Illinois Quick Hits: State spends $87M on ISU fine arts project

Illinois Quick Hits: State spends $87M on ISU fine arts project

January 14, 2026/
Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined officials at Illinois State University on Tuesday to break ground on the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts Transformation Project.

Pritzker said the investment of $87 million in state taxpayer funds would expand ISU’s fine arts complex to offer academic, instructional, and performance spaces through phased renovation, demolition, and new construction.

STATE POLICE REPORT

Illinois State Police say they recovered 243 stolen or hijacked vehicles, made 24 arrests and seized five firearms from October through December.

ISP targets vehicle theft, hijacking, and related crimes using grant funding from the Illinois Secretary of State Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council.

ISP was awarded a $10 million grant for the first fiscal year, another $677,000 in June 2024 and $637,500 in July 2025.

SMALL BIZ OPTIMISM

The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 0.5 points in December to 99.5 and remained above its 52-year average of 98.

The Uncertainty Index dropped 7 points to 84, the lowest reading since June 2024. NFIB Illinois State Director Noah Finley said, with federal small business tax cuts locked in, Main Street is starting the year on a more optimistic note.

More Stories
Weather Full forecast →
Today Jul 22
Mostly Sunny
77° 58°

Mostly Sunny

💨 0 to 5 mph 💧 0%
Data: National Weather Service • Updated Jul 23, 1:26 AM Full Forecast →
Site Sections

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

new-lenox-fire-district-stations.4

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-Briefs

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...
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...
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...
Meeting-Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees for June 10, 2025

The Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees held a special meeting on June 10 to address two major financial items: the fiscal year budget and a new contract with...
frankfort fire district graphic logo.2

Frankfort Fire District Projects $350,000 Surplus, But Faces Capital Crunch for New Engine

Article Summary: The Frankfort Fire Protection District is on track to end the fiscal year with a $350,000 operating surplus, but officials warn that purchasing a much-needed new fire engine...
frankfort fire district graphic logo.6

Frankfort Fire Trustees Approve New Collective Bargaining Agreement with Firefighters Union

Article Summary: Following a closed-door session, the Frankfort Fire Protection District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a new collective bargaining agreement with Local 4338, which represents the district's firefighters. The...