Illinois Quick Hits: Projected Choate closures pushed back three months

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(The Center Square) – Union County State’s Attorney Tyler Tripp says the Illinois Department of Human Services has extended the projected date for removal of services at Choate Mental Health and Development Center in Anna to June 2027.

A statement from Tripp’s office said, in addition to the three-month extension, IDHS indicated intent to proceed with the required notice and application process for closure proceedings by applying to the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board for a closure permit.

WIU OPENS EMERGENCY OPERATIONS, STUDENT ENGAGEMENT CENTERS

Western Illinois University officials held ribbon-cutting events for the school’s new emergency operations center and revamped student engagement center this week.

Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and WIU President Kristi Mindrup cut the ribbon at the emergency center on Monday. The project was funded by a $2.3 million Illinois Emergency Management Agency grant.

Mindrup and WIU Assistant Vice President of Student Success Joe Roselieb cut the ribbon at the renovated student engagement center on Wednesday. The facility features lounge space, a suite for the Office of Student Engagement and dedicated student spaces.

CHICAGO BIKESHARE EXTENSION PROPOSED

Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Chicago Department of Transportation and Lyft introduced an ordinance on Wednesday that would extend Lyft’s agreement to operate the Divvy bikeshare system into 2033.

A statement from the mayor’s office said the extension would provide an extended price freeze on annual memberships, a new 50% discount on non-member rides starting or ending in neighborhoods on the South and West Sides, a price reduction on scooters and caps on future price increases. 

According to the statement, Lyft and CDOT will “continue to invest” in the station network and move to a station-based parking model to reduce sidewalk clutter and improve pedestrian safety. 

FINANCIAL STRESS INDEX DIPS

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis says the financial markets had slightly less stress in the week ending Sept. 18.

The St. Louis Fed Financial Stress Index measured -0.91 compared with the prior week’s -0.85 reading.