Local Green Garden News
Executive Committee: Tension Rises as Republican Whip Removed from Panel
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: A dispute over committee appointments erupted when Republican leadership challenged the removal of Member Vince Logan from the Executive Committee. Speaker Joe VanDuyne maintained that “Whip” positions do not carry automatic appointments to the committee, leading to accusations of power balancing. Committee Appointment Key…
Read MoreExecutive Committee Advances “Project Northwinds”: 2,475 Jobs and $346 Million Investment Proposed for Former Caterpillar, Lion Electric Sites
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee moved forward a resolution supporting a massive manufacturing project that promises nearly 2,500 permanent jobs and the revitalization of two major industrial sites in Joliet and Channahon. The project relies on a proposed property tax abatement which officials…
Read MorePlanning Commission Backs 5-MW Peotone Solar Farm; Developer Pledges Pollinator Habitat and Community Funds
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval for a new 5-megawatt commercial solar farm in Will Township near Peotone, which includes a $200,000 community donation budget and pollinator-friendly landscaping. The project, developed by Cenergy Power, will now advance to…
Read MoreState of the College: President Namuo Pushes for Bachelor’s Degrees, Cites Record Graduation Rates
Joliet Junior College State of the College | February 4, 2026 Article Summary: JJC President Dr. Clyne Namuo highlighted the college’s legislative push to offer bachelor’s degrees in applied fields to meet local workforce demands. The address also celebrated a record-breaking year for student graduation and certificate completion. State of the College Key Points: Bachelor’s…
Read MoreLegislative Committee: Lobbyists Report on Federal Shutdown and Legislative Outlook
Legislative Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: Federal lobbyists provided the Legislative Committee with an update on the partial government shutdown and the status of appropriations bills. While critical departments like Transportation and HUD are currently closed, lobbyists expressed optimism that a resolution would be signed shortly to reopen the government. Legislative Update…
Read MoreCapital Imp Committee: Veterans Assistance Commission Set to Move into New Facility
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | Jan. 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) is scheduled to move into its new headquarters at 1300 Copperfield Ave. on Feb. 25, 2026. The renovation project is nearing completion, allowing the county to exit its current lease by March 1. VAC…
Read MoreLegislative Committee Adopts 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda
Legislative Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Legislative Committee finalized and approved the 2026 Federal Legislative Agenda, outlining the county’s top priorities for Congress. The agenda emphasizes the need for increased funding for affordable housing, homelessness services, and critical infrastructure projects while adopting the National Association of Counties (NACo) top…
Read MoreWill County Treasurer’s Investment Strategy Yields $6 Million in Income
Finance Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary: County Treasurer Tim Brophy and investment managers from Stifel presented a detailed review of the county’s investment portfolio to the Finance Committee. The presentation highlighted a strategy of diversification and short-term investments that generated approximately $6 million in annual income, outperforming average portfolio yields. Will County…
Read MoreCapital Imp Committee Debates ‘Human Factor’ in Drafting New Artificial Intelligence Policy
Will County Capital Improvements & IT Committee Meeting | Jan. 6, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Capital Improvements and IT Committee launched a comprehensive discussion on creating a countywide Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy during its Jan. 6 meeting, emphasizing the protection of jobs and data security. The committee directed staff to survey all…
Read MoreHBO Max Orders Cop Drama Pilot ‘American Blue’ to Film in Joliet
Article Summary: HBO Max has ordered a pilot for a new police drama titled “American Blue,” with production scheduled to begin in Joliet and Chicago this April. Starring Milo Ventimiglia and directed by David Ayer, the project aims to deliver a gritty, authentic look at local policing with a production model designed for annual releases.…
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