Small business is big business across much of North America.
Holiday Guide
3 months ago
The many reasons to support Small Business Saturday

Small business is big business across much of North America.

Communities can prepare for the arrival of SBS this holiday season in the following ways.
Holiday Guide
3 months ago
Prepare for Small Business Saturday

Communities can prepare for the arrival of SBS this holiday season in the following ways.

Black Friday
Holiday Guide
3 months ago
Mastering Black Friday shopping

The following tips can help shoppers master Black Friday.

Thanksgiving is consistently one of the busiest travel holidays of the year. In fact, AAA indicates that, in the United States, it may be the most traveled of all the holidays, with record numbers of both drivers and air travelers. In 2024, nearly 80 million Americans were expected to travel over Thanksgiving weekend. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is a particularly busy day on the roads, but high volumes continue throughout the weekend. A high demand for travel during this time of year means individuals wanting to see friends or family for Thanksgiving should plan accordingly. These tips, courtesy of AAA and the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), can make Thanksgiving travel go more smoothly. · Book flights early. If you are able, secure flights early in the day and use personal time off from work to fly in to a destination at the beginning of the week. The propensity for flights to be delayed or canceled increases as the day and week goes on. An early departure may increase the chances of a flight leaving on time. Also, the TSA reports that the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, as well as the Sunday after, are the busiest days for Thanksgiving air travel. Choosing an alternative day to fly may mean smaller crowds and less stress. · Consider TSA PreCheck®. TSA PreCheck is a paid program that enables you to get through security lines faster. Interested parties must verify their identities through a third-party service that handles PreCheck applications, and await confirmation of approval. A TSA PreCheck membership lasts for five years. This membership offers consistent time savings at the airport with dedicated PreCheck lanes, and the benefit of keeping items like laptops and liquids in your bag. · Consider traveling by train. If Amtrak services your destination, taking the train may be the least stressful way to travel over Thanksgiving. In addition to not having to navigate roadways or sit in traffic, you won't face security screening like you will at the airport. Once on the train, there is Wi-Fi, nice views and efficient travel. Trips booked in advance are more affordable than booking closer to the holiday. · Pack light. Avoiding the baggage carousel can shave much time off of travel. Plus, there's no risk of luggage getting diverted or not making it to your final destination. A carry-on bag is the way to go for ease, particularly if you must get on a different flight if the original one is delayed or canceled. · Service your car. If road travel is planned for Thanksgiving, make sure your car is in good condition for a road trip. Be up-to-date on oil changes, make sure the tires are properly inflated and double-check your emergency preparedness kit prior to leaving. It also may be a good idea to invest in AAA benefits, which afford extra peace of mind in the event of a breakdown as well as savings on travel-related expenses, such as lodging. · Pack your patience. In addition to your holiday essentials, it is wise to also pack some patience this Thanksgiving travel season. Leave extra time so you're not racing to your destination and can calmly contend with people also looking to get home for the holidays. Thanksgiving means turkey and trimmings, but also millions of people traveling to give thanks alongside those they love.
Holiday Guide
3 months ago
Thanksgiving weekend travel tips

These tips can make Thanksgiving travel go more smoothly.

llinois Commerce Commission Chair Dough Scott is pictured alongside commissioners Michael Carrigan (left) and Ann McCabe (right) at a November 2023 meeting in Springfield. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)
Local
3 months ago
ICC slashes Nicor, Ameren proposed gas rate hikes by over 40%

Environmental and consumer advocates applaud decision for promoting energy affordability.

Business
3 months ago
Illinois Capital Development Board Receives Merit Award from ACEC

The Illinois Capitol Development Board is Honored to Receive this highly respectable merit.

Business
3 months ago
Largest US landlord to pay $7 million to settle rent‑setting algorithm lawsuit

The states that are part of the settlement include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oregon and Tennessee.

The control tower at Nashville International Airport stands Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
IL State News
3 months ago
Democratic senator accuses Trump of playing politics with aviation safety during shutdown

“It fails to strengthen confidence in good government, and the American people are understandably suspicious of a DOT and FAA that does not show its work,” Duckworth said during the Commerce Committee’s aviation subcommittee hearing.

FILE - Employees piece together components on an assembly line at GE Appliances global headquarters, Aug 13, 2025, in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Jon Cherry, file)
Business
3 months ago
GE Appliances bolsters ties with US suppliers as it moves production from China to Kentucky

The new contracts were awarded to businesses in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Alabama and California, GE Appliances said.

Local
3 months ago
IL Product Holiday Market returns the first weekend of December

A local holiday favorite returns with live music, free activities, and great products.

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