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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Rachel Ventura, a staunch advocate for humane criminal justice reform as well as improving diversity, transparency and equality in the state, has been appointed to serve as chair of the Senate Human Rights Committee for the 104th General Assembly.

“Throughout my career, I have remained steadfast in improving the lives of Illinoisans through initiatives in housing, mental health access, economic opportunities and environmental sustainability — all of which are integral to ensuring humans have access to a safe and healthy planet,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “It is an honor to be entrusted with chairing the Human Rights Committee. I am deeply committed to advancing policies that address systemic inequities, including those rooted in socioeconomic disparities, while upholding the dignity of every individual. Illinois serves as a beacon of hope in the Midwest, and I aim to enhance transparency and fairness for all in this new role.”

Originally published by Shaw Local on Jan. 16, 2025.

People from around the Channahon-Minooka area got their first glimpse at Canadian National’s plans for the Chicago Logistics Hub, an intermodal hub it hopes to have open in 2028.

The logistics hub would have Route 6 as its southern border, the CSX track as its northern border, the Canadian National track as its eastern border and Sand Ridge Road as its western border.

MINOOKA – Following the public open house regarding Canadian National’s proposed Chicago Logistic Hub Intermodal Facility located off Rt. 6 in Channon held in Minooka 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.

“It’s extremely disappointing to me that Canadian National is bringing this massive intermodal facility without giving the opportunity for the public to comment nor are they listening to the concerns of the very residents this plan will affect directly,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “The area is already heavily impacted with increased truck traffic that causes accidents and unsafe driving conditions. I am vehemently opposed to this project as additional trucks on the road will add the ongoing problem of air pollution and many of these jobs are low wage jobs hurting our economy."

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.