News Progress

•April 22, 2026•

The Illinois America 250 Commission invites people from across Illinois to participate in Illinois Voices 250, a statewide effort to record conversations with residents as part of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Recorded conversations will be preserved at the U.S. Library of Congress. The initiative is led by the Illinois America 250 Commission in partnership with Illinois Humanities and StoryCorps Studios. Illinois Voices 250 is the most expansive effort yet to ensure Illinois’ commemoration of the nation’s birthday is inclusive, accessible, and statewide. People can participate in public community recording events happening around the state or use the do-it-yourself option online at il250.org/il-voices. There is no fee to participate. “The story of America isn’t complete without the story of Illinois. Our people’s diverse perspectives, reflections, and personal narratives deserve to be shared and preserved for generations to come,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I encourage Illinoisans of all backgrounds to tell their unique stories as the nation marks 250 years of history and resilience.”

•April 22, 2026•

by Tammie Sloup

FarmWeek 

A nationwide survey conducted by the American Farm Bureau Federation shows 70% of respondents cannot afford to purchase enough fertilizer to get them through the year. More than 5,700 farmers from every state and Puerto Rico responded to the survey, which was conducted April 3rd through 11th. In Illinois, more than 250 farmers responded. The analysis reveals that almost eight in 10 farmers in the southern US say they can’t afford all needed supplies this year, followed by the Northeast and West at 69% and 66%, respectively, compared to 48% of the farmers in the Midwest.

Just 19% of farmers in the South prebooked fertilizer purchases in advance of planting season. In the Northeast, only 30% of farmers prebooked, followed by 31% in the West, and 67% in the Midwest. Even with higher pre-booking rates, almost one in three Midwestern farmers still report entering the season without securing all their fertilizer needs. “The results provide an eye-opening look at the realities farmers are facing today,” AFBF President Zippy Duvall said during a media call on April 14th. “We’ve been hearing a lot of speculation in Washington, D.C., and beyond about the percentage of farmers who have preordered their fertilizers. I think that you’ll be surprised by the degree to which it varies between regions.”

•April 22, 2026•

On April 16th, the State of Illinois’ “Mobile DMV” brought in Sullivan locals, including members of the Sullivan Fire Protection District obtaining the requisite licensure to drive the new fire truck, at the Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library. Mobile DMV provides a wide array of DMV-related services, with everything from driver’s license renewals to road tests. As always, the mobile DMV team efficiently met every client with both courtesy and respect. The running consensus of those there was that local access to the Mobile DMV services saved them time, hassle, and even money when considering current fuel prices.

•April 22, 2026•

Dig deeper and establish solid roots in gardening knowledge with University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners. Illinois Extension Master Gardeners uplift communities one garden, one answer, and one volunteer hour at a time. From city centers to rural communities and suburban curb appeal, Illinois Master Gardener volunteers are passionate about the program’s mission to help others learn to grow. In 2025, more than 2,000 volunteers dedicated 150,000 hours to sharing gardening knowledge, donating produce, and enriching communities and the environment through garden projects. This summer, take your passion for gardening to the next level by joining in on the Master Gardener mission. 

Revolutionary War Connections #2
•April 22, 2026•

by Janet Roney

Last week, I told you about Dr. John Pyle of North Carolina, the maternal grandfather of John S. Whitley’s son-in-law, Samuel Washington Lindley. During the Revolutionary War, when the British army moved the war south in 1779, Dr. Pyle led a local Tory (loyalist) militia fighting for the British. After being wounded in a battle with the local Whig (patriot) militia, he was assigned to the headquarters of the British commander, General Cornwallis, while he healed.