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Illinois Capital News

U.S. ag trade officials reject latest Mexico proposal on GMO corn ban

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BY TIMOTHY EGGERT FarmWeek Warning that billions of dollars in bilateral trade are at risk, the top two U.S. ag trade officials formally rejected a revised proposal from the Mexican government to ban U.S. imports of genetically modified corn for food production. USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor and U.S.…

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Could Brazil surpass U.S. as world’s top corn exporter?

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By DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek Competition in world markets is expected to intensify as Brazil is projected to produce record corn and soybean crops for 2022-23. Joana Colussi, postdoctoral research associate at the University of Illinois who serves on the farmdoc team there, reported crop production in her home country of Brazil could increase to record…

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FFRI expanding free mental health resources for farmers

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By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek Karen Stallman keeps a file with ideas to help farmers struggling with mental health stress. As program coordinator for the Farm Family Resource Initiative (FFRI), Stallman knows more can always be done. FFRI, which is managed by SIU School of Medicine’s Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development, has been…

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Lawmakers pass assault weapon sales, manufacturing ban

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Upon Pritzker’s signature, Illinois would become 9th state to ban military-style guns By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois House gave final passage Tuesday to a bill banning the purchase, sale and manufacture of semi-automatic assault weapons, .50 caliber rifles and ammunition, and large-capacity magazines in the state while still allowing…

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After stepping down as minority leader, Durkin to exit Illinois House

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By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Illinois House Republican Leader Jim Durkin will leave the Illinois Statehouse Tuesday for the last time as a state legislator. After a bruising 2022 election cycle in which House Republicans lost five seats, Durkin did not seek another term as leader of the caucus. But on…

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Supreme Court sets March timeline for oral arguments in cash bail appeal

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Both sides agree to timeline that would further delay Pretrial Fairness Act’s implementation By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – An appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court regarding the constitutionality of a state law that would end cash bail appears to be at least three months away from resolution under a new timeline…

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With labor dispute settled, railroads focus on service

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By DANIEL GRANT FarmWeek It’s not necessarily back to business as usual for the nation’s railroad industry now that the threat of a nationwide strike has been averted for a second time. Industry representatives, who met with members of the National Grain and Feed Association at the Country Elevator Conference and Trade Show held fittingly…

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Madigan, McClain enter not guilty pleas

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23-count indictment alleges bribery schemes involving ComEd, AT&T By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and his longtime political ally Michael McClain entered not guilty pleas to bribery and corruption charges involving utility giant Commonwealth Edison and telecommunications company AT&T Illinois. Both were charged previously in the…

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