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WMOK News: The New Illinois Laws – Part 2 – Your Grocery Bill
METROPOLIS, IL – Our continued exploration of Illinois’ new laws introduces changes that could affect your grocery bills depending on which city or county in which you shop.
The 1% Grocery Tax is Gone (Mostly)
Starting January 1, 2026, the long-standing state-level 1% sales tax on groceries will be eliminated. This tax, which has been in place for decades, has contributed all its proceeds directly to local municipal and county governments.
THE CAVEAT: While the state tax will be removed, local governments are permitted to implement their own 1% local grocery tax to make up for lost revenue.
What this means for you:
If your city or county passed a new local ordinance by October 1 of this year, you may notice a new local grocery tax reflected on your receipt, keeping costs unchanged.
If your local government did not enact a replacement tax, you should see a slight decrease in your grocery bill.
Earlier this year, the City of Metropolis adopted the local grocery sales tax ordinance. As a result, residents can expect to see this new tax on their grocery receipts starting in 2026.
Illinois Municipalities That Have Adopted Ordinances Implementing the Local Grocery Sales Tax
Disclaimer: The following list is based on information directly received from municipalities or confirmed by the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR). It is not an official IDOR document and may not be comprehensive. Some municipalities may be listed multiple times due to overlapping jurisdictions. The Illinois Municipal League has compiled this information as a resource and will update it periodically as new details arise.
WMOK News: The New Illinois Laws – Part 3 – Working Parents Get Paid Protection: New Law Ensures Paid Break Time for Nursing Mothers
METROPOLIS, IL – In a significant boost for working mothers and families across Illinois, an amendment to the state’s Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act takes effect on January 1, 2026. This new rule strengthens the existing protections by addressing one of the biggest challenges for new parents: maintaining their income while meeting their child’s health needs.
The change ensures that employees who need time to express breast milk are not penalized financially for doing so.
Key Requirements of the New Law
The law already required employers to provide reasonable break time and a private space (other than a restroom) for employees to express milk for up to one year after the child’s birth. The 2026 amendment focuses on compensation:
1. Paid Breaks Are Now Mandatory
For the first time, break time used by nursing employees to express breast milk must be compensated at the employee’s regular rate of pay.
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This means that if an employee takes a 30-minute break to express milk during their shift, they must receive their normal wages for those 30 minutes, treating it the same as any other paid work time.
2. No Forced Use of Paid Time Off (PTO)
Employers are now explicitly prohibited from requiring the employee to use their existing accrued paid leave—such as sick time, vacation time, or other Paid Time Off (PTO)—to cover the time spent expressing milk.
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Furthermore, the employer cannot reduce the employee’s regular pay or compensation in any other way for the time taken for these breaks.
Why the Change Matters
Historically, many companies treated these necessary breaks as unpaid time, which could force a nursing mother to lose hundreds or even thousands of dollars in wages over the course of a year.
This amendment is a major step toward supporting the health of infants and promoting gender equity in the workforce. It ensures that employees do not face a financial penalty for continuing to nurse their children upon returning to work.
Massac County High Student Council Collected Groceries for those in need on Saturday at Metropolis Big John
Acee’s Neighborhood Market Announces Openings for Next Year’s Give-Back Pump Program
Acee’s Neighborhood Market is excited to announce that several slots are available for organizations to become recipients of next year’s Give-Back Pump Program, an initiative aimed at supporting local groups and nonprofits. This program allows community members to contribute to worthy causes every time they fuel up at Acee’s stations.
Organizations interested in receiving funding can reserve a month for their team or nonprofit by calling the office at 270-443-6076. This is a fantastic opportunity for local groups to secure financial support while fostering a spirit of community engagement.
For those organizations looking to renew their participation in the program, please note that there is a 12-month waiting period between slots. This ensures a fair rotation for all interested parties.
Acee’s Give-Back Pump program continues to empower residents to make a difference in their community each time they refuel. Don’t miss the chance to include your organization in this impactful initiative!
WMOK Community Events Listing
Send YOUR Event details, graphics and information to:
Text – 618-524-9209
E-mail – WMOKnews@frontier.com
December
Monday, December 8, 2025
COPE Food Pantry Distribution
C.O.P.E. Food Pantry Distribution takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Metropolis at 1013 North Avenue from 9am until 3pm. Please bring your photo I.D. and proof of Massac County Residency.
– Brookport Distribution – 9A- 12P – Christian Church building that is directly behind the Harry Statham gymnasium . Every 3rd Thursday of the month 9A-12P – (618)524-3635
–Joppa Distribution – 10A-12P – Civic Center next to Joppa City Hall. Every 3rd Saturday a month. Please bring your photo I.D. and proof of Massac County residency. (618) 524-3635.
(618) 524-3635
9:30-11A – Garden Club – Metropolis Community Center – 900 W 10th St (2nd Monday of the month)
7-8P – City of Metropolis City Council Meeting – Upstairs at the Metropolis City Hall, 106 W 5th St – Metropolis City Council meetings occur on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
12P – The Kiwanis Club of Metropolis meets every Tuesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 520 Ferry Street in Metropolis
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Human Rights Week: 10-17
COPE Food Pantry Distribution
C.O.P.E. Food Pantry Distribution takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Metropolis at 1013 North Avenue from 9am until 3pm. Please bring your photo I.D. and proof of Massac County Residency.
– Brookport Distribution – 9A- 12P – Christian Church building that is directly behind the Harry Statham gymnasium . Every 3rd Thursday of the month 9A-12P – (618)524-3635
–Joppa Distribution – 10A-12P – Civic Center next to Joppa City Hall. Every 3rd Saturday a month. Please bring your photo I.D. and proof of Massac County residency. (618) 524-3635.
(618) 524-3635
Thursday, December 11, 2025
12P – The Rotary Club of Metropolis meets every Thursday at Community Christian Church, 1150 Country Club Rd.
6P – Metropolis Lions’ Club – 2nd Thursday of the month at the Metropolis Community Center, 900 W 10th St. – Small Conference Room
Friday, December 12, 2025
COPE Food Pantry Distribution
C.O.P.E. Food Pantry Distribution takes place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Metropolis at 1013 North Avenue from 9am until 3pm. Please bring your photo I.D. and proof of Massac County Residency.
– Brookport Distribution – 9A- 12P – Christian Church building that is directly behind the Harry Statham gymnasium . Every 3rd Thursday of the month 9A-12P – (618)524-3635
–Joppa Distribution – 10A-12P – Civic Center next to Joppa City Hall. Every 3rd Saturday a month. Please bring your photo I.D. and proof of Massac County residency. (618) 524-3635.
(618) 524-3635
Recreation Time for Needle Crafters
– Nifty Needles Meets from 4:30-5:30 on Friday Afternoons at the Metropolis Public Library
For more information about the Nifty Needles Group, stop by the library or call 618-524-4312.
Event by Metropolis Elks Lodge #1428 – 104 W 4th St Metropolis, IL
Join us for a night of frightening and festive fun, as we merge a little thrill and chill for everyone. Wear something scary or wear something merry as you all are in for a real good treat!
Corey Evitts will fire up at 8pm. Cover charge is $10 for non-members. Current members plus one guest are free.
Bring your snacks, sit back and relax as you never know when that hunger will attack!
The Lodge opens at 5pm, so come early. Jason will be ready to serve…
GUARANTEED SEATING
Book ahead a grab one of the VIP Tables for only $80 (up to 8 seats) to secure your guaranteed spots and some extra surprises. To book, get with Kathye Rose. THESE WILL GO FAST!!!
Saturday, December 13, 2025
Arrival Event at Lewis & Clark State Historic Site (Day 1) – West Central IL –
On December 12, 1803, the Lewis & Clark Expedition arrived at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers and fixed on a place to build Camp River Dubois. This Arrival Event – December 13 & 14 – marks this arrival with reenactors, demonstrators, and more!
The event will feature exhibitors of vintage tools, firearms, 18th Century medicine, military reenactors, and artillery. Come see how the soldiers of the Corps of Discovery lived during their winter encampment in the Illinois Country from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is primarily inside the Interpretive Center.
St. Nicholas will also make an appearance for pictures and maybe a treat each day. Come learn about Christmas traditions in early 19th Century America. more info
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Arrival Event at Lewis & Clark State Historic Site (Day 2) – West Central IL – more info
WMOK's Coffee Break Program:
We invite you to text
questions and topics for our guests to
618-524-9209
Now taking orders for engraved bricks, pavers & arrays to be placed on the Walkway of the Massac County WWII Memorial
As the holiday season approaches, an opportunity arises to honor the brave men and women who served during World War II. The Heroes of Massac Endeavors are now accepting orders for engraved bricks, pavers, and arrays to be installed on the Walkway of the Massac County WWII Memorial. This initiative not only commemorates the sacrifices made by local heroes but also enhances the community’s dedication to remembering its history.
The memorial, which features a life-sized statue of Pvt. John Marvin Steele, pays tribute to the WWII casualties from Massac County. It tells the story of Steele’s historic D-day landing on the Church in Sainte-Mere-Eglise, while the back of the memorial honors TSgt. William “Luster” Leukering and shares tales of Massac soldiers who fought bravely during the conflict.
Engraved bricks, pavers, and arrays are available for purchase, providing a unique way to memorialize loved ones or organizations. Companies and groups can also have their logos included on pavers or arrays. The arrays come in sets of 4, 6, or 9 pavers, adding an impactful display to the memorial’s walkway.
For those interested in showing their support, orders can be placed online or by picking up an order form at Creations Florist at 600 Market in Metropolis or from a member of the Heroes of Massac Endeavors board.
In addition to the engraved items, commemorative T-shirts are available for purchase. The “Marvin Map” design features Pvt. John Marvin Steele, the Church at Sainte-Mere-Eglise, WWII paratroopers, and a map of Normandy, while the “Steele Wings” shirt showcases the US Parachutist Badge along with Steele’s military company and regiment. Another option, “The Longest Day,” commemorates June 6, 1944. These shirts come in various adult sizes and can be acquired at Creations Florist & Gifts, located at 600 Ferry St. in Metropolis.
This holiday season, take the opportunity to honor someone special by contributing to this meaningful cause.
HEROES OF MASSAC ENDEAVORS
https://heroesofmassacendeavors.org
Massac Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Fundraiser - Well over $2000 in Prizes
WMOK School and Sports News
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