News Progress

By Jim Nowlan
Outside Columnist

This spring Illinois legislators will face the issue of whether the state should require labels on foods that have been “entirely or partially produced with genetic engineering.”

The lawmakers will have a difficult time separating the wheat from the chaff on an issue that is generating increased interest nationally, much to the chagrin of Monsanto and a handful of companies that control the hybrid seed market.

There is no middle ground in the debate between the “naturalists” and the big seed companies over the touted evils and virtues, respectively, of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Read More

by Dan Hagen
NP Columnist

“The supermarket is still open. It won’t close till midnight. It is brilliantly bright. Its brightness offers sanctuary from loneliness and the dark. “You could spend hours of your life here, in a state of suspended insecurity, meditating on the multiplicity of things to eat. “Oh dear, there is so much! So many brands in shiny boxes, all of them promising you good appetite. Every article on the shelves cries out to you, take me, take me; and the mere competition of their appeals can make you imagine yourself wanted, even loved. “But beware — when you get back to your empty room, you’ll find that the false flattering elf of the advertisement has eluded you; what remains is only cardboard, cellophane and food. Read More

by Angela Hogan RN MSPH
Administrator, Moultrie County Health Dept.

Food is an important part of many holiday celebrations. But don’t let food-related illness ruin your holiday. The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends the following food safety guidelines to help make sure your holiday meals are safe. Read More

by John Golden
NP Columnist

Believe it or not, ladies and gentlemen, hens and toms, we find ourselves on the cusp of Thanksgiving once again. This fat feast of a fact gives me a fantastic opportunity to be extremely predictable and fervidly write about everything for which I am thankful. Why not be festive, am I wrong?

First, I am thankful for turkeys. Strange that I would start there, you say? Well, my daytime gig is as a meat department manager in a small market, and at this time of the year, believe it or not, I have turkeys on my mind. Read More

By Glenn Mollette

Everybody needs medical insurance. Without it you are headed for the poor house or a shorter life.

Here is what our government should do: Read More