Illinois quick hits: Record hotel tax revenues reported; grocer sentenced for SNAP, WIC fraud
Record hotel tax revenues reported
Illinois tourism numbers for 2024 saw an all-time high for hotel tax revenue.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Tourism announced the state welcomed 113 million domestic and international visitors who spent more than $48 billion.
Total hotel tax revenue came in at $367 million, a 14% increase from the previous year.
Grocer sentenced for SNAP, WIC fraud
The owner of a Chicago grocery store has been sentenced to three and a half years in federal prison for fraudulently redeeming millions of dollars in benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children.
Yousef Abu Alhawa, 50, of Lockport was also ordered to pay $8.9 million in restitution to the U.S. Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service, and the state of Illinois.
Alhawa pleaded guilty to wire fraud and tax charges last year.
Meth dealers sentenced
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois has announced sentences for eight methamphetamine dealers in Effingham County and indictments for three other individuals accused of drug distribution.
Prison sentences of those convicted range from 60 to 144 months.
Partly Sunny then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely
Latest News Stories
New Lenox Mayor Makes Passionate Plea for Civility Following Tragic News
Hegseth promises to fix barracks, but work could take time
‘Long overdue’: Praise for HHS’ action to bar taxpayer-funded sex-change procedures
Gas prices drop, but taxes make Illinois pricier than Midwest neighbors
Liquor License Amendments Approved for Frankfort, Joliet, and Lockport Businesses
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Planning and Zoning Commission for December 16, 2025
Joliet Property Owner Cleared to Convert Non-Conforming Building into Two-Unit Residence
Colorado adopts first-of-its-kind water protections in U.S.
Epstein files redactions frustrate lawmakers
Supreme Court weighs gun owners’ challenge to IL transit carry ban
Nine pharmaceutical companies agree to most-favored-nation pricing
Congress leaves for holidays after zero progress on federal funding
