June small business honoree keeps Alton’s downtown ‘a-buzz’
The RiverBend Growth Association has selected Honeybee Vintage in Alton as its June 2025 Small Business of the Month award recipient. Located at 114 E. Broadway, it is in its fourth year of business now with Owner Melissa Bland collaborating with 20 vendors to create a marketplace that offers a variety of quality antiques,…
Read MorePresident Trump approves partnership between U.S. Steel, Nippon Steel
President Trump signs executive order to unleash unprecedented investment in American steelmaking PITTSBURGH & TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– United States Steel Corporation (“U. S. Steel”) (NYSE: X) and Nippon Steel Corporation (“Nippon Steel”) (TSE: 5401) together with its wholly owned subsidiary Nippon Steel North America Inc. (“NSNA”) (collectively, the “Companies”), announced on June 13, 2025, that United…
Read MoreFarming has an ‘acute succession challenge’
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek The 1980s farm crisis didn’t just impact balance sheets, it changed people’s interest in being involved in agriculture. “The farm prices didn’t just hurt those in production, the ripple effect was across the industry,” said Aaron Locker, who has spent his career helping agricultural businesses find talent and leadership. Locker,…
Read MoreProjected ag trade deficit climbs
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek A USDA trade outlook report forecasts the U.S. ag trade deficit to slightly climb from its previous quarterly projection. The report, dated May 29 but not released until June 2, puts the ag trade deficit at $49.5 billion for fiscal year 2025, up from the $49 billion forecasted in February.…
Read MoreDu Quoin State Fair Grandstand Box Office opens June 16 for in-person purchases
The Du Quoin State Fair Box Office opens for in-person ticket purchases Monday, June 16. Regular box office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. During the Fair, Aug. 22 to Sept. 1, the box office will be open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Tickets are on sale now for the…
Read MoreEx-Speaker Madigan sentenced to 7 ½ years in prison for bribery, corruption
Judge hammers former speaker for ‘willfully’ lying on witness stand at trial By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois UPDATED: This story has been updated with a historical overview of Illinois corruption cases, new character letter details, and photos. CHICAGO — The number of years former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan spent in Springfield has…
Read MorePritzker defends Illinois’ immigration laws in theatrical congressional hearing
Hearing comes amid growing protests of immigration crackdown By BEN SZALINSKI Capitol News Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker spent hours Thursday [June 12, 2025] defending his governing record and Illinois’ immigration policies as he was peppered with questions from members of the U.S. House Oversight Committee. Pritzker and Democratic governors Kathy Hochul of New York…
Read MoreRaoul’s office to receive $15.7M budget increase for operations
Lawmakers approved more than AG requested for growing workload, Trump litigation By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD – In a year when many state agencies received little or no funding increase, state lawmakers this year approved an increase of $15.7 million, or 22.4%, for general operating expenses in Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office.…
Read MoreInsurance plans could soon be required to cover hippotherapy in Illinois
Equine-assisted services are used to treat a variety of disabilities and disorders, including autism, PTSD and cerebral palsy By JADE AUBREY and UIS Public Affairs Reporting (PAR), Capitol News Illinois Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct terminology regarding the credentialing and certification of therapeutic riding instructors in Missouri. SPRINGFIELD – Under…
Read MoreIllinois State Fair announces theme for 2025: ‘Adventure Awaits’
Theme parade entry applications accepted until July 8 Adventure Awaits at the 2025 Illinois State Fair! The theme for this year’s fair sets the tone for an unforgettable journey through all that makes the Illinois State Fair a must-see event—livestock competitions, jaw-dropping performances, thrilling carnival rides, delicious food, and nonstop entertainment. This theme also sets…
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