Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker awards $31.8M in forgivable cannabis loans

Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker awards $31.8M in forgivable cannabis loans

April 21, 2026/
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By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker awarded $31.8 million in forgivable loans through the state’s Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program.

The governor’s office says the 95 licensed social equity businesses include craft growers, dispensaries, infusers and transporters.

The state has now distributed a total of more than $55 million through the program.

REWARD OFFERED FOR SUSPECTED KILLER OF NATIONAL GUARD MEMBER

The Chicago Field Office of the FBI has announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a man wanted for the fatal killing of a 19-year-old National Guard soldier in July 2021.

Investigators allege that Joseph “Troubles” Matos, 43, and a fellow gang member randomly shot and killed Chrys Carvajal when he was walking to his car following a party.

Anyone with information is asked to contact their local FBI office or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

SUBURBAN TEACHER FACES SOLICITATION, BATTERY CHARGES

A former Chicago-area middle school teacher has been charged with multiple felonies after authorities said he engaged in inappropriate conduct with students and attempted to arrange a sexual encounter with someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl.

Fox 32 Chicago reports that Plainfield School District 202 administrators alerted police about Alex Buetikofer, 38, of Lisle, a physical education and health teacher at Aux Sable Middle School.

Buetikofer also worked as an assistant boys lacrosse coach at Hinsdale Central High School.

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