(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois ranks near the bottom in a new report on states with pro-growth labor policies. The new American Legislative Exchange Council report ranks all 50 states on their adoption of pro-worker, pro-growth labor reforms & highlights where workers enjoy the most economic freedom and where mandates still hold them back. Illinois ranked 42nd overall for average 10-year private sector employment growth. Three other midwestern states ranked higher in the study, including Iowa at 15, Indiana at 21, and Wisconsin at 22.
(SPRINGFIELD) Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan could learn his fate tomorrow at his final sentencing hearing in Chicago, three days after his request for a new trial was rejected. Madigan faces 12.5 years and $2.5 million in fines after being convicted on 10 counts of corruption. As the trial was finishing up last week, lawmakers in Springfield were trying to combine various forms of ethics legislation, but nothing advanced. Now the lawmakers are off for the summer, however the fall veto schedule posted earlier this week has both the State House and Senate returning to Springfield for six days in October.
(SPRINGFIELD) The 2025 Made in Illinois Grant Program yesterday announced 29 small and mid-sized manufacturers across the state that will split a combined $1.35 million in capitol grant funding to spur innovation, efficiency, and growth. The only recipient south of I-70 is in Sauget, with the only other downstate recipients in Sullivan and East St. Louis. While three of the grantees have 100 or more employees, the others have less than 50 on average.
(CHARLESTON) An Illinois Lottery player cleared over half a million dollars with a winning ticket bought at a small town central Illinois gas station. The FastPlay Cash Castle ticket was purchased at the Fast Stop convenience store in Ashmore, just east of Charleston. The winning ticket is the 3rd-largest Cash Castle jackpot won since the game began in February.