JCJ News
Amid uncertainty in Washington, Illinois lawmakers pass slimmed-down Medicaid package
By Peter Hancock Capitol News Illinois Nearly every year, Illinois lawmakers pass a package of measures dealing with the state’s Medicaid program, the joint federal and state health care program that covers low-income individuals. Known as the Medicaid omnibus bill, it sometimes includes bold components, like a 2021 initiative that made millions of dollars available…
Read MoreIDPH Celebrates 2025 Pride Month
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is joining Illinoisans in celebrating 2025 Pride Month throughout the month of June by showcasing programs and services that improve the health and wellness of the state’s diverse LGBTQIA+ community. A highlight of the 2025 Pride Month in Illinois is Chicago’s Pride Parade on June 29. IDPH will…
Read MoreIllinois Department of Agriculture lifts poultry exhibition suspension
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is lifting the temporary suspension on the exhibition or sale of poultry at swap meets, exhibitions, flea markets and auction markets. The suspension was initially issued in February in response to the ongoing threat of H5N1 avian flu and continued through today. “We have closely monitored the threat posed…
Read MoreNew USDA policy targets small family farms
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek USDA released a new policy agenda outlining actions aimed at ensuring the profitability and prosperity of small family farms.
Read MoreJune Newsbits from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is sharing the following upcoming events and noteworthy items for June. June 6 through Aug. 9 History Comes Alive Springfield State Historic Sites Springfield | Sangamon Visit the historic sites in Springfield this summer for programs, reenactments, and activities for the whole family. The Old State Capitol, Lincoln…
Read MoreGood Growing: Baptisia: Bold, beautiful, and underused native perennials
By Ken Johnson, Horticulture Educator University of Illinois Extension As gardeners, we’re often on the lookout for low-maintenance plants with colorful flower displays. One such plant that fits that description, and is vastly underutilized in the landscape, is Baptisia. These easy-to-grow native perennials are primarily grown for their colorful floral displays, ranging from blue, purple,…
Read MoreIAITC coordinators in the driver’s seat for 2026 program
By PHYLLIS COULTER FarmWeek Play was a key part of the day for about 100 Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) coordinators from about 80 Farm Bureau county offices as they gathered in Bloomington on May 20 to get in the driver’s seat of the 2026-transportation-themed program. In addition to participating in activities that children…
Read MoreDavidsmeyer Blasts IL Democrats’ ‘Tax, Spend, Repeat’ Budget
Late at night on the May 31 budget deadline, Illinois Democrats passed a massive spending plan for Fiscal Year 2026, which begins on July 1.
Read MoreLet’s Cook! – June 5, 2025
It’s time for backyard cook-outs! Hooray. If you are looking for recipes that are different from the usual coleslaw or potato salad, here are two recipes you may want to try.
Read MoreNew taxes on sports bets, nicotine products as Democrats pass $55.2B budget
By Ben Szalinski and Jerry Nowicki Capitol News Illinois Giving almost no time for public review, Illinois Democrats pushed through a $55.2 billion budget for next fiscal year late Saturday, bolstering coffers with new taxes on sports bets, nicotine products and businesses.
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