Opinion

377 Results / Page 1 of 42

AD
farm

Columnists

KNAPP: For real “farm aid”, go “free trade”

On August 6, the US Senate’s Agriculture Committee rejected the latest version of the federal government’s quinquennial “farm bill.” I say “quinquennial” because Congress normally passes this legislation every five years, but it’s still operating on the 2018 version and has been arguing on a new version since 2023. SNAP dispute stalls the latest bill The major hang-up this year seems to be over a Republican plan that would require state governments kick in for the cost of the Supplemental […]

todayAugust 7, 2026

drive-in movies

Columnists

SIMPLE SCENES: Seeing a drive-in movie

There’s nothing like a cool night, a warm date, and a cold drink at a drive-in movie. It’s sad to read that this sunset entertainment is declining. In the 1960s, there were about 4,000 nationwide. Today, there are reportedly fewer than 200. Drive-ins were places that welcomed children — many had playgrounds — several teenagers piled into one car, young romantics, and older people who enjoyed an open-air event. At our neighborhood drive-in, they sold admission tickets “by the carload.” […]

todayAugust 7, 2026

Illinois Missouri primary general election

Editorial

EDITORIAL: Disgruntled voter in Missouri? You still have a choice

Tuesday's primary in Missouri could have major implications. While Amendment 4 and Amendment 5 dominate the conversation, Missouri voters might not realize that they have choices in elected races. Are you disgruntled with the incessant bickering and fighting of the inherently corrupt political duopoly? You don't have to give up and choose not to vote. There are choices to take advantage of. Missouri is a three-party state, as the Libertarian Party of Missouri seeks to expand its reach to voters. […]

todayAugust 3, 2026

Illinois Missouri back-to-school tax holiday

Columnists

How to spot and avoid back-to-school shopping scams

The first day of school will be here before you know it. School supplies can be expensive, so it makes sense to search out the best prices – just make sure you’re not falling for a deal that’s too good to be true. Plenty of retailers capitalize on the busy back-to-school buying season with late summer sales. Unfortunately, scammers and untrustworthy vendors may also take advantage of the demand with phishing attempts or ads with outrageous deals. This is a […]

todayAugust 3, 2026

livestock show stock show

Columnists

SIMPLE SCENES: Stock show

Imagine yourself in a sea of cows, surrounded by thousands of pounds of beef. That’s how I feel when I go to one of our state’s stock shows, which attracts thousands of visitors. Farmers and ranchers spend several days showing off animals which have taken months or years to raise. I am a city boy. However, I have been to a farm, and I once owned two rabbits, a goldfish, and a chicken with irritable bowel. But I don’t really […]

todayJuly 31, 2026

technology children

Columnists

Creating healthy technology habits for families

Technology is a constantly adapting and growing form of communication, education, and creation. Children and families spend hours on screens every day. How can parents monitor their child’s technology usage while ensuring safety, learning, and development? Is technology all evil, or can we foster positive human-screen interaction? Illinois Extension Educator Tessa Hobbs-Curley and Extension Extra Help Erin Curley share that the online world offers opportunities to connect with people across the world, advocate for personal beliefs or values, learn new […]

todayJuly 24, 2026

garter snake

Columnists

SIMPLE SCENES: Snake story

This is an odd story, and lots of it is true. (I made up a couple of parts because I forgot.) I was on a long walk when I passed a home with a “For Sale” sign. It was an “open house” day, and the realtor was opening the door. “Mind if I have a look?” I asked. “My cousin’s being transferred here, and this size house is ideal.” The realtor, introducing himself as Dan, invited me in. The house […]

todayJuly 24, 2026

saving business money investments summer spending

Columnists

Create a saving habit

Saving money can be a challenge for some people. Illinois Extension Educator Jamie Mahlandt shares some great information with us. Recently, with rising consumer costs, personal savings rates are just 3% of disposable personal income as of May 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Even when saving money is hard, it can be beneficial to work on building savings habits. Making a conscious decision to save money at every opportunity can build positive financial habits. So, even […]

todayJuly 18, 2026

Nokomis Illinois election laws third-party voter

Editorial

EDITORIAL: Hard pass on Nokomis City Council run in 2027

NOKOMIS -- Petitioning for the 2027 consolidated election is just over a month away. That may very well linger in the minds of Nokomis residents as they ponder if the current sitting members of the Nokomis City Council deserve to remain there. The council currently has four of the original five members who were elected in 2023. Commissioner Lou Stauder resigned in 2025, a seat later filled by the appointment of Charlie O'Malley. The others are Tisha Morris, Michael Glenn, […]

todayJuly 17, 2026

AD

Heartland Media Group of Central Illinois & Eastern Missouri
107 W. State Street PO Box 149
Nokomis, IL 62075
Tel: (866) 420-7790

STAY CONNECTED

CHECK OUT OUR STATIONS

DEADLINES & PUBLICATION INFORMATION

Deadlines
News and sports submissions
: 11 p.m. Central
Advertising, legals, obituaries: 5 p.m. Central

Publication times
Late breaking news as it happens
Normal publication:
11 p.m. Central daily
Other news:
Published as it’s made available

Some rights reserved 2016-2027 Heartland Newsfeed and 2023-2027 Heartland Media Group of Central Illinois & Eastern Missouri
Some images copyright United Press International, Capitol News Illinois, Missourinet, Missouri Independent, Public News Service.
Other images courtesy of Adobe Stock, Pexels, Pixabay, and Unsplash.
AD
AD
AD