(SPRINGFIELD) A newly proposed Illinois constitutional amendment would change the way legislative and representative districts are drawn in the state. Filed this past Monday by Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, the proposed amendment, if approved by the State House, would put the question to statewide voters in this year’s November midterm elections. Downstate Republicans are strongly opposed to the plan, saying it would further corrupt district maps which are already illegal. The deadline for lawmakers to approve the proposal is May 3rd, but the State House is only in session today and tomorrow before adjourning.
(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has awarded $31.8 million in forgivable loans through the state’s Cannabis Social Equity Loan Program. The Governor’s Office says the 95 licensed social equity businesses include craft growers, dispensaries, infusers, and transporters. The State of Illinois has now distributed a total of more than $55 million through the program.
(SPRINGFIELD) A tax and fiscal policy group says Illinois residents should be concerned about the state’s low rankings in a new report. The American Legislative Exchange Council says the recent Rich States Poor States report ranked Illinois 45th for economic outlook and 49th for economic performance out of the fifty states. Illinois was 23rd for personal income taxes. The report shows Illinois is missing out on growth that is happening in most all other states.
(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois youth turkey hunters set a new record during the 2026 season, just a few weeks ago, harvesting a preliminary total of 2,318 birds. The State DNR says the total surpassed the previous record of 2,099 turkeys set in 2025, plus it marked the third consecutive year of record-setting youth turkey harvests in the state. Four of the top five counties for youth harvest numbers were in our downstate area – Jefferson (75), Fayette (74), Marion (68), and Clay (62). Participation in the youth turkey hunting season also reached an all-time high this spring with 7,369 permits purchased compared to 6,538 permits purchased last year in 2025.