Illinois quick hits: Son of ‘El Chapo’ guilty; still above $3 a gallon
December 2, 2025/
Son of ‘El Chapo’ guilty
A notorious gang leader’s son has been convicted on federal drug charges.
Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman’s son, Joaquin Guzman Lopez, 39, pleaded guilty Monday to drug conspiracy and engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise.
“El Chapo’s” son has been detained in U.S. custody since his arrest in July 2024.
Still above $3 a gallon
According to AAA, 31 states now have gas prices under $3 a gallon, but Illinois is not one of them.
Going from lowest to highest, Illinois ranked 41st out of 50 states with an average of $3.147 per gallon on Dec. 1.
No other Midwestern state was over $3.
Illinois has the second-highest gas tax in the nation after California.
Skating rink opening
A skating rink will open near the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield Wednesday.
The rink in Union Square Park uses an artificial surface to give an experience similar to ice skating, with visitors able to use their own skates or borrow them at the facility.
Historic re-enactors will be available at the grand opening at 4:30 Wednesday evening.
Community Events
MondayDecember 8, 2025
TuesdayDecember 9, 2025
WednesdayDecember 10, 2025
ThursdayDecember 11, 2025
FridayDecember 12, 2025
SaturdayDecember 13, 2025
MondayDecember 15, 2025
TuesdayDecember 16, 2025
Latest News Stories
Will County Board Approves Controversial Recovery Retreat in Crete Township Amid Strong Resident Opposition
Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a special use permit for a long-term residential recovery program on a 68-acre horse farm, despite vocal opposition from Crete...
Will County P&Z: Green Garden Township Variances Granted in Monee
Roy F. Erikson received unanimous approval for two variances for his property at 26409 S. 80th Avenue in Monee. The Will County Planning and Zonning Commission approved reducing the minimum...
Will County P&Z: Manhattan Township Rezoning Approved
The Will County Planning and Zonning Commission unanimously approved a map amendment for a vacant property on South Kankakee Street in Manhattan Township. The request, brought by James and Julie...
Will County P&Z: Green Garden Township Rezoning Approved Amid Concerns Over Lack of a Final Plan
Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved rezoning a large agricultural parcel in Green Garden Township for potential residential development, despite a township official expressing concern...
Zoning Commission Overrules Staff, Approves Greeen Garden Twp Variance for 3-Acre Agricultural Lot
Article Summary: The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a variance for a 3-acre lot in an agricultural zone, going against a staff recommendation to deny the request in...
Pritzker: Fair maps in Illinois would be ‘disarming’ to Democrats
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker says Democrats would be “disarming” if they agreed to fair maps state by...
State Overhauls Standardized Testing; Manhattan to Launch New Middle School Career Program
Article Summary: Manhattan students and families will see significant changes in academic reporting and planning this year, as the state revamps its standardized test scoring system while the district introduces...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Village Board for August 19, 2025
The Manhattan Village Board held a brief meeting on August 19, 2025, with the primary action being the approval to donate a surplus village truck to a local non-profit. The...
Lincoln-Way Board Approves Special Education Co-op Budget Amid Concerns Over Rising Costs
Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget for the Lincoln-Way Special Education District 843 cooperative, while officials expressed concern over significant cost...
Lincoln-Way Board Approves Special Education Co-op Budget Amid Concerns Over Rising Costs
Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way District 210 Board of Education approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget for the Lincoln-Way Special Education District 843 cooperative, while officials expressed concern over significant cost...
States sue over Victims of Crime Act grant funding
By Elyse Apel | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) — Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has joined a 20-state coalition and Washington, D.C., suing the Trump administration...
Illinois quick hits: COVID fraud indictments issued; man sentenced for mailing fentanyl
By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square COVID fraud indictments issued A federal grand jury has indicted four Chicago-area individuals accused of fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars in...
WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Thursday Aug. 21st, 2025
By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares comments from...
Lincoln-Way Board Reviews $162 Million Tentative Budget, Projects Deficit Due to Bus Purchase Timing
Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education reviewed a tentative $162.5 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which includes a 5.48% increase in operating expenses...
Lincoln-Way Board Reviews $162 Million Tentative Budget, Projects Deficit Due to Bus Purchase Timing
Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education reviewed a tentative $162.5 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which includes a 5.48% increase in operating expenses...