Illinois Public Media News

On the 21st: What happens to a town when its biggest corporation pulls up roots? Plus, we discussed a new report that shows scant progress toward decreasing unemployment of young people in Chicago, and learned about what companies are gearing up for advertising during the Superbowl.

Last week, President Trump signed an executive order suspending new-refugee admissions for 120 days and blocking travelers from seven Muslim-majority countries — Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Libya and Somalia — for 90 days. Syrian refugees are banned indefinitely. NPR and dozens of member stations wanted to help the public understand where its lawmakers stand on the issue.

Inspectors with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency were in Champaign recently, testing homes in one neighborhood for toxic vapors.  But they say even if those substances are found, it’s far too early to know whether they’re tied to a nearby site where a manufactured gas plant once operated. 

A group of lawmakers has agreed on a framework for making the way Illinois funds its schools more equitable. But whether it will lead to a long-elusive legislative fix remains to be seen. That bipartisan commission produced a “framework” Wednesday, but no actual legislation. It would create funding targets for each district based on student population needs. It's estimated to cost an additional $3.5 billion to $6 billion.

What's the best time for students to have recess? Before lunch, or after? What happens if it rains? If students are misbehaving, is it a good idea to punish them by making them sit out recess?

Those are just a few of the issues addressed in new guidelines designed to help schools have good recess.