An audit of the Illinois Department of Corrections revealed 40 shortcomings, including violations of state purchasing rules, overtime pay for employees on leave, and a lack of tracking paroled inmates, which could cost the state millions of dollars and jeopardize public safety.
Lawmakers grill Department of Corrections after audit shows dozens of failures
Posted inCommentary
County Board Speaker Joe VanDuyne’s Statement on Solar Facility Court Ruling
The Will County Board has been ordered by the Will County Circuit Court to approve six previously denied solar projects, despite the Board’s opposition and potential fines and sanctions for defiance.
Posted inHealth
Costs of state employee health benefits continue steep rise
The state’s health insurance costs are expected to increase by 9% in fiscal year 2027, bringing total expenses to $4.6 billion, due to growth in the state’s workforce and general inflation in the healthcare industry.
Posted inLifestyle
Celebrate mom and birds with the Forest Preserve District in May
The Forest Preserve District of Will County is offering a variety of bird-related programs, such as birding, bird-friendly coffee, birding hikes, and LEGO building, as well as Mother’s Day activities, such as fishing, hiking, and bingo, from May 9-10.
Posted inNews
Young voter participation plan to provide registration information for qualified high schoolers
State Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is backing a plan to provide graduating high school students with the opportunity to register to vote by their school under House Bill 4339, which has been dubbed the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Law.
Posted inBooks
“How to Be Okay When Nothing is Okay” by Jenny Lawson
“How to Be Okay When Nothing is Okay” by Jenny Lawson offers advice to help people cope with mental health issues, such as depression, ADHD and anxiety, and provides comfort, self-care, and mood-boosting strategies to help readers reset and find their way.
Posted inFeatured
How Plainfield’s New $250,000 Grant Will Connect 20 Miles of DuPage River Trails
Congresswoman Lauren Underwood has secured $250,000 in federal funding to improve the Bentley Property park pathway, creating a 20-mile trail connection along the DuPage River, and the Plainfield Park District has declared Dark Sky Week to raise awareness of light pollution and promote dark sky-friendly lighting practices.
Posted inState
Legislation to support Mothers with newborns passes House
State Rep. Laura Faver Dias passed legislation to create a support system for mothers and their newborn children, requiring the Illinois Department of Human Services to develop infrastructure for universal newborn home visiting services by Jan. 1, 2028.
Posted inCommentary
Iran and Global Uncertainty
The Iran war has caused uncertainty around the world, with questions about the cost of gas, inflation, interest rates, and potential danger to Americans, as well as the potential for a nuclear weapon to be used.
Posted inNews
State education officials present $10.9B budget request to fund public schools
The Illinois State Board of Education is requesting a $10.9 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which includes the Evidence-Based Funding formula that has been in place for nearly a decade and has resulted in increased graduation rates, narrowed achievement gaps, and improved student growth.
