October 1, 2025/

Illinois quick hits: Durbin declines award; nearly $1B in sports betting revenue

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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.

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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