Pritzker Signs Law To Seal Non-Violent Criminals’ Records
(Springfield, IL) — Under a new state law, eligible non-violent criminal records will automatically be sealed. Governor Pritzker signed the measure that he says simplifies the process for everyone involved. Supporters say it will boost employment numbers, housing, and educational opportunities for rehabilitated criminals. Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly pointed out that public safety officials will still have access to sealed records, as they do currently.
Betting Down Due To Illinois Tax on Sportsbooks
(Springfield, IL) — A new state tax is impacting sports betting across Illinois. Last September, the state imposed a 25-cent tax on the first 20 million wagers at sportsbooks. Two of the largest betting platforms, FanDuel and DraftKings, then imposed a 50-cent fee on users, shifting their tax burden to their players. Now, a new report shows that between September 2024 and September last year, five million fewer wagers were placed in Illinois, representing a 15 percent drop.
Basketball Alumni Donates A Million Dollars To U Of I Athletics
(Champaign, IL) — The family of a former University of Illinois basketball player is donating a big chunk of change to the university’s athletic department. George Shapland’s family cut a check for a million dollars to support U of I Athletics. With the donation, the State Farm Center’s east circle will be renamed the “George Shapland Family Drive.” Shapland graduated from Illinois in 1953 and was part of the Fighting Illini’s Big Ten championship season in 1950 and 51.