Black farmers press for equity in lending, land acquisition
A bill that would help Black farmers overcome “systemic and structural barriers” remains stymied in the Illinois Legislature — and that needs to change, said a group assembled in Springfield May 7 for “Black Farmers and Growers Lobby Day.” The group included State Rep. Sonya Marie Harper, a Democrat representing the south side of Chicago who proposed the Emerging and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Infrastructure and Market Access Grant Program.“ The bill would provide $2.5 million in annual grants to farmers who face “structural barriers” in lending and land acquisition programs. Others who spoke out last week to Illinois lawmakers about equity for Black farmers in Illinois included the Illinois Environmental Council, writes Capitol City Now.
Carbondale group offers support for caregivers
CARBONDALE — With an estimated 250,000 Illinoisans statewide living with Alzheimer’s, a Carbondale man offers a monthly support group for the people who care for those living with the most not only Alzheimer’s but other forms of dementia and chronic conditions. The Caregiver Support Group by Jim Harbaugh, a retired teacher, happens Thursday noon to 2 p.m., and on every second Thursday each month. Harbaugh, who also started the group in Arlington Heights, says it’s intended to “provide practical advice, peace of mind, and self-forgiveness” to caregivers (The Southern Illinoisan). No pre-registration is required, and the group is open to all ages and to people whose loved ones are living with any kind of chronic condition, but especially Alzheimer’s and dementia. The group meets at the Carbondale Public Library, 405 W. Main St.
Transgender sports policies trigger Trump probes
School districts in Illinois that range from urban to rural are being investigated by the Trump administration for allegedly violating Title IX federal requirements, reports Capitol News Illinois. The administration alleges the 35 districts may be violating policies designed to protect women’s participation in education and sports. The investigations, announced May 1, are condemned by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who called them “shams,” and by the ACLU, which described the administration as “culture warriors” who were misinterpreting federal statutes through policies that allow transgender women into private space and women’s and girls’ sports competitions.
