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
Board Postpones County Purchasing Code Overhaul Amid Union Contractor Debate
Members seek clarification on requirements that could favor unionized businesses The Will County Board postponed action on proposed changes to county purchasing ordinances after members raised concerns about language that...
New Frankfort Square Park Board Takes Helm Amid Strong Financials, Maksymiak and Moore Elected Leaders
The Frankfort Square Park District Board of Commissioners seated four new members and re-elected its leadership during a productive annual organizational meeting on May 15, all while celebrating a robust...
Animal Permit Hearing Reveals Neighborhood Disputes Over Horses, Roosters in Crete Township
Board postpones decision on Torres family request pending barn variance appeal A contentious hearing over Fernando Torres' request to keep horses on his Crete Township property exposed deep neighborhood divisions...
Park District Awards Eight Scholarships to Lincoln-Way East Seniors
The Frankfort Square Park District awarded $1,000 scholarships to eight graduating seniors from Lincoln-Way East High School at the school’s Community Scholarship Night on May 7. Park Board Commissioners Frank...
Transportation Projects Advance as Board Approves Vision Zero, Road Improvements
County adopts traffic safety initiative while funding major infrastructure upgrades The Will County Board approved a comprehensive transportation agenda including adoption of Vision Zero principles and multiple road improvement projects...
Health Department Receives Budget Boost, Sunny Hill Admission Policy Updated
Board approves funding increases and policy changes for county health services The Will County Board approved budget appropriations for the health department and updated admission policies for Sunny Hill Nursing...
Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Square Park District for May 15, 2025
At its annual organizational meeting, the Frankfort Square Park District Board of Commissioners swore in four members, re-elected its leadership, and reviewed its strong end-of-year financial report. The district’s funds...
Lincoln Way District 210 Achieves Highest Bond Rating in History
Lincoln Way Community High School District 210 has reached its highest-ever bond rating of AA3 from Moody's and A+ from Standard & Poor's, culminating a remarkable recovery from financial challenges...
District Recognizes Outstanding Student Readers in Statewide Program
Lincoln Way Community High School District 210 recognized exceptional students who completed the Read for a Lifetime program, with several achieving the rare distinction of reading 100 books over four...
Board Meeting Shorts
Budget Amendment Approved: The board approved amendments to the fiscal year 2025 budget totaling $121.7 million in revenue and $120.1 million in expenses. Changes primarily reflect bond proceeds and related...
Student Council Presidents Highlight Senior Year Accomplishments
Lincoln Way's three student council presidents delivered their final speeches of the school year, highlighting major accomplishments and memorable events before graduating this weekend. Jason Sro from Lincoln Way Central...
Will County Board Meeting Briefs Package
COUNTY APPOINTMENTS Fire Protection District: Board approved county executive appointments to Manhattan Fire Protection District board. Agricultural Committee: Approved appointment to Agricultural Area Committee with Member Judy Ogala abstaining due...
Frankfort Park District Reorganizes Board, Explores Options for Tax-Impacting Projects
FRANKFORT – The Frankfort Park District Board seated its re-elected members, reorganized its leadership, and approved its new annual budget on Tuesday, while also revealing it is actively exploring options...
