News

WNIJ news – A longtime state lawmaker from Northern Illinois has announced plans to retire. WNIJ's, Mike Moen, has more:

WNIJ news – Several schools could close under a budget proposal from the superintendent of the Rockford Public School District. LaVonne Sheffield says the move is needed to help erase a projected deficit of $50 million dollars. Under the plan, seven buildings would be shuttered, and nearly 300 staff members would lose their jobs. Sheffield says district schools are below capacity, and that keeping all of them open is something they can't afford. The board of education is expected to vote on the proposal by early March.

Schools targeted for closure:

WNIJ news – ***SCHOOL CLOSINGS FOR 1/21***

-Rockford School District closed today

-Harlem School District closed today

-Belvidere School District closed today

-Immanuel Lutheran School in Belvidere closed today

-St. James School in Belvidere closed today

-Dixon Public Schools delayed two hours, no AM pre-school or early bird classes

-Sterling School District delayed two hours

-Alpine Christian Schools - School is closed...but daycare is open

-Patriot's Charter School closed today

-Galapagos Charter School closed today

WNIJ news – Efforts to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy are ongoing. Supporters of the move secured a major victory last month, when Congress gave its consent. WNIJ's, Mike Moen, spoke with a pair of openly gay graduate students from Northern Illinois University, who served under the policy. They discussed their experience, and how it affects them today:

***a warning this story contains some potentially offensive language***

By Dan Klefstad

DeKalb – This weekend's Bears-Packers game is the latest chapter in a great rivalry. But what happens when that rivalry is in the home? WNIJ's Dan Klefstad talks with NIU clinical psychologist Mark Matuszewski ahead of the division championship.