JCJ News
Consumer advocates tell regulators to slash rate hike requests from Ameren, Nicor
By Andrew Adams Capitol News Illinois Natural gas customers in the Chicago suburbs and downstate Illinois are likely to see an increase in their monthly bills next year, but it’s up to state regulators to decide how big a hike, if any, to approve. Nicor Gas, which serves 2.3 million customers in northern and western…
Read MoreIDNR accepting applications for Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship grants
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship grants through June 13, 2025. Eligible applicants are conservation land trusts exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code and whose originating documents include in its purposes the restoration and stewardship of land for conservation purposes.
Read MoreFree Online Retail and Marketing Workshops hosted by Alton Main street & Coco+Oak
Small business owners who are looking to start or grow their business through e-commerce and learn about best marketing practices for growth are welcome to attend three free online retail and marketing workshops in Downtown Alton to be held at Coco+Oak, located at 110 W. 3rd Street.
Read MoreJackie Duty and Dash inspire young artists at Reading in the Park
Steven Spencer The Grove Memorial Park was busy Saturday morning as local Author Jackie Duty and Dash the Dachshund joined young readers and artists for a reading and book signing in Grafton. In her book “Dash the Dachshund,” written and illustrated by Duty, Duty tells the story of Dash’s adventure learning about acceptance, friendship, and…
Read MoreJersey Board of Education swears in new members
By Steven Spencer The Jersey Community Unit School District 100 Board of Education held a special reorganizational meeting last Thursday, May 8, to swear in members and appoint committee members. The board began the meeting by approving previous meeting minutes and the certification of the April 1 Consolidated Election results before board members took their…
Read MoreThere’s something for everyone at Illinois State Fair
By HANNAH SPANGLER FarmWeek Something old and something new, the Illinois State Fair will offer a little something for everyone to enjoy this year. Fans of the fair and its food gathered at the state fairgrounds in April to celebrate the countdown of 100 days until the Illinois State Fair begins Aug. 7. Thousands of…
Read MoreTNI Native Plant Sale returns this spring
Doug Tallamy, author and expert on the interactions of plants and insects, has written several books describing the importance of native plants in our ecosystem. One of his projects, homegrown national parks, encourages homeowners to plant native plants in their yards in order to bring wildlife back to our more urban areas. This year, The…
Read More‘Our identity has been frozen in time’: How Native American advocates are influencing Springfield
By Bridgette Fox and Jerry Nowicki Capitol News Amid the annual bustle at the Illinois Capitol during the legislative session’s midpoint, a sea of color and singing filled the rotunda on a sunny March day. Attendees of the 2025 Native American Summit, organized by the Chicago American Indian Community Collaborative, were draped in regalia and…
Read MoreIllinois state parks draw highest number of visitors in more than a decade
By Ben Szalinski Illinois state parks saw more visitors in 2024 than any point in the past 15 years, according to new data from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Read MoreDCEO Invites Filmmakers to Enter Shortcuts Short Film Contest
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is encouraging Illinois filmmakers to enter the DCEO Illinois Film Office’s Shortcuts Short Film Contest dedicated to promoting the best short films from Illinois students or residents 22 years old or younger. “DCEO’s Illinois Film Office continues to serve as an integral partner for the 815HORTS…
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