State News
AG Raoul says federal accountability actions have protected $8.6B for Illinois
Attorney General Kwame Raoul recently announced that the lawsuits his office has filed challenging unlawful overreach by the federal government have protected approximately $8.6 billion for Illinois and critical programs and services that support individuals, families and organizations across the state. Since January 2025, the Attorney General’s office has filed 63 lawsuits challenging illegal actions…
Read MoreGovernor Pritzker launches first-in-nation film production tax credit
In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, Governor JB Pritzker announced the launch of the first-in-the-nation incentive to promote environmentally sustainable film and television production. Under the expanded program, productions recognized as a “certified green production” through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) Illinois Film Office will be eligible for an additional…
Read MoreSIUE hosts governor, annual Lincoln Academy Convocation, Investiture of Laureates
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville hosted the 62nd annual Lincoln Laureates Convocation and Investiture on April 11, celebrating the state’s highest honor for professional achievement and public service. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker conferred the state’s highest civilian honor, noting that 2026 Lincoln Laureates exemplify vision, innovation and compassion. SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, Ph.D., welcomed Todd…
Read MoreGovernor announces appointments to new Illinois State Attainment Working Group
Governor JB Pritzker recently announced 11 appointments to the Illinois State Attainment Working Group. Established by the Governor’s Executive Order 2026-03 last month, the working group will establish statewide goals to prepare Illinois’ workforce for the jobs of the future by bringing together a diverse group of expert voices. “I’m pleased to appoint this talented group…
Read MoreReminder: Public comment sought on proposed Illinois 203 improvements
The Illinois Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting to discuss a study for the proposed improvements on Illinois 203 from Maverick Drive to Eagle Park Road in Madison County. The meeting will be held: Thursday, April 23 4 to 7 p.m. The Mill Events 1311 20th St., Granite City IDOT, in cooperation with the…
Read MoreTrump requests 19 percent cut to USDA
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek President Donald Trump’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget includes a nearly 20 percent cut to USDA. The blueprint, which the White House sent to Congress on April 3, requests $20.8 billion in discretionary budget authority for USDA, which is a $4.9 billion decrease from the 2026 enacted level. Trump also…
Read MoreLegislators host community shred, clean-up day in Wood River April 25
In recognition of Earth Month, State Senator Erica Harriss (R- 56th– Glen Carbon) and Representative Amy Elik (R- 111th– Alton) are inviting area residents to take part in a free Community Shred Event and Clean Up Day to be held from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Wood River Police…
Read MoreNew survey finds most U.S. farmers can’t afford fertilizer
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek A nationwide survey conducted by American Farm Bureau Federation shows 70 percent of respondents cannot afford to purchase enough fertilizer to get them through the year. More than 5,700 farmers from every state and Puerto Rico responded to the survey, which was conducted April 3 through 11. In Illinois, more than…
Read MoreSuicide prevention awareness and education expansion passed Senate
State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to increase access to life-saving mental health resources and strengthen suicide prevention efforts across the state passed the Senate. “This legislation strengthens access to support for individuals facing a mental health crisis,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This will also give students tools and lessons to understand their feelings and know where…
Read MoreNASA Standard Initiator named ‘The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois’
Manufactured by Chemring Energetic Devices in Downers Grove, the NASA Standard Initiator helped launch the recent Artemis II/Orion mission Chosen by voters from an initial field of more than 100 entries, the NASA Standard Initiator made by Chemring Energetic Devices in Downers Grove has been crowned the winner of the 2026 “Makers Madness” contest, earning…
Read More