The Trump Administration has frozen $10 billion in federal funds for social services and childcare in five states, including $1 billion for Illinois, which could negatively impact 100,000 families and 152,000 children.
Gov. Pritzker to defend freeze against crucial Child Care and Family Assistance Programs
Posted inLifestyle
Slammers exercised 2026 club options
The Joliet Slammers have exercised contract options on 13 players and added RHP Austin Baugh to their 2026 roster, with additional player announcements to be made in the coming months.
Posted inNews
Illinois Houswee speaker calls Bears stadium ask ‘insensitive’ amid budget pressures
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch has said that the state’s priority should be to reduce the cost of living, and not to provide financial aid for the Chicago Bears’ proposed new stadium in Arlington Heights.
Posted inNews
Sharks Fish & Chicken opens two Joliet locations; City Council approves beer and wine license
The City Council of Joliet unanimously approved the opening of Sharks Fish and Chicken at two locations, allowing for beer and wine consumption on premises, while a nearby Wendy’s location has closed.
Posted inFood & Wine
Wine of the Week: Bergerac Duras Wines U.S. debut
Bergerac Duras Wines from southwestern France were celebrated in New York’s Lafayette Grand Cafe and Bakery with a master class and wine pairing lunch hosted by Sommelier Arthur Hon, exploring the unique character of the wines and their pairings with classic French and ethnic dishes.
Posted inEducation
2026 Joyful Brunch honors Michael Austin Clark, supports MAC Mentoring & JTHS Athletic Boosters Scholarship
Joyful Brunch 2026 is a celebration honoring the life and legacy of the late Michael Austin Clark, with proceeds benefiting the MAC Mentoring Program and the Michael Austin Clark JTHS Endowed Athletic Boosters Scholarship.
Posted inCommentary
Maduro and Putin, one in, one out
Nicolas Maduro is the former President of Venezuela. He’s been in power since 2013 and has been accused of being a dictator due to electoral fraud, human rights abuses, corruption and severe economic hardship. He is in a Brooklyn, New York jail. He and his wife Cilia Flores were arrested by US troops and taken […]
Posted inJoliet
City of Joliet invites community to give input on Comprehensive Plan at workshops
The City of Joliet is encouraging residents, business owners and community stakeholders to participate in a series of topic area workshops to help shape the City’s first Comprehensive Plan in more than 60 years, which will guide the city’s growth and development over the next 10 years.
Posted inNews
From Washington to Bogota, protests grow as Maduro faces U.S. Judge
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was arrested by U.S. forces and brought to New York, sparking protests across the U.S. and internationally, with critics questioning the legality of the operation and the Trump administration defending it as a law enforcement action tied to narcotics charges.
Posted inBusiness
Prepare to file in 2026: Get Ready for tax season with key updates, essential tips
Taxpayers are urged to prepare for the 2026 filing season by accessing their IRS Individual Online Account, using direct deposit, reviewing new tax law changes, opening Trump Accounts for eligible children, reporting income from payment apps and online sales, and reporting digital assets.
