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The Champaign Federation of Teachers said in an email to members Friday that they'd made progress in negotiations on issues including some school clubs and sports, evaluation and mentoring. But after a Thursday night bargaining session, union president Jen White detailed in separate categories what she called "bad news" and "more bad news."
With all the attention on the Summer Olympics in Rio, some may not know that more events will be held in the city about three weeks from now. Seven athletes from the University of Illinois are currently competing there, but seventeen others with connections to the Urbana campus are prepping for the Paralympics, starting September 7. There's a chance to meet these athletes in downtown Champaign Sunday, including 4-time medialist Josh George.
On the 21st: We talked with Illinois librarians about books from and about our state. We also learned about businesses, churches and advocacy groups across Illinois are trying to capitalize on the Pokemon Go craze.
General Electric Lighting says it plans to close its Lamp Plant in Mattoon by the end of next August, eliminating 144 jobs. A company spokesperson says there's been "a major technology pivot away from traditional lighting products." But Angela Griffin with the economic development group Coles Together says the company has provided 60 days to seek out alternative ideas for saving the facility.
The city of Decatur has named Jim Getz as its new police chief.
