JCJ News
IL-EATS program expands market opportunities for farmers
By HANNAH SPANGLER FarmWeek Some Illinois farmers are seeing new market growth with Illinois Equitable Access Towards Sustainable Systems (IL-EATS), a grant program through the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) and Illinois Department of Human Services.
Read MoreRed Cross volunteers help 13 people affected by home fires in the past week
Red Cross response as a result of worsening climate crisis For more than two months, severe weather outbreaks swept across the country, ravaging communities and upending lives. Now millions of people face excessive heat warnings as temperatures soar to dangerous highs out West. RED CROSS RESPONSE The American Red Cross is monitoring the heat wave…
Read MoreFreelance Worker Protection Act takes effect
The Freelance Worker Protection Act, which provides protections for independent contractors who create products or services in Illinois or who work for a hiring entity located in Illinois, took effect on July 1. Under the law, freelance workers are entitled to the following when the value of their work is equal to or greater than…
Read MoreGood Growing: The duality of American pokeweed
By Emily Swihart Generally speaking, native plants are considered desirable since they support wildlife, can improve water quality while requiring less water themselves, are beautiful in the landscape, are generally more tolerant of climate conditions and soil types, and much more. However, from time to time a native species is not as appealing as others,…
Read MoreState of Illinois offering $10,000 to help buy a home and put down roots
As National Homeownership Month comes to a close, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) wants to remind individuals that free assistance is available to overcome the financial barriers to owning a home. IHDA currently offers up to $10,000 to help individuals, families, veterans, and others realize that the dream of homeownership is achievable and more…
Read MoreBusiest roadside mowing period underway, planned to grow, protect pollinator habitat
The Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding the public that roadside mowing is underway, requiring drivers to slow down, avoid all distractions and proceed with caution when encountering equipment and personnel. The heaviest mowing operations will continue until Aug. 15.
Read MoreCorn acres planted down, soybean acres up in Illinois
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 Friday.
Read MoreLet’s Cook! – July 11, 2024
I hope you had a nice Fourth of July! Aside from the rain, I had a pleasant day. Last week I printed two recipes from Carol Sue Carnes of Brussels, Illinois. She shared a third recipe that I will now print for you. The name alone is intriguing–Amish Sawdust Pie. I can’t decide if that’s…
Read MorePritzker signs bill creating new Department of Early Childhood
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois [email protected] Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation creating a new cabinet-level state agency dedicated to early childhood education and development.
Read MoreSummer cookout cost hits record high
By TAMMIE SLOUP | FarmWeek 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 cookout will cost $71.22 for 10 guests this year — a 5 percent jump from last year at $7.12 per…
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