JUNE 24-25, 2026 • VOL. 65 ISSUE 34
LOCAL LOCALNEWS NEWS
Joliet West Journalism ProPlainfield East HS Science gram Awarded $1,500 State Olympiad students achieve Grant to Support Student record-breaking state performance See SeePage Page 3: 3: Publications
Lawmakers, stakeholders are ready for summer of data center negotiations No plans are set, but everyone’s ready to sit down at the table Lawmakers have a busy summer of negotiations ahead of them with pressure from both the governor’s office and their constituents to craft data center regulations that stakeholders and legislators can live with.
See ’WETLANDS’ on page 2
The pressure comes after lawmakers failed to pass any regulations during the spring session, despite widespread concerns from Illinois communities about data centers’ impact on energy demand, water, and quality of life. Lawmakers say the issue is complex, and like with other energy-related bills, they needed more information and time to decide how to structure guardrails. Early in June, Gov. JB Pritzker took executive action to pause tax benefits for data centers and called on the General Assembly to pass regulations that resemble those in the POWER Act, a bill that was discussed in committee meetings but was never voted on. Advocates earlier had lamented Pritzker’s “lack of engagement” in legislative negotiations despite his clear record of calling for added regulations. From 2020-2024, the state pledged about $983 million in lifetime tax benefits to 27 data centers, according to a state report.
(Continued on page 2 see ‘WETLANDS’)
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Advocates rally for greater data center regulations at the Capitol in April 2026. Ultimately, lawmakers adjourned their spring session without taking action on the bill known as the POWER Act. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jenna Schweikert)
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JUNE 24-25, 2026 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM | PAGE 2
LOCAL NEWS
Representative from 360 Youth Services accept a $25,000 Spring Community Impact grant from DuPage Foundation during the Foundation’s Grant Open House on June 11.
(Continued from page 1, ‘WETLANDS’)
passed in veto sessions after failing to advance in the spring.
working group members, so we’ll see if that comes,” she said.
Rep. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, said lawmakers will continue negotiating data center regulations with stakeholders this summer, but no dates have been established.
“We have a lot of stakeholders that are interested in the topic, a lot of diverse viewpoints in the caucus,” she said. “So those are the kind of issues that generally take a lot of conversations before they get across the finish line.”
Communities around Illinois have resisted data centers, and there’s bipartisan interest in creating guardrails for them, but the split between environmental concerns, labor, and the data center industry is significant.
A last-minute push among some lawmakers to pause tax incentives also failed because there was disagreement in the House Democratic caucus, House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, said. “Not only did it struggle, it wasn’t even close in my caucus. I believe it was similar in the Senate,” Welch told Capitol News Illinois.
What lobbyists say
important to strike a balance between economic development, protecting resources and protecting communities.
Tietz testified at every POWER Act hearing, and his position has long been that the industry can negotiate on energy, water reporting and community impact regulations. but he’s maintained the bill in question is too broad and it unfairly singles out data centers when industries like farming and manufacturing have similar energy and water impacts.
“I support the pause while we get a handle on how we’re going to put some guardrails in place regarding data centers,” she said. “But I know some of my colleagues are very interested in the development and the job creation and the economic benefits that development on the scale of a data center can provide.”
chaired three House Executive DuPage Foundation Awards Over $1.3 Williams Committee hearings about data centers Million to Local Nonprofits During Its and their effects on energy demand, water and Illinois communities. The That hurdle is one of the major issues to Spring Community Impact Grant Cycle hearings dealt with House Bill 5513, also overcome, and Williams said it will be
Funding from the Spring Community Impact grant cycle supports nonprofits making a difference across DuPage County.
known as the POWER Act.
DuPage Foundation is pleased to announce it recently awarded more than $1.3 million to DuPage County nonprofit organizations as part of its Spring Community Impact grant program.
The bill would have required data centers to pay for and supply their own renewable energy, track and report water usage and enter community benefits agreements with the municipalities where they’re based. Williams said it’s normal for large bills dealing with energy-related issues to require a lot of negotiation and to take time to pass. The 2025 Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act and the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act both
Grants were awarded to 71 organizations in the health and human services sector—supporting mental health services, housing programs, food insecurity, healthcare and recreation access, as well as seed funding for newer DuPage nonprofits. During two grant cycles each year, the Community Impact grant program supports local nonprofit projects and initiatives that enrich the quality of life for DuPage County residents. DuPage Foundation’s network of donor-advised fund representatives and area donors provided more than $820,000 in additional funds to boost its Community Impact grant budget this cycle— magnifying the Foundation’s local impact with 80% of eligible grant applications funded, a significant increase from 2025. “It’s remarkable to see consistent growth in impact each year,” said Barb Szczepaniak, Foundation vice president for programs. “In response to ris-
ing needs throughout DuPage County, we increased our Health & Human Services grantmaking by 40% compared to last spring. This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening the network of care that supports our community.” Grant Open House Celebrates Recipients Spring Community Impact grantees celebrated alongside DuPage Foundation staff, volunteer leaders, donors, and community partners at a Grant Open House held last Thursday, June 11. Recipients received their grants and connected with fellow changemakers and philanthropists to discuss the current landscape within DuPage County. “One of my favorite parts of working with the Foundation is getting to celebrate the incredible organizations that make DuPage County stronger,” said Betsy Goltermann, DuPage Foundation Trustee and Grant Committee Chair. “Thanks to the generosity of our donor advisors and funding partners, we were able to make this our largest Community Impact grant cycle ever. Seeing so many people come together in support of these nonprofits is truly inspiring.”
‘Wasn’t even close’
Williams said she personally plans to hold a few town hall-type meetings in her district to hear what regulations people want to see, and she’s interested in taking the question to residents across the state. “Nothing is planned yet, but that’s just something a few of us— the sponsor, or the Majority Leader (Robyn Gabel)— and I have talked about with some of our
Lobbyists from stakeholder organizations said they’ve been ready to meet at the negotiating table and they’re only waiting for lawmakers to set dates. “I think it’s unfortunate that we didn’t actually really begin any stakeholder negotiations,” Brad Tietz, director of state policy for the Data Center Coalition, said. “We were prepared and able to do that. It just never came to fruition.”
He said the Data Center Coalition suggested language to amend the Illinois
(Continued on page 3 see ‘WETLANDS’)
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JUNE 24-25, 2026 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM | PAGE 3
LOCAL NEWS
Joliet West Journalism Program Awarded $1,500 State Grant to Support Student Publications Funding from the Spring Community Impact grant cycle supports nonprofits making a difference across DuPage County The Multimedia Journalism program at Joliet West High School has been selected to receive a 2026 School Journalism Grant through the Illinois Press Foundation and the Illinois Farm Bureau, recognizing the school’s commitment to providing students with meaningful, hands-on journalism experiences. The $1,500 grant will support the printing of student-produced publications created by Joliet West student journalists, helping ensure their reporting reaches classmates, staff, families and the broader school community. Representatives from the Illinois Press Foundation and Illinois Farm Bureau are expected to visit the school in late August or early September to formally present the award. Now in its sixth consecutive year of
funding from the Illinois Farm Bureau, the School Journalism Grant program provides financial support to journalism programs throughout Illinois. The initiative encourages schools to strengthen student journalism by providing resources that help students develop reporting, writing, editing, photography, design and publication skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the First Amendment and the essential role of a free press.
nity for our student journalists to continue sharing stories that matter to our school community,” said Ms. Jenn Galloy, Multimedia Journalism teacher at Joliet West High School. “The support from the Illinois Press Foundation and Illinois Farm Bureau helps provide students with valuable real-world journalism experiences and allows them to see their hard work published in print.” Students enrolled in the Multimedia Journalism program are responsible for every stage of the publication process, from brainstorming story ideas and conducting interviews to writing, editing, photography, page design and production.
For Joliet West, the grant represents an investment in both student learning and student voice. The funding will help offset publication costs, allowing students to continue producing high-quality print publications Throughout the school year, they that showcase the stories, accomplishments and perspectives of the school community. (Continued from page 2, ‘WETLANDS’) “This grant is an exciting opportu- Water Use Act of 1983 and require all large water users to report their usage. They’ve also suggested making the “bring your own clean energy” provision voluntary and incentivizing data centers to do it by letting them connect to the electricity grid faster. The POWER Act made “bring your own clean energy” mandatory, but it also allowed data centers to connect to the grid faster for doing it, and for meeting other standards in the bill. “The (POWER Act) language itself we don’t believe should be the starting point,” he told Capitol News Illinois. “Like, let’s identify the broad framework of things that we want to tackle in the Illinois General Assembly and work from there.” Tietz said he had some informal meetings with lawmakers to give them more information and to get a sense of their priorities, but real negotiations need to happen sooner rather than later. “I think this kind of uncertainty is not helping the industry, but it’s also obviously not helping the communities as well,” he said.
Labor unions
Climate Jobs Illinois, a collection of labor organizations dedicated to a pro-worker, pro-climate agenda in Illinois, opposed Pritzker’s freeze on data center tax benefits, saying the move will send developers to other states where labor and environmental protections are weaker. “Illinois didn’t become a national leader in clean energy policy by reacting to polling and headlines,” it said in an emailed statement. “We got here by
cover a wide range of topics, including school events, student achievements, athletics, fine arts, clubs, community service projects and issues affecting the Joliet West community. By working as reporters, photographers, editors and designers, students gain practical experience while developing critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills that prepare them for future academic and career opportunities. The program emphasizes ethical journalism practices, accuracy, fairness and responsible storytelling, providing students with experiences that mirror those of professional newsrooms. The grant will help ensure students can continue producing printed
doing the hard work of building durable frameworks that protect workers, consumers, and the environment. This pause abandons that approach entirely.” The organization declined to comment on what it wants in negotiations, saying it needs to see how the pause plays out. Joe Duffy, the lobbyist representing the group, did attend committee hearings during session.
Environmental groups
Jen Walling, the executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, said she’s also ready to get into detailed negotiations. “I know what we want in terms of guardrails, but I don’t know what labor or some of the data center companies are going to want to see,” she said. The IEC is part of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, the group that has advocated for the POWER Act, and the bill contains their regulatory priorities. “The coalition introduced the POWER Act because it offers the solutions Illinoisans – and this moment – are demanding,” they said in an emailed statement after Pritzker announced his tax benefit pause. “Consumers cannot afford more delays. Now is the time to begin negotiations on policies that will stop rising utility bills, protect our water, and end backroom development deals, and we look forward to working with the governor, legislators, and stakeholders to get this done in the Fall veto session.” Walling said she expects the POWER Act to be pared back in some areas, but she doesn’t have details because she
publications that celebrate the voices and accomplishments of the Joliet West community while giving aspiring journalists the opportunity to see their work published for a real audience. The Illinois Press Foundation, in partnership with the Illinois Farm Bureau, created the School Journalism Grant program to help sustain and strengthen scholastic journalism programs across Illinois. By investing in student media, the organizations aim to encourage the next generation of journalists while reinforcing the importance of informed communities, civic engagement and the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment.
hasn’t met with the Data Center Coalition. The IEC had some informal meetings with lawmakers during the session, but she said those never went into detail or involved other groups. “I want lawmakers in the room to help us get this done,” she said. “That’s the way we’ve done everything else, and that’s what I expect to happen here.” She said she expects something will pass either in veto session later this year or in the January lame duck session. A key obstacle for getting regulations over the finish line, Walling said, was that both legislative chambers were rarely in session at the same time this year. Before May, the House and Senate were only in session at the same time for four weeks — two in February, one in March and one in April. “And so there’s very little time to have in-person meetings that included leaders from both chambers. That made it really hard to get anything done,” Walling said. Though no dates have been established, she said there’s currently “promising movement towards negotiations.” “I do think the vast majority of General Assembly members want to do something about it,” Walling said. “It’s just figuring out what.” Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
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BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM | JUNE 24-25, 2026 | PAGE 4
Areas where insects may gather in your yard
Before reaching for bug spray, check these common backyard hotspots where insects hide, breed and feed—and take simple steps to make your outdoor space less inviting. Outdoor entertaining is a big part of life when the weather warms up. An afternoon and evening spent enjoying warm weather in the backyard is the ideal for millions of people come summertime. An idyllic day entertaining outdoors can be compromised by insects. Biting insects may drive some people indoors, while others may avoid outdoor entertaining spaces entirely at times of year when mosquitoes and other bugs are most active. Bug spray can be a quick and effective remedy against insects, but homeowners also can identify spots on their property that insects may seek out as a food source, breeding ground and/or hiding place. Outdoor living spaces have become extensions of the home, with many families investing in patios, outdoor kitchens, fire pits and comfortable seating areas. Keeping these spaces enjoyable throughout the warmer months often requires more than mowing the lawn and tending flower beds. Understanding what attracts insects can help homeowners make simple adjustments that reduce pest activity without sacrificing time spent outdoors. • Standing water: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note mosquito larvae and pupae live in water with little or no flow. Standing water around a property can be an ideal spot for mosquitoes to lay eggs. Containers that hold water, like bird baths, flower pots or water bowls for pets, may be inviting mosquitoes to lay eggs in your yard. The CDC also notes that mosquitoes may even lay eggs in tree holes that collect water. Remove bird baths from your property if you’re having mosquito issues, and turn over water bowls and empty planters before going inside each night. • Overgrown vegetation: Tall grass, dense shrubs and untrimmed hedges provide shade, moisture and shelter for many insects. Mosquitoes often rest in cool, shaded vegetation during the heat of the day before becoming active at dusk. Regularly mowing the lawn, trimming bushes and pruning low-hanging tree branches can reduce these hiding spots while improving airflow and sunlight throughout the yard. • Leaves: Fallen leaves that are not collected and discarded or added to compost piles may be providing a
breeding ground for unwanted insects. Slugs and beetles hide and breed in fallen leaves, so it’s imperative that homeowners promptly address spots where leaves have fallen. • Untidy areas: The landscape solutions experts at BioAdvanced® note that keeping a neat and clean outdoor environment is the simplest way to eliminate insect habitats on a property. Insects hide in buckets, boards, bricks, and even toys. While it can be a chore to keep up with the exterior grounds of your home, particularly when the weather is warm, a nightly scan of the property and some light tidying up will make your outdoor entertaining spaces less appealing to various species of insect. • Trash and compost bins: Garbage containers that are not tightly sealed can attract flies, ants and other insects searching for food. Compost piles also may draw insects if they contain meat, dairy or oily foods. Keeping trash lids securely closed, cleaning bins periodically and following recommended composting practices can minimize unwanted visitors while still allowing homeowners to recycle organic waste. • Food gardens: Gardening is an enjoyable hobby that studies have shown benefits gardeners’ mental and physical health. But food gardens can serve as primary food sources for insects. However, that does not mean you cannot have a food garden and still enjoy a relatively insect-free outdoor entertaining space. Homeowners are urged to speak with a local garden center for advice on plant diversity. Some plants, like mint and dill, may attract beneficial insects that keep harmful insects at bay. Local climate can affect what works and what doesn’t, so work with a local professional to identify your options. Not all insects should be viewed as pests. Bees, butterflies and many other pollinators play an essential role in healthy gardens and ecosystems, while beneficial insects such as lady beetles and lacewings help keep aphids and other damaging pests under control. The goal is not to eliminate insects entirely, but to discourage those most likely to interfere with outdoor activities. Insects are unwelcome guests when entertaining outdoors. But there’s much homeowners can do to keep insects from setting up shop on their properties.
Insects may be drawn to food gardens, which can make outdoor living areas less comfortable.
JUNE 24-25, 2026 | BUGLENEWSPAPERS.COM | PAGE 5
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE ORDINANCE NO. 26-1 AN ORDINANCE OF THE SHOREWOOD-TROY PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, TO LEVY AN ADDITIONAL .02% TAX FOR EQUIPPING THE LIBRARY AND FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF THE LIBRARY BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT OF THE LIBRARY DISTRICT WHEREAS, the Board of Library Trustees of the Shorewood-Troy Public Library District, Will County, Illinois, is desirous, during the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2027, and ending June 30, 2028, to expend funds for constructing and equipping the library building of the Library District, and for maintenance and repair of the library building and equipment of the Library District. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SHOREWOOD-TROY PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, as follows:
LEGAL NOTICES
Section 1. It is hereby determined that during the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2027, and ending June 30, 2028, sums shall be expended for constructing and equipping the library building of the Library District and for maintenance and repair of the library building and equipment of the Library District.
State of Alabama
United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Southern Division Published Summons Case No: 2:26-cv-00637-AMM
Tanya Walker, Plaintiff v. SABR Express, Inc., and Omarov Islamiddin, Defendants. To:
Omarov Islamiddin, whose whereabouts are unknown, but whose last known address is 13203 Skyline Drive, Plainfield, IL 60585.
You are hereby notified that the plaintiff referenced above has filed a lawsuit or
other legal action against you. This lawsuit concerns a motor vehicle accident in Birmingham, Alabama on October 27, 2024. The plaintiff seeks recovery
of monetary damages. This notice shall be published once a week for four consecutive weeks. If you wish to dispute this matter, you must file a written
Section 2. Pursuant to the provisions of the Illinois Public Library District Act of 1991 (75 ILCS 16/355), it is further determined that the Library District shall levy an additional tax for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2027 and ending June 30, 2028, in the amount of .02% of the value of all taxable property within the Library District, as equalized or assessed by the Department of Revenue, for equipping the library building of the Library district and for the maintenance and repair of the library building and equipment of the Library District.
answer within 21 days of service. The answer should be mailed or delivered to the District Court Clerk, Hugo L. Black United States Courthouse, 1729 5th Avenue North, Birmingham, Alabama 35203, with a copy to the undersigned.
Section 3. Within 15 days after the adoption of this ordinance, a certified copy of this ordinance shall be published once in the Shorewood Sentinel, a newspaper circulated in the Library District.
to you at the address above.
Section 4. The minimum number of Library District voters required to sign a petition requesting that the question of adopting the ordinance be submitted to the electors of the Library District is 10 percent or more of the registered voters of the district at the last election, which is 1,628. The petition shall be filed with the District within 30 days after this notice’s publication, and the prospective referendum date is April 6, 2027. Passed by the Board of Library Trustees of the Shorewood-Troy Public Library District, Will County, Illinois this 18th day of June, 2026.
If you do not file a written answer within 21 days, a judgment may be given to the plaintiff. A copy of the summons and complaint has been previously mailed
Friday, June 12, 2026 Date Christopher J. Zulanas Jess S. Boone
Attorneys for Plaintiff Friedman, Dazzio & Zulanas, P.C. 3800 Corporate Woods Drive Birmingham, AL 35242
Published June 18, 2026, June 25, 2026, July 2, 2026 & July 9, 2026 Thomas Novinski President, Board of Trustees Shorewood-Troy Public Library District
Attest:
Karen Voitik Secretary, Board of Trustees Shorewood-Troy Public Library District
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • SHOP AT HOME SERVICES
STATE OF ILLINOIS) ) SS COUNTY OF WILL ) CERTIFICATION I Karen Voitik, Secretary of the Shorewood-Troy Public Library District, Will County, Illinois, do hereby certify that on the 18th day of July, A.D., 2026 there was adopted an ordinance entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE SHOREWOOD-TROY PUBLIC LIBRARY DISTRICT, WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, TO LEVY AN ADDITIONAL 0.02% TAX FOR EQUIPPING THE LIBRARY AND FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF THE LIBRARY BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT OF THE LIBRARY DISTRICT” FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING ON THE 1ST DAY OF JULY, A.D., 2027 AND ENDING ON THE 30TH DAY OF JUNE, A.D., 2028. It was passed by the President and the Board of Trustees of the Shorewood-Troy Public Library District on the 18th day of July A.D., 2026. A true and correct copy is attached hereto. GIVEN UNDER my hand and seal as Secretary and Custodian of the Records of the Shorewood-Troy Public Library District, Will County, Illinois on the 18th Day of July A.D., 2026.
Secretary, Board of Trustees Shorewood-Troy Public Library District Published June 24, 2026
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