Knights of Columbus Council #14929 donates
During Palm Sunday breakfast the Knights of Columbus Council #14929 present a check for $1,000 for to Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish.
Batavia United Way $140,000 in community grants
The Batavia United Way board of directors is thrilled to announce the allocation of $140,000 in Community Impact Grants to 21 nonprofit and service-based organizations that are making a tangible difference in the Batavia community. Programs that have been awarded grants include Batavia RSVP, Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry & Clothes
Illinois hospitals fear massive cuts under Trump Administration
By Peter HancockCapitol News Illinoisphancock@capitolnewsillinois.com Hospital officials in Illinois say they will have to make some difficult decisions in the next few years that could involve laying off staff, cutting back services, and even closing some facilities entirely. That’s the expected result of federal funding cuts built into the recently
Federal food assistance changes threaten thousands of Illinoisans
By Ben SzalinskiCapitol News Illinoisbszalinski@capitolnewsillinois.com Hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans could lose benefits from a federal food assistance program while the state will be required to cover more costs under changes passed in the latest domestic policy plan. President Donald Trump signed the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act” into law
Housing funding cut in Illinois, as homelessness increases
By Ben SzalinskiCapitol News Illinoisbszalinski@capitolnewsillinois.com The number of homeless people in Illinois is rising, but the State’s spending on homeless prevention and other housing programs is headed in the other direction. Facing a tight budget year with constrained spending and limited natural revenue growth, the $55.1 billion fiscal year 2026
Petco invests in Aurora Animal Care and Control
Aurora Animal Care and Control is set to receive a $2,500 grant investment from national nonprofit Petco Love in support of their lifesaving work for animals in Aurora. Petco Love is a national nonprofit leading change for pets by harnessing the power of love to make communities and pet families
Illinois $55.1B budget reliant on $700M new taxes
By Ben SzalinskiCapitol News IllinoisBszalinski@capitolnewsillinois.com Governor JB Pritzker signed Illinois’ fiscal year 2026 budget into law Monday, taking shots at president Donald Trump’s budget management to defend hard choices state lawmakers were forced to make this year. The $55.1 billion spending plan set to take effect July 1 is the
Hernandez announces $1.5 Million secured for Fox Valley
State representative Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) announced State funding awards for infrastructure repairs at 11 organizations in the 50th District. In total, $1.5 million in awards for the 50th District was included in the recently passed Illinois State Budget and will be distributed through the Community Foundation of the Fox River
Illinois lawmakers delay tier 2 pension reform again
By Ben SzalinskiCapitol News Illinoisbszalinski@capitolnewsillinois.com Public employees hired since 2011 must continue to wait for pension reform after Illinois lawmakers declined to take up the issue during the spring session. Lawmakers and labor unions have both expressed concern that benefits for Tier 2 employees – those who entered the public
Kane County rent and utility help for at risk residents
Kane County is offering financial help to renters who are behind on payments and at risk of eviction through the Kane County Homeless Prevention Program. Deadline to apply is July 31. The program can help with: •Past-due rent (up to 12 months, plus up to three months of future rent);
Illinois Democrats push through $55.2 billion budget
By Ben Szalinski & Jerry NowickiCapitol News Illinoisnews@capitolnewsillinois.com Giving almost no time for public review, Illinois Democrats pushed through a $55.2 billion budget for next fiscal year late Saturday, bolstering coffers with new taxes on sports bets, nicotine products and businesses. The $55.2 billion spending plan is supported by $55.3
State budget talks final week, fears of congressional cuts
By Ben Szalinski & Peter HancockCapitol News Illinoisbszalinski@capitolnewsillinois.com Illinois lawmakers have one week to pass a new state budget with little room for new spending and Congress presenting further challenges and uncertainty. Revenue projections had already been declining as the spring session has progressed. Now, lawmakers who have long feared
Community Foundation awards $3.4 million in scholarships
At the Community Foundation of the Fox Valley, we’re celebrating the culmination of this year’s scholarship program. More than 1,300 students applied, and we were deeply moved by their dedication, talent, and determination to pursue higher education. Thanks to the generosity of this remarkable community, we are proud to award
Governor’s office cuts revenue projection by $500M
By Ben SzalinskiCapitol News Illinoisbszalinski@capitolnewsillinois.com Governor JB Pritzker’s office is now projecting state revenues to come in about a half-billion dollars below the baseline projections assumed during his February budget address. The latest downward revision comes as lawmakers are entering the final two-week stretch to approve a budget before their
Fee Prohibition Act bad for small business
May 14, 2025Dear editor, As a small business owner in Illinois, I am deeply concerned about the impending implementation of the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act (IFPA), set to take effect July 1. While the intention to reduce costs for merchants is commendable, the practical implications of this legislation pose significant
State revenue projections improve, economic uncertainty
By Ben SzalinskiCapitol News Illinoisbszalinski@capitolnewsillinois.com The General Assembly’s independent forecasting commission has improved revenue projections for the upcoming fiscal year despite growing economic volatility. That’s good news for state lawmakers who are in the final weeks of crafting the fiscal year 2026 budget set to take effect July 1. But
Kane County Real Estate Tax Bills to be mailed
Kane County Treasurer Chris Lauzen announced that the 2024 payable in 2025 Kane County Real Estate Tax Bills will be in the mail on or before May 1. Treasurer Lauzen shared that the first installment will be due June 2 and the second installment will be due September. The entire
Reader’s Voice: President Trump, incompetent fool
April 13, 2025Dear editor; When you were little and made a mess, what happened? Mom or Dad walked in and exclaimed, What on earth have you been doing? Or What is this mess you’ve made? Either way, you were expected to clean it up. You learned to accept responsibility and
Fed. blocks more than $400M for Illinois health programs
By Ben Szalinski & Jade AubreyCapitol News IllinoisNews@Capitolnewsillinois.com President Donald Trump’s administration is pulling back $477 million from Illinois that was to be used to prevent infectious disease and treat mental health and substance abuse issues. The Illinois Department of Public Health announced this week the federal Centers for Disease
Reader’s Voice: Public Safety Sales Tax, money waste
March 17, 2025Dear editor; There are still townhall meetings for the Kane County Public Safety Sales Tax, so I am happy I probably can come March 20 since I am familiar with the church and it is a time, 6:30 p.m. I can probably exit my driveway at 6 p.m.