Illinois Quick Hits: Rockford to fill budget gap with reserve funds

June 17, 2026/

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By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Rockford officials are planning to spend reserve funds to close a $9.4 million revenue shortfall.

The Rockford Register Star reports that the city got $6 million less than expected in revenue from its annual share of state taxes on corporations and about $6 million less than expected in ambulance fees.

The Rockford city council approved a supplemental appropriation ordinance on Monday to allow for the use of city reserves.

EX-AIRMAN SENTENCED ON CHILD SEX ABUSE MATERIAL CHARGES

A federal judge has sentenced a former senior airman stationed at Scott Air Force Base to 25 years in prison after he admitted to sexually exploiting minors and distributing images and videos of child sexual abuse material.

Michael E. McCay, 33, pleaded guilty in January. Law enforcement identified at least two victims, a 12-year-old and an 11-year-old, that McCay was sexually exploiting through online applications, including Roblox, Kik, Snapchat and Likee.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN EVERGREEN PARK TO CLOSE

Another Chicago-area Catholic school is closing. Queen of Martyrs in Evergreen Park made the announcement on Monday, citing a larger-than-projected drop in enrollment for next school year.

The Archdiocese of Chicago announced six school closures earlier this year. Illinois has not opted into a federal tax credit scholarship program for students in public, private or homeschool settings.

MAYOR: CHICAGO LIFE EXPECTANCY HITS ALL-TIME HIGH

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced on Tuesday that life expectancy in the city has reached an all-time high of 79.5 years.

A statement from the mayor’s office said opioid overdose deaths decreased by 386 deaths in 2024 compared to 2023, accounting for one-third of the overall increase in life expectancy citywide.

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