State News

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that lane closures will be in place on northbound Interstate 55 between St. Clair Avenue and Exchange Avenue in East St. Louis from 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily beginning Monday, June 15, through Wednesday, June 17, weather permitting, for bridge maintenance. Motorists should expect delays and are…

  By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek  Despite historically large milk supplies, dairy markets have improved, supported by export strength and a major shift in demand toward dairy proteins. Growth in products like ultra-filtered milk, high-protein yogurt, whey ingredients and ready-to-drink protein beverages has fundamentally changed the value mix within dairy markets, according to American Farm Bureau…

After receiving submissions from across the 114th District, State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) has chosen Cahokia Heights Fine Dining as his “Business of The Month.” The upscale restaurant is owned and operated by Zeleke Awash and offers customers a fine dining experience in Cahokia Heights. “If you reside in Cahokia Heights or just visiting and…

By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek As tropical weather patterns suggest a shift to El Nino conditions, FarmWeek interviewed Eric Snodgrass, a principal atmospheric scientist with Nutrien Ag Solutions, to see what Illinois farmers should be watching as summer nears. Q: What is the short-term weather forecast for Illinois? A: The beginning of June is going to…

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that lane closures on Illinois 255 between Seminary Road and the Illinois 255/U.S. 67 split north of Godfrey in Madison County will begin Monday, June 8, weather permitting. One lane will remain open in each direction. The closures are necessary for pavement resurfacing. The project is expected to be…

Governor outlines framework to protect consumers and lower energy costs, calls on General Assembly to act in veto session On June 5, 2026, following inaction from the Illinois General Assembly, Governor JB Pritzker is directing the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to pause processing agreements for the Data Center Investment Program starting…

The Model Cities Initiative will demonstrate the effectiveness of the “Make America Safe Again” mission by taking a whole-of-city approach to reduce crime and restore law and order On June 3, 2026, the United States Department of Justice announced the Model Cities Initiative (MCI), a whole-of-city approach directing nearly $300 million in federal funding to…

As Men’s Health Month is recognized this June, the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) is encouraging men to prioritize preventive care, mental health, and early screenings—while also drawing attention to the unique healthcare challenges facing men in rural communities. Data from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) shows Illinois men continue to experience…

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that intermittent lane closures will be in place on Illinois 203 between Branding Drive and the Interstate 270 ramps beginning Monday, June 8, weather permitting. One lane will remain open in each direction. The closures are necessary for pavement patching. The project is expected to be completed by…

  By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek  The Illinois Wheat Association’s (IWA) annual wheat plot tour confirmed the state’s crop is showing more potential than states further west. After scouting 143 fields in 25 counties May 19, the tour calculated an estimated state weighted average yield of 102.8 bushels per acre. The prediction was a bit below…