Page 3 - Eric Stock News Today

Enrollment fell hard at most community colleges during the pandemic. At schools like Waubonsee Community College, it’s starting to come back up. But adult education roared back — enrollment more than doubled this fall. That story and more on this episode of Statewide.

The board unanimously reelected Republican John McIntyre as chair, while Democrat Elizabeth Johnston was chosen vice chair as part of an agreement the two parties brokered after the Nov. 8 election when 10 Democrats and 10 Republicans won board seats.

Camila Graunke, a graduate of Illinois State University's Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, is settling into her new role as Hispanic outreach director. She's been in the post since July, when longtime civic leader Socorro Alvarez retired after three decades.

Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker dangled the promise of free college for low- and middle-income students during a campaign stop Wednesday at Illinois State University.

Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker dangled the promise of free college for low- and middle-income students during a campaign stop Wednesday at Illinois State University.

Two Republicans and two Democrats are vying for two seats on the McLean County Board that represent north Normal: incumbent Jim Rogal and Krystle Able represent Democrats in the race, while Jerry Klinkner and Steve Harsh are on the Republican ticket.

The number of open manufacturing jobs in Illinois has nearly doubled since before the pandemic. Leaders in the manufacturing industry are touring the state to showcase the types of jobs manufacturers are trying to fill.

McLean County State’s Attorney Erika Reynolds and Sheriff Jon Sandage say the SAFE-T Act will be nearly impossible to implement because it's "full of contradictions and ambiguities." They also argue it will be a threat to public safety.

As Bloomington plans a multimillion dollar redesign of downtown, some who work there say they don't feel safe parking their vehicle in certain places.

McLean County's new state's attorney says she hopes the job will give her a better platform to address child welfare issues. Erika Reynolds has been critical of the how Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has handled abuse allegations.