Illinois quick hits: Record hotel tax revenues reported; grocer sentenced for SNAP, WIC fraud

Illinois quick hits: Record hotel tax revenues reported; grocer sentenced for SNAP, WIC fraud

August 26, 2025/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Record hotel tax revenues reported

Illinois tourism numbers for 2024 saw an all-time high for hotel tax revenue.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Tourism announced the state welcomed 113 million domestic and international visitors who spent more than $48 billion.

Total hotel tax revenue came in at $367 million, a 14% increase from the previous year.

Grocer sentenced for SNAP, WIC fraud

The owner of a Chicago grocery store has been sentenced to three and a half years in federal prison for fraudulently redeeming millions of dollars in benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.

Yousef Abu Alhawa, 50, of Lockport was also ordered to pay $8.9 million in restitution to the U.S. Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service, and the state of Illinois.

Alhawa pleaded guilty to wire fraud and tax charges last year.

Meth dealers sentenced

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois has announced sentences for eight methamphetamine dealers in Effingham County and indictments for three other individuals accused of drug distribution.

Prison sentences of those convicted range from 60 to 144 months.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Mokena Park District.logo.graphic.5

Mokena Park District Overhauls Safety Policies, Adopts Cyber Attack Response Plan

In a move to bolster security and protect participants, the Mokena Community Park District Board of Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a sweeping update to its personnel policies, establishing new...
Mokena Park District.logo.graphic.1

Mokena Park District Bids Farewell to 12-Year Fitness Manager Rachel Bauer

The Mokena Park District is bidding farewell to Rachel Bauer, the longtime Manager of Fitness Center Operations at The Oaks, who is leaving after nearly 12 years of service. Bauer’s...
Mokena Park District.logo.graphic.1

New HVAC, Bleachers, and Lighting Among Recent Park District Upgrades

Visitors to Mokena Park District facilities are being greeted by a series of recent upgrades, including a new high-efficiency HVAC system, state-of-the-art lighting at the Yunker Park Bandshell, and new...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Mokena Park District Board of Commissioners for July 25, 2023

The Mokena Park District Board of Commissioners met on July 25 to discuss upcoming events, review new policies, and approve the tentative budget for the new fiscal year. The board...
Ad-Hock-July-22nd

Will County Committee Forwards Overhauled Purchasing Code Amid Debate on Local Contractor Preference

The Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee advanced a major overhaul of the county's purchasing code Tuesday, but only after a split vote and a pointed debate over a separate,...
Ad-Hock-July-22nd

Finance Officials Clarify How Will County Tracks Assets, From Vehicles to Desks

Will County finance officials on Tuesday detailed the policies governing how the county tracks its physical and digital assets, explaining the $5,000 threshold for items that are formally capitalized and...
Ad-Hock-July-22nd

Will County Treasurer Confirms Free Online Tax Payment Option, Warns Against High Credit Card Fees

Will County Treasurer Tim Brophy confirmed Tuesday that property owners have a free online payment option available and advised residents to avoid the high convenience fees associated with using credit...
Ad-Hock-July-22nd

Committee Highlights ‘Lack of Teeth’ in County Code Enforcement Process

While the Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee quickly approved minor updates to its administrative adjudication ordinance Tuesday, the action sparked a broader discussion about resident frustration over the enforcement...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Will County Ad-Hoc Ordinance Review Committee for July 22, 2025

AI Policy Discussion Urged: Chair Jackie Triner called for the county to develop a comprehensive policy on the use of Artificial Intelligence. Citing a recent conference, Triner noted the potential benefits...
New-Lenox-Village-Board.1

New Lenox’s Crossroads Sports Complex Opens to Rave Reviews, On Time and Under Budget

NEW LENOX – The newly opened Crossroads Sports Complex is already proving to be a resounding success, according to a report delivered at the New Lenox Village Board meeting on...
New-Lenox-Village-Board.4

New Lenox Waives Over $13,000 in Permit Fees for Park District, Church Projects

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Village Board unanimously approved waiving more than $13,000 in permit and plan review fees for two significant community projects during its meeting on Monday....
New-Lenox-Police.3

New Lenox Approves Site Plan for MBPRO Truck Repair on Moni Drive

NEW LENOX – The Village Board on Monday approved site modifications for a new truck repair business, MBPRO Services, set to open at 21660 South Moni Drive. The board unanimously...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary: New Lenox Board of Trustees for July 14, 2025

The New Lenox Village Board of Trustees met Monday to approve site plans for a new business, waive fees for community projects, and hear a glowing report on the new...
WCO-PZ-July-15

Crete Township Wins Approval for New Digital Sign at Community Center

Crete Township received approval from the Will County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday for a new digital sign at its community center, a project that required a special use...
WCO-PZ-July-15

Will County Planners OK Oversized Garage Near Naperville, Overriding Staff Recommendation

The Will County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday approved variances for a new oversized accessory garage in Wheatland Township, siding with a homeowner and builder over a staff recommendation...