The Ride in Kane program, the local Dial-a-Ride service that provides curb-to-curb transportation to seniors and people with disabilities living in Kane County, has transitioned to a new, countywide coordinated ride model.
This change makes it easier for riders to register, schedule trips, and access public transportation for all eligible residents across Kane County.
Solo habra un servicio de Transporte a domicilio de Kane County, un cambio local a nivel de Condado.
El programa Ride in Kane, el servicio local de transporte a domicilio que ofrece transporte de puerta a puerta a personas mayores y personas con discapacidad que viven en el condado de Kane, ha adoptado un nuevo modelo de transporte coordinado a nivel de condado.
Este cambio facilita el registro, la programación de viajes y el acceso al transporte público para todos los residentes elegibles del condado de Kane.
WEST CHICAGO — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement in response to the killing of Renee Nicole Good by a federal immigration agent during a reckless immigration enforcement action.
Do not look away. Yesterday, January 7, 2026, federal immigration agents shot and killed Renee Nicole Good in Minnesota leaving her six year old child orphaned and a community in anguish. On September 12, 2025 federal immigration agents shot and killed Silverio Villegas González in Franklin Park, Illinois leaving his two young children orphaned and our community in anguish. We mourn the loss of Renee, Silverio, and every life taken or forever changed by the actions of our reckless federal government. The ripple effects of these tragic events eerily echo throughout cities across the United States where the presence of federal immigration agents threaten community safety.
No one is safe when inadequately trained federal agents, armed to the hilt with hand guns, assault style weapons and tear gas, speed through city streets sowing chaos at every turn.
Today my thoughts are with the family of Renee Nicole Good and the people of Minnesota. May her memory be a blessing and a spark that ignites meaningful, peaceful change. We must not look away – we all have a responsibility to stand up, speak out, and shine a light on truth.
My thoughts are also with my neighbors here in Illinois. To our immigrant community who continue to work, go to school, and find joy despite the constant terror of the federal government – I see you and I stand with you. And to our neighbors who continue to protect each other in spite of the danger – you answer the call of pre-dawn signal chats, patrol community streets, and blow whistles to warn of danger – thank you. Together we protect us.
Representante Maura Hirschauer reflexiona tras el tiroteo de ICE en Minnesota; enfatiza el deber de ponerse de pie, hablar y arrojar luz sobre la verdad
“Ayer, 7 de Enero del 2026, agentes federales de inmigración le dispararon y mataron a Renee Nicole Good en Minnesota dejando huérfano a su hijo de seis años y a toda una comunidad destrozada. El 12 de septiembre de 2025 agentes federales de inmigración le dispararon y mataron a Silverio Villegas Gonzalez en Franklin Park, Illinois, dejando huérfanos a sus dos hijos pequeños y a nuestra comunidad sumida en dolor.”
“Estamos de luto y lamentamos profundamente la pérdida de Renee, Silverio, y de cada vida arrebatada o marcada para siempre por las acciones insensatas de nuestro gobierno federal. Los efectos secundarios de estos eventos trágicos que recorren ciudades de todo Estados Unidos, donde la presencia de agentes federales de inmigración pone en riesgo la seguridad de las comunidades.”
“Nadie está a salvo cuando agentes federales deficientemente mal capacitados, armados hasta los dientes con pistolas, armas tipo asalto y gas lacrimógeno, se lanzan a toda velocidad por las calles de la ciudad, sembrando caos a cada paso.”
Hoy mis pensamientos están con la familia de Renee Nicole Good y con la gente de Minnesota. Que su memoria sea una bendición y una luz que encienda un cambio real y pacifico. No debemos apartar la mirada y todos tenemos la responsabilidad de resistir, alzar la voz, y sacar la verdad a la luz.”
“Mis pensamientos también están con mis vecinos aquí en Illinois. A nuestra comunidad inmigrante que sigue trabajando, yendo a la escuela, y encontrando alegría a pesar del terror constante del gobierno federal. Yo los veo y estoy con ustedes. Y a nuestros vecinos que continúan protegiéndose unos a los otros a pesar del peligro. Que responden a los chats de alerta antes del amanecer, patrullan las calles y hacen sonar silbatos para avisar del peligro, gracias. Juntos nos cuidamos.”
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
(D-Batavia) 49th District
Springfield Office: 270-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
WEST CHICAGO — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is responding to recent news that the federal administration will halt tens of millions of dollars in grants set aside to strengthen schools in low-income communities, including District 33 in West Chicago.
“This abrupt decision to pull funding from schools serving some of our most vulnerable students is absolutely devastating,” said Hirschauer. “These funds provide critical lifelines—hot meals, enrichment programs, and after-school sports and clubs that support children’s positive development as they grow. What makes this even more gut-wrenching is that the president’s anti-DEI rhetoric is being used to justify stripping away resources from our children. The cruelty of the federal government truly knows no bounds.”
District 33 is one of 70 Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) grantees that were expecting more than $380 million in federal awards between now and 2028. In Illinois, the organization ACT Now facilitates these funds to serve over 19,000 students across 32 public schools annually, including support for Leman Middle School (LMS) and Wegner Elementary Schools in District 33.
Due to the Trump Administration’s executive orders limiting DEI in school settings, the West Chicago school district was notified Friday that it will lose access to critical funds starting Jan. 1st—leaving handfuls of staff and several community partners scrambling to provide for students relying on programs, including extended learning time, health care, tutoring programs, meals, and more.
A total of over $55 million in funding will be discontinued over the next three years across Illinois, jeopardizing the district’s full-time Community School Administrator, academic and enrichment programming, mental health and social service partnerships, and more.
“To take funding away from students, educators, and families with no notice, and during the holiday season is unconscionable. While the decisions made in Washington continue to wreak havoc on hard working Illinoisans, my focus remains fighting for the communities we deserve,” said Hirschauer. “That includes protecting and investing in our schools to ensure that every child has access to learning, opportunity, and the unforgettable lessons that take place in classrooms every day.”
“To take funding away from students, educators, and families with no notice, and during the holiday season is unconscionable. While the decisions made in Washington continue to wreak havoc on hard working Illinoisans, my focus remains fighting for the communities we deserve,” said Hirschauer. “That includes protecting and investing in our schools to ensure that every child has access to learning, opportunity, and the unforgettable lessons that take place in classrooms every day.”
Hirschauer responde a devastadores recortes de financiamiento a las escuelas, programas y servicios sociales de West Chicago
La representante estatal Maura Hirschauer, demócrata de Batavia, está respondiendo a noticias recientes de que la administración federal suspenderá decenas de millones de dólares en subvenciones destinadas a fortalecer las escuelas en comunidades de bajos ingresos, incluido el Distrito 33 en West Chicago.
“Esta decisión abrupta de retirar fondos a escuelas que atienden a algunos de nuestros estudiantes más vulnerables es absolutamente devastadora”, dijo Hirschauer. “Estos fondos brindan apoyos esenciales: comidas calientes, programas de enriquecimiento y deportes y clubes extracurriculares que respaldan el desarrollo positivo de los niños a medida que crecen. Lo que hace esto aún más doloroso es que la retórica anti-DEI del presidente se esté utilizando para justificar el despojo de recursos a nuestros niños. La crueldad del gobierno federal realmente no conoce límites”.
El Distrito 33 es uno de los 70 beneficiarios del programa de Escuelas Comunitarias de Servicio Completo (Full-Service Community Schools, FSCS) que esperaban recibir más de 380 millones de dólares en fondos federales entre ahora y 2028. En Illinois, la organización ACT Now administra estos fondos para atender a más de 19,000 estudiantes cada año en 32 escuelas públicas, incluido el apoyo a la Escuela Intermedia Leman (LMS) y a la Escuela Primaria Wegner en el Distrito 33.
Debido a las órdenes ejecutivas de la Administración Trump que limitan las iniciativas de DEI en entornos escolares, el distrito escolar de West Chicago fue notificado el viernes de que perderá acceso a fondos críticos a partir del 1 de enero, dejando a varios miembros del personal y a numerosos socios comunitarios luchando por seguir apoyando a los estudiantes que dependen de programas como tiempo de aprendizaje extendido, atención médica, tutorías, comidas y más.
Un total de más de 55 millones de dólares en fondos será descontinuado en Illinois durante los próximos tres años, poniendo en riesgo el puesto de Administrador de Escuelas Comunitarias de tiempo completo del distrito, así como programas académicos y de enriquecimiento, alianzas de salud mental y servicios sociales, entre otros.
“Quitar fondos a estudiantes, educadores y familias sin previo aviso y durante la temporada navideña es inconcebible. Mientras las decisiones tomadas en Washington continúan causando estragos entre los trabajadores de Illinois, mi enfoque sigue siendo luchar por las comunidades que merecemos”, dijo Hirschauer. “Eso incluye proteger e invertir en nuestras escuelas para garantizar que cada niño tenga acceso al aprendizaje, a oportunidades y a las lecciones inolvidables que ocurren todos los días en las aulas”.
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
(D-Batavia) 49th District
Springfield Office: 270-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
That’s what I tell people who pass through our community of West Chicago on Route 59 or Route 38 on their way to other places. Take a detour, and explore our historic community that was built up and around the railroads, and by immigrants from all over the globe. Wander through our downtown, grab a strong coffee from our local coffee shop, enjoy homemade gorditas and deliciously soft concha.
West Chicago is normally a quiet town, but if you look closer you will now see unmarked SUVs, trucks and vans with tinted windows patrolling our tree lined streets, circling neighborhood schools, spreading fear with every turn. Do not turn away. These are ICE agents, and they are here simply because West Chicago is a largely Latino community. They are not armed with judicial criminal warrants; they are armed with guns and pepper spray. These agents are not protecting our community from criminals; they are abducting fathers on their way home from school drop-off, aunts and uncles leaving a shift at a local factory, college students attending early morning classes.
Do not turn away—pay attention to the cries of our neighbors. They have been living peacefully, working hard, paying taxes, raising their families, going to church. The vast majority of people here are citizens, while others dream of a path. Everyone in West Chicago now feels as if their world has turned upside down. They are terrified of leaving their house and never seeing their children again. They are not criminals—they are your neighbors and ICE is holding them hostage.
The federal administration’s deployment of ICE in our peaceful neighborhoods is not keeping us safe, in fact it is doing quite the opposite. There is no part of “Operation Midway Blitz” that is aimed at solving the systemic issues in our immigration system. Instead, the “blitz” has left our families and neighborhoods vulnerable. Unaccountable, masked ICE agents are undermining years of work by our law enforcement to build trust with the communities they serve. Families are too afraid to call the police – even in dire emergencies. The fear tactics of ICE have forced our neighbors to think twice before calling for help.
Our current immigration policy is broken, and instead of rolling up his sleeves, doing the work of governing, and offering solutions to fix it, President Trump is choosing to target and torture the very immigrant community that weaves the fabric of this nation. It is a cowardly and weak choice, and above all it is a dangerous one. Every single person in our community is put in harm’s way when ICE agents roam our neighborhoods.
Sadly, our community is not alone. ICE agents are terrorizing communities throughout our state; towns like Elgin, Aurora, Franklin Park, Glendale Heights and Addison; and neighborhoods throughout the city of Chicago.
Please, do not turn away. Witness the educators, administrators and childcare workers who are working overtime—arriving early and staying late—to ensure that students are safely cared for during the school day. Notice the factory workers, who despite the real fear of ICE abduction, continue to show up to do their essential jobs and keep our economy moving. Recognize the laborers who persist on job sites building integral infrastructure, or maybe even improving and repairing your own home. Observe the small business owners who open their doors even as the threat of ICE looms.
Do not turn away, take action. Join community members who have organized to keep watch, document stops, and support each other through fear and uncertainty. Donate to your local foodbank. Shop and eat at immigrant owned businesses and restaurants. And most importantly, spread truth. ICE is not in our community serving judicial criminal warrants. ICE is not detaining violent offenders. Instead, they are stripping away due process rights, profiling people simply based on the color of their skin, and forcing entire communities to live in fear. That does not keep our communities safe—we do. Please join us.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month my office is partnering with Gallery 200 to offer a drop-in craft for kids to celebrate West Chicago’s vibrant history. Families of all ages and sizes are welcome!
This Mexican Independence Day, while ICE threatens my neighbors and constituents, I choose to honor the hardworking people who make our community thrive.
I celebrate the educators and school administrators who arrive early and stay late to ensure students are safe and cared for as immigration enforcement officials circle our neighborhoods. I honor the union factory workers who protect one another during shift changes. I recognize the business owners who stand firm, refusing to let ICE enter without a federal judicial warrant. And I uplift the community members who organize to keep watch, document stops, and support each other through fear and uncertainty.
ICE does not keep our communities safe—we do. ICE sows division, chaos, and fear. We build unity, peace, and care for our immigrant neighbors and for each other.
So we chose joy. We chose to dance and sing with ballet folklórico and mariachi. We chose to support Mexican businesses, savor delicious food, and celebrate beautiful art. We chose to create safe spaces filled with peace and celebration.
Viva México!
Día de la Independencia de México
Este Día de la Independencia de México, mientras ICE amenaza a mis vecinos y electores, elijo honrar a las personas trabajadoras que hacen prosperar a nuestra comunidad.
Celebro a los educadores y administradores escolares que llegan temprano y se quedan hasta tarde para garantizar la seguridad y el cuidado de los estudiantes mientras los agentes de inmigración patrullan nuestros vecindarios. Honro a los trabajadores sindicalizados de fábricas que se protegen mutuamente durante los cambios de turno. Reconozco a los dueños de negocios que se mantienen firmes, negándose a permitir la entrada de ICE sin una orden judicial federal. Y aplaudo a los miembros de la comunidad que se organizan para vigilar, documentar las detenciones y apoyarse mutuamente ante el miedo y la incertidumbre.
ICE no mantiene seguras a nuestras comunidades; nosotros sí. ICE siembra división, caos y miedo. Construimos unidad, paz y cuidado para nuestros vecinos inmigrantes y para nosotros mismos.
Así que elegimos la alegría. Elegimos bailar y cantar con ballet folklórico y mariachi. Elegimos apoyar a los negocios mexicanos, disfrutar de la deliciosa comida y celebrar el arte. Elegimos crear espacios seguros llenos de paz y celebración.
¡Viva México!
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
(D-Batavia) 49th District
Springfield Office: 270-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
Thoughts and prayers? Two children were killed and at least 17 others injured when a gunman fired several rounds of bullets through the open windows of a Catholic church this morning. Thoughts and prayers have not and will not extinguish the gun lobby’s stranglehold on this country. We must stand up and pass real, comprehensive, nation-wide gun safety policies: a national assault weapon and high capacity magazine ban, and universal background checks.
Instead, we have a federal government defunding valuable and proven community violence intervention programs, and encouraging deregulation of firearms by eliminating the $200 tax stamp on suppressors, short-barreled rifles and shot guns. The steps taken by President Trump puts all of our communities at risk — we cannot stand by and watch as our federal gun safety policy buckles under the gun lobby’s pressure.
Here in Illinois we have taken the steps to keep our communities safe: from banning assault weapons and high capacity magazines in the Protect Illinois Communities Act, to keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous abusers in Karina’s Law, to mandating the safe storage of firearms when children are present in the Safe at Home Act. We are working every single day to save lives from gun violence. Make no mistake, there is more work to do. As the chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Policy, I am committed to doing that work.
We must value our children over our guns. We must commit to creating a world in which parents can drop their children off at school, at church, at playgrounds — without fear of gunfire. My heart breaks for the families who lost their precious babies today, and for the school community whose lives will be forever changed. We will honor their lives, not with thoughts and prayers alone, but with a commitment to action and change.
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
(D-Batavia) 49th District
Springfield Office: 270-S Stratton Office Building Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 782-1653
District Office: 946 Neltnor Blvd #104 West Chicago IL 60185
Citizens Utility Board will be hosting a Utility Bill Clinic at our Mobile DMV Event, on October 22nd, at the Hanover Township Senior Center!
CUB counselors will be available at the event to answer questions about your gas, electric, and telecom bills. Additionally, there will be information on spotting unnecessary charges, methods to reduce your utility bills such as rebates and energy efficiency programs, avoiding scams, and options to access solar.
From 10 AM – 12 PM appointments will be required as they take one-on-one consultations, you can register by calling 331-465-9661. Walk-ins are available from 12 PM – 2 PM on a first come, first served basis along with general resources and information. Please bring copies of your most recent utility bills if you would like personalized advice from a CUB counselor.
Gallery 200
103 W.Washington St West Chicago,
Illinois
60185United States+ Google Map
New Campaign Highlights the Social Impact of Speeding Through Real Stories
The Illinois Tollway has launched its “If Only” campaign to combat speed-related crashes and promote safer driving habits. The initiative underscores a simple but powerful message: speeding has consequences, so slow down and save lives.
“Speeding and unsafe driving behaviors affect not just the driver but everyone around them – other drivers, passengers and first responders,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “We’re calling on everyone to be part of the solution.”
Safe Driving Tips
Be aware of your speed and adjust it accordingly: Know how fast you’re going. Consider the number of vehicles on the road, the speed of other vehicles and road conditions.
Give space to speeding drivers: Speeding drivers may lose control of their vehicle more easily.
Obey speed limits: Speeding is linked to aggressive driving. It’s also illegal and expensive if you get a ticket.
Pay attention to other drivers: If a speeding driver is tailgating you, use judgment to safely steer away.
Leave extra time to travel: You never know how traffic hazards like crashes or weather conditions may impact your trip.
The “If Only” campaign is intended to evoke a sense of reflection, regret and personal responsibility through authentic and compelling perspectives of people who have been deeply impacted by speed-related crashes. The new campaign seeks to inspire drivers to reconsider their behaviors behind the wheel by focusing on the potential unintended consequences of speeding – not only for themselves but for those sharing the road with them.
Cambiando comportamientos: cómo la campaña “Si Tan Solo” de la Autopista de Illinois busca salvar vidas
Nueva campaña destaca el impacto social del exceso de velocidad a través de historias reales
La Autopista de Illinois ha lanzado su campaña “Si Tan Solo” para combatir los accidentes relacionados con el exceso de velocidad y promover hábitos de conducción más seguros. La iniciativa transmite un mensaje simple pero poderoso: el exceso de velocidad tiene consecuencias, así que reduce la velocidad y salva vidas.
“El exceso de velocidad y los comportamientos de conducción inseguros no solo afectan al conductor, sino a todos los que lo rodean: otros conductores, pasajeros y los socorristas,” dijo Cassaundra Rouse, directora ejecutiva de la Autopista de Illinois. “Hacemos un llamado a todos para que formen parte de la solución.”
Consejos para una conducción segura
Sé consciente de tu velocidad y ajústala según las condiciones: Conoce a qué velocidad vas. Ten en cuenta la cantidad de vehículos, la velocidad del tráfico y el estado de la carretera.
Deja espacio a los conductores que van con exceso de velocidad: Pueden perder el control de su vehículo con mayor facilidad.
Respeta los límites de velocidad: El exceso de velocidad está relacionado con la conducción agresiva. También es ilegal y costoso si recibes una multa.
Presta atención a los demás conductores: Si alguien está manejando demasiado cerca de ti, utiliza tu juicio para alejarte de forma segura.
Sal con tiempo: Nunca sabes cómo un accidente o el clima pueden afectar tu viaje.
La campaña “Si Tan Solo” busca provocar reflexión, arrepentimiento y un sentido de responsabilidad personal a través de testimonios reales y conmovedores de personas que han sido profundamente impactadas por accidentes relacionados con el exceso de velocidad. Esta nueva campaña pretende inspirar a los conductores a replantearse sus comportamientos al volante, enfocándose en las posibles consecuencias no intencionadas del exceso de velocidad — no solo para ellos mismos, sino para todos los que comparten la vía.
WEST CHICAGO, IL – Despite being eradicated in 2000, measles has made a return. Since the start of 2025, the CDC has reported over 1,000 measles cases nationally, including three deaths. This marks a significant increase compared to the 289 cases in 2024 and 59 in 2023. Only 5% of those infected were reported to have received any vaccination. In Cook County alone, over 12,000 children remain unvaccinated, a number that has doubled over the last 10 years. This is particularly concerning, as CDC data shows that children ages 0–19 account for 66% of cases, and 1 in 5 children under age 5 who contracted measles required hospitalization.
The Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has released a new Measles Awareness Toolkit in response to this increase. Driven by an increase in misinformation regarding vaccines and declining vaccination rates, this toolkit aims to help schools, municipalities, and community-based organizations raise awareness about the importance of measles vaccination.
While measles can cause serious complications, it is preventable. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective and typically provide lifelong immunity. The first dose is recommended at 12–15 months of age, and the second dose is given between 4–6 years. These vaccines have been safely used for over half a century and remain one of the most effective tools in public health.
Your decision to vaccinate protects not only yourself but also your community. The CCDPH emphasizes, “Measles is not a harmless childhood illness. It’s one of the most contagious diseases we know. If one person is infected, 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people nearby will also get sick.”
Residents without a healthcare provider can call Cook County Health at 312-864-1111 for assistance with vaccination.
El Condado de Cook Lanza un Kit de Concientización sobre el Sarampión para Combatir la Desinformación y Promover la Vacunación
WEST CHICAGO, IL – A pesar de haber sido declarada eliminada en el año 2000, el sarampión ha regresado. Desde comienzos de 2025, los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) han reportado más de 1,000 casos de sarampión a nivel nacional, incluyendo tres muertes. Esto representa un aumento significativo en comparación con los 289 casos en 2024 y los 59 en 2023. Solo el 5% de las personas infectadas tenían algún historial de vacunación. En el Condado de Cook, más de 12,000 niños siguen sin estar vacunados—una cifra que se ha duplicado en los últimos 10 años. Esta situación es especialmente preocupante, ya que los datos de los CDC muestran que los niños de 0 a 19 años representan el 66% de los casos, y 1 de cada 5 niños menores de 5 años que contrajeron sarampión requirieron hospitalización.
El Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Cook (CCDPH, por sus siglas en inglés) ha lanzado un nuevo Kit de Concientización sobre el Sarampión en respuesta a este aumento. Impulsado por el crecimiento de la desinformación sobre las vacunas y el descenso en las tasas de vacunación, este kit tiene como objetivo ayudar a escuelas, municipios y organizaciones comunitarias a crear conciencia sobre la importancia de la vacunación contra el sarampión.
Aunque el sarampión puede causar complicaciones graves, es una enfermedad prevenible. Dos dosis de la vacuna MMR (sarampión, paperas y rubéola) son 97% efectivas y, por lo general, proporcionan inmunidad de por vida. Se recomienda aplicar la primera dosis entre los 12 y 15 meses de edad, y la segunda entre los 4 y 6 años. Estas vacunas se han utilizado de manera segura durante más de medio siglo y siguen siendo una de las herramientas más eficaces en salud pública.
Decidir vacunarse no solo protege a uno mismo, sino también a la comunidad. El CCDPH enfatiza: “El sarampión no es una enfermedad infantil inofensiva. Es una de las enfermedades más contagiosas que conocemos. Si una persona está infectada, 9 de cada 10 personas no vacunadas que se encuentren cerca también se contagiarán.”
Los residentes que no tienen un proveedor de atención médica pueden llamar a Cook County Health al 312-864-1111para recibir ayuda con la vacunación.
