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

Gun rights advocate questions Illinois ballistic imaging plan

Gun rights advocate questions Illinois ballistic imaging plan

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A newly introduced measure in the Illinois General Assembly aimed at expanding ballistic imaging technology is...
Beasley Allen booted from looming talc trial in Chicago

Beasley Allen booted from looming talc trial in Chicago

By John O’Brien | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Judges in Miami and Chicago have revoked permission that allowed the firm Beasley Allen to pursue talc lawsuits because it collaborated with...
Illinois Quick Hits: Gas prices rise again

Illinois Quick Hits: Gas prices rise again

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – AAA says the average price for regular unleaded gasoline in Illinois has jumped 14 cents in one...
Illinois pauses redistricting effort after Supreme Court ruling

Illinois pauses redistricting effort after Supreme Court ruling

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois has paused a legislative redistricting effort after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Wednesday, but Gov....
U.S. gas prices at 4-year high as oil exports hit new record

U.S. gas prices at 4-year high as oil exports hit new record

By Alton Wallace | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – United States gasoline prices pushed higher for the sixth consecutive day Wednesday, reaching $4.23 a gallon, as...
Government leaders statewide call for cashless bail reform after CPD officer killed

Government leaders statewide call for cashless bail reform after CPD officer killed

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Critics on both sides of the aisle in Illinois government are calling for changes to the SAFE-T...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Early Run Support Lifts Casey-Westfield Past Dieterich Baseball, 9-2

The Casey-Westfield varsity baseball team utilized a relentless 14-hit offensive attack to defeat host Dieterich 9-2 in a non-conference matchup on Tuesday afternoon. Casey-Westfield set the tone immediately, jumping out...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Freshman Ava Leo Powers Mattoon Softball Past Casey-Westfield, 11-8

The Mattoon varsity softball team utilized a potent offensive attack and a resilient complete-game pitching performance by freshman Ava Leo to secure an 11-8 non-conference home victory over Casey-Westfield on...
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker announces new IBM investment at Quantum Park

Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker announces new IBM investment at Quantum Park

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says IBM’s new delivery center at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, fueled by...
ISU's union says it cheaper to negotiate than paying

ISU’s union says it cheaper to negotiate than paying

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois State University support employees have entered their fourth week on strike this week as more state...
Iran conflict, refinery disruption play roles as Illinois gas price passes $4.50

Iran conflict, refinery disruption play roles as Illinois gas price passes $4.50

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gas prices have surged in Illinois, and an American Automobile Association spokesperson says several factors are to...
Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-East St. Louis librarian sentenced for fraud, theft

Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-East St. Louis librarian sentenced for fraud, theft

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The former director of the East St. Louis public library has been sentenced to 15 months in...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Building Reports Highlight Testing Triumphs, Historic Track Records, and Career Exploration

Casey-Westfield Board of Education Meeting | April 20, 2026 Article Summary: Building administrators delivered comprehensive academic reports to the Casey-Westfield Board of Education on Monday, highlighting state testing completions, athletic milestones,...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey City Council for April 20, 2026

Casey City Council Meeting | April 20, 2026 The Casey City Council convened on Monday, April 20, 2026, for a meeting heavily focused on municipal infrastructure, intergovernmental cooperation, and personnel...
school board monroe elementary

Casey-Westfield Board Approves Nearly $100,000 for Monroe Elementary Technology Upgrades

Casey-Westfield Board of Education Meeting | April 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey-Westfield Board of Education on Monday approved extensive equipment and maintenance expenditures, headlined by a $98,167 technology purchase to...