House Bill 2231 would classify ride-shares as “common carriers,” meaning the companies can be held liable, rather than just the drivers, for accidents or injuries to passengers. Currently in Illinois, “common carriers” include taxicabs, railways and elevators, among others.
Lawmakers look to end ‘common carrier’ exemption for ride-share companies
As many Illinoisans struggle with food access, lawmakers consider state grants for grocers
Senate Bill 850 would direct the state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, or DCEO, to establish the “Grocery Initiative,” a program that would study “food deserts” in Illinois and provide grants to new or existing grocery stores in these areas.
Measure to support grandparents raising grandchildren passes
“Families come in all shapes and sizes, and many grandparents are stepping up to raise their grandchildren. Grandparents are individuals that may put off their retirement, reallocate their resources, and basically do whatever they need to do to take care of their grandchildren. Their hard work and sacrifice don’t go unnoticed,” Manley said.
Grand Prairie Water Commission adds $3.45 million for infrastructure of new water source
“We are grateful for the chance to host Congressman Foster and the leadership of the future Grand Prairie Water Commission in Romeoville,” said Romeoville Mayor John Noak. “Congressman Foster stood with us when we announced this commission last year, and this Community Project Funding (CPF) shows he continues to stand with us in Washington.”
Will County Health Center opens new behavioral health suite
The grand opening event featured a ribbon cutting ceremony and tours of the new behavioral health suite at the Community Health Center. The event was attended by Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant and by members of the Will County Board, Will County Board of Health and the Governing Council of the Community Health Center.
USF Center for Nonprofit Excellence receives contribution from Midland States Bank Foundation
“The USF CNE is impacting the people served by the nonprofits in Will County and the nonprofits, themselves, by making them stronger and better able to fulfill their own missions. We sincerely thank Midland States Bank for supporting our efforts to help these organizations focus on their mission-driven efforts,” said Maribeth Hearn, Ed.D., director of the USF Career Success Center and co-director of the USF Center for Nonprofit Excellence.
Joliet Slammers unveil new food and beverage program
“Taking on the Slammers’ food and beverage program was no easy task,” starts Sigel. “There was so much room for growth coming out of last year, and my passion for sharing my love of food with others took the reins of this entire project.
“White Burgers, Black Cash: Fast Food from Black Exclusion to Exploitation” by Naa Oyo A. Kwate
Though restaurants certainly existed before the turn of the last century, fast food joints “took root in the early 1900s, when the earliest…chains began.” White Castle, with their oniony square burgers, is widely considered to be the first; later, KFC, Burger King, and McDonald’s became the juggernauts of the industry, and something set them apart.
Gun industry now accountable for unlawful consumer practices
“Since taking office as Attorney General, I have been committed to using all the resources of this office to combat gun violence,” Raoul said. “The Firearms Industry Responsibility Act will clarify my office’s ability to use the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, which is a primary tool available to hold businesses accountable for fraudulent or deceptive practices through civil litigation.
Mother’s Day Joy
The Peace Corps may have coined the slogan, but mothers bring it to life every day. Motherhood may not be the kind of “job” that nets a paycheck or vacation days, and moms rarely have the luxury of calling in sick but getting “paid” in kisses and homemade cards is its own reward.

