Read more about the article As health inspections change, departments debate enforcementDarrell Hoemann/CU-CitizenAccess.org
Jim Roberts of the Champaign-Urbana Health District holds up a sample placard as county board members discussed whether restaurants in the county should be required to display inspection placards on August 21, 2014.

As health inspections change, departments debate enforcement

Starting July 1, inspections will change.

Continue ReadingAs health inspections change, departments debate enforcement
Read more about the article Illinois prison system spent less than $300 on books last year
Chicago Books to Women in Prison (BWP), has sent nearly 20,000 books to incarcerated women in the last five years, and tens of thousands since the organization was founded in 2002.

Illinois prison system spent less than $300 on books last year

Last year, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) spent $276 on books for its educational programming across 28 correctional facilities, according to data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. In comparison, the state prison system spent roughly $750,000 each year on books in the early 2000s. In 2005, spending on books dropped to $264,000.

Continue ReadingIllinois prison system spent less than $300 on books last year

On China tariffs, farm groups say no

Earlier this month, the U.S. and China both announced billions of dollars in taxes on billions of dollars worth of imported goods - China is seeking tariffs on $50 billion worth of U.S. products that include soybeans and pork while the U.S. announced taxes on $150 billion worth of 1,300 Chinese products, including electronics. Here’s a look at what farm organizations in the Midwest have to say.

Continue ReadingOn China tariffs, farm groups say no

Farmers worry trade war would damage relationship with top customer

As China and the U.S. swap threats of import taxes on billions of dollars of goods, financial markets fluctuated and farmers are frustrated, saying they worry over hard-built trade relationships with one of their largest customers.

Continue ReadingFarmers worry trade war would damage relationship with top customer
Read more about the article Brazil, Argentina may fill the U.S. soybean export gapDarrell Hoemann/Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting
Soybeans in a field in rural McLean County on August 7.

Brazil, Argentina may fill the U.S. soybean export gap

Argentina and Brazil may fill China’s soybean needs if China imposes a 25 percent tariff on U.S. soybean exports. And experts say : “China is the world’s largest consumer, and the U.S. is the largest producer, … so they’ll need to replace the U.S. with some other country,”

Continue ReadingBrazil, Argentina may fill the U.S. soybean export gap
Read more about the article Crop insurance help for tariff fallout could affect upcoming Farm BillDarrell Hoemann/CU-CitizenAccess.org
A flag waves in front of soybean acres on July 3, 2014.

Crop insurance help for tariff fallout could affect upcoming Farm Bill

Congressional leaders said they would explore federal help for farmers should tariffs be put in place but Tamara Nelson, senior director of commodities for the Illinois Farm Bureau, said the moves would not help. “Farmers don’t want aid, farmers want to be able to trade,” she said.

Continue ReadingCrop insurance help for tariff fallout could affect upcoming Farm Bill