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.
Latest News Stories
Village Board Approves Millions in Spending on Roads, Parks, and Museum
NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Village Board authorized millions of dollars in spending on Monday for its annual road program and for continued investment in its newest community amenities,...
Meeting Summary: New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education for June 17, 2025
The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education handled significant financial business at its June 17 meeting, approving a tentative budget for the 2025-2026 school year and renewing insurance...
Meeting Summary: New Lenox Board of Trustees for July 28, 2025
The New Lenox Village Board meeting on Monday was marked by ceremony and significant action on major developments. The board honored the new Pope Leo XIV and retiring Police Chief...
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Monee Village Board for July 23, 2025
The Monee Village Board of Trustees heard a detailed presentation for a major industrial redevelopment, approved a significant payment for its nearly-completed public works facility, and gave final clearance for...
New Lenox Fire Board Denies Variance Over Extreme Hydrant Distance, Citing Safety
NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees unanimously denied a homeowner's variance request on Monday, citing significant public safety concerns over the property's extreme distance...
New Lenox Fire District Secures $35,000 Grant for UTV in Solar Farm Agreement
NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Fire Protection District is set to receive a $35,000 grant to purchase a new Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) as part of a community benefit...
Meeting Summary: New Lenox Fire Protection District for June 16, 2025
The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees took decisive action on a residential fire code variance and discussed a new community partnership for a planned solar farm during...
Mokena Park District Approves $7.9 Million Budget, Eyes Major Park Upgrades
The Mokena Community Park District Board of Commissioners has tentatively approved a $7.9 million budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year, a plan that earmarks significant funds for major park infrastructure...
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 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...
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: 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...
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,...
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...
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...