Congress has saved the USDA laboratory in Peoria, even as the city’s congressman says he still wants to see federal budget cuts.… MORE
Yearly Archives: 2017
Researchers trying to protect declining honeybee population
Honeybee populations are on the decline across the country and in the state of Illinois.… MORE
Mighty Vermilion Duck Race next weekend in Pontiac
The 24th annual Mighty Vermilion Duck Race to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Livingston County is slated for July 29, in conjunction with Pontiac’s Party in the Park.… MORE
ThunderBolts strike late to beat CornBelters
The Normal CornBelters gave up a pair of runs in the eighth inning and lost 4-2 to the Windy City ThunderBolts on Saturday night at the Corn Crib.… MORE
Illinois still without driverless vehicles regulations
The push to allow testing of autonomous vehicles on Illinois roads has stalled for now, but the sponsor of the measure hopes to rev up talks again soon.… MORE
Big data, new tech transforming Illinois agriculture
Illinois farmers have traditionally used observations about their fields to make decisions, but experts say big data and new technology are offering them more information than ever and driving farming into a digital agriculture age.… MORE
New law could help Illinois schools find technical teachers
High schools across Illinois could have an easier time finding shop or welding teachers this year.… MORE
Obituaries: Nussbaum-Canonge
Obituary for Deanna Marie Nussbaum-Canonge.… MORE
Illinois’ Asian carp population half what is was a decade ago
The state of Illinois has done a great job of fishing the Asian carp population down. But wildlife managers in the state say what they really need is a good carp fish sandwich to clear out the invasive fish from Illinois’ rivers.… MORE
ISU trustees plan to reward President Dietz with new contract
Illinois State University’s governing board is offering a glowing evaluation of President Larry Dietz, and adoption of a new state budget enables the Board of Trustees to negotiate a new contract with Dietz.… MORE
Blogs
Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all
By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …
Is federal mobilization the answer?
By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…
In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans
By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…
Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life
Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…