(SPRINGFIELD) An annual rite of summer in Illinois is approaching soon with another increase in the state’s gas tax, along with a slew of other tax hikes over the next year, beginning this coming Monday, July 1st. In total, Illinois will see $1.1 billion in tax increases over the next year, all supporting a record-high $53.1 billion state budget. Taxes for gasoline will be 47 cents per gallon and 54 cents per gallon for diesel. The gas tax hike means Illinois drivers will have to pay an average $184 more per year on gas than they did in 2019. Also on July 1st, electric vehicle owners in Illinois will be charged a $100 yearly fee to make up for lost tax revenue, on top of the annual registration fee. While video game taxes will go up to 35%, the sports wagering tax moves from a 15% flat rate to a progressive rate of up to 35%.
(EAST ST. LOUIS) The Illinois State Police recently completed a three-day operation in East St. Louis and surrounding counties that led to 15 arrests and 12 weapons recovered. ISP officials described the operation as a “violent crime suppression” effort in St. Clair and Madison Counties, leading to a total of 33 criminal charges, 19 of which were classified as felonies. The State Police used more than 25 Troopers from around the state in the effort.
(SPRINGFIELD) The box office for the Illinois State Fair remains open each weekday for in-person ticket sales from 8:00 to 5:00 each day. Tickets are available for all the special events, including the huge tractor & truck pulls, the monster truck race, the popular rodeo, and more, plus all the grandstand concerts available with a wide array of performers. For more information, go to the Illinois State Fair website at statefair.illinois.gov. The Illinois State Fair in Springfield is Thursday, August 8th, through Sunday, August 18th.