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Deputy Governor Andy Manar (left) and U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Springfield) speak Wednesday in Champaign.
Agriculture
4 weeks ago
Budzinski and Manar spotlight Illinois’ biomanufacturing future

Lawmakers discuss new markets for farmers, workforce opportunities, and the impact of the iFAB Tech Hub on Central Illinois’ economy.

The Big Marsh Park restoration project and other nearby projects in the Calumet region sit on areas formerly used for landfills and for US Steel Works facilities. The Big Marsh Park has been open since 2016 with a bike park and a trail. (Medill Illinois News Bureau photo by Gabriel Castilho)
IL State News
1 month ago
Responding to federal threat, legislation would protect Illinois waterways

The urgency comes as the Trump administration looks to roll back federal protections for some ‘seasonal’ waters that can temporarily dry up.

Tractor planting seeds in a cultivated agricultural field under a cloudy sky
Agriculture
1 month ago
Illinois soybean farmers welcome federal aid, but fear long-term trade damage

Farmers, many of whom voted for Trump, say they’d prefer stable trade over a government check.

FILE - A SNAP EBT information sign is displayed outside of a convenience store in Baltimore, Monday, Nov. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
IL State News
2 months ago
A judge says she’ll rule that the US still cannot force states to provide data on SNAP recipients

The federal government said the previous ruling did not apply to its latest demands.

Bailey Zimmerman at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Festival held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, USA on September 19, 2025.
Local
2 months ago
Country star Bailey Zimmerman, an Illinois native, to perform at Illinois State Fair

The fair announced Tuesday that Bailey Zimmerman will be the headlining grandstand act on “Ag Day” at the fair.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - SEPTEMBER 20: Matchbox 20 band vocalist Rob Thomas(L) performs during the Rock in Rio 2013 concert , on September 20, 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Local
2 months ago
Matchbox Twenty to perform at Illinois State Fair

Matchbox Twenty has sold over 40 million records globally.

Local
2 months ago
“Everything Local” theme of ag conference in Springfield

Annual conference fills BOS Center.

Local
2 months ago
A connection between the farm and needy Illinoisans

IL Department of Human Services and Feeding Illinois announce Farm to Food Bank Capacity Grants.

Fruits and vegetables are pictured at a County Market grocery store in Springfield. The items are eligible for purchase under the federal SNAP program. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Campbell)
Local
2 months ago
New SNAP work requirements go into effect Feb. 1, threatening recipient eligibility

The requirements change which recipients must work or volunteer and how often.