’s first acquisition of the year not only expands the District’s oldest preserve, it also pushes total acreage past the 24,000 mark. On March 27, the Forest Preserve...
—photo by Jim Piacentini

Beecher Edges Gardner-South Wilmington 4-3 Behind Lane’s Perfect Day at the Plate

Easton Lane’s perfect day at the plate helped propel the Beecher varsity baseball team to a tight 4-3 home conference victory over Gardner-South Wilmington on Monday. Lane went 3-for-3 with...
Beecher Fire Protection District graphic.3

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Beecher Fire Protection District for February 26, 2026

Beecher Fire Protection District Meeting | February 26, 2026 The Beecher Fire Protection District Board of Trustees met on Thursday, February 26, 2026, to address facility maintenance and hear operational...
washington township graphic.2

Washington Township Trustees Approve Nearly $87,500 in February Disbursements

Washington Township Board of Trustees Meeting | March 2, 2026 Article Summary: The Washington Township Board unanimously approved its February financial obligations, clearing $87,437.25 in combined spending across the Road...
Beecher Village Graphic.2

Beecher Renews IGA with Will County for License Plate Reading Cameras

Village of Beecher Meeting | April 13, 2026 Article Summary: The Village of Beecher approved a three-year Intergovernmental Agreement with Will County to maintain license plate reading cameras within the...
Beecher Fire Protection District graphic.4

Beecher Fire District Reports Over 1,300 Training Hours, Details Local Initiatives

Beecher Fire Protection District Meeting | February 26, 2026 Article Summary: Beecher Fire Protection District leadership provided comprehensive operational updates to the board, highlighting 1,330 hours of firefighter training and...
Will County Board Graphic.04

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for April 9, 2026

Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | April 9, 2026 The Will County Board Executive Committee met on Thursday, April 9, 2026, to process a diverse agenda featuring major strategic,...
Rock Run Preserve —Photo by Chad Merda

On the road to 100 years: How the Forest Preserve District expanded

As the Forest Preserve District approaches its centennial year in 2027 with a total of nearly 24,000 protected acres, it’s a good time to reflect on how the District grew...
Beecher Baseball Bobcats

Easton Lane’s Two-Way Heroics, 17-Hit Attack Lift Beecher Past Milford in 14-13 Thriller

The Beecher varsity baseball team survived a wild, back-and-forth slugfest on Saturday, outlasting host Milford 14-13 in a non-conference battle that featured 30 combined hits and constant lead changes. Milford...
—photos by Jim Piacentini

Norkus Strikes Out 15, Tosses One-Hitter in Beecher’s 4-0 Victory Over Gardner-South Wilmington

Senior ace Taylor Norkus delivered a masterpiece in the circle, striking out 15 batters and tossing a complete-game one-hitter to propel the Beecher varsity softball team to a 4-0 home...
—photos by Jim Piacentini

Norkus Tosses Two-Hit Shutout, Beecher Offense Cruises Past Gardner-South Wilmington 10-0

Senior Taylor Norkus delivered a brilliant two-hit shutout to lead the Beecher varsity softball team to a 10-0 run-rule victory over conference rival Gardner-South Wilmington on Friday afternoon. Norkus was...
Washington Township Graphic.2

Washington Township Highway Department Weighs Quarter-Million Dollar Truck Purchase

Washington Township Board of Trustees Meeting | March 2, 2026 Article Summary: The Washington Township Road District is bracing for significant capital expenditures, with Highway Commissioner Mike Smith advising the...
Beecher Baseball Bobcats

Late Rally Propels Wilmington Past Beecher 7-5

The Wilmington varsity baseball team mounted a decisive four-run rally in the bottom of the sixth inning to erase a late deficit and secure a 7-5 home victory over non-conference...