October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
If you’ve noticed lots of folks wearing pink ribbons in recent days, that’s because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The focus is on promoting awareness of the disease, along with the stories of survivors and those who lost their lives. Numerous breast cancer organizations also […]
Illinois Top State Soybean Producer in 2022
Farmers in the Land of Lincoln are starting to make significant progress on harvesting the state’s corn and soybean crops. According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), 23% of Illinois corn acres have been harvested, along with 19% of […]
Worst Illinois Drought Conditions in a Decade
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has unveiled an opportunity for private nonprofit organizations to apply for grants aimed at enhancing water treatment and waste disposal systems in rural areas. This initiative, part of the Water and Waste Disposal Technical Assistance and Training Grants […]
Veterans Memorial Returns to Capitol
Members of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus are once again working to honor the sacrifices of veterans with a memorial at the Illinois State Capitol. The caucus’ memorial will be on display in the Capitol rotunda from November 7th to November 20th. It will feature a […]
DCFS Faces Questions During Appropriations Hearing
Following the recent release of another scathing audit covering repeated issues with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the director of the embattled agency, Marc D. Smith, announced that he would be leaving his position at the end of the year. DCFS is charged […]
DCFS Faces Questions During Appropriations Hearing
State Senators Steve McClure and Sally Turner released this joint statement today following the announcement that DCFS Director Marc D. Smith is stepping down: “Protecting and caring for our state’s most vulnerable children and families is an incredibly important responsibility of the Governor’s administration. As the […]
Former Republican State Senator Gary Dahl passed away this weekend at 82
Former Republican State Senator Gary Dahl served in the Illinois Senate from 2004-2010. Senator Sue Rezin said, “Gary Dahl was a champion for the people of the Illinois Valley region. When I was appointed to replace Gary in the Illinois Senate, I knew that I had […]
Illinois Continues to Lead the Nation in Pumpkin Production 
With the official welcome of fall on September 23rd, many households are already putting up their Halloween decorations. Typically, that means a lot of pumpkins, and luckily the Land of Lincoln continues to lead the nation in pumpkin production.   According to the USDA, in 2021 Illinois harvested more […]
Planned SNAP Reduction Scheduled for March
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will soon start incentivizing the purchase of electric vehicles with cash.   Starting November 1st, state residents can earn up to a $4,000 rebate for the purchase of an all-electric vehicle or a $1,500 rebate for the purchase of an all-electric motorcycle.   […]
Illinois Supreme Court Sets Hearing Date for the SAFE-T Act Appeal
Members of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee met in Chicago this week to discuss rising crime in the Windy City.   The committee, hosted by the Fraternal Order of Police, brought congressional members in to hear testimony from crime victims and retired officers including, retired Chicago Police […]