By Peter Hancock State officials in Illinois reacted with cautious relief Thursday after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Donald Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle an Obama-era policy known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. That program, known as DACA, allows some undocumented immigrants to remain in
Aurora Public Art released the session listing of the third week of virtual youth programming for students who are sheltering in place amid COVID-19 cancellations. All sessions are free and open to the public. Summer programming includes sessions across many artistic media. Drawing, painting, music, dance, drama, and culinary arts
By Jerry Nowicki Attorney general Kwame Raoul has tested positive for COVID-19, his office announced in a news release Tuesday. “After experiencing minor symptoms over the weekend, I consulted with my health care provider using telehealth services. Upon the advice of my doctor, I was tested yesterday and informed today
The Village government of Oswego is offering residents who have been laid off because of COVID-19 a $20 credit on their water bills. To apply for the one-time credit, residents must fill out a short online form and submit proof of unemployment, such as a statement from an employer, or
Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, ruling that federal employment non-discrimination laws protect all LGBTQ employees: “Today’s historic ruling by the Supreme Court is a long overdue victory for equal protection and civil rights. While
By Jerry Nowicki Anyone who cast a ballot in the last three years or who registered to vote or changed addresses after the March primary will be sent an application to vote by mail after Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill expanding the program Tuesday. In a news release, Pritzker’s
Aurora mayor Richard C. Irvin announced a new reform initiative that focuses on strengthening police and community relations and accountability through a multi-phased approach of reviewing law enforcement policies and exploring new implementations, such as body cameras and a civilian review board. The Community Helping Aurora’s Necessary Growth and Empowerment
By John W. Whitehead “When it gets down to having to use violence, then you are playing the system’s game. The establishment will irritate you, pull your beard, flick your face, to make you fight. Because once they’ve got you violent, then they know how to handle you.” —John Lennon
Although the Naperville Park District is pursuing legal action seeking to confirm its own jurisdiction over its statutory duties regarding recreation, the District is currently operating and will continue to operate within the applicable parameters of the Governor’s Executive Order. “Recently a post by Naperville Community Television (NCTV) on Facebook
The DuPage County Health Department informed the Naperville Park District June 8 that it will not issue a permit for Centennial Beach operations during Phase 3 of the Governor’s Restore Illinois Plan. Swimming facility guidance has not been issued by public health officials for Phase 4. Therefore, the Park District
Governor JB Pritzker signed a bipartisan bill into law Friday negotiated on behalf of Republicans by assistant house minority leader Keith Wheeler, R-Oswego, during the recent emergency special session in Springfield as the General Assembly reached agreement on COVID-related workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance changes specifically aimed at protecting essential
By John W. Whitehead “When it gets down to having to use violence, then you are playing the system’s game. The establishment will irritate you, pull your beard, flick your face, to make you fight. Because once they’ve got you violent, then they know how to handle you.” —John Lennon
State representative Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, released the following statement Friday: “George Floyd was murdered by a police officer whose job was to protect lives, not take them. George Floyd’s death is not an isolated incident, but rather a result of a criminal justice system that was built on years of
By Steve Chirico, Naperville mayor “What happened to George Floyd in Minneapolis is unconscionable. What happened to Christian Cooper in New York’s Central Park is unconscionable. And what’s happened here in recent months in Naperville is unconscionable. “We cannot let these events be relegated to just another name, another page
By Richard C. Irvin, Aurora mayor I am a black man. I am a father. I am a son; a brother; an uncle. I am a human being who cares for the plight of my fellow man. And I’m hurt and outraged over the senseless and brutal killing of George
Australia. Germany. New Zealand. South Korea. Sweden. Taiwan. These are some of the countries which have gained a handle on the COVID-19 pandemic and are cautiously re-opening businesses, recreational venues, and government buildings. How did they do it? Their leaders recognized the seriousness of the virus early on and took
By John W. Whitehead Don’t pity this year’s crop of graduates because this COVID-19 pandemic caused them to miss out on the antics of their senior year and the pomp and circumstance of graduation. Pity them because they have spent their entire lives in a state of emergency. They were
Out of an abundance of caution, the city government of Naperville closed the City Hall to employees and the public at noon Monday, June 1 and suggests downtown Naperville businesses close, as well, due to multiple, unconfirmed reports of protests planned throughout the western suburbs. Residents are advised to avoid
Oswego Village Hall, the Oswego Police Department Headquarters, and the Oswego Public Works facility will reopen to the public Monday, June 1, for their regular hours of operation. Most Village business can be conducted online or by phone, and residents and businesses are still encouraged to avoid an in-person trip
By Rebecca Anzel Governor JB Pritzker announced Friday, the first day Illinois’ economy operated under more relaxed restrictions, his stay-at-home order is replaced by one reflective of “our new, more open reality.” Small businesses statewide opened their doors to customers, with capacity limitations. Restaurants and bars served socially-distanced diners outside,
