Venice, Illinois

U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski of Illinois has renewed her push to include parts of the Metro East in federal legislation that would compensate residents for being exposed to radiation from the World War II-era atomic weapons program.

Historically, the Granite City courtroom had also heard cases from nearby communities like Madison, Pontoon Beach and Venice.

Proponents said consolidating the two small districts would reduce overhead costs, increase financial stability and improve the schools’ academic and athletic opportunities for students.

A former school administrator and a regional superintendent pitched the benefits of a merger to members of both boards this week.

Venice, Madison and Granite City have ties to World War II-era production of radioactive materials used by the U.S. Atomic Weapons Commission — just like St. Louis and St. Charles counties in Missouri.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — the food program for low-income individuals — has become one of the hottest topics in farm bill negotiations, as congressional Republicans seek more changes.

The goal is to bring much-needed services to the historically Black community.

For the past two and a half years, the 90-some students of Venice Elementary have been going to a makeshift school in Granite City after their school was condemned.

The $20 million will support existing grocers and encourage new stores in underserved rural and urban areas — including Venice, the small Metro East town where the bill was signed and which sits entirely in a food desert.