GRANTS
CONGRATULATIONS, LIVINGSTON COUNTY!
Congratulations to the Livingston County Childcare Coalition, which has been awarded a $12,500 planning grant from Birth to Five Illinois! The grant will strengthen the coalition’s outreach abilities and provide pathways for further input on childcare needs and opportunities. Learn more here: Livingston County Childcare Coalition — Birth to Five Illinois
Also, from the graphics above, the Livingston County Childcare Coalition is seeking childcare workers and offering a workshop for those interested in opening and operating a family childcare business. Please scan the QR codes to complete the survey and workshop registration, or you can click the links below.
Livingston County Childcare Provider Interest Survey
Opening & Operating a Family Child Care Business
There’s still time to apply for the 2026 Local Food Infrastructure Grant program. These grants can be used to invest in food processing, aggregation, and distribution to help Illinois-grown products reach consumers. Applications are due by March 27. Learn more at the links below.
Applications available for Illinois Local Food Infrastructure Grants | WSIU
Illinois Local Food Infrastructure Grant
SEVERE WEATHER
It is spring in Illinois, and that means we all must be prepared for severe weather. This past week, our local communities were impacted with tornadoes, high winds, and destructive hail. Sadly, at least three lives were lost in the storms that hit Illinois and Indiana. Thank you to all of the first responders, neighbors, and brave citizens who have helped during the immediate aftermath of the storms and the recovery efforts.
If you were or ever become impacted by severe storms, make sure you stay safe and aware in the aftermath. Check the links below for more of the storm coverage, along with helpful post-storm information.
https://wgntv.com/kankakee-county/storm-damage-kankakee-illinois
https://www.centralillinoisproud.com/news/local-news/severe-storms-central-illinois
1 killed by tornado in Kankakee County, authorities say – NBC Chicago
https://ready.illinois.gov/after
STATE FINANCIAL OUTLOOK
The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability’s latest report predicts revenue will be slightly higher than Gov. Pritzker’s proposed budget. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean Illinoisans will catch a break from tax-and-spend Dems.
Learn more: What to know about COGFA’s Friday state revenue update | Capitol News Illinois
AROUND THE DISTRICT
IDOT has announced that, weather permitting, road work on I-39 in LaSalle County will begin Monday, March 16. The $3.7 million project involves work on the I-39 bridges that cross I-80 in LaSalle. Construction will include shoulder repairs, replacement of expansion joints, and resurfacing. One lane will be closed in each direction throughout the project.
Learn more here: I-39 work in La Salle County begins March 16
MAKERS MADNESS
Voting is now open in the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association Makers Madness contest to determine The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois. Vote now to help choose The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois
PUBLIC SAFETY
It shouldn’t have taken warnings from the federal government for the CTA to take safety seriously. Sadly, the lack of action comes from the top in Illinois. Last fall, Democrat leaders opted to place “transit ambassadors” instead of law enforcement officers, to prevent crime on trains and buses. These ridiculous policies must be ended, and public safety has to come first in Illinois.
Learn more here: New CTA security plan: sheriff’s deputies on trains, high-barrier gates, farecard checks – Chicago Sun-Times