Illinois
ILLINOIS BILL AIMS TO ADD MORE OVERSIGHT OF HOMESCHOOLING
An Illinois bill aims to increase oversight of homeschooling, responding to concerns that the state’s lack of regulations leaves children vulnerable to educational neglect and abuse. Illinois is one of the few states with minimal homeschooling rules, where parents aren’t required to register with school districts or show proof of progress.
The proposed law would require parents to notify their district when homeschooling and ensure they have at least a high school diploma. If concerns arise about the education provided, authorities could request evidence of teaching materials and student work.
Rep. Terra Costa Howard, who sponsors the bill, introduced it following investigations revealing cases of parents falsely claiming to homeschool while neglecting their children. One such case involved a child who was denied education and subjected to abuse after being withdrawn from public school.
The bill also seeks to collect data on homeschooling in Illinois, which currently lacks accurate numbers due to the lack of registration. Despite opposition from homeschooling advocates, who view the measure as an infringement on parental rights, supporters argue it’s necessary to protect children from neglect and ensure proper education.
People ran out of their homes into the cold overnight Tuesday into Wednesday after a fire broke out in an apartment building in the western Chicago suburb of Woodridge.
The fire broke out in a multi-family building at 7900 Janes Ave., near Forest Drive.
Smoke was seen billowing as firefighters stood on the roof.
One firefighter suffered minor injuries fighting the blaze, according to the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District.
Fire officials said several units have major damage, and the families who reside in them have been displaced.
The American Red Cross was assisting the displaced residents Wednesday morning.
STICKNEY, Ill. (WLS) — The future of racing at Hawthorne Race Course in south suburban Stickney is in jeopardy.
The Illinois Racing Board suspended its harnesses racing license. In a letter sent Monday to Hawthorne’s president and general manager, the state agency said the track failed to prove its financial integrity.
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Jeff Davis, president of the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association, says the past two months have been rough.
“We don’t really know details, but what we do know is people have not been paid since before Christmas,” Davis said.
Davis says checks started bouncing, which led to races being canceled over the past few weekends.
SEE ALSO | Hawthorne Race Course not offering window betting for Kentucky Derby amid Churchill Downs dispute
“Six weeks ago, they couldn’t cash a $400 check to a trainer,” Davis said.
The remaining three races left this season are unlikely unless Hawthorne owners can prove financial stability. Hawthorne officials have not returned messages seeking comment on the issue. But it is just one of many issues facing the track. There has been an effort for nearly six years to get an approved casino up and running, but the owners cannot find a partner.
“Horse racing in every state now only survives because it has additional forms of revenue from casinos, slot machines,” said Paulick Report Publisher Ray Paulick.
Hawthorne is the only racetrack in the Chicago area and has the right to veto another one built within 35 miles. But those in the industry hope a bill before the state legislature will repeal that.
“The harness horsemen are asking the state legislature to take away that exclusivity, because Hawthorne isn’t in a position to build another track if they can’t keep the one they have going,” Paulick said.
READ MORE | Hawthorne Race Course, Illinois’ oldest horse racing track poised to be first with casino
In the meantime, Davis says he hopes the season can be salvaged.
“It really is sad. It’s a 100-year-old business. They’ve been trying, but I don’t know if they have the ability to actually get done what they’ve been awarded to do,” Davis said.
The Illinois Racing Board will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, and Hawthorne’s owner is scheduled to give an update on the track.
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Police pursued suspects wanted in an armed 7-Eleven robbery in Cicero, Illinois, on Tuesday morning.
According to police, officers responded to a call for an armed robbery at 35th Street and Austin Boulevard around 3:30 a.m.
Staff told police several armed and masked individuals came into the store, possibly from two vehicles, and fled with cash.
Police identified and pursued one of the vehicles onto 290, but the chase was terminated on 290.
No injuries were reported.
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