Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced a significant increase in the state’s investment earnings, up more than 11%, providing a crucial boost to Illinois’ finances amid ongoing budget challenges. The investment earnings for the first six months of Fiscal Year 2025 totaled $803.8 billion, an increase of $80.65 million from $723.2 billion during the same period in Fiscal Year 2024.
Law enforcement argues that the bill makes it more difficult to track drug traffickers and impaired drivers. The Illinois Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director Jim Kaitschuk provided an odorless container with raw cannabis to show that people can transport cannabis legally.
As Governon JB Pritzker prepares to deliver his annual budget address, Senate Republicans are pushing for greater transparency in state spending, specifically related to programs for asylum seekers and undocumented residents. With Illinois facing a projected $3.2 billion budget deficit in fiscal year 2026, GOP lawmakers are advocating for budget cuts rather than tax increases to address the shortfall.
As Illinois faces increasing energy demands alongside its renewable energy goals, state regulators and lawmakers are grappling with how to address key challenges. A recent hearing brought attention to the issues surrounding energy generation, efficiency programs, and data centers’ growing electricity usage.
Illinois suffered a 95-74 defeat at the hands of #11 Wisconsin on Sunday, ending their nine-game win streak over the Badgers and a four-game winning streak in Madison that dates back to 2019.
In a heartbreaking case out of Rantoul, a 54-year-old woman has been sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to child endangerment resulting in death. Rachelle Brown was initially facing charges of both child endangerment and involuntary manslaughter, but as part of a negotiated plea deal, the manslaughter charge was dropped, and she pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of child endangerment.
Vermilion Advantage will be holding an informational meeting at Salt Grass Steakhouse, 204 Eastgate Drive, on Wednesday, February 19th at 9:00 A.M., to organize opposition to this motion.
The Urbana Police Department, in partnership with the Illinois Liquor Commission, recently completed two alcohol compliance operations aimed at ensuring local businesses adhere to regulations prohibiting the sale of alcohol to minors.
Everything changed when Tanner discovered the CAV Elite basketball team. He found purpose as the team’s waterboy and scorekeeper and eventually let go of his physical aggression. In Fall 2024, he expressed interested in taking a class in his home school district. Last month, Tanner officially began taking two classes in his home school district.
The Eastern Illinois Foodbank is gearing up for its 2025 Prom Benefit for Hunger Relief, presented by Martinelli’s Market, on March 1 at the I Hotel & Conference Center in Champaign. The event aims to raise $125,000, which will help provide 375,000 meals for neighbors facing food insecurity in the region.