Women's Civic Day at the Illinois Capitol

• higher education

It was a pleasure to welcome students from Southern Illinois University’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute to the Capitol for the recent Women’s Civic Day.
This annual program highlights the important role women play in public service and helps inspire the next generation of leaders to get involved and make a difference.
https://paulsimoninstitute.siu.edu/intiatives/womens-government-day.php

Grateful for the thoughtful conversation and encouraged by the talent and commitment these students bring to Illinois’ future.
Paul Simon Public Policy Institute

Southern Illinois University Carbondale
#WomenInLeadership #NextGeneration

Harmon working with state leaders to figure out next steps in wake of sudden West Suburban hospital closing

• Health care

Harmon working with state leaders to figure out next moves in wake of sudden West Suburban closing announcement

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon was surprised and disappointed by the sudden announcement that West Suburban Medical Center is cutting off patient care. He is working with the governor’s office and state agency leaders to find a new facility for its patients.

Here’s President Harmon full statement:

“Our first priority is getting the patients safely relocated to other facilities.

Representative Lilly and I are doing everything we can to make sure that we retain a significant health care facility that serves the community’s needs.

While West Suburban’s problems have been well documented, I was surprised by the sudden announcement. We’d been working to try to prevent this very situation.

I’ve been in touch with state agency leaders and the governor’s office about next steps for the patients, the good folks who work at the hospital and overall community.

West Suburban has long been a mainstay in our community. Our youngest daughter was born there, and I made more than a few visits to the ER when I was a boy.

This is a sad day.”

Celebrating Beyond Hunger's new home, expanded opportunities

• Anti-hunger
• Oak Park

Illinois Senate President Don Harmon joined community leaders, partners and supporters to celebrate a major milestone for Beyond Hunger as the organization prepares to move into a larger space to expand its services.

“For nearly half a century, Beyond Hunger has been quietly, consistently and compassionately serving thousands of families across our region,” Harmon said. “This milestone isn’t just about a building — it’s about opportunities to reach more families, bring programs together under one roof and expand the ways we support people with dignity and care.”

Harmon thanked Chief Executive Officer Jennie Hull, along with the donors, volunteers, and partners who made the project possible, noting that efforts like this reflect a community committed to looking out for one another.

“When a community invests in something like this, it’s making a statement about its values — that every family deserves access to healthy food and that when challenges arise, we meet them together,” Harmon said.

He congratulated the Beyond Hunger team and expressed confidence that the new facility will allow the organization’s impact to grow for years to come.

Oak Park kindergarten teacher named finalist for Illinois Teacher of the Year

• Education
• Teachers

Congratulations to Elyse Smith of Oak Park, who has been recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education as a Cook County Co-Regional Teacher of the Year and finalist for 2026 Illinois Teacher of the Year.

A National Board Certified kindergarten teacher at Horace Mann Elementary School, Elyse has spent 20 years helping young students build strong foundations in literacy, learning and confidence. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom — including visiting every student’s home at the start of the school year to build meaningful partnerships with families.

Thank you, Elyse, for your extraordinary commitment to Oak Park students and for making such a lasting difference in our community.

Read more Elyse and other great teachers here: Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year