Rep. Mary Miller announces applications open for FY 2027 appropriations
U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL-15th District) announced recently that applications have opened for Fiscal Year 2027 Appropriations. “Over the last funding cycle, I was proud to secure $24 million for central Illinois infrastructure projects that strengthen our communities and improve essential services,” said Congresswoman Miller. “I look forward to continuing to deliver critical investments for…
Read MoreBradford National Bank promotes Barth, Camp to VP
Bradford National Bank recently announced that Chris Barth and Brandon Camp have both been promoted to vice president. The announcement was made by Bank President Michael Ennen. “Chris and Brandon have consistently demonstrated exemplary dedication to serving our customers, always placing the interests of our clients and the bank above their own,” noted Ennen. Barth…
Read MoreUS trade rep: Renewal of deal with Mexico, Canada not a ‘rubberstamp’
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said while there is value with the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement, the US will not rubberstamp the agreement with its current shortcomings. “USTR will keep the president’s options open, negotiating firmly to resolve the issues identified, but only recommending renewal if resolution can be achieved,” according to…
Read MorePoettker Industrial Services increases its 2025 revenue by 20 percent
Poettker Industrial Services, a woman-owned business specializing in utility and renewable energy construction, increased its 2025 revenue by 20 percent and grew its employee base by over 35 percent. After only four years of operation, Poettker Industrial already achieved recognition as the 37th Top Midwest Specialty Contractor by Engineering News-Record Midwest. “We are grateful…
Read MoreSimmons Hanly Conroy elevates Jenny Paulson to partner
Simmons Hanly Conroy, a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, has announced that Jenny Paulson has been elevated to partner, effective Jan. 1, 2026. “We are thrilled to announce this well-deserved promotion,” said Simmons Hanly Conroy Managing Partner Laurence V. Nassif. “Jenny truly embodies our firm’s foundational values, and I…
Read MoreIllinois regional library systems to host virtual town hall with school stakeholders
Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS) and Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) will host Libraries + Education: Creating Community through Collaboration, a virtual town hall focused on practical, partnership-driven strategies to strengthen literacy and learning in Illinois schools. The online event is scheduled for Jan. 20, 2026. One session is planned for 3 to 4…
Read MoreIllinois sues Trump Administration for dangerous enforcement tactics, unlawful use of force
Governor JB Pritzker seeks further accountability of the Trump Administration’s federal overreach in sovereign states, in support of Attorney General Raoul’s new lawsuit Yesterday, the State of Illinois filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over the unlawful and dangerous tactics used by Customs and Border Protection (CPB) and Immigration…
Read MoreMCC Network Services LLC, dba ‘Metro’ and ‘Conxxus,’ acquires MTCO Communications
MCC Network Services, LLC (doing business as “Metro” and “Conxxus”) recently announced its successful acquisition of MTCO Communications. The acquisition follows MTCO Communications’ decision to sell the company and reflects Metro’s ongoing commitment to expanding high-quality fiber internet access and telecommunications services while supporting the growth and sustainability of the communities it serves. Metro’s purchase…
Read MoreGeorgia man’s $90K+ bank fraud, identity theft scheme garners 70-month federal prison sentence
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge recently sentenced a Georgia man to 70 months in federal prison after he admitted to leading a check cashing conspiracy that involved stealing the identities and checks belonging to local business owners and defrauding financial institutions across central and southern Illinois. Traveon H. Reese, 31, of Atlanta,…
Read MoreMadison County sells surplus vehicle to Grantfork Fire District for $1
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office sold one of its surplus vehicles to the Grantfork Fire District for $1, continuing a county practice aimed at extending the useful life of public assets while supporting local emergency services. Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor said the department regularly evaluates its fleet to determine when vehicles are no longer practical for patrol use. “When…
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