Illinois Quick Hits: IDPH accountability officer fired

Illinois Quick Hits: IDPH accountability officer fired

Spread the love

(The Center Square) – The former chief grant accountability officer for the Illinois Department of Public Health is being held accountable for working a private job on the taxpayer dime.

The Illinois Office of Executive Inspector General’s latest newsletter highlights the case against IDPH Chief Accountability Officer Vena Nelson failing to disclose outside employment and conducting that employment while working for the state.

Both Nelson and her supervisor were terminated before the investigation concluded.

TEACHER PENSION LIABILITY

The Illinois Teachers’ Retirement System’s unfunded ratio is decreasing.

The latest Illinois Auditor General report for TRS released Tuesday shows a total liability of $162 billion, with $77.3 billion on hand. That makes the funding ratio 47.7%, which is up from 45.5% the previous year.

Also released Tuesday was the audit for the State University Retirement System, which is 45.5% funded.

GAS PRICES DROP

The average gas price in Illinois has dropped below $2.90 per gallon.

According to the Automobile Association of America, the state’s current average of $2.89 for regular unleaded is down from $2.93 one week ago and $3.06 one month ago.

The per-gallon price in Illinois remains higher than the national average of $2.82 and higher than the price in every other Midwestern state. The Land of Lincoln has the second-highest gas tax in the nation.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Illinois Quick Hits: Driver killed in reported shootout with police on I-88

Illinois Quick Hits: Driver killed in reported shootout with police on I-88

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A man is dead after a reported exchange of gunfire with police on Interstate 88 in DeKalb...
Kankakee Area Career Center

Beecher to Fund $32,000 for Kankakee Area Career Center Roof Amid Severe CTE Teacher Shortages

Beecher Board of Education Meeting | April 15, 2026 Article Summary: Beecher School District 200U will contribute approximately $32,000 toward a $1 million roofing project at the Kankakee Area Career Center...
Joseph House

Historic Joseph Perry House in Crete Granted Landmark Status

Will County Board Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board officially designated the Joseph Ferris Perry House in Crete Township as a historical landmark, protecting the...
U.S. House to vote on five-year Farm Bill this week

U.S. House to vote on five-year Farm Bill this week

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square The House Rules Committee debated long into Monday night to prepare the five-year farm bill for a floor vote this week. Lawmakers have filed over...
Constitutional tests await IL Dems’ race-based district plan

Constitutional tests await IL Dems’ race-based district plan

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Later this fall, Illinois voters appear likely to get the chance to vote on a plan to rewrite the state constitution to...
State House OKs access to abortion medication at colleges

State House OKs access to abortion medication at colleges

By Chris WoodwardThe Center Square The Colorado House on Monday approved a bill allowing for the access of abortion medication on college campuses. House Bill 1335 is sponsored by Reps....
Nonprofit hospitals called out for prioritizing politics over patients

Nonprofit hospitals called out for prioritizing politics over patients

By Tate MillerThe Center Square Consumer protection organization Consumers’ Research launched a campaign to warn Congress about nonprofit hospitals that prioritize "woke" politics such as diversity, equity and inclusion, transgender...
Illinois quick hits: Appeals court upholds Madigan corruption conviction

Illinois quick hits: Appeals court upholds Madigan corruption conviction

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Appeals court upholds Madigan corruption conviction The Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has upheld former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s...
Pritzker pushes housing plan described as 'all stick,' no carrot

Pritzker pushes housing plan described as ‘all stick,’ no carrot

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker is pushing to prevent local communities from restricting housing development, but local leaders say...
Convenience store advocate: Swipe fee ruling is 'one step' in the process

Convenience store advocate: Swipe fee ruling is ‘one step’ in the process

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square *The Center Square) – The federal government has moved to partially block an Illinois law banning electronic processing fees on the...
Deferred maintenance blamed in I-64 bridge hole

Deferred maintenance blamed in I-64 bridge hole

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – State transportation officials say repairs are underway after a large hole developed on an Interstate 64...
Illinois quick hits: Convicted felon suspected of shooting two officers; Chicago Mayor orders up to $900,000 for additional peacekeepers; Belleville man faces attempted murder charge

Illinois quick hits: Convicted felon suspected of shooting two officers; Chicago Mayor orders up to $900,000 for additional peacekeepers; Belleville man faces attempted murder charge

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Convicted felony suspected of shooting two officers One Chicago police officer is dead and another was critically injured after a man...
Beecher Softball ladycats

Beecher Uses Six-Run Sixth Inning to Put Away St. Joseph-Ogden 10-5

The Beecher varsity softball team secured a decisive 10-5 non-conference victory on the road against St. Joseph-Ogden on Saturday, fueled by a powerful offensive performance and a massive six-run sixth...
Will County Board Graphic.02

Will County Passes Comprehensive Adult Entertainment Ordinance

Will County Board Meeting | April 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Will County Board passed Ordinance 26-133, enacting Chapter 119 of the Business Regulations to establish rigorous licensing, operational, and...
Beecher Elementary school Graphic

Beecher Parents Protest “Silent Lunches” and Mass Recess Punishments; Elementary Principal Vows Changes

Beecher Board of Education Meeting | April 15, 2026 Article Summary: Parents confronted the Beecher Board of Education on Wednesday to protest the elementary school's use of "silent lunches" and whole-class...