Ill State News

CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Illinois State Director Jesus Ortega today announced that the agency is providing a $1 million loan to the Wayne-White Counties Electric Cooperative. The loan will re-lend funds to Beaver Creek Ag LLC. The company, which sells agricultural chemicals and fertilizer to the farming community, will use the funding […]

SPRINGFIELD, IL (Feb. 27, 2026) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Illinois’ leading small business advocacy organization, recently joined a petition calling on the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to “terminate or suspend the Future of Natural Gas proceeding, including all workshops and issues associated with decarbonization of the gas distribution system….”   “Illinois’ electricity grids are already

EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois State Police’s (ISP) crime reduction efforts in the Metro East continue to make communities safer with the fewest number of homicides in East St. Louis in at least 45 years1. ​ In 2020, to combat the seemingly intractable problem of gun violence in East St. Louis and ensure investigations are

CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is calling on community members and leaders, housing advocates, and development professionals across Illinois to participate in the development of its 2027–2028 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP). The QAP governs how IHDA allocates Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) throughout the state. Through a public survey and two upcoming summit meetings, IHDA

CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Homeownership Department (IHDA Mortgage) announced the recipients of its annual Lender and Loan Officer Awards, recognizing the banks, mortgage lenders, credit unions, and loan officers who assisted the most homebuyers using IHDA Mortgage programs in 2025.   “IHDA’s programs make a meaningful difference for families who may not otherwise

SPRINGFIELD, IL— The Illinois African Descent-Citizens Reparations Commission (ADCRC) today released “Taking Account: A History of Racial Harm & Injustice Against Black Illinoisans,” the State’s first comprehensive, evidence-based report examining how slavery and its vestiges produce historical harms and continue to generate inequities for Black Illinoisans.    Commissioned by ADCRC and in partnership with the University

EDWARDSVILLE, IL  — Prairie Farms Dairy and Hiland Dairy Foods today announced United in Tradition, a limited-time Indy 500® sweepstakes inspired by one of the most iconic celebrations in all of sports. The sweepstakes is part of a larger collaboration between Indianapolis Motor Speedway, American Dairy Association Indiana, and the Prairie Farms Family of Companies.

SPRINGFIELD – Earlier this week Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs  hosted a celebration to commemorate Black History Month and honor leaders in the African American community.   The event, held at the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office in the Marine Bank Building in downtown Springfield, was an opportunity to reflect on the great achievements of Black leaders.

CARBONDALE, Ill. — The spring program of speakers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute will focus on themes of public service, politics and philanthropy. “Our spring schedule reflects the institute’s commitment to bring interesting and diverse voices to Carbondale,” said John Shaw, institute director. “Our guests are focused on different approaches to public

Proponents say ‘Home for Good’ legislation will create safer, stronger communities by improving housing and support services for people returning from prison  SPRINGFIELD – The Home for Good Coalition has unveiled legislation to create safer, stronger communities across Illinois by improving housing and support services for people returning from prison to prevent homelessness, increase public safety and save taxpayers money.