The Illinois Department of Agriculture has announced record-breaking attendance figures for the 2024 Illinois State Fair. More than 773,000 people attended the 11-day event, marking the highest attendance on record. The Illinois State Fair also saw major successes in other areas, including a record-breaking Grandstand performance. […]
September 23 through 29 marks ‘See Tracks? Think Trains’ Week, a week dedicated to raising awareness about rail safety education and the dangers of railroad crossings. Every year, more than 2,300 people are injured or killed in railroad crossing and trespassing incidents across North America, according […]
Families enrolled in the Bright Start College Savings Program (Bright Start 529) will see several changes starting September 30, as TIAA, a major provider of 529 college savings plans, takes over as the program manager. Bright Start is a 529 college savings plan typically sponsored by […]
Government agencies across the country, including in Illinois, are facing the difficult challenge of dealing with an alarming rise in cyberattacks. Recent data from the Center for Internet Security reveals a drastic increase in malware and ransomware attacks, with a 148 percent surge in malware incidents […]
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is investigating a reported leak at a CO2 sequestration well site operated by Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) in Decatur. ADM’s CO2 program was the first in the country to utilize a Class VI well, which is designed to allow […]
To support the state’s specialty crop industry, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) will distribute nearly $525,000 over the next three years through the 2024 USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant program. This funding, made possible by the 2018 Federal Farm Bill, is available to non-profit organizations, […]
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will soon accept sealed bids for approximately 30 agricultural lease contracts covering the 2025-2029 crop years. These leases are designed to enhance wildlife populations and improve recreational areas while promoting sustainable farming practices that benefit both the environment and […]
National Farm Safety and Health Week, observed from September 15 to 21, highlights the importance of safety in the agricultural industry. This year’s theme, “Don’t Learn Safety by Accident,” stresses the need for farmers and communities to take a proactive approach to safety education. Each day […]
With the general election just around the corner, now is the time for Illinois residents to learn more about the voting process and how to register. Whether you’re a first-time voter or need to update your information, voting is a way to make your voice heard […]
Young professionals are rapidly becoming one of Illinois’ top exports according to new data from SmartAsset, which ranks Illinois among the top states losing millennials to more tax-friendly states. The report ranked states based on how many young households earning $200,000 or more left in 2022. Illinois […]