Prairie Buzz is your source for the latest in agriculture, news, events, and activities in central Illinois and surrounding areas.
Starting Wednesday, Illinois residents can add their driver’s licenses or state ID cards to their digital wallets on Apple devices, marking a significant step towards a paperless future. The initiative was announced by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and is designed to provide convenience for those who frequently forget their physical IDs. High Demand Causes…
As the third confirmed interstellar visitor in history, Comet 3I/ATLAS has sparked intense interest and debate among scientists and the public alike. The comet’s unusual trajectory and recent color shifts have raised questions about its origins and nature. NASA has been collecting data on 3I/ATLAS since it was first detected in July 2025, but the…
Across various communities in Illinois and beyond, schools and local organizations are stepping up to help restock local pantries through food drives. Kell Grade School’s Generous Effort The United Way of South Central Illinois has recognized the significant contribution made by Kell Grade School. The school conducted a successful food drive that collected non-perishable items,…
Central Illinois has been bustling with winter activities and events, showcasing both the beauty of the season and the community’s spirit. Figure Skating Spectacle Sixty-five skaters from the Central Illinois Figure Skating Club presented a captivating performance titled ‘The Enchanted Snow Globe Adventure’ at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington. The event, which celebrated the winter…
Food banks across central Illinois are bracing for potential changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which could significantly impact their operations and the communities they serve. With federal funding set to expire on Saturday due to the ongoing government shutdown, local food banks are preparing for a surge in demand. Uncertainty Looms as…
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.