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Citizen Portal News Illinois
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DuPage County is charging ahead with new Level 2 EV chargers and a plan to implement a fee while monitoring usage—could this reshape public charging standards?

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#DuPageCounty #IL #CitizenPortal #PublicInfrastructure #SmartCitySolutions #SustainableEnergy #DuPageCountyPublicWorks
Committee extends EV-charger contract; county to charge 20¢/kWh and monitor usage
DuPage County approved a contract extension for two Level 2 EV chargers and plans to implement a 20¢ per kilowatt-hour fee with usage metrics and a two-hour maximum currently in place to reduce overuse.
citizenportal.ai
November 24, 2025 at 1:16 AM
DuPage County's Public Works Committee just approved a $1.46 million contract to upgrade courthouse surveillance, sparking a heated debate on whether cameras deter crime or merely capture it.

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#DuPageCounty #IL #CitizenPortal #DuPageCountyPublicSafety #CrimePrevention
Committee approves $1.46 million courthouse surveillance contract after debate on deterrence and capabilities
DuPage County’s Public Works Committee approved a roughly $1.46 million contract to replace and expand courthouse video surveillance. Members debated whether cameras deter crime or mainly record incidents; staff said new units have additional security capabilities and funding comes from an infrastructure contingency transfer.
citizenportal.ai
November 24, 2025 at 1:14 AM
A new 260-unit luxury apartment community is on the horizon for Crest Hill, promising to transform the local economy and housing landscape!

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#CrestHillWillCounty #IL #CitizenPortal #EconomicGrowth #UrbanPlanning #AffordableHousing
Council gives green light to concept plan for 260-unit Seasons at Crest Hill
Developers presented a 260-unit planned unit development for about 16 acres near Weber and Renwick; council members indicated support in a straw poll and staff outlined the formal rezoning, PUD filings and public‑hearing steps required before approvals.
citizenportal.ai
November 23, 2025 at 7:43 PM
The East St. Louis School District 189 Board just took major steps forward by approving an omnibus package that includes a 2025 tax levy and new policies for student discipline!

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#IL #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EastStLouisSchools #HealthyEnvironment #EducationReform
East St. Louis SD 189 board approves omnibus package including 2025 tax levy, property transfer and student-discipline placements
The East St. Louis School District 189 Board of Education unanimously approved an omnibus package of resolutions that included establishing an energy/indoor-air-quality policy, directing the 2025 tax levy, transferring property, ratifying a workers' compensation settlement and placing six students in alternative school for the remainder of the year.
citizenportal.ai
November 23, 2025 at 1:16 PM
The Oak Park ESD 97 Board just made critical decisions that could shape the future of our schools, from summer programming budgets to tax levy discussions!

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#IL #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #SchoolCalendar
Oak Park ESD 97 board updates: consent-agenda revision approved, summer programming and school calendar advanced; levy discussion flags reserve concerns
Trustees approved a revised consent agenda (personnel update), moved forward a not-to-exceed $685,000 package for 2026 summer programming, adopted the 2026–27 school calendar aligned with the high school, and heard a preliminary levy presentation recommending a 3.3% request amid reserve and tax-timing concerns.
citizenportal.ai
November 23, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Batavia USD 101 received a clean audit, but a $14 million transfer to the capital projects fund raises concerns about future financial stability.

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#IL #CitizenPortal #CyberSecurity #CapitalPlanning #FinancialTransparency
Auditor gives Batavia USD 101 clean opinion; CSBO warns transfers to capital plan will pressure fund balance
The district's independent audit delivered a clean, unmodified opinion and noted two recommendations. The chief school business official outlined a multi-year forecast that includes a $14 million transfer to the Warm, Safe, Dry capital plan and flagged fund-balance risk in later years without intervention.
citizenportal.ai
November 23, 2025 at 6:04 AM
Dozens of voices in Batavia are calling for schools to be a safe haven, urging the Board of Education to adopt an ICE-free policy that protects all students.

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#IL #CitizenPortal #CommunityInclusion #ImmigrantRights #SafeSchools #BataviaSchools
Batavia speakers urge board to adopt ICE-free school policy; trustees move to fast-track draft policy
Several residents, students and a city deputy mayor urged the Batavia Board of Education to adopt a policy limiting immigration-enforcement operations on school property. Board members directed the policy committee to fast-track review and plan a Dec. 2 committee session to prepare a proposed policy and related procedures.
citizenportal.ai
November 23, 2025 at 6:03 AM
Hinsdale's draft 2026 budget is set to deliver $24.8 million in revenues while maintaining a 25% reserve and funding $7.4 million in capital projects without debt!

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#HinsdaleDuPageCounty #IL #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #HinsdaleBudget #EconomicDevelopment
Hinsdale board previews $24.8 million 2026 budget, keeps 25% reserve and $7.4M in pay‑as‑you‑go capital
The Village of Hinsdale presented a draft 2026 operating budget projecting $24.8 million in revenues, a 25% general fund reserve policy, $7.4 million in capital projects funded without new debt and a public hearing set for Dec. 9.
citizenportal.ai
November 23, 2025 at 5:14 AM
Waukegan proposes a tax levy of $34.58 million for 2025, maintaining a 0% increase for the sixth consecutive year while exploring future bond options!

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#WaukeganDuPageCounty #IL #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #WaukeganTaxLevy #CivicTransparency
Waukegan sets proposed 2025 levy at $34.58M (total $37.27M) and retains option to consider bonds later
City Council recommended a proposed aggregate tax levy for 2025 of $34,581,683 (total levy $37,270,341 inclusive of debt service), keeping the levy at a 0% increase; councilors discussed abatements, use of home‑rule sales tax, and a non‑binding inducement resolution to keep an 18‑month bonding option open.
citizenportal.ai
November 23, 2025 at 3:25 AM
Waukegan residents are demanding stronger protections against ICE operations that have left families living in fear, urging local leaders to take decisive action.

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#WaukeganDuPageCounty #IL #CitizenPortal #ImmigrationReform #CommunitySafety #WaukeganCommunity
Residents press Waukegan leaders over ICE presence, call for stronger local protections
Dozens of residents used audience time Nov. 17 to press Waukegan leaders about federal immigration enforcement activity and a Nov. 7 operation they said intimidated the community; speakers demanded clearer safeguards and criticized local responses.
citizenportal.ai
November 23, 2025 at 3:23 AM
The district is exploring solar power for its schools, with potential savings in the hundreds of thousands, while locking in a fixed electric supply rate to maximize efficiency.

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#IL #CitizenPortal #SustainableSolutions #RenewableEnergy #ElectricitySavings
District hears solar proposals; approves 18‑month fixed electric supply for high schools
Vendors presented rooftop and ground solar proposals, incentive stacks and payback models; the board asked for firm pricing and insurance impacts. Separately the board approved an 18‑month fixed electric supply contract for the middle and high school to lock in rates while considering solar.
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 9:15 PM
The Richland County Community School District 1 board has approved a controversial 2025 tax levy amidst rising costs and public protests, leaving many residents concerned about the district's financial management.

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#IL #CitizenPortal #TaxationTransparency #EducationFunding
Richland County CUSD 1 board approves 2025 tax levy after public protest; abatement and bond actions also passed
After public comment criticizing levy increases and district cash balances, the Richland County CUSD 1 board approved the 2025 tax levy and passed abatement resolutions for alternate revenue bonds; board members debated the need to fund salary and rising energy costs.
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 9:14 PM
The DuPage County Technology Committee just approved a $91,045 contract for network support, but what happened behind closed doors during their security discussions?

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#DuPageCounty #IL #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #DuPageCountyTechnology #NetworkSupport #CooperativePurchasing
DuPage County committee approves $91,045 CDW contract for county network after closed-session security discussion
The DuPage County Technology Committee approved a $91,045.70 contract with CDW Government Inc. for services and support of the county network for 12/06/2025–11/30/2026 after briefly meeting in executive session to discuss security procedures.
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Richland County CUSD 1 is set to transform its athletic complex with a $14.9 million renovation featuring cutting-edge synthetic turf and expanded seating for fans!

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#IL #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityInvolvement #EducationReform #RichlandCountySchools
Richland County CUSD 1 board approves $14.9 million athletic complex plan with all‑pivot turf
The Richland County Community School District 1 board voted to approve a $14,886,000 athletic-complex renovation featuring all-pivot synthetic surfaces, a structural concrete base and expanded bleacher depth. The motion passed after hours of technical, budget and maintenance discussion.
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Kratom, often marketed as a harmless herbal supplement, is raising alarms among local officials for its opioid-like effects and the dangers of unregulated sales.

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#MantenoKankakeeCounty #IL #CitizenPortal #MantenoVeterans #PublicHealth #DrugRegulation #CommunitySafety
Kankakee‑area enforcement group briefs Manteno trustees on kratom; board to consider local ban
Agents from the Kankakee Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group described kratom’s opioid‑like effects, potential for addiction and psychosis, and patchwork local restrictions; trustees discussed veterans’ use for PTSD and possible local ordinance or licensing measures and asked staff to gather more information.
citizenportal.ai
November 22, 2025 at 3:12 PM
Communities in McHenry County are urged to gather essential data now to seize potential opportunity-zone nominations before the governor's pivotal selections in July 2026.

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#McHenryCounty #IL #CommunityInvestment #CitizenPortal #McHenryCountyOpportunityZones #DataCollection
Administrator urges local data collection as governor prepares July 2026 opportunity‑zone selections
The administrator told the board it can support communities in compiling demographic and investment data for possible opportunity-zone nominations and recommended collecting local evidence now so the governor can consider nominations when selection guidance is released ahead of a likely July 2026 decision.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Berwyn South SD 100 is taking bold steps to improve student performance with SMART goals and a keen focus on chronic absenteeism—discover how they plan to elevate education through 2026!

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#IL #CitizenPortal #InstructionalImprovement #ChronicAbsenteeism #EducationReform
Berwyn South SD 100 reviews Illinois School Report Card, sets SMART goals and PLC cadence
District staff presented the Illinois School Report Card showing district proficiency and subgroup data, explained recalibrated state cut scores, and outlined SMART goals and weekly PLC structures to drive literacy and math improvements through 2026.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Campton Hills trustees are on the brink of a major decision about a proposed 900-home development, but heated debates over road widths and street lighting could change everything.

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#CamptonHillsKaneCounty #IL #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #InfrastructureDevelopment
Campton Hills reviews preliminary PUD for roughly 900-home LaFox-area development; trustees debate roads, lighting and utilities
Trustees reviewed the Planning & Zoning Commission's recommendation on a preliminary planned-unit development for about 960 acres and up to 900 homes, discussing 20 conditions including roadway widths, street-lighting counts, conservation design and whether TIF funds or the developer should underwrite sewer/water capacity for nearby historic LaFox properties. No final PUD vote was taken.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 6:28 PM
The McHenry County Zoning Board has given the green light for a 10-year renewal of a landscaping business permit, ensuring its operations continue smoothly with a narrower driveway approved!

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#McHenryCounty #IL #ZoningApprovals #CitizenPortal #LocalBusinessSupport
McHenry County ZBA approves 10-year renewal for Espinosa landscaping business, grants driveway-width variance
The McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals voted 7–0 to approve a 10-year renewal of a conditional use permit for indoor and outdoor storage at 3902 East Crystal Lake Avenue and granted a variance to allow a narrowed portion of the driveway (application listed 10 feet; applicant said part measures roughly 14 feet).
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 6:13 PM
The McHenry County Enterprise Zone is set for expansion, with two pathways for adding parcels that could transform local economies—are your communities ready to take action?

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#McHenryCounty #IL #CitizenPortal #McHenryCountyEnterpriseZone #JobCreation #CommunityRevitalization
Enterprise zone administrator outlines two pathways for zone expansion and asks communities to submit parcels by year-end
The enterprise zone administrator told the McHenry County board the zone can expand through a project-driven pathway or by meeting state socioeconomic tests; he asked communities to submit parcel lists by Dec. 31 to begin a process that could take about 12–16 weeks before state review.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 6:10 PM
The Round Lake Area Board of Education has approved a controversial 4.97% tax levy increase, prompting concerns from residents about its impact on struggling families.

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#IL #PublicFunding #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #TaxationTransparency
Round Lake Area board adopts 2025 aggregate tax levy after truth-in-taxation hearing
After a public truth-in-taxation hearing, the Round Lake Area Board of Education adopted its 2025 aggregate tax levy and accompanying resolutions. Administration requested a ballooned 4.97% extension (anticipating receiving about 2.97%); board approved the package by roll call.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Evanston's school board faces fierce community opposition as they vote down a motion to consider closing the historic Lincolnwood Elementary, sparking urgent discussions about the future of education in the area.

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#IL #CitizenPortal #PublicComment #EvanstonEducation
Evanston school board rejects motion to start public hearings on Lincolnwood closure after hours of public comment
After 44 public speakers and extended debate over program impacts and deed‑restriction risks, the Evanston CCSD 65 board voted down a motion to begin three statutorily required public hearings on a proposal to close Lincolnwood Elementary; the board agreed to reconvene Dec. 1 for further consideration.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Lake Forest Hospital is set to undergo a massive expansion by February 2026, doubling its capacity and significantly enhancing care services for the community.

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#LakeForestLakeCounty #IL #CitizenPortal #LakeForestHospital #HealthcareExpansion #CommunityWellbeing #EmergencyCare
Northwestern-affiliated Lake Forest Hospital outlines expansion to double capacity, add services
Hospital leaders told the council an expansion scheduled to be activated in February 2026 will nearly double licensed care spaces (114 to 260), triple emergency-department footprint, add critical-care beds and bring new specialties, clinical trials and more than 150 new staff to the Lake Forest campus.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 5:36 PM