Federal:
In delightful federal news President Obama has released his pick for the next Librarian of Congress: Dr. Carla Hayden. Hayden has most recently served as the CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore. Librarians across the country have reacted very positively to the choice, excited for a candidate who has library experience (unlike many previous Librarians of Congress), who is demonstrably forward-thinking and tech savvy, and who is not a white man (as all of the previous Librarians of Congress have been, excepting the current Acting Librarian of Congress). For more information, please see the statement and video from the President.
State:
In depressing state news we still do not have a budget. Higher education institutions are feeling extreme effects, as Chicago State University sends layoff notices to all employees and Eastern Illinois lays off 177 employees. Please contact your representatives and urge them to do everything in their power to come to a budget agreement and pass legislation to fund higher education and libraries.