
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

Kratom byproduct in gummies, candies, ice cream ruled same as herion, LSD

‘Liberation Day’ reignites D.C. statehood debate

Trump to meet with Democratic leaders to discuss govt funding bills

WATCH: Illinois Democrats blast Trump, Republicans at state fair

Social Security’s 90th anniversary sparks debate over how to address insolvency

Colorado ranks eighth nationally for battling antisemitism

Trump speaks with Zelenskyy, European leaders ahead of Putin meeting in Alaska

Texas House Democrats may return after first special session is over

Illegal border crossings reach lowest level in recorded US history in July

WATCH: Illinois In Focus Daily | Wednesday Aug. 13th, 2025

Illinois law empowers officials to crack down on predatory towing

Illinois quick hits: Former Chicago schools dean sentenced for sexual assault
