October 1, 2025/

Illinois quick hits: Record infrastructure spending planned; watchdog urges ratepayers review Ameren bills

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Record infrastructure spending planned

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation joined state, local and organized labor officials to announce the largest multi-year infrastructure spending program in state history.

The planned investment of $50.6 billion state taxpayer funds over six years breaks the previous record of $41.4 billion set last year.

Habitat homes get $2 million

The Illinois Housing Development Authority has allocated $2 million to Habitat for Humanity of Illinois to administer the next round of a program that helps working families buy a home.

The Community Impact Fund is is expected to create 100 new homeowners across Illinois.

Watchdog urges ratepayers review Ameren bills

A utility watchdog group says Ameren’s electricity price has dropped more than 30% from what it was this summer.

The Citizens Utility Board issued an alert Wednesday, urging consumers to review the electric supply section of their bills to make sure they are not overpaying with an alternative supplier.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Illinois housing affordability efforts pit tax cuts against new spending

Illinois housing affordability efforts pit tax cuts against new spending

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As homeownership may be growing out of reach for many young residents, Illinois lawmakers are split between...
Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago city workers owe more than $19M

Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago city workers owe more than $19M

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago city workers reportedly owe more than $19 million in traffic tickets, water bills and fines, yet...
Attorney expects conversion therapy ruling to impact Illinois ban

Attorney expects conversion therapy ruling to impact Illinois ban

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois’ ban on conversion therapy may be challenged in the near future. Last week, the U.S. Supreme...
Millionaire’s tax proposal draws mixed reviews as deadline approaches

Millionaire’s tax proposal draws mixed reviews as deadline approaches

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Supporters of a 3% surcharge on income more than $1 million have less than a month to...
Universities warn state funding delays are wasting millions in taxpayer investment

Universities warn state funding delays are wasting millions in taxpayer investment

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Long‑delayed university repair funding is leaving campuses across the state with holes in their roofs, and in...
Illinois Quick Hits: Loyola student's alleged killer faces federal firearm charge

Illinois Quick Hits: Loyola student’s alleged killer faces federal firearm charge

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An 18-year-old Loyola University student’s accused killer has also been charged with illegal possession of a firearm....
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey City Council Approves $91,500 Investment for New Emergency Sirens

City of Casey City Council Meeting | March 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey City Council on Monday authorized a major public safety upgrade, approving the purchase of new municipal...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Goble’s Dominant Relief Stint Sparks Casey-Westfield to 12-0 Shutout Win

The Casey-Westfield varsity softball team utilized a dominant, combined one-hitter from its pitching staff to secure a 12-0 non-conference victory over Parke Heritage on Thursday afternoon. The hosts broke the...
Report: Coordinated resilience infrastructure is needed in age of AI

Report: Coordinated resilience infrastructure is needed in age of AI

By Alan WootenThe Center Square Highly coordinated resilience infrastructure is needed in the age of artificial intelligence, says a new report released Thursday from the Elon University Imagining the Digital...
U.S., NATO alliance on the line as Trump set to meet with Rutte

U.S., NATO alliance on the line as Trump set to meet with Rutte

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Tensions are running high between President Donald Trump and NATO leaders, as grumblings grow over the U.S. withdrawing from the alliance. NATO’s relationship with the...
BREAKING: Trump fires Bondi, Blanche to lead DOJ

BREAKING: Trump fires Bondi, Blanche to lead DOJ

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square President Donald Trump removed Attorney General Pam Bondi from the Department of Justice on Thursday, according to a post on social media. "Pam Bondi is...
States sue Trump administration over rollback of some air pollution regulations

States sue Trump administration over rollback of some air pollution regulations

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is co-leading a multi-state lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s rollback of some federal limits on toxic air pollution. The lawsuit...
Energy affordability report ranks Illinois 31st, warns of 'burdensome' mandates

Energy affordability report ranks Illinois 31st, warns of ‘burdensome’ mandates

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – According to a new report on energy affordability, burdensome mandates are making Illinois more expensive. The American...
Illinois voices weigh in on birthright citizenship case

Illinois voices weigh in on birthright citizenship case

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As the U.S. Supreme Court considers a high-stakes challenge to birthright citizenship, a constitutional law expert...
U.S. rep.: Mexico still not delivering water to South Texas, despite claims

U.S. rep.: Mexico still not delivering water to South Texas, despite claims

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Despite repeated claims by Trump administration officials, Mexico is not delivering water as promised to South Texas in accordance with a long-standing treaty. In January,...