Ill State News

DRA invests nearly $17 million toward 11 projects for infrastructure and flood control needs

CLARKSDALE, Miss. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) recently concluded Fiscal Year 2025 with an investment of nearly $17 million to support 11 critical infrastructure projects across the region. Provided through the Community Infrastructure Fund (CIF), this funding program is designed to address unmet basic public infrastructure, transportation infrastructure and flood control needs for DRA […]

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‘Makers Madness’  contest will name ‘The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois’ 

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) today launched the 2026 “Makers Madness” contest, a bracket-style tournament that lets voters choose what locally-made product should be crowned The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois.     Presented by Comcast Business, the competition celebrates the incredible work of manufacturers across Illinois, who have long served as the backbone

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Illinois Retail Merchants Association urges consumers to reject swipe fee scare tactics

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) released the following statement after banks filed a motion to appeal a ruling by a federal judge that upheld the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act, the largest Main Street relief package Illinois has adopted. Under the law, banks and credit card companies would be prohibited from charging swipe fees

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ILCC to launch new Liquor Control & Compliance Portal

SPRINGFIELD – In preparation for the launch of its new Control & Compliance Portal, the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) is encouraging licensees to register their ILogin account by February 18th. Today is the first day of the scheduled blackout period, but licensees will be able to resume all licensing and compliance activities once the

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Residents and visitors invited to explore America’s roots with Illinois America 250’s keepsake Passport to Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – As Illinois communities prepare to celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial on July 4, the Illinois America 250 Commission today unveiled the first ever Passport to Illinois, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore the powerful places, people and events in Illinois that have shaped the nation’s history.   The limited-edition keepsake Passport to Illinois uplifts undertold stories

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Birth To Five Illinois reaches $12M funding milestone

SPRINGFIELD – Birth to Five Illinois has awarded six $12,500 Planning Grants to groups working to create new Local Early Childhood Collaborations, defined as community partners working as a collective to improve local early learning and care opportunities for families. This round of Planning Grants will reach seven Illinois counties that are in the early

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Bailey Zimmerman brings Illinois roots home to the state fair

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Fair is proud to announce that multi-platinum country superstar Zimmerman will play the Illinois Lottery Grandstand stage on Ag Day, Friday, August 14, 2026, delivering a high-energy performance from one of country music’s most powerful and authentic new voices.   Hailing from Louisville, Illinois, Bailey Zimmerman’s performance at the Illinois

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The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs announces Illinois Lottery Veterans’ Cash Grants recipients

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) has announced nearly $1 million in grants to support organizations providing vital services to veterans and their families across Illinois for the third quarter of FY26.   The grants are part of the Veterans’ Cash Grants program, which aims to address critical issues facing veterans,

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Illinois State Police arrests Kansas man after multiple vehicles shot in St. Clair County

COLLINSVILLE, IL – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 Special Agents arrested 33-year-old Drew D. Smading of Wichita, Kansas after a cross-county pursuit involving multiple vehicles being shot at.   According to an ISP news release:   On February 6, 2026, at approximately 3:50 p.m., a 9-1-1 call was received alerting

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Illinois school district sued for discriminating against Good News Clubs

MOLINE, IL – Liberty Counsel filed a lawsuit on behalf of Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) of Illinois against the Moline-Coal Valley Community Unified School District for unlawfully denying Good News Clubs equal access to three elementary school facilities while allowing similar non-religious organizations.   The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court of Central Illinois, also names Superintendent

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