January 12, 2026/

Illinois quick hits: Child care funding unfrozen

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Child care funding unfozen

Federal child care and welfare dollars for Illinois and four other states are unfrozen after a U.S. District Court judge in New York issued a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration’s move to freeze $10 billion in funding.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker reacted on social media by saying what he called President Donald Trump’s “abuse of power” would not stand. The funding freeze by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services came after alleged fraud involving federal funds for child care providers in Minnesota.

Two officer-involved shootings over weekend

Illinois State Police are investigating two officer-involved shootings that happened over the weekend.

ISP says Springfield police attempted to conduct a traffic stop Saturday on Neil Road when four people with firearms exited the vehicle, shots were fired and one person suffered serious injuries.

St. Clair County deputies responded to a report of a domestic incident in Swansea Sunday morning when a subject displayed a firearm, one deputy discharged his weapon and the subject was injured. No officers were injured in either incident.

Illinois near bottom for best places to retire

A new list ranking the best and worst places to retire in 2026 has Illinois ranked ninth from the bottom.

CareScout compared nine data points across three categories: affordability, quality of life, and health care. Wyoming topped the list, followed by New Hampshire and Vermont. New Jersey ranked last, due to high costs of living and personal income tax burdens.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

City Council Meeting Briefs.Purple

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Summer Cleanup Scheduled: The annual city-wide cleanup will run June 7th through June 14th, with Utility Superintendent Biggs also announcing plans to advertise for summer help positions. Storm Response Active:...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey Police Face Staffing Changes as Officer Resigns, New Recruit Advances

The Casey Police Department is navigating personnel transitions after an officer submitted his resignation, while a new recruit continues progressing through the academy, Chief Adam Henderson reported during Monday's city...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Economic Development Initiatives Gain Momentum in Casey

Casey's economic development efforts are expanding with multiple new programs and partnerships designed to boost the city's growth prospects, Economic Development Director Tom Daughhetee announced during Monday's council meeting. Daughhetee...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Blue

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Founder's Day Parade Planned: A Founder's Day Parade is being organized for May 10th following a request by Patty Richards during the public forum. A resolution authorizing the parade will...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

Casey-Westfield Board Holds Hearing on $4.5 Million Safety Bond Issue

The Casey-Westfield School Board conducted a public hearing on a proposed $4.5 million bond issue for fire prevention and safety improvements, while also approving 4% administrative salary increases and addressing...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Casey-Westfield Students Excel in Academics and Community Service

Casey-Westfield students demonstrated exceptional achievement across academic, artistic, and community service activities, according to administrator reports presented during Monday's board meeting. Monroe Elementary students celebrated multiple milestones, including the 100th...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRIEFS

Bond Issue Under Review: The $4.5 million fire prevention and safety bond proposal remains under consideration following public hearing input about property tax concerns and district bonding capacity. State Funding...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Moves Forward with Utility Rate Study as Resident Questions City Processes

The City of Casey took the next step toward addressing its utility rate issues during Monday's council meeting, while a resident raised concerns about city transparency and bidding processes. Utility...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Purple

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Utility Rate Study Advances: Water and sewer rate study information is ready for submission to the Illinois Rural Water Association for professional review, moving the city closer to addressing identified...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

Casey-Westfield Schools Earn Perfect Financial Rating, Approve Major Purchases

The Casey-Westfield School District received the highest possible financial profile rating and a clean audit for fiscal year 2024, while also approving significant equipment purchases and personnel changes during Monday's...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Casey-Westfield Schools Focus on Student Activities and Community Engagement

Casey-Westfield schools are emphasizing hands-on learning and community connections through diverse programs spanning elementary through high school levels, according to administrator reports presented during Monday's board meeting. Elementary students at...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRIEFS

Waiver Renewal Approved: The board authorized renewal of the full-day School Improvement waiver, allowing continued use of four full professional development days instead of six half-days, based on staff and...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey Council Considers Utility Rate Increases After Audit Reveals Losses

The Casey City Council is moving toward potential utility rate increases after a recent audit revealed the city is losing money on its water and sewer operations, officials announced during...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Blue

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Executive Session Held: The city council met in closed session for 23 minutes to discuss litigation matters, following proper legal procedures for confidential discussions. No action was announced following the...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Police Report Pharmacy Break-In Resolution

Casey Police Chief Adam Henderson announced that federal authorities have resolved the investigation into a break-in at the local Pharmacie Shoppe that occurred several months ago. Henderson reported during the...