Donald Trump began 2022 on a high. But the former president is facing a very different reality one year later as he runs again for the White House.

Here’s a link to the story.

(The Center Square) – Since its inception in March 2020, legalized sports betting has exploded in Illinois.

Here’s a link to the story.

Illinois State Police are investigating the Christmas day stabbing death of Jeffery Brown, 37 of Christopher.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

Chicago is expected to see warmer days ahead this week — but for some who are traveling back, they must brave the latest wave of flight cancellations first.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Christmas and gift giving. The two have always been associated with each other for good reason.

Here’s a link to the op-ed.

(The Center Square) – The U.S. Senate passed a $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill Thursday aiming to avoid a government shutdown deadline of midnight Friday.

Here’s the link to the story.

(The Center Square) – For the ninth consecutive year, Illinois lost population and the losses are accelerating.

Here’s a link to the story.

(The Center Square) – Years of questions about how longtime former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan ran his political operation came to a head this year when he was indicted on 23 counts of corruption-related charges.

Here’s a link to the story.

(The Center Square) – Lawmakers have until midnight Friday to pass legislation to fund the government or face a shutdown as a potential vote on the $1.7 trillion, 4,155-page omnibus bill could happen later Wednesday.

Here’s a link to the story.

(The Center Square) – Illinois’ population has been shrinking for years as more people leave the state than arrive. Did the trend continue this past year? Residents will learn Thursday when the latest U.S. Census data on population is released.

Here’s a link to the story.