Storm cleanup continues
Cleanup efforts are underway across Illinois after a powerful line of storms rolled through the state Thursday, toppling trees, knocking out power and leaving a trail of damage in multiple communities.
ComEd reported at 7 a.m. that more than 40,000 customers were still without power Friday in the Chicago area as crews worked to restore service.
There were reports of hail in numerous central Illinois cities. In Gardner, a town in Grundy County, the fire chief reported approximately eight downed utility poles and several trees that fell on homes.
Chicago teachers vote on union leaders
Chicago Teachers Union members are scheduled to vote for leadership officers Friday. High school teacher Erika Meza is challenging incumbent CTU President Stacy Davis Gates.
Meza and her fellow REAL Caucus candidates are calling for transparency about CTU officer and staff salaries. Gates recently led negotiations on a new contract which will raise the average CTU teacher’s salary over $114,000 per year.
Gates also became the focus of controversy in 2023 when it was revealed that she was sending her son to private school.
New horse stables
Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to celebrate the opening of a new enclosed horse arena at Giant City Stables.
The new enclosed facility, part of Giant City State Park in southern Illinois, will offer year-round therapeutic horse-riding for youth, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, as well as riding lessons and trail rides for the park’s visitors.
