Summer cookout costs climb

The cost of a summer cookout continues to climb with inflation and supply chain disruptions driving grocery store prices. American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual marketbasket survey reported an Independence Day…

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Effort to save vanishing prairie

HeartLands Conservancy, a nonprofit that works for clean water, access to the outdoors, healthy ecosystems and resilient communities in southwestern Illinois, recently stepped up to save a vanishing hill prairie…

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Corn acres down, soybean acres up

By DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek A challenging planting season apparently didn’t stop U.S. farmers from seeding a hefty amount of corn and soybeans, according to USDA’s much-anticipated June acreage report released…

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Concerns over grain terminal buy

Lawmakers have raised concerns over the recent acquisition of a Cahokia grain terminal by COFCO International Ltd, a Chinese state-run company. U.S. Representatives Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) and Nikki Budzinski (D-Springfield)…

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Two suspected drug overdose deaths

The Monroe County Coroner’s Office pronounced two people deceased over the weekend due to suspected drug overdoses. Shortly before 2:30 p.m. Saturday, the coroner’s office was requested by the Waterloo…

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Nuanced conversation and complex thinking

College student pro-Palestinian protests have dominated the news cycle of late.   University administrators have been struggling to find the right balance between respecting freedom of speech, protecting students from…

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Police Blotter | 6-26-24

(Information in this report is gathered from police agencies, county courts and emergency radio dispatch. The public is reminded that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty and charges may…

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OK | Mark’s Remarks

Several years ago, I was pumping gas and I heard a noise over the usual gas station noise. Finally, I realized it was a voice. “Mr. T.! Mr. T.!” I…

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