Category Archives: News Briefs

Senate Passes Bill Protecting ‘Child Influencers’

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Minors featured in commercial vlogs would have to be compensated

•April 5, 2023•
By Peter Hancock
Capitol News Illinois
phancock @ capitolnewsillinois.com

The Illinois Senate unanimously passed a bill Wednesday that gives financial protection to children whose parents make money posting videos of them on social media.
Those children are known as “influencers” because the videos, known as vlogs, are intended to generate interest in things like products and services or social and fashion trends. Vlogs that get enough views on platforms like YouTube, Facebook and TikTok can generate substantial revenue through things like advertising, partnerships with the platform or subscription fees. Read More

Tax Filing Deadline is April 18

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•April 5, 2023•
The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is reminding taxpayers that the upcoming deadline for filing 2022 state individual income tax returns is Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
“We encourage those taxpayers who have not yet filed to do so soon and file electronically with direct deposit to ensure the most efficient processing and issuance of any refunds,” said IDOR Director David Harris. “Taxpayers may file electronic returns for free by using our recently enhanced online account management program MyTax Illinois and electronic filing is also available through third party software or with most tax preparers.” Read More

Facts for Families: Ten Suggestions for Improved Positivity and Well-Being

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•April 5, 2023•
By Cheri Burcham
Family Life Educator

Our lives are bombarded with negativity, stress and countless threats to our emotional well-being. New research in neuroscience and positive psychology show that when we experience happiness and positivity, it turns on all the learning centers in the brain and fuels positive outcomes in all aspects of our lives. Also, research shows that more happiness and positivity cause us to be three times more creative, 23% less fatigued and 31% more productive in life.
Based on research that was reviewed and presented by Dr. David Schramm of Utah State University, here are ten ways to become happier and more positive, and I think you’ll be surprised at how easy they are to do:
· Give thanks or practice gratitude Read More

Stepping to the Beat of a Different Drummer on the Road Less Traveled

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•April 5, 2023•
by Sarah Hudson Pierce
Columnist

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1 in 68 children has an autism spectrum disorder, a 30% increase over its 2012 estimate of 1 in 88 children.
If it is true that some of our greatest thinkers, including Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein had autism then maybe we better reexamine our attitudes toward those who are born with this disorder.
I especially enjoyed watching episodes of the ABC show, The Good Doctor, starring Doctor Shaun Murphy, who gave us a glimpse into autistic behavior. Read More

A Handful of What?

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•April 5, 2023•
By Jim Baumann
NP Guest Writer

Your child, metaphorically speaking, might always be a handful, whether that child is an infant who fits in the palm of your hand or, well, Will Smith.
The range of behaviors or traits that makes someone a “handful” can be very broad and might be different for different people.
Now, when you consider the other less metaphorical definition of “handful” — namely a small number or amount of something — the scope narrows.
Sure, you can have a handful of shampoo, a handful of paper or a handful of rope (all amounts rather than numbers) or you could have a handful of ball bearings, a handful of TicTacs or a handful of baseball cards (either an actual handful or a small number).
But then things go off the rails. Read More

Remember When? 4-5-2023

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25 Years Ago This Week

As many as a dozen tornadoes, accompanied by thunderstorms and giant hail stones, ripped through Central Illinois, bringing wide-spread damage and at least four injuries to Moultrie County. Funnel clouds were spotted in Shelby, Douglas, Effingham, as well as Moultrie County. Numerous downed power lines caused power outages throughout the region. The disaster came less than two weeks following a tornado that cut a path through Mattoon, smashing buildings but causing no deaths. Read More

C.E.F.S. Announces Assistance for Youth Summer Activities

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•March 29, 2023•
C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation is offering support to low-income families wishing for their child/children to participate in a summer activity of their choice. Activities need to promote physical health, safety, or learning. Examples of activities C.E.F.S. can pay for include science camp, art class, swim lessons, 4-H camp, summer sports, and acting class. Families need to contact their local county C.E.F.S. Outreach Office for an application and inquiries. Read More

Quilt Fest to Feature Quilt Show, Auction and Author Chiaverini

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•March 29, 2023•
The Decatur Quilters Guild will hold their 41st Quilt Fest titled “We Quilt our Town” Friday and Saturday, April 14 and 15, 2023 at the Decatur Civic Center, downtown Decatur. As a special feature, author Jennifer Chiaverini will be a guest speaker. Chiaverini is author of The Elm Creek Quilt series and many historical fiction books such as Switchboard Soldiers, The Women’s March, and Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker. Thank you to our Library Sponsors including the following public libraries: Warrensburg, Mt. Zion, Macon, Genealogy Society and Maroa. Admission to the Quilt Show is required to attend her presentation. Read More

C.E.F.S. Extends Deadline to Apply for College Scholarships

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•March 29, 2023•
C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation is offering scholarships for income eligible individuals who wish to continue their education in an Illinois post-Secondary Institution and enroll full-time. The course of study must lead up to a degree and/or employment.
Listed below are the Income Eligibility Guidelines at 200% Poverty level:

Family Size 30 Day
1 $2,430
2 $3,287 Read More

ICC’s Annual Hazardous Material Report Found Minimal Violations on Illinois Railways

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•March 29, 2023•
The Illinois Commerce Commission released its annual report on accidents and incidents involving hazardous materials (hazmat) on Illinois railroads. Of the 8,549 rail cars inspected in 2022, the ICC found violations in just 1.3 percent of all inspections. When these inspections first started in 1981, violations topped 12 percent.
“The disaster in East Palestine has rightfully turned attention to our nation’s rail safety efforts. Our hazardous materials report is an important resource for understanding the kinds of incidents that occur on Illinois railways and helps the Commission to inform its ongoing safety measures,” said ICC Chairman Carrie Zalewski. “Investigating these incidents when they occur is critical, but the goal of routine inspections is ultimately to minimize and prevent these disasters from occurring in the first place.” Read More