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USA TODAY Sports’ Super 10 high school flag football preseason rankings for Illinois

USA TODAY Sports’ Super 10 high school flag football preseason rankings for Illinois

USA TODAY Sports unveils the top 10 high school flag football teams in Illinois ahead of the 2026 season.
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AI Data Centers Significantly Increase U.S. Power Bills, Impacting Consumers

AI Data Centers Significantly Increase U.S. Power Bills, Impacting Consumers

AI Data Centers Significantly Increase U.S. Power Bills, Impacting Consumers
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Illinois Governor Pritzker Announces Temporary Sales Tax Reduction for Back-to-School Shopping

Illinois Governor Pritzker Announces Temporary Sales Tax Reduction for Back-to-School Shopping

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has announced a temporary reduction in the state sales tax on school supplies, which will be in effect from August 7 to August 16. During this period, the sales tax on items such as markers, pencils, notebooks, and clothing under $125 will be reduced from 6.25% to 1.25%. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Pritzker administration to alleviate financial burdens on Illinois families, especially as they prepare for the new school year. The program is expected to cost the state $10 million, a small fraction of the $55.9 billion state budget. Pritzker has also highlighted other measures his administration has taken to reduce costs for residents, including raising the minimum wage and providing food benefits.
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Illinois Governor Pritzker Signs New Laws Impacting Business Operations and Employee Rights

Illinois Governor Pritzker Signs New Laws Impacting Business Operations and Employee Rights

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed a series of new laws that will affect business operations and employee rights across the state. One significant law mandates that most in-person businesses must accept cash payments for transactions under $500, effective from 2028. This law aims to ensure that consumers have the freedom to choose their payment method. Additionally, a new law requires employers with more than 25 employees to pay their workers their full rate of pay when they are called for jury duty, effective immediately. Other legislative measures include the requirement for schools to use diverse manikins for CPR training, the installation of signs with resources for human trafficking victims at rest stops, and mandatory noise studies at Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports every five years starting in 2030. These laws reflect a broad effort to address various social and economic issues within the state.
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The Northwestern Field Hockey Notebook: Fresh Faces

The Northwestern Field Hockey Notebook: Fresh Faces

Who’s new? Let’s talk about it.
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Base Power's New Battery Model Aims to Revolutionize Home Energy Storage

Base Power's New Battery Model Aims to Revolutionize Home Energy Storage

Base Power's New Battery Model Aims to Revolutionize Home Energy Storage
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Congresswoman Budzinski Presents American Flag to Carlinville, Commemorating Local Celebration

Congresswoman Budzinski Presents American Flag to Carlinville, Commemorating Local Celebration

Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, alongside Carlinville native Brian Zilm, presented an American flag to the City of Carlinville, Illinois. This flag was flown at the Illinois State Capitol on June 26, 2026, to commemorate Carlinville's unique celebration known as 62626 Day. The event was attended by representatives from the City of Carlinville, the Carlinville CommUnity Chamber of Commerce, Carlinville Area Hospital, and Blackburn College. The flag is intended to serve as a keepsake and will be framed and displayed at City Hall. Prior to the event, Budzinski sent a video message to the community, celebrating the city's achievements and special qualities.
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Evanston's Zoning Rewrite Bid Count Sparks Debate on Business Climate

Evanston's Zoning Rewrite Bid Count Sparks Debate on Business Climate

Evanston's Zoning Rewrite Bid Count Sparks Debate on Business Climate
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Warrenville, Illinois Offers Scenic Trails and Artsy Vibes for Nature Enthusiasts

Warrenville, Illinois Offers Scenic Trails and Artsy Vibes for Nature Enthusiasts

Warrenville, Illinois Offers Scenic Trails and Artsy Vibes for Nature Enthusiasts
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Severe Storms and Flash Flooding Threaten Northern Plains and Midwest

Severe Storms and Flash Flooding Threaten Northern Plains and Midwest

Severe thunderstorms are expected to impact the Northern Plains and Upper Midwest starting Monday, with large hail and damaging winds as the primary threats (FOX Weather). The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe storms in eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. Storms are anticipated to develop in the morning, with additional storms forming along a cold front in the afternoon as warm, humid air moves into the region. By midweek, the cold front will slow down, leading to rounds of heavy rain and flash flooding across parts of the Midwest, including southern Iowa, northern Missouri, northern Illinois, and southern Wisconsin. Rainfall rates could reach 1-2 inches per hour in some areas, increasing the risk of localized flash flooding (FOX Weather).
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Spotty Rainfall and Severe Storms Impact Corn Belt Crops

Spotty Rainfall and Severe Storms Impact Corn Belt Crops

The Corn Belt experienced a mix of spotty rainfall and severe storms in July, impacting crops during critical growth stages. As of July 26, 78% of corn was silking and 80% of soybeans were blooming, both ahead of their average paces by 4 and 6 percentage points, respectively (FarmWeekNow, Source time: not specified). However, July 2026 recorded the lowest precipitation in U.S. corn areas since 2014, with an average of 3.24 inches, significantly below the 5.17 inches recorded in July 2025 (FarmWeekNow). The weather pattern shifted on Friday, bringing storms to parts of Illinois, with additional rainfall expected over the weekend.
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Eagle Point Solar Recognized as 2026 Top Solar Contractor Amidst U.S. Solar Industry Growth

Eagle Point Solar Recognized as 2026 Top Solar Contractor Amidst U.S. Solar Industry Growth

Eagle Point Solar Recognized as 2026 Top Solar Contractor Amidst U.S. Solar Industry Growth