October 1, 2025/

Illinois quick hits: Durbin declines award; nearly $1B in sports betting revenue

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Durbin declines award

Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin has decided not to receive an award from the Archdiocese of Chicago for his contributions in the areas of immigration, care of the poor and world peace.

Diocese of Springfield Bishop Thomas Paprocki and others criticized the planned award, noting that Durbin has a long record of supporting legal abortion.

Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich said he was saddened by the news but respected Durbin’s decision.

Nearly $1B in sports betting revenue

An investment guidance organization has found that Illinois is second only to New York in collecting taxes on sports betting.

A study by The Motley Fool revealed that Illinois has taken in $958,470,529 since sports wagers were legalized in 2018.

Overall, states have collected $9.3 billion in taxes on sports betting.

Kennedy Expressway lanes reopening

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that a major construction project which started in 2023 is nearing completion on Chicago’s Kennedy Expressway.

IDOT said the entire outbound stretch will be reopened by 4:00 a.m.

Sunday, Oct. 4. The rehab work lengthened travel times and caused massive congestion on the city’s North Side.

The project used $169 million in state taxpayer funds.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

WATCH: Libertarian concerns persist as IL Sec of State announces IDs for Apple Wallet

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Digital IDs have gone live in Illinois, but libertarians say the move makes it easier for governments...
Illinois quick hits: Pritzkers meets the Pope; Broadview to close street outside ICE facility

Illinois quick hits: Pritzkers meets the Pope; Broadview to close street outside ICE facility

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzkers meets the Pope Gov. J.B. Pritzker says it was an honor for he and the first lady to meet with...
DHS launches new initiative to crack down on student visa fraud

DHS launches new initiative to crack down on student visa fraud

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has launched a new initiative to crack down on student visa fraud. It’s launched a new online tool through...
'Ghost projects' haunt power grid planners and taxpayers

‘Ghost projects’ haunt power grid planners and taxpayers

By Lauren Jessop | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As the country braces for a surge in electricity demand driven by large energy users like...
WATCH: $10M campaign finance fine dropped; Digital ID unveiled, Chicagoans speak up

WATCH: $10M campaign finance fine dropped; Digital ID unveiled, Chicagoans speak up

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop reviews actions taken...
ICE, Border Patrol agents experience historic surge of vehicular attacks this year

ICE, Border Patrol agents experience historic surge of vehicular attacks this year

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square A surge in targeted vehicular attacks against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol officers have occurred this year “driven by hateful rhetoric from...
Poll: Americans support eliminating Department of Education

Poll: Americans support eliminating Department of Education

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square A new national poll reveals strong American voter support for eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. The survey by the nonprofit Yes. Every Kid Foundation,...
Exclusive: Nonprofit leader urges fight against 'woke capitalism'

Exclusive: Nonprofit leader urges fight against ‘woke capitalism’

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square A bill designed to protect the United States' court system from foreign influence is too broad, according to Trent England, director of the nonprofit Save...
As pennies disappear, businesses turn to hoarding, rounding

As pennies disappear, businesses turn to hoarding, rounding

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Americans can continue to spend pennies, but few businesses are giving them back as the coin's 232-year run comes to an end. Some businesses have...
Chicago tax proposals draw concern over legality, 'economic death spiral'

Chicago tax proposals draw concern over legality, ‘economic death spiral’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s allies have launched a seven-figure campaign to support his 2026 budget proposal, but...
Illinois quick hits: Former governor proposes millionaire's surcharge; digital state ID launched

Illinois quick hits: Former governor proposes millionaire’s surcharge; digital state ID launched

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Former governor proposes millionaire's surcharge Former Gov. Pat Quinn is pushing for a state constitutional amendment requiring Illinois millionaires to pay...
Louisiana Rep. Clay Higgins defends Epstein 'no' vote

Louisiana Rep. Clay Higgins defends Epstein ‘no’ vote

By Natalie ChandlerThe Center Square LouisianaRepublican Rep. Clay Higgins of Lafayette, the only U.S. House of Representatives lawmaker who voted against releasing documents associated with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein...
U.S. Senate passes bill to release Epstein files, heads to Trump's desk

U.S. Senate passes bill to release Epstein files, heads to Trump’s desk

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The U.S. Senate on Tuesday agreed to pass a bill by unanimous consent requiring the U.S. attorney general to release all documents related to convicted...
Abbott designates Muslim Brotherhood, CAIR as foreign terrorist organizations

Abbott designates Muslim Brotherhood, CAIR as foreign terrorist organizations

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Gov. Greg Abbott is the first governor in the United States to designate two Muslim groups as Foreign Terrorist and Transnational Criminal Organizations. On Tuesday,...
Judge blocks feds from freezing California education funding

Judge blocks feds from freezing California education funding

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from freezing University of California's federal funding over alleged violation of anti-discrimination laws. U.S. District Judge Rita Lin...