JCJ News

By BETH HUNDSDORFER | Capitol News Illinois The total solar eclipse on the afternoon of April 8 will be visible over 128 miles throughout southern and southeastern Illinois, a phenomenon that is expected to bring up to 200,000 visitors to the eclipse’s prime viewing path. “We know this year’s solar eclipse will have an extremely…

This week I have a recipe that I printed a few years ago, but want to run again for my newer readers. “Asian” is in the title of the recipe, though I can’t swear to its authenticity of being truly an Asian dish. It’s a great recipe to make because it does not call for any…

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack last week announced the availability of an historic $1.5 billion in fiscal year 2024 to invest in partner-driven conservation and climate solutions through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting project proposals now through July…

Furthering his commitment to the Right to Read, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is spearheading legislation that underscores the vital role of librarians in providing essential educational resources and ensures those individuals can go to work without fear and intimidation. HB 4567, sponsored by State Representative Anne Stava-Murray (81st District – Downers Grove) and…

By RHIANNON BRANCH | FarmWeek Illinois will experience a rare phenomenon of nature this year as two broods of periodical cicadas are scheduled to emerge at the same time. And this once-in-a-lifetime occurrence won’t happen again until 2245. Kacie Athey, a specialty crop entomologist at the University of Illinois, said the Northern Illinois Brood that…

By PHYLLIS COULTER | FarmWeek People are talking about the birds and the bees and the total solar eclipse. But they may be missing the peripheral effects of Monday’s total solar eclipse on animals, especially those in the path of totality. “The side consequences are more impactful on animals than the actual eclipse,” said Angela…

By COLE LONGCOR | Capitol News Illinois An Illinois House committee advanced a measure that would end the state’s subminimum wage for tipped workers amid bipartisan opposition this week, but the bill’s sponsor said she’d seek further compromise before presenting it for a vote. Current Illinois law allows employers to pay their tipped workers 60…

Portions of Southern Illinois could see an influx of over 300,000 visitors for the event On April 8, some 31 million people living in a 100+ mile path stretching from Texas to Maine will be able to witness a rare total solar eclipse, while people in all contiguous U.S. states will be able to see…

Join the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, Hospital Sisters Health System, the Poshard Foundation for Abused Children, elected officials, child welfare stakeholders and more for a month-long observance to share child abuse and neglect prevention awareness messages and promote prevention efforts during Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.…