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Western Illinois University shares details about ‘The Western Way’ scholarship program

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Western Illinois University shares details about ‘The Western Way’ scholarship program


MACOMB/MOLINE, Ill. (KWQC) – Western Illinois University is introducing a scholarship that university officials say will provide a pathway for incoming students to cover tuition and mandatory fees. It’s called ‘The Western Way’ scholarship program.

The state of Illinois’ AIM HIGH Western Commitment Program is supporting this initiative, covering fees and tuition for incoming students who meet eligibility and renewal requirements, according to a media release from WIU. Freshmen are eligible for coverage for eight consecutive semesters, while transfers can receive coverage for four consecutive semesters. The program aims to eliminate financial barriers for qualifying students.

“We are focused on reducing barriers and making WIU the best choice for even more students,” said Justin Schuch, assistant vice president for Student Success and Enrollment. “With thousands of Leatherneck alumni living and working in the state of Illinois, ‘The Western Way’ will help secure the same direction for countless future Illinois residents. We are grateful for state leaders committed to supporting higher education in Illinois. ‘The Western Way’ would not be possible without their support.”

For information on how to qualify, click here.

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Fire sweeps through apartment building, displaces residents in Woodridge, Illinois

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Fire sweeps through apartment building, displaces residents in Woodridge, Illinois



People ran out of their homes into the cold overnight Tuesday into Wednesday after a fire broke out in an apartment building in the western Chicago suburb of Woodridge.

The fire broke out in a multi-family building at 7900 Janes Ave., near Forest Drive.

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Smoke was seen billowing as firefighters stood on the roof.

One firefighter suffered minor injuries fighting the blaze, according to the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Protection District.

Fire officials said several units have major damage, and the families who reside in them have been displaced.

The American Red Cross was assisting the displaced residents Wednesday morning.

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Illinois Racing Board suspends Hawthorne Race Course’s license, putting future in jeopardy

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Illinois Racing Board suspends Hawthorne Race Course’s license, putting future in jeopardy


STICKNEY, Ill. (WLS) — The future of racing at Hawthorne Race Course in south suburban Stickney is in jeopardy.

The Illinois Racing Board suspended its harnesses racing license. In a letter sent Monday to Hawthorne’s president and general manager, the state agency said the track failed to prove its financial integrity.

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Jeff Davis, president of the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association, says the past two months have been rough.

“We don’t really know details, but what we do know is people have not been paid since before Christmas,” Davis said.

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Davis says checks started bouncing, which led to races being canceled over the past few weekends.

SEE ALSO | Hawthorne Race Course not offering window betting for Kentucky Derby amid Churchill Downs dispute

“Six weeks ago, they couldn’t cash a $400 check to a trainer,” Davis said.

The remaining three races left this season are unlikely unless Hawthorne owners can prove financial stability. Hawthorne officials have not returned messages seeking comment on the issue. But it is just one of many issues facing the track. There has been an effort for nearly six years to get an approved casino up and running, but the owners cannot find a partner.

“Horse racing in every state now only survives because it has additional forms of revenue from casinos, slot machines,” said Paulick Report Publisher Ray Paulick.

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Hawthorne is the only racetrack in the Chicago area and has the right to veto another one built within 35 miles. But those in the industry hope a bill before the state legislature will repeal that.

“The harness horsemen are asking the state legislature to take away that exclusivity, because Hawthorne isn’t in a position to build another track if they can’t keep the one they have going,” Paulick said.

READ MORE | Hawthorne Race Course, Illinois’ oldest horse racing track poised to be first with casino

In the meantime, Davis says he hopes the season can be salvaged.

“It really is sad. It’s a 100-year-old business. They’ve been trying, but I don’t know if they have the ability to actually get done what they’ve been awarded to do,” Davis said.

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The Illinois Racing Board will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, and Hawthorne’s owner is scheduled to give an update on the track.

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Police pursue suspects wanted in 7-Eleven robbery in Cicero, Illinois

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Police pursue suspects wanted in 7-Eleven robbery in Cicero, Illinois



Police pursued suspects wanted in an armed 7-Eleven robbery in Cicero, Illinois, on Tuesday morning. 

According to police, officers responded to a call for an armed robbery at 35th Street and Austin Boulevard around 3:30 a.m. 

Staff told police several armed and masked individuals came into the store, possibly from two vehicles, and fled with cash. 

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Police identified and pursued one of the vehicles onto 290, but the chase was terminated on 290.

No injuries were reported.



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