Prairie Buzz is your source for the latest in agriculture, news, events, and activities in central Illinois and surrounding areas.
Few groups are more deeply entwined with American politics than farmers. From farm bills to tariff wars, subsidies to ethanol mandates, Washington has consistently had its hand on the tiller of rural America. For many growers, politics has been both a lifeline and a chokehold — providing crucial supports in bad years, while at other…
Soybean farmers across the Midwest are staring down another uncertain harvest season. Prices are sagging near $10 per bushel, China has yet to book significant new-crop purchases, and trade tensions are again reshaping global markets. At the same time, domestic demand for soybean oil in renewable fuels is keeping crushers busy and preventing an even…
The debate over Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension has spilled far beyond late-night comedy and into the heart of America’s oldest constitutional promise: the First Amendment. At issue is not whether viewers like Kimmel’s jokes, but whether government officials — including the president and the chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) — should play any role…
Across Central Illinois, communities are contending with a rapidly intensifying drought that is raising alarms for the agricultural sector and increasing fire risks. Meanwhile, local governments are navigating financial disagreements, and law enforcement agencies have been active with notable arrests and investigations throughout the region. This week’s news also highlights community events and infrastructure projects…
Pete Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer and conservative media personality, has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of Defense. This controversial decision raises questions about Hegseth’s qualifications and the influence of Trump’s “America First” agenda on U.S. military policy.
Farmers across the U.S. are raising alarms as President-elect Donald Trump nominates Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for HHS and renews his tariff policies. Kennedy’s push for stricter pesticide regulations and Trump’s tariff proposals could disrupt agricultural markets and reshape farming practices, leaving farmers concerned about profitability and market access.
From Reagan’s amnesty to Trump’s mass deportation plans, U.S. immigration policy has seen dramatic shifts over the decades. Each administration has wrestled with balancing security and humanitarian obligations, shaping the national conversation on immigration reform and its far-reaching impacts on American society.
Elon Musk, a titan of technology and innovation, has built his empire on both personal ambition and substantial government support. As his companies Tesla and SpaceX continue to thrive, their success is fueled by billions in taxpayer funding. With the recent election of Donald Trump, the evolving political landscape could further shape Musk’s ventures, potentially altering regulatory and market dynamics.
As U.S. farmers brace for a potential trade war, President Trump’s proposed tariffs could reshape the landscape of American agriculture. Corn and soybean markets stand on the brink of disruption, with billions of dollars and rural livelihoods at stake. Will these tariffs yield long-term gains or leave farmers caught in a cycle of economic uncertainty?
The imposition of tariffs under the Trump administration sparked widespread economic ripple effects, disrupting global trade and driving up costs for businesses and consumers alike. Economists argue that these tariffs, intended to protect American industries, often backfired, leading to trade wars, higher prices, and weakened international relations.