Unemployment down in all 12 metro areas for June; St. Louis metro reaches record low
Chicago metro achieves 12 consecutive months of year-over-year job growth; continued gains in Champaign, Springfield The unemployment rate decreased in all twelve metro areas for the year ending June 2025, according to data released on July 24, 2025, by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). The…
Read MoreState building named after Alton native Jesse White
Governor-led ceremony recognizes the former Illinois Secretary of State’s dedicated career in public service On July 24, 2025, Governor JB Pritzker, state leaders, and community members from across Chicagoland gathered to officially rename 115 S. La Salle St. the Jesse White State of Illinois Building, honoring Illinois’ longest-serving Secretary of State and a legendary public…
Read MoreHolland promotes Steve Bauer to project director, special projects lead
Holland Construction Services recently announced the promotion of Steve Bauer to project director and leader of the firm’s Special Projects Group (SPG). Bauer brings more than 18 years of experience in construction management and will now oversee both large-scale developments and Holland’s growing portfolio of specialized, fast-paced interior and renovation projects. Since joining Holland in…
Read MoreSunflower fields open at Eckert’s Farm; festival Aug. 2 and 3
Sunflower fields open July 26–27 and July 29–Aug. 3, with more dates to be announced; Eckert’s Sunflower Festival returns Aug. 2–3 along with seasonal favorites like Sunset Yoga on July 30 among the blooms at the Belleville farm Eckert’s Farm in Belleville (951 S. Green Mt Rd, Belleville, Ill. 62220) is welcoming guests back to…
Read MoreKelly leans on experience in Illinois’ Democratic Senate primary
Longtime U.S. House member boasts legislative accomplishments By BEN SZALINSKI Capitol News Illinois Article Summary U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, a Matteson Democrat, is running for Illinois’ open U.S. Senate seat, emphasizing accomplishments throughout her career. It’s the third match-up between Kelly and a candidate backed by Gov. JB Pritzker. Kelly has more than $2 million…
Read MoreState of Illinois reinforces commitment to pay transparency and equity
Amendment removes federal reporting requirement Governor JB Pritzker has signed HB 2488 into law, simplifying the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2003 by eliminating all references to a federally mandated program that requires employers to provide wage data to the federal government. “These legislative changes promote consistency and simplify pay transparency reporting in Illinois,” said…
Read More‘You preferred secrecy and lies’: Madigan confidant gets two years for role in ComEd bribery scheme
Longtime lobbyist and friend to ex-speaker sentenced after 2023 convictions By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois Article Summary Mike McClain, who spent decades as one of the most influential lobbyists in Springfield due to his close relationship with Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, has been sentenced to 24 months in prison. McClain is the third…
Read MoreFood prices follow inflation uptick; beef hits record high
By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek After a few months of a downward trend, inflation is on the rise again with food prices following suit. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 0.3% in June and 2.7% in the past 12 months. Food prices rose faster than overall inflation. The CPI for all food increased 0.3%…
Read MoreRep. Miller joins Senator Hawley in effort to ban Chinese ownership of American land
Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL-15) introduced the House companion to Senator Josh Hawley’s (R-MO) Protecting Our Farms and Homes from China Act. This legislation would ban Chinese corporations and individuals affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from purchasing American agricultural land and residential property. This effort comes in direct response to growing concerns over the…
Read MoreBost announces upgrades for Marion, St. Louis VA facilities
U.S. Representative Mike Bost (R-IL-12) recently announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs will fund an additional $800 million in infrastructure upgrades this year, including improvements to the Marion VA Medical Center and the John Cochran and Jefferson Barracks facilities in St. Louis. The investments will support renovations and new medical equipment for treating local…
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