Taxpayer paid junkets
An investigation has revealed how Dolton residents are paying for their city leaders to travel the country and enjoy some fine dining.
WGN is reporting that copies of credit card statements show city officials spent more than $24,000 at restaurants during a recent 12-month span. Records also show that officials have paid for flights and hotels on trips to Texas, Missouri, and last May to Las Vegas.
Dolton’s mayor is also a supervisor for Thornton Township, where taxpayers helped pay for the Vegas trip, including over $3,700 at Ruth Chris Steakhouse.
Spaceport prospects
There is an effort that could help Illinois pave the way for space travel from the Quad Cities region.
The Quad Cities International Airport in Moline is conducting a study to determine if it can support a commercial spaceport. Spaceports can be used for launching rockets and satellites, landing spacecraft, and tourism.
Only 10 such spaceports have been licensed by the FAA.
Lottery supporting veterans
The Illinois Lottery and the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs have launched the 2023 Winter Riches Instant Ticket, where 100% of profits are directed to organizations supporting veterans in Illinois.
Launched in 2006, the ticket has generated more than $21 million, and approximately 400 veterans’ organizations statewide have received funds. The $2 ticket is available wherever Illinois Lottery tickets are sold.
