Rows of green soybeans are a common sight in the fertile farm fields of Illinois. The typically three-foot high crop breaks up the sometimes monotonous rows of corn fields that Illinois is most famous for.

While Illinois produces significantly more corn per year, the state ranks first in the country in annual soybean production.

Even if you’re surrounded by soybean fields, you may not be aware of how often you come in contact with Illinois-grown soybeans.

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A new report released last week confirmed that hospitals in states like Illinois, which expanded their Medicaid programs last year using new federal funding, are reaping the benefits.

In 2013, Illinois lawmakers opted to expand Medicaid, offering new access to routine, coordinated health care to as many as 342,000 uninsured, low-income residents. As proponents predicted, uncompensated emergency room visits and hospital admissions have decreased substantially in states that took the federal dollars to expand medical assistance. Elsewhere, uncompensated services have remained relatively higher.

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Do you want to support Illinois businesses? For one day, do you think you could only buy products made or grown in Illinois?

Shop Illinois Saturday, Oct. 4, is your chance to support entrepreneurs, engage with your community and boost the state’s economy.

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Another positive economic sign for Illinois has been revealed this week: more people moved to Chicago than any other U.S. city at the highest rate since 2006, according to a study by United Van Lines moving company. Each fall, United releases a list of areas its clients are moving to and from. The Chicago area was the #1 area for move-ins, followed by Washington, Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, Dallas, Phoenix and New York.

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According to the Associated General Contractors of America, Illinois is second in the nation in construction job gains.

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