Press Coverage

Originally published by WJOL on May, 11 2026.

Opponents of a planned $20 billion data center project in Joliet say big tech money arrived before public oversight.

Real estate developer Hillwood and PowerHouse DataCenters say their investment in the Joliet Technology Center will bring thousands of construction jobs and long-term revenue to strengthen city services.

The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition held a press conference outside Joliet City Hall on Monday. Activists said Joliet’s planning commission and city council moved the 795-acre project forward in less than three weeks.

State Sen. Rachel Ventura, D-Joliet, said most constituents do not want the Joliet Technology Center.

Originally published by the Illinois Times on May 15, 2025.

Following the visit from Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, many Illinois lawmakers and community advocates gathered to say, “Go Home Noem.”

Ventura stood in solidarity with Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Senate President Don Harmon, House Speaker Chris Welch, and dozens of lawmakers who delivered remarks at the rally held outside the Capitol.

Originally published by the Illinois Times on April 24, 2025.

Inspired by reform efforts in Ireland and Germany, Illinois activists are working to pass legislation that would offer more rehabilitation opportunities for youth offenders, allowing them to get their lives back on track and stay out of prison.

Senate Bill 2156, which has passed the Senate and moved to the House, is the first step by bill sponsor Sen. Rachel Ventura, D-Joliet, to improve Illinois’ juvenile justice system.

Originally published by Shaw Local on Feb. 5, 2025.

For regular readers, Senate Bill 42 doesn’t come as a surprise.

That doesn’t just apply to Eye On Illinois or Shaw Local readers, but also to those attuned to state court rulings.

On Dec. 5, the Illinois Supreme Court issued its opinion in Illinois v. Molina, a 4-2 decision affirming an appellate court ruling that a police officer who smells raw marijuana has legal grounds to search a vehicle. Shaw Local’s Emily Coleman summarized the case, which originated in Whiteside County, at tinyurl.com/PeopleVMolina.

The full opinion is at tinyurl.com/MolinaSCOILL. Justice P. Scott Neville wrote for the majority, which is fitting because he also wrote the opinion when the court ruled the smell of burnt marijuana doesn’t give probable cause for a warrantless vehicle search.