Tom Emery: This weekend, millions of Americans will hit the road, fire up the grill, and swarm to the beaches for the Labor Day weekend. The holiday has evolved dramatically from its origins, which are debated today.

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood: The Farm Bill significantly impacts our communities, economy, and families in central and northern Illinois, making it critical that Congress pass a robust and timely extension of the legislation this fall.

It would be patently ridiculous to suggest someone as personally and politically successful as Gov. JB Pritzker takes any action with a specific individual in mind, let alone me, but that understanding didn’t inhibit the feeling of being singled out at a public event last week.

Toni Greathouse: Continuing last week’s conversation, diversity participation is key to Juneteenth in Joliet, a free event on Monday, June 19, at the Joliet Area Historical Museum, 204 N. Ottawa St., Joliet.

Lonny Cain: Perhaps our story, our journey, could end with the same epitaph.“It’s all just water.”

Lonny Cain: Who are the people we ignore?

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Our community has a history of partnering with dedicated people whose ideas and energy shaped our traditions and continue to foster new opportunities.

FarmWeek: The high food price environment forced many consumers to reevaluate their spending in recent years. But it hasn’t chased them from the meat or dairy aisle.