(CHICAGO) The jury deliberations enter their eleventh day today at the racketeering and bribery trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan in Chicago. In a statement this past Monday, Judge John Robert Blakey said he has no idea how long the jury will deliberate. Madigan has pleaded not guilty to 23 total corruption-related counts.
(SPRINGFIELD) At its most recent meeting, the Illinois Gaming Board reported that state and local governments earned more than $1.7 billion in tax revenue last year in 2024. While the numbers did not include December sports wagers, the tally is the total revenue earned from Illinois’ 16 licensed casinos, approximately 8,700 video gaming terminals throughout the state, and 14 operating sportsbooks. For details about responsible gambling and the IGB’s voluntary self-exclusion program, go online to the igb.illinois.gov website.
(CHICAGO) The construction of a more than $1 billion project to control the movement of invasive carp through Illinois waterways has been delayed. The Chicago Tribune reports a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for yesterday was cancelled. While state officials say the move follows the Trump administration’s actions of withholding federal funding for the former President’s infrastructure law, many say the new President’s actions are a scapegoat.
(SPRINGFIELD) Starting today, this February 12th, the birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, Illinois’ New Salem State Historic Site will begin a series of fireside chats on Wednesdays and Saturdays for the next two weeks, starting at 1:00 each afternoon at the Site’s Visitors’ Center. Lasting from 30 to 6o minutes, regardless of weather conditions, hot chocolate & refreshments will be provided, plus those attending should dress accordingly. While it’s all free, registration is not required, but strongly encouraged. The 16th President of the United States was born this date 216 years ago in 1809 in Hodgenville, Kentucky.