Press Coverage

Originally publusehd by The Patch on Oct. 7, 2024 

JOLIET — Cullinan Properties celebrated Monday morning's opening of the new interchange at Interstate 55 and Route 59 near I-80. The new diverging diamond will serve as the main thoroughfare into the 310-acre Rock Run Collection under development, with Hollywood Casino Joliet under construction and the first multi-family building soon to break ground. This marks the third diverging diamond for Will County. The other two are at Weber Road in Romeoville and at Houbolt Road in Joliet.

According to the press release: the new infrastructure gateway at I-55 and Route 59 in Joliet is part of a $93 million access project that will improve safety and increase access to Joliet, Shorewood, Plainfield and the surrounding communities, including to Rock Run Collection, a 310-acre mixed-use development.

Originally published on ABC New Channel 20 on Sept. 19, 2024

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — Anassociate professor in the School of Education at the University of Illinois Springfield, is partnering with Springfield Public Schools District 186 to integrate yoga and social-emotional learning (SEL) into the curriculum.

Jennifer Martinrecently led a project combining a memoir-writing group with SEL and yoga workshops at Douglas Alternative School.

This initiative involved ninth-grade students, who created their own memoirs and engaged in yoga, breathing techniques and SEL practices. Feedback indicated that students found the breathing exercises effective for managing stress and improving emotional well-being.

Martin is also starting a yoga club at Hazel Dell Elementary School, targeting fifth-grade students during the Boys and Girls Club after-school program.This program aims to introduce younger students to yoga and SEL practices to support their physical, emotional and mental development.

Martin’s project aligns with new Illinois legislation, effective Jan. 1, 2025, which requires 20 minutes of yoga or meditation in schools. This new law, championed by State Senator Rachel Ventura, emphasizes the role of these practices in supporting student health and learning.

Originally published on My Journal Courier on Aug. 3, 2024

A new law awaiting the governor's signature would put more emphasis on mental health by requiring schools to have periods in which relaxation techniques are taught.

Senate Bill 2872 would require all schools to provide at least 20 minutes a week that focus on stress-relieving activities, outside of normal recess periods.

Originally published on Bolingbrook Patch on July 24, 2024

DuPage Township residents came out in force Monday to voice their opinion regarding a rate increase proposed by Illinois American Water.

Over 300 people packed the Township’s Senior (Levy) Center, overflowing on to seats set up on the center’s patio.