Ill State News

Illinois Gaming Board reported $1.7 billion in Gaming Tax Revenue for 2024

CHICAGO—At the Illinois Gaming Board’s (IGB’s) first meeting of the year, it reported that the State and local governments earned more than $1.7 billion in tax revenue (excluding December sports wagering numbers) from Illinois’ 16 licensed casinos, approximately 8,700 video gaming terminals, and 14 operating sportsbooks in 2024.   The total revenue from January 1, […]

Illinois Gaming Board reported $1.7 billion in Gaming Tax Revenue for 2024 Read More »

ILETSB Chairman Smoot’s Statement on Impact of Crisis Intervention Team Training

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Chairman Sean Smoot issued the following statement on the life-saving impact of Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training in law enforcement, as demonstrated recently by Sergeant Travis Schaal of the Chatham Police Department:   “Late one night while on patrol, Sergeant Schaal noticed a vehicle

ILETSB Chairman Smoot’s Statement on Impact of Crisis Intervention Team Training Read More »

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland opens cookie booths

SPRINGFIELD, MO – Cookie Entrepreneurs of the Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland council opened their cookie booths over the weekend. Consumers can now purchase cookies from a Girl Scout at a cookie booth near them.   Editor’s note: There are dozens of cookie booths in the River Region counties of Ste. Genevieve and Perry in

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland opens cookie booths Read More »

Pritzker Administration announces cannabis sales exceed $2 billion annually

CHICAGO – As the State of Illinois celebrates the fifth anniversary of the legalization of adult use cannabis in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced today that 2024 marked the fourth consecutive year of record-setting sales. Overall, dispensaries report that more than $2 billion of cannabis product was sold in 2024,

Pritzker Administration announces cannabis sales exceed $2 billion annually Read More »

Red Bud resident named to Illinois Wesleyan University’s Dean’s List

BLOOMINGTON, IL – A Red Bud resident has been named the Dean’s List for the fall semester of the 2024-25 academic year at Illinois Wesleyan University. Bruce Reese is a sophomore majoring in Business. Reese is among 827 students from 31 states and 28 countries named to the fall 2024 Dean’s List. To qualify for

Red Bud resident named to Illinois Wesleyan University’s Dean’s List Read More »

Rep. Friess: Enough is Enough

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Representative David Friess released the following statement this evening following House Republicans leaving the House Floor in a unified protest:   “For weeks, we’ve been in session. For weeks, Democrats have had the power to bring real, meaningful legislation to the floor—bills that could lower taxes, address crime, and ease the

Rep. Friess: Enough is Enough Read More »

Sen. Bryant reacts to DOJ lawsuit over Illinois sanctuary policies

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Justice’s lawsuit against the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago over their immigration sanctuary policies: “This lawsuit is a direct consequence of Governor Pritzker’s dangerous decision to put politics ahead of public safety. Instead

Sen. Bryant reacts to DOJ lawsuit over Illinois sanctuary policies Read More »

IDOA launches new I-COVER program

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) secured a $7 million USDA grant to launch I-COVER, the Infield Conservation for Operationalizing Vital Ecosystem Resilience Program, which offers cost-share/financial incentives to producers and landowners who are new adopters of cover crops or who utilize new techniques for earlier establishment of cover crops.    The multi-state

IDOA launches new I-COVER program Read More »

Illinois Housing Development Authority announces $16 million for Home Improvement Program

CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) announced it is accepting applications from eligible local governments and nonprofit organizations to participate in the state’s Home Repair and Accessibility Program (HRAP). Through HRAP, IHDA will provide funding to approved agencies who will then provide grants to low- and extremely low-income homeowners to make health and safety,

Illinois Housing Development Authority announces $16 million for Home Improvement Program Read More »

Illinois state historic sites celebrate Lincoln’s birthday

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources invites the public to remember President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday this month with free events at state historic sites around Illinois. Lincoln was born Feb. 12, 1809, spent most of his adult life in Illinois, and went on to become the 16th president of the United States.    The David

Illinois state historic sites celebrate Lincoln’s birthday Read More »