Ill State News

Illinois opens its 100th social equity cannabis dispensary

CHAMPAIGN – The Pritzker Administration has announced that SEquity Ventures (LLC dba The Dispensary Champaign) became the 100th social equity cannabis dispensary to open its doors in Illinois.   The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) issued a full adult use cannabis dispensary license to The Dispensary Champaign on June 6, 2024, who applied

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Illinois State Police combats vehicle hijacking and theft

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) continues to target vehicle theft, hijacking, and related violent crimes using grant funding from the Illinois Secretary of State Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council. ​ ISP was awarded a $10 million grant for the first fiscal year, and another $677,000 grant

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Illinois cannabis industry continues to lead social equity efforts nationwide

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker has announced that Illinois reached $1 billion in cannabis retail sales on July 1, 2024. This includes more than $850 million in adult use cannabis sales and almost $150 million in medical cannabis sales. This milestone was achieved nearly two weeks faster in 2024 compared to 2023, when the $1

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IDNR announces 2024 schedule of waterfowl blind site drawings

SPRINGFIELD – Waterfowl hunters should mark their calendars for upcoming waterfowl blind drawings at several public hunting areas in Illinois.   The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host traditional blind drawings at various sites for this year. Participants are advised to follow any site-specific drawing procedures.   Waterfowl hunters must register in person for

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HFS Director Elizabeth Whitehorn issues statement on transformative federal waiver approval for Illinois Medicaid

CHICAGO, Ill. – Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) Director Elizabeth Whitehorn has released the following statement in response to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approval of Illinois’ “1115” demonstration waiver:   “This announcement transforms and advances our state’s vision of an equitable and sustainable healthcare delivery system, leveraging Medicaid

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Farmers Market Coupon Books available to low-income older adults

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Farmers market season is in full swing, and older adults may be able to get help buying fresh, local produce.   The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), administered jointly by the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) and Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), offers income-eligible older adults access to up to $50

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