(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois crude oil production totaled 7.2 million barrels last year in 2024, according to the Illinois Petroleum Resources Board. The statewide oil production was up only .39% from 2023, however its the first year-over-year that Illinois’ oil production saw an increase since 2018. White County continues to lead the state with just over 2.2 million barrels produced in 2024, followed in our downstate area by Marion County at 702,950 barrels, Crawford County at 583,303 barrels, Wabash County at 403,938 barrels, Fayette County at 372,427 barrels, Lawrence County at 291,845 barrels, Clay County at 270,307 barrels, Wayne County at 248,966 barrels, Richland County at 193,790 barrels, Clark County at 193,790 barrels, Jasper County at 171,624 barrels, Edwards County at 90,517 barrels, and Effingham County at 63,036 barrels. For more details, go to the iprb.org website online.
(CHICAGO) Since former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan was found guilty last week of ten counts of corruption-related charges, a nonprofit think tank is calling on the former lawmaker to return thousands of dollars in pension payments back to the state. The Illinois Policy Institute notes that under state law, Madigan is required to repay the nearly $600,000 that he’s received since retiring in 2021 to the taxpayers of Illinois. In fact, a letter has been sent to the General Assembly Retirement System Board of Trustees calling for a all pension payments to end and for the former lawmakers to repay all prior payments.
(SPRINGFIELD) With a shortage of court reporters in Illinois courtrooms, the state is addressing the issue with a new and free training program. While officials say there are 1,400 court reporters, at least 100 positions are currently vacant. To boost interest in the career, the state has started offering a tuition-free training program which also features guaranteed job placement and requires a two year employment contract.