May 2026

Governor Pritzker announces $56 Million in available funding for Community Development Block Grant Programs

SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has announced $56 million in funding is available for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) for Public Infrastructure ($25 million), Housing Rehabilitation ($15 million), Community Revitalization ($13 million), and Emergency Assistance ($3 million). Grantees will be selected through a competitive

Governor Pritzker announces $56 Million in available funding for Community Development Block Grant Programs Read More »

Healthy aging starts with strong vision and oral health

ST LOUIS — As communities observe Older Americans Month, Delta Dental and DeltaVision experts urge older adults to prioritize two often-overlooked pillars of healthy aging: dental and vision care. Routine exams help maintain independence, detect chronic disease earlier and support overall well-being.   “Dental exams are one of the most effective ways to spot early signs

Healthy aging starts with strong vision and oral health Read More »

IDOA announces specialty crop block grant funding available

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) will distribute more than $796,000 over the next three years to expand access to fresh, locally grown produce and boost the competitiveness of the state’s specialty crop industry. This funding is made possible through the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.   An application for grant funding

IDOA announces specialty crop block grant funding available Read More »

Illinois Department of Agriculture to offer free recycling program for agrichemical containers

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) encourages farmers and agrichemical facilities to take part in a free agrichemical container recycling program. Beginning in the middle of July and continuing into August, sites throughout the state will collect containers that are recycled to make shipping pallets.   In Randolph County, Illinois: Bockhorn Ag. Inc,

Illinois Department of Agriculture to offer free recycling program for agrichemical containers Read More »

Illinois State Fair announces FREE 38 Special Grandstand Concert on August 17

SPRINGFIELD, IL –Fairgoers are in for a rockin’ good time at the 2026 Illinois State Fair as legendary southern rock band 38 Special takes the Grandstand stage for a FREE concert on Monday, August 17.   “The Illinois State Fair is one of the best opportunities we have each year to bring people together from every corner of

Illinois State Fair announces FREE 38 Special Grandstand Concert on August 17 Read More »

Illinois State Police conducts First Annual Memorial Park Ceremony

SPRINGFIELD– In honor and remembrance of all the Illinois State Police (ISP) officers who died in the line of duty, the Illinois State Police (ISP) and the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation (ISPHF) held the1st Annual Memorial Park Ceremony May 6.   The ISP Memorial Park, completed in 2018, was built to honor the lives and

Illinois State Police conducts First Annual Memorial Park Ceremony Read More »

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs relaunches state retirement program for small businesses with lower fees and new name

CHICAGO, IL — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has announced lower fees and technology improvements for employers and savers of the Illinois Secure Choice Savings Program, which will take effect in June 2026.    “A decade ago, too many Illinois workers didn’t have an easy way to save for retirement at work, so we set

Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs relaunches state retirement program for small businesses with lower fees and new name Read More »

London-born chef, author to give keynote at Mo. Master Gardener conference

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – London-born chef-turned-gardener Mitch McCulloch will be the keynote speaker at the 2026 University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener State Conference, June 4-7 in Springfield. MU Extension horticulturist Kelly McGowan says McCulloch’s keynote address and book signing will be highlights of the conference, which is themed “Seeds to Table: Cultivating Health and Sustainability.”

London-born chef, author to give keynote at Mo. Master Gardener conference Read More »

Lutheran Family and Children’s Services sounds alarm as mental health drives Missouri pregnancy-related deaths

ST. LOUIS, MO. – As Missouri faces a critical shortage of maternal healthcare, Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) is addressing the state’s alarming maternal mortality and morbidity rates during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month this May.   According to the most recent data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, mental health

Lutheran Family and Children’s Services sounds alarm as mental health drives Missouri pregnancy-related deaths Read More »