Embrace values of civility, community, Ray LaHood tells ICC graduates

That was the message Ray LaHood brought to the graduating class of Illinois Central College on Saturday morning during commencement ceremonies at the Peoria Civic Center. "Men and women, singly or as part of larger families, living their lives in decency and love, working hard, being honest, quietly attending to their duties, are the very cornerstone of community life," the former congressman and Cabinet official - himself a former community college student - told the assembled crowd.

Sanders vows to hold Trump’s feet to fire, work to transform Dems

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders makes a point while speaking to a crowd of 3,300 who attended his book promotion appearance Friday night at North Central College in Naperville. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders makes a point while speaking to a crowd of 3,300 who attended his book promotion appearance Friday night at North Central College in Naperville.

USDA Invests More than $9 Million to Support Small Businesses in 12 States

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the investment of more than $9 million in loans and grants to support job growth and economic development in 12 states. The funding is being provided through USDA's Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program, through which USDA provides zero-interest loans and grants to utilities that lend funds to local businesses for projects to create and retain employment.