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Justice for black farmers
The history has been bleak. When Congress created the USDA’s Farmers Home Administration in 1942, it was supposed to be the “lending institution of last resort” for farmers. It was created to save America’s family farmers as they struggled after the devastating 1930s Depression.

Fountain of death
How did that song go again? I had it right on the tip of – oh yeah. “I hope I die before I get old.” Apparently you have a good chance to doing just that if you live in Sangamon County. A health research center at the University of Washington in Seattle recently published the county-by-county estimates of life expectancy in the U.

Making chemical giants happy at our expense
Thanks to the blessings of nature and good farmers, you and I can enjoy such scrumptious delights as fresh corn-on-the-cob, popcorn and many other variations of this truly great grain. And now, thanks to Dow Chemical and federal regulators, we can look forward to “Agent Orange Corn.

LETTERS
Even though you are living on a fixed income or have spent a lifetime planning for your retirement based on signed agreements, you may soon be asked to pay more, and work longer. It seems those wizened leaders cannot do the job they were elected to and budget for the expenses they have.

Cullerton may end legislative session May 31
But not long ago, Cullerton reportedly came to the conclusion that if the spring session did go into overtime, then the Republicans would likely keep everyone bottled up in Springfield all summer long. So, now his focus is on getting everybody out of town by the end of May.

PUPPY LOVE (AND CATS, TOO)
Euthanasia rates for stray dogs and cats in Sangamon County are the lowest they’ve ever been, says Mary Ann Morris, president of Friends of Sangamon County Animal Control (SCAC).

Always chasing rainbows
Don’t-ask-don’t-tell is gone. Civil unions are the law of the land in Illinois. The president, who three years ago declared June to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month, says gay marriage is fine by him. The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down homophobic sodomy laws.

Chipping away
A review board for the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission has rejected a Springfield bankruptcy attorney’s appeal of an ARDC hearing board recommendation that his law license be suspended due to unethical and dishonest conduct.

Run to remember a special veteran
McMillen had just returned from his second year of active duty in the U.S. Air Force, where he was stationed in Saudi Arabia and Romania, and was looking for a job in the LLCC Veterans Office, which would allow him to attend classes at LLCC and work at the same time.

Action Now protests federal budget cuts
Despite Johnson’s vote against the budget, members of Action Now, a nonpartisan Chicago-based organization that campaigns for equal rights, equal services and equal justice for working families, questioned why Johnson suddenly had a change of heart about the budget.

Making downtown lovable
What started as a search for office space has turned into an investment adventure for Springfield architect Larry Quenette. He took a gamble when he decided to turn the threestory Dunn Building at 201 E. Adams St. into high-end loft apartments in Springfield’s downtown, but the gamble appears to be paying off.

Making downtown lovable
To deal with this “psychological problem,” as Reynolds puts it, she urges making the downtown more bike-friendly and walkable while reducing the speed and volume of traffic. This includes “rolling out the carpet” for bicyclists by adding more bike racks and bike lanes, and making it easier for pedestrians to find their way around.

Making downtown lovable
While the SDAT members’ final report should be issued in the coming months, their preliminary recommendations give plenty of ideas to start the process of reinvigorating Springfield’s downtown in the meantime.

Powerful message saves this Bully
Hirsch has assembled an intriguing cross section of subjects, all of whom react to the violence that’s been directed at them in different ways. Ja’Maya Jackson of Yazoo County, Miss., a quiet athletic girl, took so much abuse that she pulled out her mother’s gun on the school bus to confront her tormentors.

Weapons of mass deliciousness
The Enemy Food Truck is just one element of a current exhibition at the University of Chicago’s Smart Museum.

BAND SPOTLIGHT | Reverend Raven & the Chain Smoking Altar Boys
Pedersen SC on bass, Bobby Lee Sellers, Jr. on drums and vocals, Danny Moore on piano and organ, and Big Al Groth on saxophone, contains a couple hundred years’ worth of righteous blues grooves, with entire lives dedicated to playing the blues.

PUB CRAWL
The Homegrown Folk Show with Pete Sander, Micah Walk, Josie Lowder.

Curfew canceled. SOHO saved. For now.
Amid the many calamities occurring everywhere all the time, the Springfield music scene recently had our very own crisis to overcome.

THE CALENDAR
Springfield Area Highland Games & Celtic Festival.

FESTIVAL | Colorful cavalcade
This is your day to come out and show your respect and support with other tolerant and loving folks at Springfield PrideFest, May 19, downtown Springfield. Organized by The Phoenix Center, the party takes place on Capitol Avenue between Fourth and Sixth.

THE CALENDAR
The Great American Trailer Park Musical.

ART | Fare and square
One-of-the-most popular spring soirees in our area, the Old Capitol Art Fair is always a fun and inspiring weekend of fine art and community camaraderie. Head to downtown Springfield Saturday or Sunday to view or purchase original wares by juried artists from around the country.

THE CALENDAR
Land of Lincoln Water Gardening Society Plant Sale.

WINE | Illinois vintage
The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association, Downtown Springfield, Inc. and the Old Capitol Foundation offer a festival featuring 16 Illinois wineries and breweries both Saturday, May 19, and Sunday, May 20, in downtown Springfield in conjunction with the Old Capitol Art Fair.

FESTIVAL | Celtic menagerie
Chatham Community Park is transformed into a Celtic venue for the Springfield Area Highland Games and Celtic Festival on Saturday, May 19. The gathering offers ancient athletic, highland dance and bagpipe band competitions, clan info, vendors and public participation events like Ladies Haggis Hurl, Bonniest Knees, Tug of War and Kids Kettle Toss.

THE CALENDAR
Becoming Empowered and Successful Teens/Parent Transition Support Groups.

COMEDY | Stand-up humor
Nationally-known comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer performs at The Legacy Theater on Friday, May 18. With appearances on Letterman, HBO, Bravo, Logo, GSN and across the United States, the popular lesbian comedian was the first openly gay comedian to appear on television.

FESTIVAL | Pioneering the past
Clayville Spring Festival is May 19-20 at the Clayville Historic Site, just east of Pleasant Plains on Route 125, and not far outside of town following Jefferson Ave. west.