Illinois in focus: DHS announces new facility; NFIB urges veto of regulations; minority scholarship lawsuit moves forward

Illinois in focus: DHS announces new facility; NFIB urges veto of regulations; minority scholarship lawsuit moves forward

DHS announces new facility

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has returned to Illinois to discuss expanding detention facilities for what she calls “the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens” arrested under the leadership of President Donald Trump.

Noem’s stop in a Chicago suburb follows her visit to Springfield in May.

NFIB urges veto of business regulations

Illinois’ largest small-business advocacy organization is urging Gov. J.B. Pritzker to veto Senate Bill 1976.

In a letter to the governor, the National Federation of Independent Business said the measure would lead to a divergence between state and federal regulations, prevent regulatory relief from red tape and expose small businesses to additional lawsuits.

Minority scholarship lawsuit moves forward

A federal court case challenging the Minority Teachers of Illinois scholarship program is moving forward.

This week, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois denied the state’s motion to dismiss American Alliance for Equal Rights v. Pritzker.

According to the Pacific Legal Foundation, the program awards taxpayer-funded college scholarships to aspiring teachers only if they are members of a racial minority.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

WCO-PZ-Aug-5.2

Homer Glenn Residents Push Back on 143rd Street Widening as Officials Signal “Tentative Agreement”

ARTICLE SUMMARY: A Homer Glenn farm owner voiced strong opposition to the planned widening of 143rd Street during a county meeting, while committee members indicated a "tentative agreement" is in the...
WCO-LEG-8.5.1

Will County Forges 2026 Federal Agenda Amid D.C. Policy Shifts, ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Impacts

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Board's Legislative Committee is reshaping its federal priorities for 2026, adding new language on environmental justice and LGBTQIA+ rights while creating a more transparent process for...
WCO-Public-Safety.3

Health Department Seeks $1 Million Levy Increase to Prevent “Weakened System”

Article Summary: The Will County Health Department is asking for a $1 million increase to its property tax levy to save 11 critical jobs that are at risk as post-pandemic...
WCO-Cap-Imp-8.5.3

County Rolls Out New “OneMeeting” Software to Improve Public Access

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Will County has officially launched a new agenda and meeting management software called "OneMeeting," aimed at improving transparency and making it easier for the public and officials to access...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Finance Committee for August 5, 2025

The Will County Board’s Finance Committee confronted major budget challenges during its Tuesday meeting, led by a stark presentation from the Will County Health Department. Health officials are requesting an...
WCO-PZ-8.12.2

Will County PZC Approves Rezoning for Truck Repair Facility on Manhattan Road Amid Resident Concerns

Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-2 to rezone nearly 14 acres in Joliet Township for a truck repair facility. The approval came after a neighboring...
WCO-PZ-Aug-5.3

Key Stretch of Bell Road on Track for Thanksgiving Reopening, Committee Approves Additional Funds

ARTICLE SUMMARY Construction on Bell Road between 159th and 151st Streets is scheduled to have all lanes open by Thanksgiving, officials announced as the Public Works & Transportation Committee approved a...
WCO-LEG-8.5.2

Will County Leglislative Committee Opposes Federal Push for Heavier, Longer Trucks

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Board's Legislative Committee unanimously passed a resolution opposing any federal legislation that would increase the size and weight limits for commercial trucks on national roadways. Will...
WCO-Public-Safety.2

Will County Reports Progress in Opioid Fight, Highlights New FDA Labeling Rules

Article Summary: Will County is seeing a reduction in opioid overdose deaths and is expanding access to the reversal drug Narcan, health officials reported. The department also drew attention to...
WCO-Cap-Imp-8.5.4

In-House Staff Completes Major Renovations at Will County Adult Detention Facility

ARTICLE SUMMARY: Maintenance staff at the Will County Adult Detention Facility recently completed extensive renovations in-house, including a new control center and the full restoration of a 48-cell housing unit, saving...
Land-use-8.5.25

Will County Advances Truck Repair Facility Plan on Manhattan Road Despite Resident Objections

Article Summary: A proposal to rezone nearly 14 acres on Manhattan Road for a truck repair facility advanced after receiving a recommendation for approval from the Will County Land Use...
WCO-PZ-8.12.1

PZC Grants Variance for Oversized Garage in Joliet Township, Reversing Staff Recommendation

Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a variance for a Joliet Township homeowner to build a garage addition that exceeds the county's size limits. The...
WCO-PZ-Aug-5.5

Will County Public Works Committee Approves Over $1.1 Million in New Agreements for 80th Avenue Project

ARTICLE SUMMARY: The Will County Public Works & Transportation Committee authorized two agreements totaling over $1.1 million for the ongoing reconstruction and widening of 80th Avenue between 191st and 183rd Streets....
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Legislative Committee for August 5, 2025

The Will County Board’s Legislative Committee focused on shaping its advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels during its August 5 meeting. The primary discussion centered on crafting...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Capital Improvements & IT Committee for August 5, 2025

The future of several key county facilities dominated the Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee meeting on Tuesday. A major topic of discussion was the ongoing buildout of the...