ILLINOIS STATE NEWS BRIEF (11/01/2024)

(SPRINGFIELD) With most all eyes on next Tuesday’s election, some are already thinking about this month’s Fall Veto Session in Springfield. Although many lawmakers do not expect much to be accomplished until the new General Assembly is seated in January. Typically, the Veto Session is where lawmakers consider acting on vetoes from the Governor, however there were no vetoes this year among the 469 bills approved in the State Capitol. The Fall Veto Session begins later this month, on Tuesday, November 12th.

(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Board of Higher Education has released its fall enrollment report for the state’s public universities for the fall semester, showing the highest numbers in eight years. There are nearly an additional 3,000 students across all state universities this fall, which represents an overall enrollment increase of 1.6%. Seven of the twelve public universities in Illinois experienced year-over-year increases in new transfer students.

(SPRINGFIELD) As it celebrates its 50th anniversary, the Illinois State Lottery is also celebrating another record-breaking year of sales and returns to the State of Illinois. The State Lottery is reporting sales of $3.86 billion and lottery proceeds of $883.6 million, which are both higher than the previous year. In fact, fiscal year 2024 was notable for having five multi-state jackpots over $1 billion for the first time in lottery history. It’s also noted that 99% of yearly lottery proceeds in Illinois go into the state’s Common School Fund.

(SPRINGFIELD) A regional man from Montgomery County has been awarded with the country’s Purple Heart for military valor, as well as other accolades. It was this past Monday that Major Chase Wilhelm, a Litchfield native, was recognized at the Illinois Governor’s Mansion in Springfield. Earlier this year, Wilhelm saved lives after a drone attack on an overseas U.S. military base in Jordan that killed three soldiers and injured several others.