Area News
Nationwide tech hiccup interferes with US driver’s license offices
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — A nationwide technology problem briefly interrupted services Thursday at state offices that handle driver’s licenses, officials said. The outage, which lasted from approximately 9:50 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EDT, was “due to a loss in cloud connectivity,” the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators said. “This prevented a number of motor…
Read MoreDixon Zeigler scholarship applications available
STONINGTON — The First National Bank of Pana has announced the Dixon Zeigler Scholarship is available. Students graduating from Taylorville High School who reside within the last boundaries of the former Stonington School District are encouraged to apply. Mr. Zeigler farmed in the Stonington area for many years. Upon his death in 2015, his wishes…
Read MoreUS calls for vote on UN Gaza resolution
By EDITH M. LEDERER Associated Press UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United States called for a vote Friday on a newly revised and tougher U.N. resolution declaring that “an immediate and sustained cease-fire” in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza is “imperative” to protect civilians and enable humanitarian aid to be delivered to more than 2…
Read MoreAllergy season arrived early in US. Here’s how to keep pollen from ruining your spring
DEVI SHASTRI AP Health Writer Allergy season is here — and it’s earlier and stronger than expected. More than 80 million Americans deal with itchy eyes, runny nose and other symptoms of seasonal allergies, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The level of misery people will face depends on where they live…
Read MoreMore than 100 iconic cherry trees in Washington are being cut down. So long, Stumpy
ASHRAF KHALIL Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The sun is setting on Stumpy, the gnarled old cherry tree that has become a social media phenom. This year’s cherry blossom festivities in Washington will be the last for Stumpy and more than 100 other cherry trees that will be cut down as part of a multiyear…
Read MoreShort Corn gets big attention
PHYLLIS COULTER FarmWeek Some corn growers are looking to short stature corn to reach new heights in yields. Among them is Kevin Kalb, an Indiana farmer and 15-time national corn yield champion. Such hybrids could be a key to future higher yields, he told farmers at Commodity Classic, near where a new smart short corn…
Read MoreiFAB secures funding to further bio-manufacturing and precision fermentation
Hannah Spangler FarmWeek New funding for the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub at the University of Illinois propels Illinois toward becoming a leader in biomanufacturing and precision fermentation. State leaders, including Gov. JB Pritzker, announced nearly $680 million in funding commitments from 31 partner organizations at a March 4 press conference in…
Read MoreU of I women, money and power class opens for the public
HANNAH SPANGLER FarmWeek The University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) is now offering its online class “Women, Money and Power” to the public. Starting March 20, all individuals can participate in the eight-week class designed to empower women to take on financial and entrepreneurial roles. The class will include a…
Read MoreThree challenges facing the agricultural sector
Since the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic in early 2020, businesses big and small have faced significant challenges. Though the pandemic has ended, many sectors, including the agricultural industry, face familiar and unfamiliar challenges. The agricultural sector is crucial to the survival and health of billions of people across the globe. Though it’s…
Read MoreStudy: How home food availability affects young children’s nutrient intake
URBANA — Early childhood is important for learning about nutrition and establishing healthy eating behaviors. Young children rely on parents to provide food options, and food availability in the home affects their dietary choices. A new study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign looks at changes in home food availability and nutrient intake for children…
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