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Craig Norrenberns, a fourth-generation Illinois grocer, poses in one of the four independent groceries he owns in southern Illinois. Norrenberns testified before a House committee about the potential impacts SNAP cuts will have on independent grocers. (Photo courtesy Norrenberns)
Local
6 days ago
As Illinoisans lose federal food assistance, independent grocers face debt, store closure
Without SNAP benefits, recipients could lose spending power, hurting local businesses.
Ribbon cutting kicks of first Farmers Market of the season.
Local
6 days ago
Ribbon Cutting kicks off the 2026 Illinois Product Farmers Market Thursday night

The Illinois Product Farmers Market officially opened its 2026 season Thursday evening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield.

(File) 38 Special will perform this year at the Illinois State Fair.
Local
1 week ago
38 Special to perform free concert at Illinois State Fair Grandstand

38 Special has brought their signature blast of guitar-driven southern rock to audiences around the world for over five decades.

Turkeys
IL State News
4 weeks ago
Illinois youth turkey hunters get record harvest

That data, along with a participation rate of 30 percent, “reflect strong youth interest in turkey hunting, excellent hunting opportunities, and a robust statewide turkey population,” said a news release.

A farmer works into the evening hours in Macon County, Illinois. (Photo courtesy of Muirhead Farms)
Agriculture
4 weeks ago
For young people looking to take over Illinois farms, the costs can be steep

High input costs, a hefty estate tax and an older generation reluctant to retire are among the barriers young farmers face.

Soybeans from last year's harvest are loaded into a truck at Doug Bartek's farm near Wahoo, Neb., on Monday, April 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Agriculture
1 month ago
Already under financial pressure, Midwest soybean farmers are squeezed further by tariffs, Iran war

“Our biggest struggles are our inputs, be it fertilizer, seed, chemical, parts,” Bartek said.

The sun sets over a field of corn in Douglas County. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)
Agriculture
1 month ago
Illinois farmers ease critical labor shortages through this agricultural visa program

The H-2A visa has become a lifeline for farmers who can’t find enough domestic workers

Agriculture
1 month ago
IL Ag Director Jerry Costello hopes Congress passes yearlong E15 bill

“Whatever is transported, from food to clothes across the gamut, all the prices go up when fuel prices go up,” Costello said.

Gasoline climbed at $4.29 a gallon at many retail stations across Illinois. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Peter Hancock)
Agriculture
1 month ago
Pritzker calls for year-round E15 gasoline in letter to Congress

Governor says war in Iran has elevated urgency for cheaper, higher-ethanol fuel.

A farmer applies fertilizer to his field.
Agriculture
2 months ago
Rising fertilizer costs could negatively effect local famers

If prices continue to rise, this could cause a problem in next year’s growing season.

Cows on the Little Brown Cow Dairy farm in Delavan. (Provided by Terry Hoerbert, Little Brown Cow Dairy)
Agriculture
2 months ago
Raw milk proponents push for fewer restrictions on Illinois sales despite state health warnings

As federal support wavers, Illinois farmers and lawmakers face hurdles with their agenda.

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