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Illinois American Water recognizes 2026 Foundation water, environmental grantees

Recipients include 14 nonprofit organizations across Illinois The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and Illinois American Water, recently announced that 14 organizations were awarded a 2026 Foundation Water and Environment grant, supporting communities served throughout…

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New data: Violent retail crime on the rise in Illinois

1 in 7 retail crime incidents involve violence; increase largely driven by repeat offenders Illinois retail workers are facing rising levels of in-store violence tied to repeat and organized offenders, according to new data from global retail crime intelligence company Auror. The data shows that one in seven retail crime incidents involve violence, weapons or…

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Follett Content strengthens adult offerings for public libraries, launches Street Date Program

Expanded catalog depth, free shipping, and street-date capabilities to help public libraries meet patron demand when it peaks Follett Content, a longtime partner to libraries nationwide, has announced a deepened commitment to public library collections by expanding its adult print catalog and launching the Follett Street Date Program to help libraries to deliver high-demand titles…

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Commentary: Rep. Schmidt says cutting funds to local municipalities, counties, is bad idea

State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) is raising concerns over a proposal from Governor JB Pritzker to keep the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) share rate flat at 6.23 percent for FY27. Schmidt warns that the move could shift the burden onto local taxpayers and force communities to make difficult financial decisions. Schmidt argues that local…

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