Effort to modernize USDA loan programs underway as Budzinski, Bost introduce bipartisan bill
On Dec. 17, 2025, U.S. Reps. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) and Mike Bost (R-IL-12) introduced legislation to remove outdated eligibility barriers that prevent modern family farms from accessing U.S. Department of Agriculture loan programs. The USDA Loan Modernization Act updates eligibility standards to better reflect the structure of today’s multi-generational, family-run farms. This bill would expand access to operating, emergency, and real estate loans for…
Read More[Op-Ed]: IFT, CTU president responds to abrupt cancellation of community school grants
Last week, the Department of Education abruptly canceled full‑service community school grants—mid‑program and with minimal warning—citing undefined conflicts with federal policy. This decision rescinds funding that had been in effect for only two or three of its planned five years, pulling the plug on supports essential to students across our state and nation. Below is…
Read MoreIllinois Stewardship Alliance announces 2026 farmer-led policy agenda
Member-driven agenda targets monopolies, food access, and farmer support The Illinois Stewardship Alliance (ISA) recently announced its 2026 policy agenda, highlighting targeted, high-impact campaigns to tackle monopolies in agriculture, support farmers, and expand equitable food access across Illinois. The agenda was voted and approved by members at ISA’s Annual Member Meeting on Dec. 10, 2025.…
Read MoreState Senator Erica Harriss to host January Listening Sessions
State Senator Erica Harriss (R-56th-Glen Carbon) will host a series of Listening Sessions in January to provide residents of the 56th District an opportunity to meet one-on-one with the Senator and share their concerns, ideas, and feedback. “Meeting directly with the people I serve is the best way to understand the issues that matter most…
Read MoreGovernor Pritzker celebrates 2025 accomplishments
Despite attacks from federal government, Illinois continues to deliver new economic opportunities, stronger education and healthcare, and essential civil rights protections Throughout 2025, the State of Illinois faced new challenges. The federal government created chaos and uncertainty for the national economy, stripped away healthcare and food assistance from seniors and children, and attacked fundamental American…
Read MoreUrban Training Center to be built on LCRA property
Facility to train hundreds of individuals a year After issuing a request for proposals to redevelop land owned in Wellston, Mo., the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the County of St. Louis (LCRA) has announced that the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) will build an Urban Training Center at Plymouth Industrial Park,…
Read MoreMadison County officials select Darlene Ladd as new Employment & Training director
A smooth transition is underway in one of Madison County’s most people-focused departments. The County Board on Wednesday unanimously approved Chairman Chris Slusser’s appointment of Darlene Ladd as new director of the county’s Employment & Training Department, succeeding Tony Fuhrmann, who is set to retire on Dec. 31. “Darlene brings experience, continuity and a deep…
Read MoreMadison County honors retiring leaders whose public service careers changed lives
Careers in public service are often measured not in years, but in lives changed — on Wednesday (Dec. 17), the Madison County Board honored two leaders whose work changed thousands as they set to close the door on their careers. “These are careers defined by service and impact,” Board Chairman Chris Slusser said. “Tony Fuhrmann…
Read MoreCareers in View: Data specialist Ideah Bradley, SIUE TRIO Upward Bound success story
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville TRIO Upward Bound’s Ideah Bradley is on a full-circle journey as the newest program data specialist who graduated from the college readiness program as a teen in 2021. Bradley begins her MBA at SIUE in January 2026. Throughout her academic career, she has stayed connected to the TRIO Upward Bound experience.…
Read MoreLogan University welcomes Edwardsville’s Massena as Enrollment Management VP
Logan University in Chesterfield, Mo., recently welcomed John Massena as vice president of Enrollment Management. Massena brings more than 20 years of experience leading enrollment growth, marketing strategy and student-centered recruitment initiatives across public and private higher education institutions. “We are thrilled to welcome John to the Logan community,” said Logan President H. Garrett Thompson,…
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