(SPRINGFIELD) New research indicates that nearly 42% (41.9%) of drivers who died in crashes across the nation tested positive for THC, but the Illinois numbers are less clear. The Illinois State Police enforcement data showed a 68% surge in cannabis-involved wrecks from fiscal year 2022 to 2023, however the research found that Illinois stopped the reporting of cannabis-specific crash data after THC surpassed alcohol in fatal wrecks during 2020.
(SPRINGFIELD) A new report from the Reason Foundation shows Illinois’ state government has $222 billion in debt, third most among all 50 states, with $17,300 in state debt per person ranking fifth in per capita debt. And when also including the debt of local governments and school districts, Illinois’ total and local debt rises to more than $407 billion, which is the fourth highest in the country. In other words, there’s a lot of debt throughout Illinois.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois State Police say a violent crime suppression detail in St. Clair and Madison Counties last week netted a total of 29 arrests, 51 criminal charges, and six firearms seized. The ISP focus was on East St. Louis and other Metro East communities.
(SPRINGFIELD) Candidates hoping for a spot on the 2026 primary election ballots are expected to line up on today outside the Illinois State Board of Elections in Springfield as this Monday is the first day of the filing period for Democrats and Republicans seeking state and federal offices in Illinois. The State Board of Elections says candidates running for federal or state legislative seats, statewide offices, or judicial posts have one week to turn in their signatures. More information is available on the State Board of Elections website.