Illinois leads nation in pumpkin production again

10/30/2017

Leading the nation in pumpkin production is one of the few statistics Illinoisans can boast about in 2017.

Illinois bill would legalize sale, production of hemp

By John Kristof

07/18/2017

Senate Bill 1294 creates the Industrial Hemp Act, which would require licensing for “any person desiring to grow, process, cultivate, harvest, process, possess, sell, or purchase industrial hemp or industrial hemp related products must be licensed by the Department of Agriculture.”

TAGS: agriculture, hemp, marijuana

Illinois: Plenty of pumpkins, not enough people

10/24/2016

Illinois ranks as the top pumpkin producer in the country, which isn’t much of a consolation given the state’s poor performance in almost every economic category.

TAGS: agriculture, jobs, outmigration

Illinois tax code favors corporate farms over family farms

By Michael Lucci

08/02/2016

While neighboring states are making themselves friendlier for farmers, Illinois keeps its unfair death tax in place.

TAGS: agriculture, death tax, estate tax, taxes

Deere announces 120 layoffs in East Moline

07/22/2016

Moline, Ill.-based agricultural equipment maker will cut more than 100 jobs by September; Illinois’ manufacturing workers continue to struggle for job opportunities enjoyed by their counterparts in the region.

TAGS: agriculture, jobs, manufacturing

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

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Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

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Allan Luzbetak

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students