AROUND THE DISTRICT
State Champions!
Congratulations to the Eureka boys cross country team, which claimed the Class 1A state title last weekend at Detweiller Park! The Hornets, coached by Olivia Morris, were led by senior Gavin Stalter in 23rd place with a time of 15:13.8. Other Hornet scorers were: Landon Wurmnest (45th, 15:31.1), Davin Dingledine (52nd, 15:35.2), Adam Perry (55th, 15:37.0), and Timothy Rogers (60th, 15:38.8).
The Eureka girls also enjoyed a great season and finished in seventh place at the 1A state cross country meet. In addition, the El Paso-Gridley girls finished in third place, and the EP-G boys took fourth. Congratulations to all of the runners for your dedication and incredible accomplishments! See the coverage links below.
Eureka boys capture state cross country title
News – Eureka boys win sixth state championship
Metamora AD Honored!
Metamora Township High School Athletic Director Jared Hart has been named the Illinois Athletic Directors Association (IADA) Division 4 Athletic Director of the Year! This prestigious honor is a testament to Jared’s tireless leadership, vision, and dedication. Congratulations, Jared!
Library Grants
For decades, the state has provided Equalization Aid Grants to support libraries that struggle with inadequate funding. Through recent efforts led by the Secretary of State’s office, the funding formula has been increased dramatically from $7.50 per person to $17.50 per person in a library’s service population.
The result is that many previously ineligible libraries are now able to receive critical funding to implement physical or technological updates, purchase new learning materials or provide community programming.
Libraries in District 105 that have been awarded these grants are: Henry Public Library, Lacon Public Library District, Pontiac Public Library, and Toluca Public Library District.
Learn more here: Giannoulias Champions Permanent Funding Changes for Libraries
PARENTAL RIGHTS
America First Legal has filed a federal complaint asking the U.S. Department of Education to investigate a new law requiring annual student mental health screenings in Illinois schools without parental consent.
WASTEFUL SPENDING
An investigative report found that deficient policies at Chicago Public Schools has allowed staff to spend CPS funds on luxury travel and other questionable purchases.
BUSINESS
Attention Illinois business owners: Here are some new employment laws you should know about starting in 2026.
TAXES
Illinois taxes are out of control and rank our state among the worst for tax competitiveness. If we want Illinois to grow, we have to make it a more affordable place to live, learn, and work. Illinois families and job creators need relief today so they can thrive here in the Prairie State.
Learn more: Illinois drops 6 spots in 6 years for tax competitiveness
STATE BUDGET
Under the Governor’s executive order, state agencies were supposed to submit spending-cut plans by October 23, but none have been released. The truth is that Governor Pritzker’s budgets are bloated with tax hikes and partisan projects, and now he’s trying to blame the federal government for problems of his own making.
Learn more: State agency spending cut plans remain unclear following Pritzker’s order | Capitol News Illinois
SNAP
IDHS is restoring full USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits now that the federal government shutdown has ended.
IDHS anticipates that the remaining benefit payments will be made over the coming days, with all SNAP recipients receiving their full November benefits by November 20.
Learn more: IDHS Public Notification About SNAP Benefits