Illinois sports betting rules: Since legalization in 2019, Illinois sportsbooks hit a record $14 billion in 2024 revenue, offering both retail and online wagers—online bets on in-state college teams are now banned — find out what you need to know.
Armadillo alert in Illinois: IDNR urges residents north of Springfield to report armadillo, black bear and other non-native wildlife sightings as habitats shift — find out how to report sightings.
Dot Foods empowers 29 nonprofits: Dot Foods hosted Charitable Development Day on July 9 in Mount Sterling, uniting 29 West Central Illinois nonprofits for workshops, networking and surprise $1,000 grants each (totaling $29,000), while naming Sarah Goers Volunteer of the Year — find out how they’re fueling local impact.
Chicagoland transit budget crisis: A new Argonne/MIT study reveals that failing to avert a $771 million funding cliff could slash service by 40%, trigger 3,000 layoffs, and cost Illinois up to $14 billion in annual economic output — learn what’s at stake.
Historic double honor for ESO: The Elgin Symphony Orchestra was named Professional Orchestra of the Year and music director Chad Goodman earned Conductor of the Year—the first time ESO has secured both top awards in the same season as it celebrates its 75th anniversary and readies for its 76th season — find out what’s next.
Other Illinois headlines this week
- Illinois triples vape taxes to fund spending
- Illinois rolls out new online licensing program
- Illinois sees fewer lightning bugs statewide
- Study ranks Illinois cities by highest rents
- Emmy-winning makeup artist returns to central Illinois
- Four Illinois cities rank among America’s safest
