Press Coverage

Originally published by The Patch on Jan. 14, 2025. 

MINOOKA — Following the public open house regarding Canadian National’s proposed Chicago Logistic Hub Intermodal Facility located off Route 6 in Channahon on Tuesday, State Senator Rachel Ventura raised concerns over the lack of public commentary permitted on the project and the environmental and economic issues that the project could bring to the area.

Hundreds of residents were in attendance as well as elected officials, trade unions, and local police, all trying to learn more. Some residents were outraged with the project.

Originally published by Shaw Local on Dec. 21, 2024. 

Joliet will try to use its eminent domain power to help NorthPoint Development get land for its massive warehouse project amid complaints that the city is going too far to accommodate the developer.

Adding to the intrigue is that the targeted property is owned by CenterPoint Properties, a rival developer that is in court trying to block the NorthPoint project.

Essentially, the city would be using its power to seize property for the public good in a way that would benefit one private developer over its competitor and advance a project that faces intense public opposition.

“Eminent domain should be used sparingly and only for the benefit of the public,” state Sen. Rachel Ventura, D-Joliet, told the City Council before it voted on the eminent domain measure Tuesday.

Originally published by the Chicago Tribune on Nov. 11, 2026. 

Democrats who control the Illinois General Assembly return to Springfield this week facing an agenda that now includes considering how to address the implications of President-elect Donald Trump’s return to power.

Lawmakers will be looking into whether any of the state’s left-leaning laws in areas including reproductive rights and immigration need to be shored up because of fears the incoming Trump administration might take action to undo the state’s policies.

Originally publushed by Illinois Times on Oct. 10, 2024.

Education has always come in many shapes and forms. But in Springfield Public Schools, some of those forms may be the plank, the downward-facing dog and the butterfly.

Yes, youngsters are being taught yoga along with reading, writing and arithmetic.

Jennifer Martin, associate professor of education at University of Illinois Springfield, is partnering with Springfield Public Schools District 186 to integrate yoga and social-emotional learning into the curriculum. The idea is to equip children with productive ways to deal with anger and stress.