Illinois quick hits: Fatal helicopter crash; Comptroller orders another extra pension payment
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.
Latest News Stories
Will County P&Z Forwards Monee and Manhattan Residential Projects
Will County P&Z: Wilton Township Wedding Venue Secured for 2026 Season
Chicago FOP boss: Mayor’s ICE on Notice order is ‘piece of toilet paper’
Lawmaker, officer: ‘Blue Envelope” could help navigate autism during stops
Will County P&Z Grants Variances for Unpermitted Structures in Crete and Manhattan
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Landfill Committee for Jan. 13, 2026
Monee Police warn residents of phone scammers impersonating officers
Will County P&Z Approves Mokena Scrap Drop-Off Despite Municipal Objections
Will County Braces for 6,000-Acre Solar Project; Prepare for ‘Massive’ Solar Hearings
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board for January 15, 2026
Pursuit following railroad theft ends in New Lenox; one suspect at large