Illinois quick hits: Helicopter removes Old State Capitol flagpole; John Wayne Gacy prosecutor dies

Helicopter removes Old State Capitol flagpole As part of $2.5 million in renovations to the Old State Capitol in Springfield, a helicopter removed the flag pole Monday. The renovations, funded in part by increased taxes from the Rebuild Illinois construction plan, brings exterior repairs to the historic dome cap. Other projects in Springfield include tens…

This Is the Largest Military Base in Illinois

The U.S. defense budget – by far the largest of any country in the world – is the subject of regular controversy. But while multi-billion dollar weapons development programs that blow past budgets and deadlines will always be subject to political scrutiny, much of America’s annual military spending is less controversial. Nearly one-quarter of the…

Some question Ayala’s legacy as Illinois’ education superintendent sets retirement date

(The Center Square) – The outgoing Illinois state superintendent of education’s legacy is being remembered in different ways. Friday, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office announced Illinois State Superintendent of Education Carmen Ayala’s retirement for Jan. 31, 2023. Pritzker said Ayala guided schools through the COVID-19 pandemic and “kick-started” academic recovery after learning loss from suspended in-person…

‘New Leaf’ utilizing $1.3 million in legal aid to remove Illinois cannabis convictions

(The Center Square) – An Illinois non profit is offering taxpayer-funded legal services to get cannabis arrests and convictions cleared from individual’s records. New Leaf Illinois utilizes nearly $1.3 million in taxpayer funds to work toward expunging cannabis arrests and convictions. The group’s website says 18 nonprofit organizations in Illinois are offering free and legal…