Tag: Department of Agriculture

Illinois joins lawsuit to force federal government not to pause SNAP benefits

Nearly 2M Illinoisans could lose benefits as federal shutdown continues.

An American flag is painted on the side of a barn near Mechanicsville, Maryland in July of 2021. The USDA is proposing moving half of its employees currently in Washington, D.C. to five cities across the U.S.

USDA plan to move jobs out of D.C. and closer to farmers draws mixed reviews

A plan to disburse Washington-based USDA jobs to five hubs, including Kansas City and Indianapolis, is making waves across agriculture. Critics say the shakeup could hobble the agency, while proponents it will move staff closer to farmers and save money.

‘It Was An Incredible Experience’: U of I Professor Tapped By Biden Administration To Transition USDA

URBANA – A University of Illinois professor helped the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) transition from the Trump to the new Biden-Harris administration. Jonathan Coppess is one of hundreds of people — including researchers, professors and scientists — who volunteered their time on the effort. Coppess, an assistant professor within the U of I’s agriculture

News Around Illinois – April 6, 2020

Cases of COVID-19 in Illinois Top 11,000 CHICAGO – On Sunday, the Illinois Dept. of Public Health reported the statewide total of COVID-19 cases has grown to 11,256. The death toll now stands at 274. The state also says more than 58,000 people have been tested at IDPH, commercial or hospital laboratories. IDPH director Dr.

News Around Illinois – March 2, 2020

Bill Would Allow Parents To Opt Students Out of Shooter Drills SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers are considering whether parents should be allowed to keep their children from participating in active shooter drills at school. Some parents and school personnel say the exercises have a negative effect on children. State Sen. Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) said he’s

Hundreds Discuss Growing Hemp In Illinois

Hundreds of farmers, processors, and researchers gathered at the Illinois state fairgrounds on Tuesday to talk about hemp. It’s been over a year since former Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner legalized growing hemp in the state. One year later… growers, processors, and government officials have learned a lot. The purpose of the summit in Springfield

News Around Illinois – December 10, 2019

Groups Pushing For Accurate Census Count In Rural Illinois SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is in a precarious position when it comes to the 2020 census. Nearly 12 percent of Illinois residents live in small towns or sparsely populated areas. Anita Banerji is with Forefront Illinois, a civic engagement non-profit. She says a lack of awareness, access to

Rural & Urban Areas Urged To Reduce Chemical Runoff Into Water

Illinois’ Department of Agriculture published its bi-annual study that looked at how to improve water quality by cutting down on pollutants that runoff into streams and rivers. Officials are mainly concerned with stopping excess nitrogen and phosphorus runoff. If too much of the stuff flows into a waterway, the chemicals can suck the oxygen out