Air Service Boost (Marion): American Airlines is set to begin nonstop service from the Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois in Marion on Sept. 9, taking over from Contour Airlines and expanding options for travelers heading to Chicago. Tourism Economy (Illinois): Illinois hit record tourism numbers in 2025, welcoming 115 million visitors and generating $50.2 billion in visitor spending—topping $50 billion for the first time—plus $4.9 billion in direct state and local tax revenue. Local Tourism Growth (Winnebago County): Winnebago County also set a tourism record, with 2025 visitor spending reaching $549.6 million and supporting 4,774 direct jobs. Education & Innovation (Normal): Illinois State University officially opened its new College of Engineering facility (Campus East), a 392,000-square-foot site aimed at growing engineering enrollment and hands-on learning. Community Events (Monmouth): Monmouth College’s Wiswell-Robeson Lecture on Sept. 14 will revisit the 1980s farm crisis, with a free public talk in Dahl Chapel and Auditorium. Travel Costs (Fuel Watch): Gas prices remain a big talking point for road trips, with recent reporting highlighting how quickly costs can vary by county and fuel type.