Ill State News

SIU’s Paul Simon Institute hosts leading diplomat to discuss Middle East conflict

by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. — Jan Eliasson, a former Swedish and United Nations diplomat, will join Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute for a virtual discussion about the American and Israeli attack on Iran and the growing conflict in the Middle East on Friday, March 13.     Eliasson will join […]

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Illinois Stewardship Alliance highlights new LFIG Enrollment Period, calls for continued investment in state budget

SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Illinois Stewardship Alliance is encouraging farmers, food businesses, cooperatives, and community organizations across the state to apply now for the Fiscal Year 2026 Local Food Infrastructure Grant (LFIG) program, with the enrollment period open through March 27.   Applications opened February 18, marking another important opportunity for Illinois producers and food system

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250,000 more Illinoisans with disabilities eligible for ABLE accounts

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs has announced that an estimated 250,000 Illinoisans with a disability are now eligible to open ABLE accounts that allow them to save and invest money to improve quality of life without risking federal benefits.   The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act Congress passed in 2014 required that people had to have

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Rendleman Orchards to host historical marker dedication

ALTO PASS, Ill. — Rendleman Orchards will host the unveiling of its official historical marker for the Rendleman Orchards Historic District, recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places.   A brief dedication ceremony will be held Friday, April 3 at 12 noon at Rendleman Orchards in Alto Pass.   The short program will

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Illinois continues first-in-the-nation free test prep program

Building on Governor Pritzker’s Affordability Agenda, the FY27 Proposed Budget will fund free test preparation courses through June 2027   CHICAGO – The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) and global education company Kaplan today announced that Illinois’ first-in-the-nation free test preparation program – the Prepare for Illinois’ Future Program – will continue through the end of the academic school year.

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Tax season provides opportunity to support public health through voluntary contribution program

SPRINGFIELD – As millions of Illinoisans prepare their 2025 state tax returns, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding them of the state’s voluntary contribution program to support one or more health-related programs.   Schedule G of the 2025 Illinois tax form allows Illinois taxpayers to designate a portion of their state tax refund to

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IDNR seeking summer instructors for 2026 urban fishing program clinics

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for instructors for 2026 summer fishing clinics at locations throughout Illinois for the department’s Urban Fishing Program.   Fishing instructors are the department’s boots on the ground at free clinics hosted in communities throughout Illinois. These are temporary positions not to exceed six months,

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IDNR seeking campground hosts for 2026 camping season

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking campground hosts for the 2026 camping season for state parks, recreation areas and historic sites across Illinois.   Campground hosting is a perfect position for anyone who enjoys camping and helping others. Hosts are often the first to greet state park visitors. They check on

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Household hazardous waste collection events coming to seven Illinois communities this Spring

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois EPA Acting Director James Jennings is pleased to announce seven Spring Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) one-day collection events scheduled over the upcoming months. These collection events are coordinated by Illinois EPA and local co-sponsors to provide residents the free opportunity to safely dispose of unused or leftover hazardous products that are common in

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Another strong half-year result for the Illinois Lottery

CHICAGO — The Illinois Lottery today announced its results for the first six months of Fiscal Year 2026, reporting nearly $2.0 billion in sales and generating an estimated $430 million in returns to the State of Illinois during the period, which is a new first half-year sales record for the Illinois Lottery.   “The Illinois Lottery

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