Local Manhattan News
Capital 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.…
Read MoreJJC Administration Proposes Tuition Increase Amidst Future Budget Concerns
JJC Trustees Workshop Meeting | January 28, 2026 Article Summary: Joliet Junior College (JJC) administration presented a three-year financial plan that relies on a proposed $3 per credit hour tuition increase to maintain a balanced budget in 2027. Trustees expressed hesitation regarding the hike, citing concerns about student affordability and enrollment retention. JJC Financial Plan…
Read MoreWill County Public Works: Access Will County Dial-a-Ride Expands to All 24 Townships, Eliminating Borders
Public Works & Transportation Committee Meeting | February 3, 2026 Article Summary:In a major overhaul of county transit, officials presented a quarterly report confirming that the Access Will County Dial-a-Ride program now covers all 24 townships, removing residency barriers for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The expansion consolidates multiple fragmented systems into a single, cohesive…
Read MoreWill County P&Z Forwards Monee and Manhattan Residential Projects
Will County P&Z Commission Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026 Article Summary: The PZC approved zoning requests facilitating residential improvements in Monee and Manhattan. The approvals allow for the construction of a new home on a narrow lot in Monee and the expansion of a historic home in Wilton Center. Residential Zoning Key Points: Monee Variance: Christina…
Read MoreWill County P&Z: Wilton Township Wedding Venue Secured for 2026 Season
Will County P&Z Commission Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026 Article Summary: For the third consecutive year, the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission has approved a temporary use permit for a wedding and events venue on Doyle Road in Wilton Township. The venue, which operates seasonally, received praise from county staff for its history of…
Read MoreWill County P&Z Grants Variances for Unpermitted Structures in Crete and Manhattan
Will County P&Z Commission Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Planning and Zoning Commission approved variances for property owners in Crete and Manhattan who built agricultural structures without obtaining proper permits. Staff had recommended denial in both cases, arguing that ignorance of zoning rules does not constitute a hardship. Compliance Variance Key Points:…
Read MoreWill County Braces for 6,000-Acre Solar Project; Prepare for ‘Massive’ Solar Hearings
Will County P&Z Commission Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026 Will County Braces for 6,000-Acre Solar Project; Commissioners Weigh Conflicts and Crowds Article Summary:The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission is preparing for two high-stakes public hearings in March regarding massive solar farm proposals. Discussion during the meeting revealed that one of the projects, centered in…
Read MoreSanctuary Status Threatens Emergency Management Funding, Draft Report Warns
Article Summary: Will County’s proposed federal agenda warns that critical emergency preparedness funding is being withheld due to a federal review of “sanctuary jurisdiction” compliance, leaving the county with only a fraction of necessary grant money. Emergency Funding Key Points: The Document: These figures were released as part of the Federal Legislative Agenda, a report outlining the…
Read MoreFrankfort Township Road Commissioner Warns County Panel Against Low-Speed Vehicles
Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | Jan. 13, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee moved forward with a ban on low-speed vehicles on county roadways following testimony from Frankfort Township Road Commissioner Bill Carlson. Officials clarified that the ban applies only to county-maintained roads, leaving townships to create…
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