Local Mokena News
HBO 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 Approves Mokena Scrap Drop-Off Despite Municipal Objections
Will County P&Z Commission Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission granted a special use permit for an outdoor recyclable material drop-off facility in Mokena, overriding objections from both the Village of Mokena and Frankfort Township. Mokena Zoning Key Points: Approval: The commission voted unanimously to approve the special…
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 MoreDraft County Federal Agenda Opposes Sharing Medicaid Patient Data with ICE
Article Summary: A proposed federal policy platform presented to the Will County Board takes a hard line against a federal agreement that allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to access the personal data of Medicaid enrollees, citing privacy concerns. ICE/Medicaid Key Points: The Document: This stance is included in the draft Federal Legislative Agenda, which defines the…
Read MoreCounty Board Debates Legislative Agendas; State Agenda Passes, Federal Agenda Sent Back
Will County Board Meeting | January 15, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board engaged in a vigorous and at times confusing debate over its 2026 legislative priorities, ultimately passing an amended State Legislative Agenda while sending the Federal Legislative Agenda back to committee. The meeting was marked by complex parliamentary maneuvers, debates over grammar,…
Read MoreLobbyist Updates: State Session Resumes; Transit Safety Concerns Raised
Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: State lobbyists briefed the Will County Legislative Committee on the upcoming General Assembly session, noting a likely focus on the budget and data center energy needs. During the discussion, Member Julie Berkowicz raised concerns about crime on mass transit systems and the lack…
Read MoreBoard Members Debate “Commitment to Truth” in Media Resolution
Will County Board Legislative Committee Meeting | January 6, 2026 Article Summary: A proposal to demand the reinstatement of the “Fairness Doctrine” for news media sparked a philosophical debate on the role of government in journalism during the Legislative Committee meeting. While the specific resolution was withdrawn, members agreed to include a general statement supporting…
Read MoreExecutive Committee: Speaker VanDuyne and Member Butler Clash Over Removal of Committee Chair
Will County Board Executive Committee Meeting | January 8, 2026 Article Summary: A heated exchange erupted during the January 8 Executive Committee meeting when Member Daniel Butler challenged Speaker Joe VanDuyne’s authority to remove Member Destinee Ortiz from her committee chair position. VanDuyne maintained that as Speaker, he holds the sole authority to appoint and…
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