State Rep. Ryan Spain
State Government: Agencies/Departments/Divisions | Elected State Legislators
Recent News About State Rep. Ryan Spain
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Supersweet corn rooted in Illinois revolutionizes global industry
In Urbana on the University of Illinois campus sits a historical marker that reads: “In 1953, John R. Laughnan discovered that kernels of mutant corn were ‘unusually sweet.’ Within eight years, Laughnan had developed the ‘Illini Supersweet’ hybrid that revolutionized the sweet corn industry. Supersweet, now a dominant variety internationally, is higher in protein and lower in calories than conventional sweet corn.”
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Guide to national historic sites across Illinois
This guide includes information about National Historic Sites across Illinois, including the only National Historical Park and National Forest located in Illinois, three National Historic Trails, and nearly 90 National Historic Landmarks.
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Illinois faces corruption trials amid economic challenges
Michael McClain, a defendant in the federal prosecution of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, has requested a separate trial from Madigan. McClain, a former state lawmaker and ComEd lobbyist closely associated with Madigan, filed this request due to concerns that Madigan’s defense team plans to blame him for any wrongdoing.
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Honoring Korean War veterans on Armistice Day
On this day in 1953, the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed, officially ending the Korean War. Today, many take a moment to remember and honor those who served during this conflict while also reflecting on the importance of peace worldwide.
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IRS data reveals significant taxpayer exodus from Illinois
The most important numbers about Illinois’ population loss may be from the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS knows exactly how many taxpayers are filing returns and how much income they have, by state.
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Recognizing National Independent Retailer Month
This National Independent Retailer Month, show some appreciation for your favorite independent retailer. As a cornerstone in the economy, independent retailers contribute significantly to their communities through employment, outreach, and giving back to organizations in their area.
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Pritzker signs bill increasing party power in primary elections
Changes to primary election fundraising, the electoral college, and the state’s voter registration database are now law after Gov. JB Pritzker signed a wide-ranging bill on July 1.
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Legislation aims to close loopholes in protections against educator sexual misconduct
When Faith Colson was an Illinois high school student, she felt special under the guidance of one of her teachers. He became a trusted adult until he violated that trust by kissing and sexually abusing her.
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Illinois State Museum seeks oral histories for Route 66 centennial
With the Route 66 centennial approaching in 2026, the Illinois State Museum is seeking individuals who had interactions with the iconic highway before its decommissioning in 1985. By the 1980s, Route 66 had ceased to be a major trunk road due to the development of various Interstate highways connecting Chicago, Los Angeles, and intermediate points. U.S. Route 66 is now marked in Illinois as a “Historic Route,” with brown signs indicating its historical significance. Numerous state and local installations along the highway, including sites maintained by private entities,...
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Illinois professionals reminded to renew licenses by September 30
The Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is reminding individuals with certain professional licenses currently up for renewal to start the renewal process before their license expires. Several professions, such as accountants, physical therapists, psychologists, and others have licenses that will expire on September 30, 2024. For a complete list of professions currently up for renewal and more information about the renewal process, visit the IDFPR website.
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Illinois high school students to switch from SAT to ACT exams
When Illinois high school students sit down to take their annual state assessments next year, they will take a different exam than in recent years.
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Illinois celebrates Shark Week with educational exhibits
Shark Week, created by the Discovery Channel in 1988, has significantly grown in popularity over the years. Since 2010, Shark Week, held annually in July or August, has become the longest-running cable television programming event in history and is often referred to as a ‘cultural phenomenon.’ The 1975 film “Jaws” set the stage for increased awareness and popularity of sharks in the U.S.
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Illinois adopts first state flag on July 6, 1915
On this day in 1915, Illinois adopted its first official state flag. Learn more about the history of our flag on the Caucus Blog – Click Here.
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Illinois Department of Natural Resources opens applications for open space development grants
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will accept applications for the next round of Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants from July 1 through September 13, closing at 5 p.m.
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Illinois State Fire Marshal issues summer grilling safety tips
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal is urging residents to adhere to proper safety practices when using grills during the upcoming July 4th holiday and throughout the summer. According to officials, July is the peak month for grill fires, followed by June, May, and August.
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National PTSD Awareness Day highlights invisible wounds
This National PTSD Awareness Day, let us remember that not all wounds are visible. Millions of Americans live with PTSD, and we can always do more to support them by learning more and raising awareness for those affected by this condition.
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House Republicans sponsor summer reading programs to combat learning loss
Studies have shown that when students are not engaged in educational activities during the summer break, they often experience learning loss, effectively erasing gains made during the school year.
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Former Alderman Ed Burke sentenced to two years for corruption
Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke was sentenced today to two years in prison and a $2 million fine after being convicted last December of 13 counts of extortion, bribery, and racketeering charges. Federal prosecutors had sought a 10-year sentence for Burke, who is 80 years old.
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Rep. Spain announces traveling office hours in Albany and Cordova
State Representative Ryan Spain (R-73rd District) will host Traveling Office Hours on June 26 in Albany and Cordova to assist residents of the 73rd House District. Spain’s staff will be available to meet with constituents to discuss questions or concerns related to state issues.
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Judge blocks Illinois election law change amid legal challenge
Democrats introduced significant changes to Illinois election laws during the 2024 Spring Legislative Session in early May. The new legislation altered the process for candidates to appear on the ballot for the November 2024 election, effectively ending the practice of ‘slating’ immediately.