Transportation providers, schools, state officials ease school bus driver shortage
The secretary of state adjusted hiring requirements as schools and transportation providers worked to grow the workforce.
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Illinois regulators have little power to stop hospital shutdowns. Lawmakers are stepping in.
Bills from state Sen. Laura Fine and state Rep. Robyn Gabel would require all hospitals to file plans with the state in case they close or scale back services to make sure patients don’t fall through the cracks.
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United Airlines pushes back start date for new Willard Airport flights, citing FAA restrictions
United’s four new daily flights to and from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport will now launch starting June 1. The airline originally planned to have the service kickoff on April 30.
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Illinois business leaders want more funding for child care as facilities close and demand increases
Bloomington-Normal has recently seen child care facility closures even though demand is still high.
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War with Iran disrupts fertilizer supply for Kansas farmers, right as planting season begins
Gulf states are major fertilizer producers, and the war with Iran has triggered a 25% price hike just as struggling U.S. farmers are planting corn.
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Yearslong ethanol policy standoff could cost Illinois drivers at the pump yet again
The Trump administration soon could announce that it will temporarily lift the restrictions on E15 sales during the summer amid pressure surrounding rising costs due to the conflict in Iran.
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Gas prices are surging. Farm groups say American ethanol could help ease the pain
Agriculture leaders and producers are urging Congress to allow year-round sales of fuel made with up to 15% ethanol, which they say could boost domestic demand for corn — and offer a cheaper gas option for U.S. drivers this summer.
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AgTech Week brings pitch competition for startups, discussions on biomanufacturing to Champaign-Urbana
AgTech Week is a celebration of Champaign-Urbana’s ag tech industry.
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State Farm reports strong growth — and shares some of it with policyholders
The net worth of State Farm ended 2025 at $170 billion, compared to $145.2 billion at the end of 2024. The increase came from improved operations and growth in investments.
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Penny shortage causes headaches for retailers in the Land of Lincoln
For many Illinoisans, it’s a sentimental ending to see “Honest Abe’s” coin disappear.
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Decatur Public Schools looking for ways to turn around ‘bleak’ decline in student population
A demographer reported to the District 61 school board Tuesday that it is facing one of the toughest environments for growth he has ever seen.
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Trump heads to Davos after upending European relations over Greenland
Watch President Trump’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
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From ‘Grinchmas’ to chestnut roasts, these rural towns make the holidays central to their economy
Winter holiday festivals have become a regular way to grow revenue for America’s smallest towns. And with more people shopping online, those events are key to pulling people away from their screens and into stores.
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MTD pursues plan to expand bus service following passage of state transit funding bill
Funding from the state transit bill will enable the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District to continue planning new bus routes and improve frequencies for existing service.
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As state regulators warn of impending energy shortfalls, capacity prices rise again
State-driven resource planning process will begin in 2026.
