chicagoland news

On Wednesday, February 26, at noon, advocates, community leaders, and human service workers will gather in the rotunda of the Capitol Building in Springfield, Illinois, for a pivotal rally and press conference. #coalition

“During the winter months we see an increase in home fires caused by heating deceives or malfunctioning heating equipment,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera. “This is why it is so important for people to test and inspect all smoke alarms monthly, review and practice their fire escape plans, and follow manufactures instructions on all home heating devices.” #fire

Earlier this month, SVU Investigators posted an advertisement on a website known for hosting commercial sex-related ads. While posing as a 16-year-old individual, they were contacted by Gregory White, of the 300 block of Dee Road in North Aurora, who engaged in explicit  conversations via text messages over the course of several days. #felonies

“The Governor’s revenue assumptions are overly optimistic and include $590 million in additional revenue from statutory changes that haven't even taken effect yet. He also proposes a $2 billion increase in spending, including at least a $150 million increase in illegal migrant spending while failing to account for existing fiscal challenges. #budget

“We greet this new state budget proposal from Governor JB Pritzker with a sense of relief: our state finances have improved over earlier bleak revenue projections, and we appreciate the Governor’s ongoing commitment to investing in services and supports for Illinoisans with developmental disabilities and serious mental illnesses.” #disability

Lindop 92 is one of only 35 of Illinois school districts to be awarded a Property Tax Relief Grant from the Illinois State Board of Education. The grant program is part of the Evidence-Based Funding for Student Success Act. #taxrelief

“The memo ordering dismissal stated explicitly that the order was made ‘without assessing the strength of the evidence or the legal theories on which the case is based.’ It was made to reward Mayor Adams’ obeisance to President Trump in supporting roundups of immigrants. #dismissal

The Jazz Fest begins with the Jazz Invitational on Thursday, Feb. 20, featuring 18 middle and high school groups performing for and coached by our guest artists. Exemplary student performers will be selected during the festival to join the artists for a concert on Friday night. #festival

The Illinois State Museum’s Research and Collections Center will host “Black Lives in Springfield Part I: Work and Home Life” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20. #history

Federally legal hemp products include cosmetics, personal care products, dietary supplements or food intended for human or animal consumption, health and wellness products for pain relief and stress management, cloth, cordage, fiber, fuel, paint, paper, particleboard, and any product containing one or more cannabinoids derived from hemp, including cannabidiol. #hemp