Illinois quick hits: Fatal helicopter crash; Comptroller orders another extra pension payment
August 7, 2025/
Fatal helicopter crash
Two people are dead after a helicopter crashed into a barge on the Mississippi River.
The Federal Aviation Administration said the Hughes 369D with two people on board went down around 11:05 a.m. Thursday in East Alton.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.
Comptroller orders another extra pension payment
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza says she is ordering a third round of pension pre-payments.
Mendoza said more than $1.3 billion in payments to the state’s five retirement systems will include $428 million in pre-payments, allowing the pension systems to keep more money in their portfolios and earn more in returns.
Statehouse rematch shaping up
State Rep. Amy Briel, D-Ottawa, and Republican Liz Bishop are gearing up for a potential rematch in Illinois’ 76th House District.
Briel defeated Bishop by 595 votes, or 1%, in the general election last November.
Bishop will first face a primary rematch with Crystal Loughran.
Today Jul 27
80° 60°
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Jackson Township Board for January 14, 2026
Jackson Township Board Meeting | January 14, 2026 The Jackson Township Board of Trustees met for its regular monthly meeting on January 14, 2026, at the Jackson Township Hall. Supervisor...
Winter Benchmark Data Highlights Growth in Reading and Math Across Manhattan District 114
Manhattan School District 114 Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: Manhattan School District 114 administrators presented winter benchmark data showing strong academic growth across all grade levels, with significant...
Board Approves $479,000 Wireless Network Overhaul to Replace Aging Tech
Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Board of Education approved a $479,526.96 contract with CDW to replace the indoor wireless access points...
Executive Committee: Tension Rises as Republican Whip Removed from Panel
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: A dispute over committee appointments erupted when Republican leadership challenged the removal of Member Vince Logan from the Executive...
Ad-Hoc Committee: County Stripped of Power to Regulate Motor Races, Must Drop Solicitor Fees Due to State Statutes
Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee Meeting | February 10, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee repealed county regulations regarding motor stunt events and removed...
Commission Overrides Staff Recommendation, Approves Manhattan Township Barn Expansion
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: A Manhattan Township homeowner received unanimous approval for three variances to expand a pole barn, despite county...
Manhattan-Elwood Library Board Approves Over $21,000 for Playroom Renovation and Picture Book Shelving
Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District Meeting | January 26, 2026 Article Summary: The Manhattan-Elwood Public Library District Board authorized over $21,000 in youth facility upgrades, funding a playroom renovation and the purchase...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Township for January 13, 2026
Manhattan Township Meeting | January 13, 2026 The Manhattan Township Board of Trustees held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday evening to review administrative transitions, process grant paperwork, and approve...
Jackson Township Board Approves Elwood Baseball Donation, Reviews Food Pantry Transition
Jackson Township Board Meeting | January 14, 2026 Article Summary: The Jackson Township Board approved a $1,000 donation to the Elwood Baseball & Softball Association and received an update on...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Manhattan Board for February 17, 2026
Village of Manhattan Board Meeting | February 17, 2026 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Manhattan Village Board of Trustees met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, to address infrastructure planning, intergovernmental cooperation, and...
Executive Committee Advances “Project Northwinds”: 2,475 Jobs and $346 Million Investment Proposed for Former Caterpillar, Lion Electric Sites
Will County Executive Committee Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board Executive Committee moved forward a resolution supporting a massive manufacturing project that promises nearly 2,500...
Land Use Committee Advances Mokena Scrap Yard and Homer Glen Landscape Business Over Local Objections
Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | February 5, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use Committee approved special use permits for two businesses in Frankfort and...
Manhattan School District 114 Honors Staff and First Responders Following Tragic Bus Accident
Manhattan School District 114 Meeting | February 11, 2026 Article Summary: Superintendent Dr. Damien Aherne publicly commended local first responders, district staff, and a Wilson Creek school counselor for their...
District 210 Reports Insurance Deficit Amid National Healthcare Cost Spikes; Finances Remain Stable
Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education Meeting | February 19, 2026 Article Summary: Assistant Superintendent Michael Duback reported a $630,000 deficit in the District’s medical plan performance for the 2025...
Planning Commission Backs 5-MW Peotone Solar Farm; Developer Pledges Pollinator Habitat and Community Funds
Will County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting | February 17, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval for a new 5-megawatt commercial solar farm...