(The Center Square) – Lack of broadband access and slow internet speeds keep Illinois corn and soybean farmers from higher productivity. A new initiative seeks to improve that.

Here’s a link to the story.

In his quest to rise to House speaker, Kevin McCarthy is charging straight into history — potentially becoming the first nominee in 100 years unable to win the job on a first-round floor vote.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Four female athletes who sought to have a Connecticut policy that permits males who identify as female to compete in girls’ athletic events have lost their case in the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals.

Here’s a link to the story.

Russia hit back at reports that the U.S. is poised to send the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine, calling it a “provocative” move that “can lead to unpredictable consequences.”

Here’s a link to the story.

(The Center Square) – Small businesses around the country still see inflation as a top concern this Christmas season.

Here’s a link to the story.

(The Center Square) – As the SAFE-T Act remains in legal limbo, some are concerned about the added costs the law will place onto the Illinois justice system at the local level.

Here’s a link to the story at Center Square.

(The Center Square) – The latest update on Illinois’ economy going forward offers a wide range of possibilities from an economic soft landing to a full-scale recession.

Here’s the link to the story.

Illinois Democrats have controlled the state House for all but two years since 1983. They have been in charge of the state Senate since 2003. They have held the Governor’s Mansion for all but four of the past 20 years.

Here’s a link to the story.

CNN — New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu makes one thing clear: His vision for the future of the Republican Party does not include former President Donald Trump

Here’s a link to the story.

(The Center Square) – Illinois is on pace to lead the nation again this year for the number of firearm background checks and one legal expert expects the numbers will only increase.

Here’s the link to the story.