Turkey is Thanksgiving’s iconic centerpiece. But in recent years it’s started to slip from the menu
It’s been a tradition to eat turkey for Thanksgiving since the 1800s. But one economic report suggests the custom has lost footing in recent years.
Hemp growers push back against proposed new regulations
A legislative committee and the Illinois Department of Agriculture agreed recently to delay finalizing new regulations governing hemp production amid an outcry of protests from small, independent producers.
Illinois faces a $3 billion shortfall in 2026, a new report shows
If the projections hold true, Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker could face difficult financial decisions, from increasing taxes to cutting spending. The relative financial calm that has marked Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s six years in office may soon be coming to a close as his administration Friday forecast a more than $3 billion budget shortfall for the…
In final public transit hearing, downstate operators join chorus for more state funding
Many details still needed before lawmakers can put forward transit funding proposal SPRINGFIELD – Public transit agencies in downstate Illinois are joining Chicagoland rail and bus operators in asking the state for help balancing their budgets. A state committee met with leaders from a half dozen downstate agencies on Tuesday – the sixth and final…
Trump uses interview on economics to promote tariffs and riff on his favorite themes
CHICAGO (AP) — Donald Trump seized Tuesday on an opening to sound his frequent argument that imposing huge tariffs on foreign goods would amount to an economic elixir — one that he claims would raise enormous sums for the government, protect U.S. firms from overseas competition and prod foreign companies to open factories in the United States….
UPDATE: University of Illinois food and building service workers vote for new contract, officially ending strike
Updated at 4 PM on Oct. 3, 2024 CHAMPAIGN — Custodial and dining workers at the University of Illinois have voted to accept the administration’s contract proposal instead of going back on strike. The new contract will last three years. Hourly wages will go up by one dollar the first year, 90 cents the next…
U of I students feel the effects of SEIU strike, other campus unions rally with building and service workers
URBANA – The University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign has closed a dining hall and stopped serving hot food at campus stores while building and food service workers are on strike. Students say lines are longer and the food options are limited at what remains open. Sophomore Sauntrel Johnson has been missing his favorite part of his meal,…
Illinois celebrates dispensary openings while manufacturers face significant challenges
State touts diversity report, but most specialty cannabis businesses have not become operational While Illinois’ cannabis market is booming and the state has made progress in diversifying new licensees, significant hurdles remain for businesses hoping to enter the expanding market, according to an independent review of the industry. Celebratory news releases have marked several…
Agriculture | Economy | Health
Bird flu outbreaks made egg prices more expensive. Here’s what to know
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is projecting that egg prices will decrease in the coming months. But experts said that all depends on whether there are any further bird flu outbreaks. Outbreaks of bird flu earlier this year are making eggs pricier. The wholesale price for eggs peaked at $3.30 per dozen in recent months,…
John Deere ends support of ‘social or cultural awareness’ events, distances from inclusion efforts
Deere’s move arrives just weeks after rural retailer Tractor Supply ended an array of its corporate diversity and climate efforts. While the companies’ responses differed, both arrive amid a wider backdrop of conservative backlash that has been targeting companies across industries.
$51 million awarded to Champaign-Piatt-Macon biomanufacturing tech hub project
A year-long campaign to promote biomanufacturing in central Illinois has paid off for the University of Illinois and its partners. The U-S Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration has awarded an approximately $51 million grant to a consortium led by the University of Illinois, to establish the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (or iFAB) tech hub in Champaign, Piatt and Macon Counties.
Struggling with falling demand for farm equipment, Deere & Co. announces nearly 600 layoffs
In its most recent quarter, Deere reported a more than 15% decline in revenue, the third straight quarter of year-over-year sales declines. Deere shares slipped 1.6% in morning trading and are down about 7.5% this year.
Quantum technology companies set for big tax incentives under new law
Economic development package also expands film, EV industry tax breaks.
State budget includes hefty taxes, but not on ‘everyday ordinary taxpayers,’ Democrats say
It brings in over $1 billion in new taxes, but proponents say the taxes don’t severely hit individual pocketbooks. There’s a $200 million increase on sports betting operations and more than half a billion by limiting annual claims on business operating loss.
Urbana sees spike in need for rent, food help
Cunningham Township, which serves the same area as the city of Urbana, spent $100,000 over budget this fiscal year in its quest to help all those needing food and housing help.