Spencer Davis

(WICS/WRSP) SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — Taxes on sports betting has become a growing revenue stream in Illinois. After a tax increase from 2025 to 2026, the state took in over $200 million more than the previous year. According to the Illinois comptroller's website, the state has taken in over $1 billion from taxes on sports betting since 2023. As part of the new fiscal year, the state wants to increase the tax and regulate prediction markets.

A law to punish squatting more severely has been in effect for 6 months. The law was signed in 2025 but didn't take effect until January 1, 2026. It considers squatting criminal trespassing, a Class B misdemeanor in Illinois. According to Stella Dean from the Springfield Area Landlord Association, and Ethan Posey, director of Community Relations for the City of Springfield, the clarification has helped when talking to landlords and residents.

(WICS/WRSP) SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — The city of Springfield voted to renew their contract with Flock for another two years and will spend over $500k to do it. However, the city council has new requirements for the police department to follow.