Quick-growing blooms of bacteria and algae have long been a hazard in lakes and rivers, because of the toxins they produce. Fueled in part by agricultural runoff, these blooms are also threatening public water systems, making water temporarily unusable, and forcing some cities and towns to take costly preventive measures.

A plan to disperse Washington-based USDA jobs to five hubs, including Kansas City and Indianapolis, is making waves across agriculture. Critics say the shakeup could hobble the agency, while proponents say it will move staff closer to farmers and save money.

City leaders in Macomb continue to hold weekly meetings with a pair of consulting firms to discuss the possibility of building an indoor sports complex in Macomb.

Now that repairs to a wall surrounding the stage at Galesburg’s Orpheum Theatre have been completed, it’s showtime again.

New Philadelphia in Pike County is the first town planned and legally registered in the U.S. by Black people.