The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is now accepting applications for $2.4 million in grant funding aimed at strengthening Illinois’ tourism industry by supporting local attractions, events and festivals across the state. According to DCEO, Illinois welcomed 115 million visitors in 2025, highlighting […]
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is now accepting applications for the second year of its Cemetery Relief Fund Grant Program, which provides funding to help restore cemeteries that have been abandoned, neglected or are otherwise in need of additional care. For Fiscal […]
Senate Republicans want to make sure local farmers, food businesses and nonprofit organizations know about a new grant opportunity through the Illinois Department of Agriculture. The state is making $1.8 million available through the Local Food Infrastructure Grants program to help strengthen local food production and […]
With Halloween just around the corner, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) is reminding families to take a few simple precautions to help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday. Each year, the IPC receives hundreds of calls involving potential poisoning hazards associated with Halloween activities, including costumes, […]
The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA) held a series of public hearings last week to review the proposed closures of three Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) facilities as concerns continue over the loss of state jobs and resources in Downstate Illinois. The hearings focused […]
Illinois Senate Republicans are highlighting a series of legislative proposals aimed at strengthening public safety, addressing serious criminal offenses, and improving accountability within the state’s criminal justice system. The proposals come as concerns continue over repeat offenders, dangerous drug trafficking, and whether existing laws provide enough […]
With deer hunting season underway in Illinois, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding hunters about the importance of testing harvested deer for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, and other members of the deer family. […]
Every fall, pumpkins are the center of the season, from front porch decorations to delicious pies, but did you know Illinois is one of the nation’s leading pumpkin producers? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Illinois produced approximately 533 million pounds of pumpkins in […]
Despite extreme temperatures and days of rainy weather, the 2026 Illinois State Fair and Du Quoin State Fair attracted a combined total of more than one million visitors for the second consecutive year. The Illinois State Fair welcomed nearly 715,000 visitors, marking the third-highest attendance total […]
As Illinois farmers face rising operating costs, the Illinois Finance Authority (IFA) has launched a new pilot loan program aimed at helping farmers expand their on-site grain storage capacity. The program is expected to offer loans at a low interest rate of 2% to help farmers […]