Illinois downstate delegation splits vote to raise debt ceiling
The votes on raising the nation’s debt ceiling fell along party lines among the downstate Illinois congressional delegation.
Miller says she will vote against debt limit deal
Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL15) says she will not support the debt ceiling deal negotiated by President Biden and House Speaker McCarthy.
After years of planning, a casino opens in Danville
Nearly a year after a groundbreaking ceremony, a new casino opened to the public for the first time on Saturday in Danville’s Eastgate area. Initially, the casino will be open eight hours a day, closed on Tuesdays.
Debt-ceiling deal: What’s in and what’s out of the agreement to avert US default
A source familiar with the deal says it would keep non-defense spending roughly flat in the 2024 fiscal year and increase it by 1% the following year, as well as provide for a two-year debt-limit increase.
State budget clears first hurdle with Senate vote — but elected school board map hits possible stall until next year
The plodding along on the state budget could still see the Illinois House passing the $50.6 billion spending plan by Friday.
Senate Democrats send budget to House, teeing it up for early Saturday morning vote
Measure came to vote after frenzied two days of closed-door negotiations.
Illinois’ government has spent billions in federal pandemic aid. What do some programs do when the money runs out?
With the Illinois and federal COVID-19 emergency orders ending May 11, some new programs will now seek state dollars.
Economic growth in Illinois continued to slow down in April, according to the Flash Index.
The latest University of Illinois Flash Index shows the state’s economic growth rate continuing its year-long, near-steady decline. The Index fell from 103.1 in March, to 102.9 in April. It had been as high as 106.1 in March 2022. Any Flash Index reading above 100 indicates a growing economy in Illinois.
UPDATED: ‘ComEd Four’ found guilty on all counts in bribery trial tied to ex-Speaker Madigan
Jurors deliberated for 27 hours over five days.
Eastern Illinois University faculty approve new contract after strike
After a year of bargaining – and a six day strike – faculty and staff at Eastern Illinois University have overwhelmingly ratified a new contract.
Providers, unions call for pay increase for staff serving individuals with developmental disabilities
Advocates differ on language requiring strict pass-through of state funding to staff.
Businesses lobby governor, Statehouse leaders in Springfield
Manufacturers, retailers hold joint convention as lawmakers enter final stretch.
Pritzker: ‘Devil’s in the details’ when considering lifting ban on new nuclear
Statewide building code, requirement that retailers accept cash also advancing through legislature.
Flash Index: Illinois’ economic growth continues its slow decline in March.
After an increase to 103.4 in February, the Flash Index for March dropped back to its January level of 103.1. Except for that one-month increase, the Flash Index has been declining since a peak of 106.1 in March of 2022. (Any reading on the Flash Index above 100 indicates economic growth.)
Microloan fund supports local businesses in Champaign County
A new microloan fund to help businesses in Champaign County recover from the pandemic is up and running. The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation announced the two-million-dollar loan program. Executive Director Carly McCrory McKay said the goal is to help under-served business owners gain access to affordable financial services. “We’ve certainly had some initial interest…