Government

Two proposed ordinances regarding a proposed gaming cafe each had the first of two readings Monday during the Bourbonnais board meeting.

Following former Dixon Police Chief Steve Howell's retirement May 9, Ryan Bivins was sworn in as the new chief at Monday's City Council meeting.

Trump’s high-octane ally, billionaire Elon Musk, lambasted the package — and those voting for it

Bourbonnais Interim Police Chief Jason Sztuba explained a change in the route for this year’s Friendship Festival Grand Parade.

A bill that would have repealed licensing requirements for hair braiders in Illinois died in the final stretch of the legislative session after opponents voiced concerns about how deregulation could impact health, safety and equity for the profession

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has directed the Food and Drug Administration to review the nutrients and other ingredients in infant formula, which fills the bottles of millions of American babies

The Supreme Court agreed Monday to consider reviving a Republican challenge to an Illinois law that allows mail ballots to be counted if they are received up to two weeks after Election Day

The Joliet City Council will vote Tuesday on Mayor D'Arcy's recommendation to replace Dominic Orlando, who D'Arcy brought back onto the Plan Commission after his removal by former Mayor O'Dekrik.

House Bill 3637 aims to protect medical providers who prescribe drugs that were previously approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration but had the approval revoked, provided the drug is still recommended by the World Health Organization

New St. Charles City Clerk will be appointed in July to fill the role left vacant by clerk-elect's relocation.

A widely anticipated list of “ sanctuary jurisdictions” no longer appears on the Department of Homeland Security’s website after receiving widespread criticism

The tax and spending cuts that passed the House last month would add more than $5 trillion to the national debt in the coming decade if all of them are allowed to continue

A $1.50 delivery fee that was part of a transit funding bill that passed the Illinois Senate failed to pass the House, which adjourned early Sunday morning without concurring as some of its tax hikes became too controversial. For now, the fee is not happening.

Republicans object to coverage for asylum seekers, other noncitizens on special visas

Joliet Mayor Terry D'Arcy gives his first State of the City Address, says Joliet is being rebranded as a destination point

Spending plan raises over $1B in revenue; income, sales taxes not affected

Bourbonnais officials will hear the first reads for two ordinances that deal with a grocery tax and sales tax at Monday’s board meeting.

Got bud? The city of DeKalb wants to help one local dispensary in making that pitch to consumers easier to act on. DeKalb city leaders moved one step closer this week to allowing Excelleaf Dispensary, 305 E. Locust St., to open what its founders are calling a “tasting room.”

A bill pending in Springfield would ease the way for Will County to get land for 143rd Street construction in Homer Township, but some county board members are trying to slow it down.

Under the leadership of new Dixon Police Chief Ryan Bivins, the department will be placing a greater focus on community policing.

A proposed gaming cafe in Bourbonnais moved a step closer to approval Wednesday.

Terminally ill Illinoisans may have the legal option to end their own life with the help of a physician next year under a bill approved by lawmakers

Twelve part-time Bradley firefighters have filed a civil suit in federal court against the village for unpaid overtime wages.

The city of Joliet has five proposals for former MyGrain space, and Mistwood wants to extend its lease at the Grand Ballroom.

Illinois Democrats introduced what a leading budgeteer described as a $55 billion budget Friday evening ahead of a Saturday deadline to pass the fiscal year 2026 spending plan

A bill that seeks to control the rising cost of prescription drugs while also offering financial help for many small, independent pharmacies in Illinois cleared the state Senate on Thursday and awaits action in the House

Thousands of people were indiscriminately laid off or pushed out — hundreds of whom had to be rehired — and some federal agencies were eviscerated

A bill that would require gun owners to keep any firearms in a locked box whenever a minor is present will soon head to Gov. JB Pritzker

Senior citizens and advocates rallied at the Beecher Center in Yorkville on May 28 against threatened cuts to the federal Older Americans Act.

In the backstretch of the legislative session, horse racing advocates are pushing to revitalize the industry in Illinois and its accompanying horse betting, both long in decline

At Gurnee Park District’s Board Meeting on May 20, Liz Nelson was sworn in as the newest member of Gurnee Park District’s Board of Commissioners.

Mayor Scott Gartner and three members of the Antioch Village Board were sworn in May 14, marking a new chapter in village leadership as several redevelopment projects near completion.

Gov. JB Pritzker said he would specifically veto any budget that includes tax increases on individuals, corporations or the sales tax

The Lee County Board on Thursday, May 22, 2025, approved an ordinance to replace its zoning board of appeals with one licensed attorney.

Gov. JB Pritzker says federal government has assured continued funding for project in Will County aimed at blocking Asian carp from Great Lakes.

A federal trade court on Wednesday blocked President Donald Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs on imports under an emergency-powers law

After over two months of deliberation, the Ottawa Plan Commission has once again voted to recommend a proposed solar panel project on the city’s south side, sending the project back to Ottawa City Council for a final decision next week.

Elon Musk is criticizing the centerpiece of President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda

Some doctors and public health leaders called the move concerning and confusing

The State Department has halted the scheduling of new visa interviews for foreign students hoping to study in the U.S. while it prepares to expand the screening of their activity on social media, officials said

Illinoisans are warned to lookout for text message scams claiming to be from the “Illinois State Department of Motor Vehicles” that threaten to suspend vehicle registration and driving privileges.

Illinois police officers soon could be required to undergo trauma-informed sexual assault training if the governor signs a bill passed by Illinois lawmakers last week. The bill passed the House and Senate unanimously

The Beecher Center in Yorkville is taking center-stage in the fight against funding cuts to the federal Older Americans Act. On the Aging Advocacy Day, Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Naperville) is joining local aging advocates, speaking out for protecting the act.

A recent complaint by residents about people operating off-terrain vehicles and motorcycles off road near their homes led Bourbonnais trustees to amend its disorderly conduct and noise ordinance at the May 19 meeting.

The Lockport Township Senior Expo is dedicated to enhancing the lives of residents by providing access to information about services and products that promote health, safety, and overall well-being.

You’ve heard of beer and wine tastings at local establishments and breweries. What if you could go to a cannabis edible tasting at your neighborhood dispensary? That’s a question one DeKalb dispensary owner will pose to the DeKalb City Council this week.

Arellano, of Dixon, spoke Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the ribboncutting marking the opening of the 2025 Memorial Day Wall of Remembrance at the State Capitol. 

The Sterling Industrial Development Commission sold four vacant properties around Sterling for $1 each.

The Fairdale street light district, which is responsible for levying a tax to pay ComEd for the rental and operation of public light poles in the area, has asked DeKalb County to take on its responsibilities.

One bill requires employers to give paid time off to employees who pump breastmilk at work. The second allows midwives to help with home births