January 14, 2026/

Illinois Quick Hits: State spends $87M on ISU fine arts project

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined officials at Illinois State University on Tuesday to break ground on the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Transformation Project.

Pritzker said the investment of $87 million in state taxpayer funds would expand ISU’s fine arts complex to offer academic, instructional, and performance spaces through phased renovation, demolition, and new construction.

STATE POLICE REPORT

Illinois State Police say they recovered 243 stolen or hijacked vehicles, made 24 arrests and seized five firearms from October through December.

ISP targets vehicle theft, hijacking, and related crimes using grant funding from the Illinois Secretary of State Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council.

ISP was awarded a $10 million grant for the first fiscal year, another $677,000 in June 2024 and $637,500 in July 2025.

SMALL BIZ OPTIMISM

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 0.5 points in December to 99.5 and remained above its 52-year average of 98.

The Uncertainty Index dropped 7 points to 84, the lowest reading since June 2024. NFIB Illinois State Director Noah Finley said, with federal small business tax cuts locked in, Main Street is starting the year on a more optimistic note.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

In her final career race, Lady Warrior Kayla Clark leads the Casey-Westfield runners at the IHSA 1A Sectional meet. Clark capped her career with an impressive 29th-place finish and a time of 19:45.9. —photo by Terri Cox

Casey-Westfield Cross Country Concludes Season at Mattoon Sectional

Feature photo caption: In her final career race, Lady Warrior Kayla Clark leads the Casey-Westfield runners at the IHSA 1A Sectional meet. Clark capped her career with an impressive 29th-place...
Defensive standout Fred Thomas leads the Warriors onto Sinclair-Vidoni Field Saturday night. Thomas finished the game with six tackles and a sack in the 35-0 playoff victory.

Warriors Dominate Red Hill in 35-0 Playoff Shutout to Advance to Sweet 16

Featured photo caption: Defensive standout Fred Thomas leads the Warriors onto Sinclair-Vidoni Field Saturday night. Thomas finished the game with six tackles and a sack in the 35-0 playoff victory....

WATCH: Illinois tax amnesty program closes Nov. 17, brings in $82.5 million

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Department of Revenue is confident it will meet, if not exceed, its goal of bringing...
Illinois biz leader: Diversity computer snafu so bad it 'has to be intentional'

Illinois biz leader: Diversity computer snafu so bad it ‘has to be intentional’

By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – An Illinois computer problem that has led to the diversity decertifications of numerous businesses owned by minorities...
WATCH: GOP U.S. Sen. candidate Tracy on shutdown, tariffs; state expands sanctuary

WATCH: GOP U.S. Sen. candidate Tracy on shutdown, tariffs; state expands sanctuary

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 talks live with...
Former Vice President Dick Cheney dies

Former Vice President Dick Cheney dies

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square Dick Cheney, vice president to former President George W. Bush, has died. He was 84. His family was with him Monday evening and said the...
Illinois quick hits: Ceremonies planned for new lawyers; energy efficiency grants announced

Illinois quick hits: Ceremonies planned for new lawyers; energy efficiency grants announced

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Ceremonies planned for new lawyers Bar admission ceremonies are scheduled across the state Wednesday for the 1,637 people who passed the...
26 states participate in federal SAVE program to ensure only US citizens are voting

26 states participate in federal SAVE program to ensure only US citizens are voting

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square In less than a few months, 26 states have begun working with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to ensure only U.S. citizens are voting...
Key races across U.S., redistricting at stake as voters head to polls Tuesday

Key races across U.S., redistricting at stake as voters head to polls Tuesday

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square Governor’s races, city mayoral campaigns and redistricting initiatives will bring voters to the polls on Tuesday for a consequential off-year Election Day. Elections in California,...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey Township Library Board of Trustees for October 2, 2025

Casey Township Library Board of Trustees Meeting | October 2, 2025 The Casey Township Library Board made a key financial decision at its meeting on Thursday, October 2, 2025, voting...
Nigeria leaders deny Christian genocide, UN attributes violence to 'climate change'

Nigeria leaders deny Christian genocide, UN attributes violence to ‘climate change’

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Nigerian leaders continue to deny that Christian genocide has been occurring for years as the United Nation has attributed the violence to “climate change.” Over...
Congressional Perks: House members, staff get daycare, on-call doctor

Congressional Perks: House members, staff get daycare, on-call doctor

By Arthur KaneThe Center Square Job perks like an on-call doctor, on-site daycare and millions of dollars for food, beverages and bottled water sound like something offered to employees of...
California leaders hope for high voter turnout for Prop. 50

California leaders hope for high voter turnout for Prop. 50

By Madeline ShannonThe Center Square With only one day to go in California before Election Day, legislators expect to see a relatively high voter turnout for the Golden State’s congressional...
Voters to decide two statewide measures, nearly 100 local proposals

Voters to decide two statewide measures, nearly 100 local proposals

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square As Colorado voters prepare for Election Day, they will vote on two statewide ballot measures and nearly 100 local measures across 30 counties. Those measures...
WATCH: Coalition sues to protect student loan forgiveness

WATCH: Coalition sues to protect student loan forgiveness

By Dave MasonThe Center Square Democratic attorney generals from 22 jurisdictions sued the U.S. Department of Education Monday over its new rule limiting Public Student Loan Forgiveness for government and...