WASHINGTON DC (October 24, 2019) — Registration is now open for the 96th annual Agricultural Outlook Forum (AOF), the largest annual meeting and premiere event of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The two-day Forum will take place on February 20-21, 2020, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott Hotel in Arlington, Virginia.

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (October 24, 2019) — To further assist in combatting the national opioid epidemic, Hy-Vee Inc announces it has purchased and will install drug take-back receptacles by November 7, 2019, in all 276 Hy-Vee pharmacy locations throughout its eight-state region to provide customers a secure place to dispose of unused medications, including controlled substances.

WASHINGTON DC (October 24, 2019) — US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary Donald “DJ” LaVoy and US Department of Energy Under Secretary of Energy Mark W Menezes today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two departments to promote rural energy and the development of technologies that will support and advance rural and agricultural communities and domestic manufacturing.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (October 24, 2019) — The unemployment rate decreased over-the-year in September in twelve Illinois metropolitan areas, increased in one, and was unchanged in one according to preliminary data released today by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Data also shows the number of non-farm jobs increased in thirteen Illinois metropolitan areas and decreased in one.