Ill State News

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 […]

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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

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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

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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,

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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

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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

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New study: Violent retail crime is on the rise in Illinois

  SPRINGFIELD – Illinois retail workers are facing rising levels of in-store violence tied to repeat and organized offenders, according to new data from global retail crime intelligence company Auror.   The data shows that one in seven retail crime incidents involve violence, weapons or threatening behavior, while the top 10 percent of retail crime offenders

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Illinois Housing Development Authority seeks public input to help guide future of housing

CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is asking local community members, residents, and leaders to participate in the development of the 2027 Illinois Housing Blueprint (Blueprint) through two opportunities: (1) take the resident survey and/or (2) attend a Community Listening Session. The Blueprint is a forward-thinking, grassroots planning initiative designed by IHDA to provide a deeper

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Illinois engineering firms win industry excellence awards 

CHICAGO – Six American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC Illinois) member firms will receive national recognition at the 2026 American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC National) Engineering Excellence Awards (EEA) to be held May 5 in Washington. The national Engineering Excellence Awards are an annual celebration of engineering excellence, honoring projects worldwide that demonstrate innovation, creative problem-solving,

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ICC recommends tips for hiring intrastate household goods movers

CHICAGO – With the spring moving season approaching, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is reminding Illinoisans to look for red flags before handing over their belongings to a potential moving company.    “Before packing up your household, check the ICC website for a company’s complaint history, and confirm the mover holds a valid state license. A

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