Area Breaking News
Empowering tomorrow’s leaders: Six $1,500 scholarships available for high school seniors across the Midwest
WEST DES MOINES — Six high school seniors will each earn a scholarship valued at $1,500 through the 2026 ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship program. This program is sponsored by ISL Education Lending and is designed to make higher education more accessible while equipping students with essential financial literacy skills. Who Can Apply? All high school…
Read MoreBeyond the Ballot Backs Dylan Blaha for Congress in IL-13
SPRINGFIELD – New year, same generation demanding more than symbolic politics and empty promises. Ordinary people know incremental fixes won’t solve systemic failures rooted in greed and corporate control. That’s why Beyond the Ballot is proud to endorse Dylan Blaha for Congress in Illinois 13th Congressional District. While Washington remains captive to wealthy elites, Dylan…
Read MoreLivestock prices favorable; risk management remains key
By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek Livestock markets in 2025 have been more favorable than in recent years compared to crop markets but a high price environment does not mean producers should ease up on risk management. Brittney Goodrich, assistant professor of ag economics at the University of Illinois, points to the cattle industry, where several years…
Read MoreChristmas tree farm gears up for bright future
By PHYLLIS COULTER FarmWeek About 300 central Illinois families admired brightly decorated Christmas trees in their homes this season that were nurtured on the Krone Tree Farm in Sangamon County for six to 10 years, depending on tree size and type. The Krone family is all about Christmas tree joy. Even the first letters of…
Read MoreNew law to improve overdose reporting information among initiatives enacted for 2026
By Tribune Staff • SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that several new laws designed to strengthen public health initiatives will take effect with the start of the New Year, Jan. 1, 2026. “The new year offers a critical opportunity to advance public health and protect Illinois families through new laws…
Read MoreAs America Approaches 250: Maryville holds close ties to baseball in its history
By Kathy Turner • January looks closely at the history of our region from 1940 to 1960. And, nothing stands out more in Maryville’s history than its support of and involvement in our nation’s pastime—baseball. The Maryville Red Sox formed in the early 1900s. Over the decades, Maryville boasted many players who went on to…
Read MoreCongress advances whole milk bill to president’s desk
Would mark whole milk’s return to school menus for first time in more than 12 years By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek After more than a decade of whole milk being absent from school cafeterias, legislation allowing for more milk options awaits the president’s signature. The Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, passed by the U.S. House…
Read MoreSenator Harriss collecting Valentine’s cards for seniors across 56th District
EDWARDSVILLE – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is inviting the community to help put a smile on the faces of local seniors this Valentine’s Day! She is encouraging students, scout troops, churches, families, and community groups to create heartfelt, homemade Valentine’s Day cards for residents in long-term care and assisted living facilities across the…
Read MoreSunday morning alcohol sales now permitted in Madison County
by Randy Pierce • Anyone wishing to purchase an alcoholic beverage from an authorized licensed retailer on Sunday mornings in Madison County can now do so following the passage of legislation authorizing such sales. At its most recent meeting, the Madison County Board approved an ordinance amending previous liquor regulations which had restricted the Sunday…
Read MorePlentiful pig inventory to start new year; pork supply ample
By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek With more profitable hog prices, lower feed costs and higher production efficiency compared to recent years, the U.S. has an ample supply of pork to start 2026. USDA’s quarterly hogs and pigs report Dec. 23 pegged the nation’s hog herd at 75.5 million head, up 1% from a year ago and…
Read More