Illinois quick hits: Job training grants announced; products market moving indoors

Illinois quick hits: Job training grants announced; products market moving indoors

December 3, 2025/
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By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Job training grants announced

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced an additional $10 million in funding for the Job Training and Economic Development Program to bolster equitable workforce recovery.

Qualified entities can apply for grants from $250,000 to $750,000.

Through the first two rounds of the program, the State of Illinois has invested $35 million across 77 grants awarded to community-based organizations.

USA 250 celebrations planned

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has announced plans for Illinois to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary next year.

The governor said the state’s America 250 celebration would offer programming, events and education in every corner of the state.

When asked how much taxpayer money would be spent on the celebrations, Pritzker said it would not be very expensive.

Products market moving indoors

The Illinois Product Holiday Market will be held indoors at Springfield’s Union Station, 500 East Madison Street, due to near-freezing temperatures in the weekend forecast.

Union Station is located directly across the street from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in downtown Springfield.

The market, originally scheduled for the “Y Block” downtown, will be held on Dec. 5, 6 and 7 and will feature a wide array of Illinois products.

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