August 26, 2025/

Illinois quick hits: Record hotel tax revenues reported; grocer sentenced for SNAP, WIC fraud

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By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Record hotel tax revenues reported

Illinois tourism numbers for 2024 saw an all-time high for hotel tax revenue.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Tourism announced the state welcomed 113 million domestic and international visitors who spent more than $48 billion.

Total hotel tax revenue came in at $367 million, a 14% increase from the previous year.

Grocer sentenced for SNAP, WIC fraud

The owner of a Chicago grocery store has been sentenced to three and a half years in federal prison for fraudulently redeeming millions of dollars in benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

Yousef Abu Alhawa, 50, of Lockport was also ordered to pay $8.9 million in restitution to the U.S. Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service, and the state of Illinois.

Alhawa pleaded guilty to wire fraud and tax charges last year.

Meth dealers sentenced

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois has announced sentences for eight methamphetamine dealers in Effingham County and indictments for three other individuals accused of drug distribution.

Prison sentences of those convicted range from 60 to 144 months.

Events

Rainy Day Miracle Book Signing
Rainy Day Miracle Book Signing
28 Oct 25
BROWNIE'S PLACE HALLOWEEN PARTY
BROWNIE'S PLACE HALLOWEEN PARTY
31 Oct 25
Harvest Gift Gathering
Harvest Gift Gathering
1 Nov 25
Harvest Gift Gathering
Harvest Gift Gathering
1 Nov 25
Casey
03 Nov
Casey City Council Board Meeting
3 Nov 25
Clark County 4-H Foundation Inaugural Christmas Tree Fair
Clark County 4-H Foundation Inaugural Christmas Tree Fair
5 Nov 25
Whte Oak Church Free Monday Meal
Whte Oak Church Free Monday Meal
10 Nov 25
Greenup VFW Fundraiser
Greenup VFW Fundraiser
16 Nov 25
Prime Rib Holiday Buffet
Prime Rib Holiday Buffet
18 Nov 25
Martinsville FFA - Thanksgiving Produce Box
Martinsville FFA - Thanksgiving Produce Box
24 Nov 25
Give Thanks with a Feast! Our Thanksgiving Buffet
Give Thanks with a Feast! Our Thanksgiving Buffet
27 Nov 25
01 Dec
Casey City Council Board Meeting
1 Dec 25

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