Historically dry conditions in 2025 boost drought issues
By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek Drought, flooding, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and extreme temperature swings; 2025 had it all and it varied drastically by location, making last year a memorable one from a weather standpoint for many Illinois farmers. State Climatologist Trent Ford, with the Illinois State Water Survey, reviewed weather statistics from 2025 and events…
Read MoreFarm bill 2.0, H-2A reform on tap for Congress
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek Text for a new farm bill could be released by February and Congress will likely consider ag labor reform during the first quarter of this year, congressional ag leaders told attendees of American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention. House Ag Committee Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pennsylvania; House Ag ranking member…
Read MoreJim McCleish named Horner & Shifrin senior fellow
Horner & Shifrin Inc. recently announced that Jim McCleish has been appointed as senior fellow. This distinguished position recognizes McCleish’s expertise and longstanding contributions to the engineering profession at both the regional and national levels. As a senior fellow, McCleish will focus on high-impact projects, serve as a technical resource, and provide mentorship to the…
Read MoreGOMB releases FY26 budget reserves list
Following Gov. Pritzker’s Executive Order, GOMB identifies nearly $500 million in reserves to safeguard Illinois’ budget amid economic uncertainty driven by the Trump Administration Following Governor JB Pritzker’s Executive Order directing state agencies to prepare for federal economic disruptions, the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) has released its FY26 budget reserves list, identifying funds within the current FY26 enacted budget that agencies…
Read MoreBudzinski bringing home $6.65M for IL-13 projects, additional funding for health, education programs
In total, the Congresswoman secured $34 million in community project funding during the 2026 Fiscal Year On Jan. 22, 2026, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) announced that $6,650,000 in funding for local projects she championed passed out of the full House of Representatives. This comes just weeks after the House passed $27.8 million in funding for…
Read MoreHeavy snow, extreme cold, dangerous wind chills creating hazardous travel conditions across Illinois
IDOT, ISP urging public: Avoid unnecessary travel, take special precautions The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police are warning the public that a winter storm with heavy snow as well as bitterly cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills will have major impacts on Illinois roads this weekend and potentially into next week. Travel is not advised in the areas most affected. “Our snow…
Read MoreHigh school seniors encouraged to apply for ‘Road to Success’ scholarship
Grinnell Mutual is partnering with its independent agents to continue the “Road to Success” Scholarship program. Eighty $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to college-bound high school seniors with good driving records throughout its writing territory. High school seniors are eligible for the $1,000 Road to Success scholarship if they: Are currently insured through a Personal Auto…
Read MoreMiller introduces bill to stop large investors from crowding families out of homes
On Jan. 21, 2026, Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) introduced the American Family Housing Act, following President Donald Trump’s executive order, “Stopping Wall Street From Competing With Main Street Homebuyers.” The American Family Housing Act directs the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to restrict large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes, putting an end to Wall Street…
Read MoreSecretary of War selects Scott Air Force Base for new headquarters
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – The Secretary of War praised the success of the Permanent Change of Station Joint Task Force (PCS JTF) and has announced that Scott Air Force Base has been selected as the home for the new Personal Property Activity (PPA). The new command will consolidate all functions of the…
Read MoreNew Ameren Illinois president introduces himself to readers, customers
Newly named Ameren Illinois President Patrick Smith reflects on his journey from lineman to leadership By PATRICK E. SMITH, SR. Growing up in East St. Louis and graduating from Assumption Catholic High School, I never imagined that one day I’d be named president of Ameren Illinois. But as I prepare to step into this…
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