April 2026

Governor Pritzker announces over 60 Tourism Grant Program Awards

$4.85 million in grant funding awarded through Tourism Attractions, Tourism Marketing Partnership, and Tourism Private Sector Grant Programs    CHICAGO – Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced more than $4.85 million in grant funding has been awarded to 66 grantees through three grant programs – the […]

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How rising diesel prices affect crop production costs

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Although many farms are starting the planting season with bulk tanks full of sub-$3-per-gallon diesel purchased over the winter, the first refill this spring could cost $1.50-plus per gallon more than they paid for their last delivery.   Rising fuel costs are another worry on top of skyrocketing fertilizer prices. The impact

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IDPH issues updated sport fish consumption advisories

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued its annual update of advisories related to the consumption of sport fish caught in Illinois waterways. Fish are tested statewide by the Illinois Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and methylmercury. Results are used to issue advisories which

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Illinois House Republicans say families continue to ‘feel the squeeze’

SPRINGFIELD – Tax Day may be Democrats’ favorite day, but Republicans say for Illinois families, it is another reminder of how much they are being squeezed. In a news release, House Republicans point out that while working families are tightening their belts and trying to make ends meet, Governor Pritzker and House Democrats are piling

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Illinois Retail Merchants Association issues statement on federal efforts to preempt swipe fee relief

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) released the following statement after the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency of the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued a notice that the agency plans to file an order to preempt Illinois’ Interchange Fee Prohibition Act, which would prohibit banks and credit card companies from charging swipe fees

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Illinois State Police celebrates recent telecommunicator grogram graduates and promotions

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) held its first annual Telecommunicators Graduation and Promotion Ceremony today, administering the ISP Telecommunicators (TC) Oath to 30 graduates and recognizing the recent promotions of an additional nine Tcs.     “Telecommunicators are the calming voice on the line when people need emergency help the most,” said ISP Director

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Missouri Stream Team releases annual report, hosts celebration

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — In 1988, a small group of anglers became fed up with unsightly trash disrupting their fishing in Roubidoux Creek in Pulaski County. These conservation-minded Missourians decided to clean this section of stream, thus forming the first Missouri Stream Team in 1989.     Among the 2025 Stream Team accomplishments was a litter

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Mo Rep. Adrian Plank slams utilities bill HB 2711 that shifts risk to ratepayers 

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – State Rep. Adrian Plank of Boone County has issued a forceful condemnation of House Bill 2711, calling the proposal a “slap in the face” to working families and local communities across the state.     Speaking on the House floor, the lawmaker said the bill would hand a massive tax break to

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NASA Standard Initiator named ‘Coolest Thing Made in Illinois’

SPRINGFIELD – Chosen by voters from an initial field of more than 100 entries, the NASA Standard Initiator made by Chemring Energetic Devices in Downers Grove has been crowned the winner of the 2026 “Makers Madness” contest, earning the title of The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.   Hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and sponsored

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NFIB releases report detailing benefits of 20 percent small business tax deduction becoming permanent in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, released a new report outlining the economic benefits and massive tax savings the 20% Small Business Tax Deduction will bring to the 1.4 million small businesses in Illinois now that it has been made permanent. The report also details several other federal

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