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SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has officially designated the STAR Tool as the required soil health assessment for all state-funded conservation practices, in accordance with the Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts Act (70 ILCS 405). This decision marks a significant milestone in the commitment to sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship in Illinois. The STAR Tool now plays a central role in supporting key conservation programs across the state, including the Partners-for-Conservation Cost-Share program (PFC), the Illinois Healthy Soils Initiative (PA 103-00494), and the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS). “The Illinois Department of Agriculture is proud to elevate the STAR Tool as the standard for assessing soil health across all state-funded conservation programs,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “This decision reflects our deep commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture, supporting

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) today announced achievements in affordable housing, delivering billions of dollars in investments that revitalized communities and expanded access to safe, stable housing across the state. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, IHDA initiatives supported first-time homebuyers, seniors, veterans, and individuals with special needs, meeting the evolving housing demands of Illinois families and strengthening neighborhoods statewide. “As Governor of Illinois, I’m committed to making life more affordable for people across the state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From helping thousands of working families achieve their dreams of homeownership to creating more affordable housing opportunities for our veterans and seniors, I applaud IHDA’s critical investments in our communities that support safe, affordable housing for all.” “Whether it was helping a family buy their first home, providin

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JERSEYVILLE — The Jersey Community Hospital (JCH) Foundation is pleased to announce the 2025 recipients of its Medical Education Fund awards for local students pursuing careers in healthcare. Recipients are eligible to receive $1,000 per semester for up to eight semesters – a maximum of $8,000 in total funding while completing their respective programs. The 2025 JCH Foundation Medical Education Fund recipients are: Annie Hansen , Jersey Community High School graduate, attending the University of Missouri, studying Pre-Med/Physician Assistant. Katreona Benedict , Jersey Community High School graduate, attending Iowa State University, studying Genetics to become a Fertility Specialist. Haley Roach , Jersey Community High School student, attending Southern Illinois University–Carbondale, studying Diagnostic Sonography. Megan Stewart , Jersey Community High School graduate, attending the University of Missouri, studying to become a Physician Assistant

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Did you know that people who regularly practice gratitude report up to 25% higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction? This statistic is more than just a number; it hints at the transformative power of a simple yet profound human experience—gratitude. World Gratitude Day, observed annually on September 21, invites individuals and communities around the globe to pause and reflect on the importance of thankfulness. But beyond its surface celebration, what deeper significance does this day hold in our personal lives and society at large? The Origins and Purpose of World Gratitude Day World Gratitude Day was established in 1965 by the United Nations to promote the recognition and practice of gratitude worldwide. The day was inspired by the idea that expressing thanks is a universal value that transcends cultures, languages, and religions. It aims to foster a spirit of appreciation not only toward other people but also toward life’s circumstances, nature, and the world

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SPRINGFIELD — Just this year, Illinois has already seen 115 tornadoes touch down in the state, which is the highest number of twisters in the nation for 2025. On top of that, communities have faced repeated rounds of severe storms, unleashing destructive straight-line winds and flooding across the state. With September recognized as National Preparedness Month, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is urging all residents to take this moment to review and strengthen their disaster preparedness plans. “Severe weather can strike with little warning, and the best defense is being ready before it happens," said IEMA-OHS Acting Director Theodore (Ted) Berger. “The national ‘preparedness starts at home’ campaign reminds us that we each have a role to play by mapping out a plan and reviewing insurance coverage” IEMA-OHS offers several blueprints to help residents prepare for an emergency. Emergency kits

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Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10. A 22-year-old Utah resident is now facing charges in his death.

In Casco Bay’s remote waters, electric workboats and the aquaculture innovators who operate them are putting marine electrification to the test.

A few lingering showers are ongoing this morning across southeastern Missouri. Otherwise, we'll see a dry, but mostly cloudy start to the day. Temperatures on Sunday will climb into the mid 80s. Later this afternoon and evening we'll see rain chances increasing as storms develop just west of the region and gradually track east-northeastward across [...]

It’s one of the most important times of the year for area farmers and after a tough spring we checked in to see how the harvest season is progressing and what farmers are specifically looking for when it comes to the weather.

“It’s true that St. Louis isn’t one of the big parks. I can understand the worry.”

The former Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator, known as IN2, will now be called HARVEST AgTech and run by Yield Lab Institute, an affiliate of Creve Coeur investment firm Yield Lab.

Misconduct is supposed to be reported to the Missouri Department of Public Safety, but sometimes it takes years for that to happen — if it’s ever done.