(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Gaming Board has issued more than sixty (60) cease-and-desist letters to entities allegedly operating illegal online casino and sweepstakes gaming platforms around the state. The letters demand that those allegedly operating such platforms immediately block Illinois residents from accessing their internet sites or discontinue offering prizes to users in Illinois. Operators who fail to comply may be subject to civil or criminal penalties.
(SPRINGFIELD) A new report says Illinois say a 7.2% decrease in average full-coverage car insurance costs in 2025, saving statewide drivers an average of $138. Insurify said the average annual full-coverage is now $1,786, which is $358 below the national average of over $2,100. Insurify projects that this year in 2026, the auto insurance rates in Illinois will increase less than a full percentage point (0.4%), costing Illinois drivers an extra $7 for the entire year on average.
(CHAMPAIGN) Champaign County officials are considering a one-year ban on the development of large data centers so zoning regulations can be developed for such projects. The News-Gazette reports a potential data center site west of Champaign was described to county officials as being about 300 acres, far larger than any data center the county has previously approved. Officials are concerned about water consumption from the Mahomet Aquifer, along with energy usage.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police, and many local law enforcement agencies are joining forces for a Super Bowl safety campaign on the roads this weekend. Officials are urging party-goers to make sure their designated drivers are not impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or other impairing drugs, and that everyone in their vehicle is wearing a seat belt. The Super Bowl safety campaign is part of the Illinois “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” programs funded by federal highway safety dollars.