Farmers look at new ways to cut costs as turning a profit gets harder
The cost of doing business in agriculture was already high before the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which spiked fertilizer and fuel prices.
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As Illinoisans lose federal food assistance, independent grocers face debt, store closure
For some independent grocers, whose profit margins average 2%, a decrease in consumer spending associated with cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could lead to store closures.
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Have a beef with sky-high meat prices? Some people find buying a whole cow saves a bit of money
Buying beef in bulk from a rancher has become comparatively affordable as retail prices rise.
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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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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.
