The payout follows a multi-year investigation by Illinois' Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission .

The June 19 fire destroyed four businesses in the 400 block of E. Adams St.

If signed by Pritzker, measure would end federal minimum wage exemption in Illinois by 2030

Mark Achler is a venture capitalist and the former senior vice president of Redbox. He is also a lecturer at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and he's co-authored the book “Exit Right.” He recorded an interview with Innovate Springfield for the Founders, Failures and Fun podcast during which he spoke about his journey as an entrepreneur and lessons he’s learned along the way.

The Citizens Club of Springfield held its October meeting and presented the draft of the Downtown Springfield and Mid-Illinois Medical District Master Plan. The plan is a collaboration among the City of Springfield, Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, Downtown Springfield, Inc. and the Mid-Illinois Medical District. Josh Koonce from the urban planning firm Hoseal Lavigne spoke to the crowd about what is in the plan and why a master plan is important.To review the plan visit: https://www.springfield.il.us/Docs/PublicNotice/SpringfieldMasterPlan101824.pdf

The World Affairs Council of Central Illinois is a civic organization dedicated to educating the public about U.S. foreign policy, global economic and environmental issues, and international politics. It has an upcoming program on Nov. 13, titled “Building Global Agricultural and Rural Capacity: Experiences from Brazil and Surrounding Countries," featuring Dr. Colby Silvert. Silvert spoke to Community Voices about his upcoming presentation, how he developed an interest in global agriculture and what he observed during his time in South America and Africa.For information about the World Affairs Council of Central Illinois visit: https://mywacci.org/

State Farm Insurance is removing electric vehicle charging stations from its parking decks at Corporate and Corporate South headquarters in Bloomington, and at hubs throughout the nation.

Local businesses and not-for-profit organizations spoke at the July Citizens Club of Springfield meeting titled “The Adams Street Fire: Reflecting on the Past; Developing a Vision for the Future.” They shared what is known and unknown about the start of the fire, how area businesses were affected and the future of Adams Street.

Paul Couston is the co-founder of Ascent Integrated Tech, which enhances firefighter safety by providing critical information about team location, health and environment during firefighting. He spoke with Director of Innovate Springfield Ben Hage for the series titled "Founders, Failures & Fun." He shared what it's like at a startup company, how to pitch to investors and how to meet customers' needs. For more about Innovate Springfield visit: https://www.uis.edu/innovation

Illinois Women in Leadership (IWIL) will host its annual symposium on Sept. 25. IWIL members Jen Bettis and Sarah Brewer spoke to Community Voices about the organization and what is slated for the symposium.For more information visit: https://www.iwil.biz/