State News
Weekend lane closures on eastbound I-64 in St. Clair County
Illinois Department of Transportation has announced weekend lane closures on eastbound Interstate 64 between Illinois 159 and Illinois 157 in St. Clair County. Beginning at 6 a.m. Saturday, April 18, traffic will be reduced from three lanes to one lane for sign installation. Two lanes are expected to reopen by 7 p.m. Saturday, weather permitting.…
Read MoreTourism Grant Program awards announced by governor
$4.85 million in grant funding awarded through Tourism Attractions, Tourism Marketing Partnership, and Tourism Private Sector Grant Programs Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) recently announced more than $4.85 million in grant funding has been awarded to 66 grantees through three grant programs – the Tourism Attractions Grant…
Read MoreRep. Kevin Schmidt to host April 20 Coffee Talk in Millstadt
State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) will be hosting a Coffee Talk event from 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday, April 20 at the Millstadt Community Center and is encouraging constituents to attend. He said the event will be a great opportunity for the public to have open conversations about state issues that are important to…
Read MoreStuart-backed bill regulating low-speed e-bikes passes House
State Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) helped pass a bill allowing state entities to prohibit the use of low-speed electronic bicycles on any path within state jurisdiction, prioritizing the safety of both pedestrians and manual cyclists. “On a nice spring day, I love to go for a walk around our community. It’s good for the soul…
Read MoreU.S. Attorney’s Office announces results of ‘Operation Big Muddy’
The operation targeted violent fugitives with felony warrants and netted 21 arrests FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – On April 14, 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois announced the results of a warrant enforcement operation led by the U.S. Marshals Service and its task force law enforcement partners. The warrant enforcement operation targeted…
Read MoreSenator Erica Harriss launches 2026 Mother’s Day Diaper Drive
State Senator Erica Harriss recently announced the launch of her annual Mother’s Day Diaper Drive, taking place from April 13 through May 8, 2026, to support families in need across the Metro East region. “Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the strength and love of moms, but it’s also a reminder that many families…
Read MoreIllinois State Police breaks ground on new canine training facility
The Illinois State Police (ISP) and Capital Development Board (CDB) broke ground on a new canine training complex on April 9, 2026. The $8.9 million state investment consists of two new buildings, including upgraded kennels, training areas, and office space. “Here in Illinois, we’re proud to support our State Police as they…
Read MoreIllinois EDC launches its new dedicated research center, publishes first report
The Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC) recently announced its new Economic Research Center, a dedicated in-house research and analytics department. The ERC also released its first report, the State of Business, a comprehensive overview of Illinois’ economic performance and competitive position over the past year. The State of Business finds that Illinois’ economy remained broadly aligned with national growth while demonstrating key…
Read MoreU.S. planting intentions: Less corn, more soybeans
By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek U.S. farmers intend to plant 95.3 million acres of corn in 2026, down 3 percent from last year, and 84.7 million acres of soybeans, up 4 percent from last year, according to USDA’s prospective plantings report released March 31. “The survey suggested corn acres would be switching to soybeans in…
Read MoreIllinois land values simmer, for now
By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek The 2026 Land Values and Lease Trends Report saw a shift in narrative from recent years, with 61 percent of survey respondents expecting a decline in farmland prices this year, signaling a potential plateau in the market. However, the report, conducted annually by the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers…
Read More