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

Google says Biden admin 'pressed' it to censor some COVID-19 content

Google says Biden admin ‘pressed’ it to censor some COVID-19 content

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Senior Biden administration officials pressured Google to remove COVID-19-related content that did not violate YouTube’s policies but the administration considered alarming, new information reveals. Following...
Judge’s questions during IL gun ban arguments gives rights advocates ‘hope’

Judge’s questions during IL gun ban arguments gives rights advocates ‘hope’

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With Illinois’ gun ban now in the hands of a three judge panel of the federal appeals...
Illinois agencies to post monthly investment reports, lawmaker calls symbolic

Illinois agencies to post monthly investment reports, lawmaker calls symbolic

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois agencies must now post monthly reports on how taxpayer dollars are invested, a move supporters...
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker orders 'efficiencies' for state spending; Marshalls recover missing child

Illinois quick hits: Pritzker orders ‘efficiencies’ for state spending; Marshalls recover missing child

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzker orders 'efficiencies' for state spending Gov. J.B. Pritzker is directing state agencies to identify up to 4% of Fiscal Year...
WATCH: AR15s protected by 2nd Amendment; advocate reacts to appeals court hearing

WATCH: AR15s protected by 2nd Amendment; advocate reacts to appeals court hearing

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 provides highlights from...
Fiscal Fallout: Illinois spending swells 43% under Pritzker

Fiscal Fallout: Illinois spending swells 43% under Pritzker

By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Discretionary spending by Illinois state leaders has increased more than $16 billion since J.B. Pritzker became governor...
Lake Land College.6

Lake Land College to Name Nursing Simulation Lab for HSHS St. Anthony’s After Major Gift

Article Summary: Following a significant financial gift from HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital, the Lake Land College Foundation has recommended naming the new Nursing Simulation Lab at the Effingham Technology...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

New Incentives and Homecoming Plans Underway at Casey-Westfield Schools

Article Summary: School principals updated the Board of Education on a variety of new programs and upcoming student events, including a new "Boo Bucks" incentive program at Monroe Elementary and...

White House does not expect arrests of sanctuary mayors and governors

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says she doesn’t expect mayors or governors of sanctuary jurisdictions like...
ICE puts California, Illinois, New York on notice for refusing to cooperate

ICE puts California, Illinois, New York on notice for refusing to cooperate

By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons has contacted the attorneys general of California,...
Appeals judge questions ‘uphill battle’ for IL gun ban found unconstitutional

Appeals judge questions ‘uphill battle’ for IL gun ban found unconstitutional

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A three judge panel in a federal appeals took the challenge to Illinois’ gun and magazine ban...
Illinois library staff to be trained with overdose antidotes under new law

Illinois library staff to be trained with overdose antidotes under new law

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Starting next year, Illinois public libraries must stock opioid overdose antidotes and train staff, a move...
Illinois quick hits: Driver's blood alcohol over legal limit; Fed survey shows growth below trend

Illinois quick hits: Driver’s blood alcohol over legal limit; Fed survey shows growth below trend

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Driver's blood alcohol over legal limit The Stephenson County Sheriff’s Office says toxicology results show that a Guatemalan national’s blood-alcohol level...
Trump relays words from Charlie Kirk: 'Please sir, save Chicago'

Trump relays words from Charlie Kirk: ‘Please sir, save Chicago’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – President Donald Trump says Charlie Kirk asked him to save Chicago. The president addressed tens of thousands...
Illinois quick hits: Edgar remembered at funeral service; Iranian charged for re-entry of removed alien

Illinois quick hits: Edgar remembered at funeral service; Iranian charged for re-entry of removed alien

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Edgar remembered at funeral service Gov. J.B. Pritzker says former Gov. Jim Edgar had a unique ability to bring people together...