Mold Remediation in Chicago, IL

The debate over whether Election Day should be a holiday could probably be placed on a ballot, but do Illinois officials treat the first Tuesday of November in that way?

This year, Election Day falls on Nov. 5, with races up and down the ballot sure to provide compelling drama as votes are tabulated.

While Election Day is not recognized as a federal holiday, it is recognized as a holiday in the state of Illinois, at least for the 2024 election cycle.

That being said, don’t expect a slew of businesses to close their doors for the day. Here’s what to know.

Will Illinois schools be in session on Election Day?

Election Day is a mandatory school holiday in Illinois for public schools in the K-12 system, meaning that children will have the day off from instruction.

Schools that do not have instruction on Election Day also have the option to serve as polling places for the final day of voting, according to the State Board of Education.

That requirement does not extend to private schools however, with those institutions able to decide whether or not to pause instruction.

The holiday is also not observed at universities in Illinois, according to officials, and schools within the University of Illinois system will all have instruction that day.

What about courthouses and other public buildings?

County and state courthouses will be closed on Election Day, according to officials, with trials resuming on the following day.

Federal courthouses will not be closed, with the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan continuing amid balloting on Tuesday. Jurors will be excused during the day in order to cast ballots, according to the judge in the case.

Secretary of State Driver Services locations will also be closed, but some public libraries may be open depending on location.

Are post offices closed?

Since Election Day is not a federal holiday, all post offices will be open and mail delivery will proceed as normal.

Are Illinois workers able to take time on Election Day to vote?

Under Illinois law, workers are permitted two hours of paid time off to cast ballots on Election Day. Workers can also cast ballots early via mail-in balloting, or via early voting, which is available at hundreds of locations around the state.

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Chicago|Local Event

V, Neighbor

Sat, Oct 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM

South Chicago Farm, Urban Growers Collective, 9000 S Mackinaw Ave, Chicago, IL, 60617

More info here

Come tour an area of UGC dedicated to the rematriation of plants native to the Calumet River region, managed by Blake Lenoir.

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Chicago, IL (October 24, 2024) – A significant traffic incident occurred on the morning of October 24, involving a rollover crash of a semi-truck on I-57 northbound near the I-80 interchange. Reports indicate that the accident happened around 9:30 a.m., leading to a complete blockage of all lanes in the area.

Preliminary information suggests that the semi-truck, which was reportedly carrying groceries, rolled over, causing a major traffic jam. In addition to the rollover, there are reports of a three-vehicle crash occurring south of the rollover site, also affecting northbound traffic. Fortunately, initial reports indicate that there are no leaks from the truck, but the condition of the injuries sustained by those involved remains unknown.

Emergency responders from the Chicago Fire Department and local law enforcement are on the scene, working to manage the situation and assist those affected. Traffic is being diverted to I-80 eastbound, causing significant delays for motorists in the area.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident as they navigate the aftermath of this unfortunate event.

Truck Accidents in Illinois

Truck accidents are a serious concern in Illinois, with numerous incidents reported each year. The size and weight of commercial vehicles can lead to devastating consequences when accidents occur. Factors such as driver fatigue, equipment failure, and adverse weather conditions often contribute to these collisions, highlighting the need for stringent safety measures.

In Chicago, the high volume of traffic can exacerbate the risks associated with truck accidents. It is crucial for all road users to remain vigilant and adhere to traffic laws to prevent such incidents.

Being involved in a truck accident can be a life-altering experience, not only for those directly injured but also for their families. The emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming, particularly when dealing with medical expenses, lost wages, and the need for ongoing care. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it is essential to seek legal guidance to understand your rights and options.

Local Accident Reports is your trusted resource for post-accident support. We’ve compiled essential information and resources for accident victims like you. Our comprehensive database provides key details and support options for those affected by accidents.

Get the assistance you need to handle this challenging situation and move forward. Contact us today to learn how we can assist in your recovery journey.

In Illinois, you can vote early and on Election Day -- and you can register to vote then, too. But how can you check and see if you're already registered to vote?

In 2017, Illinois passed legislation for automatic voter registration. That means residents who apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license will be automatically registered to vote unless they specifically opt out, according to officials. Those applying for non-REAL ID-compliant licenses may be asked if they’d like to register to vote.

But that's just one way people can register to vote in Illinois. Residents can also register to vote in person, via mail or online, though some of those deadlines have passed. Residents can also register to vote leading up to and on Election Day.

As Nov. 5 Election Day approaches, here's what to know, and how to check your Illinois voter registration status.

How to check your voter registration status

You can lookup or check to see if you are registered to vote in Illinois using this tool. You'll need to enter your first and last name, and zip code.

Who can register to vote?

Northwestern University 8 hours ago

Environment 9 hours ago

According to the Illinois Board of Elections, residents must meet the following criteria:

-Be a U.S. citizen

-Be 18 years of age or older on Election Day

-Must live in a precinct for at least 30 days prior to the election

-Must not be serving a jail sentence as a result of a conviction

-Must not claim the right to vote anywhere else

Register to vote in-person or via mail

Illinois' residents may register online, in-person at the office of the election authority, at Driver's license facilities, with deputy registrars who are appointed in each jurisdiction, or via mail using the Illinois Voter Registration Application available in English and Spanish, according to the Illinois Board of Elections.

Illinois voters can obtain registration forms in a variety of fashions, and can either send it in via the mail or deliver it in-person to their local county clerk’s office. You can find the forms here.

MORE: Confirm your Illinois Voter Registration here

However, the deadline to submit the forms is no more than 28 days from the date of the election, which this year fell on Oct. 8.

Register to vote online

2024 voters had until Oct. 20 to submit their voter registration online.

Grace period registration

Voters who miss deadlines can still register to vote by visiting their local county clerk’s office, or registering to vote at an early polling place, or on Election Day.

There are a list of documents and identification required to do so, which you can find on the state Board of Elections’ website.

Same-day voter registration is also available at select polling places, which you can find on the BOE website.

Did you know that Henkel North America employs approximately 8,000 employees in more than 65 sites across the U.S. and Canada? Collectively, these sites support two business units: Adhesive Technologies and Consumer Brands.

Our #AViewFrom series features select locations, sharing information and facts about our sites across Henkel North America.

The products we eat, drink, and use every day can come in all types of packages. And cans are among the most used containers. Beverages, food, hair care products, household cleaners, and maintenance materials are often supplied in cans. Ensuring the ends of cans are compatible with the contents and leak-proof is what the professionals at Henkel Adhesive Technologies’ Chicago, Illinois site are committed to daily. Learn more in this segment of #AViewFrom: Chicago, IL.

When you think about the journey of a can, all kinds of vibration, transportation variables, and handling and storage conditions it is subjected to, you can appreciate how strong, impervious, and rugged the can ends have to be. These containers take a lot of abuse and are expected not to fail. Our people work to make sure that’s the case and that our materials consistently deliver. In fact, the can will probably fail before our product does!

Luke Martens, Site Operations Director

Quality is the hallmark of this site. Every drum of material must be produced perfectly – there is no room for error.

One 55-gallon drum of our sealant secures the can ends of almost 3.5 million cans. When that Henkel product leaves our facility, it must be 100% quality, 100% of the time.

Adam Vollmers, Site Quality Manager

Built in 1941, Henkel’s Chicago facility has changed ownership several times since its inception, ultimately becoming part of the Henkel manufacturing footprint with the company’s acquisition of GCP Applied Technologies’ Darex Packaging Technologies, in 2017 after it split off from W.R. Grace. Remarkably, however, the double seam process developed to secure can ends and that revolutionized container production is still essentially the same technique in use today, albeit far more automated.

Ensuring environmental protection and employee safety are also top priorities at Henkel’s Chicago site, with facility improvement investment directed toward initiatives in these areas. A recent project to upgrade the plant’s solvent filtration system has reduced its overall waste footprint by over 50%. This achievement was recognized with an internal award, the Henkel Lion Award, in 2023. Henkel Chicago’s safety record has also received industry accolades, with the team earning a 2024 Award of Commendation from the American Coatings Association for zero accidents or restricted workdays. The facility is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 140001, ISO 45001, and ISO 5001 certified and is a zero production waste to landfill site.

DID YOU KNOW?

Henkel Chicago products go full circle: DAREX® sealants are integrated into cans that Henkel then uses to package various product brands – from LOCTITE® brand adhesives to Got2B® and PRAVANA® brand haircare formulations. Henkel’s materials are in the can in more ways than one!

CULTURE AND COMMITMENT

By comparison, Henkel Chicago’s 40-person staff is relatively small, and this contributes to the tight-knit culture of the site. The team here, some of whom are third-generation employees, are highly invested in their work product and their colleagues. Administrative Lead Elizabeth Molina spearheads many projects and activities that help foster employee connection and camaraderie.

The people at this facility are so committed and passionate; it’s inspiring. I get great satisfaction from doing whatever I can to help our teams be as successful, connected, and productive as possible. This could include anything from organizing special events to leading major site initiatives like the digital signage board project I’m currently overseeing. Whatever it takes to support our people, I’m all in!

Elizabeth Molina, Site Administrator