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State News

China resumes U.S. poultry imports, restores beef market access

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  By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek  China will purchase at least $17 billion per year of US agricultural products through 2028, in addition to the soybean purchase commitments made in October 2025, according to the White House. The announcement follows President Donald Trump’s May 14-15 visit to China, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.…

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Governor Pritzker hosts youth mental health roundtable

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On May 27, 2026, Governor JB Pritzker joined Illinois high schoolers for a youth mental health roundtable to discuss ongoing efforts to support the mental health and well-being of students across Illinois. Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month, the roundtable brought together representatives from education, public health, and community organizations to share updates, identify gaps,…

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Collin Corbett officially launches run as Independent candidate for governor

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Collin Corbett launched a mainstream, Independent movement in Illinois on May 27, 2026, officially announcing his campaign for governor alongside running mate and candidate for lieutenant governor, Carolyn Schofield, campaign chairman and former Illinois Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Lou Sandoval, family, and supporters. “Illinois has massive potential, yet we feel so stuck,” Corbett…

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Lane closures on I-255 in Madison County begin June 3

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The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced intermittent nightly lane closures on Interstate 255 between I-270 and the St. Clair County line in Madison County beginning Wednesday, June 3, weather permitting. Motorists can expect one lane to remain open in each direction nightly from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. All lanes will reopen daily from…

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Here’s how one lucky Illinoisan will control the Chicago Skyline in 2027

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The Skyline Lighting Raffle will award one Illinois resident a never-before-offered opportunity to illuminate downtown Chicago for a personal cause, milestone, or celebration, BOMA/Chicago says. From Winthrop Harbor to Carbondale—and everywhere in between—one lucky Illinoisan will light up the Chicago skyline with a color of their choosing if they win a never-before-offered raffle. Open to…

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Senator Christopher Belt kicks off 2026 summer reading club

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State Senator Christopher Belt is launching a Summer Book Club for students to encourage continued learning throughout the summer. “It’s important to keep kids engaged throughout the summer through reading, and it’s important for kids to become stronger readers to succeed in school and life,” said Belt (D-Swansea). The Summer Book Club requires students to…

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$5M available for tourism grant programs announced by governor

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Eligible entities can now apply for funding through the Route 66, International Tourism, and Tourism Marketing Partnership Grant Programs Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) have announced that $5 million is available in tourism funding through three grant programs: the Route 66 Grant Program ($2 million), the International…

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Swine industry facing prolonged disease challenges

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  By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek  US pork producers have been battling increased disease pressure the past few years. Rita Frazer with the RFD Radio Network interviewed Jim Lowe, executive associate dean and professor at the University of Illinois Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, about swine diseases impacting the industry and what Illinois producers need to…

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