Is Spring planting time, or time to worry about pesticides and cancer?

Gentlemen, start your tractors.

Neighbors, hold your breath.

In farm country, some proud producers say, “We feed the world,” but though Illinois is the second-largest corn- producing state, 98% of corn grown in Illinois is field corn used for industrial purposes, not consumption by humans.

Of that, 98% of Illinois corn is used for ethanol production, according to the Farm Bureau, and somewhere between 7% and 15% is used for animal feed or industrial food products such as sweeteners and syrup. Further, about half is exported (depending on shipping disruptions or tariffs and other market factors).

Regardless of crops’ end-use purposes, agribusiness for decades has increasingly relied on pesticides and fertilizers, and the United States saw higher yields of commodity crops thanks at least in part to agrichemicals sprayed from airplanes, drones, tractors and handheld devices.

“[But] these chemicals can drift through the air or run off into nearby rivers and streams,” said Ben Felder of Investigate Midwest. “And for decades, some farmers and pesticide users have developed neurological and respiratory issues. Thousands of lawsuits have alleged that pesticides and the companies that make them were to blame.”

The Tri-County area (with 989 farms in Peoria County, 869 in Tazewell, and 997 in Woodford, according to the USDA Census of Agriculture) has a pesticide use rate about eight times the national average of 197.3 kilograms (435 pounds) per square mile, and a cancer rate about 10% higher than what the National Cancer Institute says is the national rate: 453 cases per 100,000 people. (See box below.)

“Illinois’ industrial agriculture system is responsible for toxic pesticide exposure across communities adjacent to farmland, like here in the central part of the state, where winds carry these carcinogenic chemicals across our parks and playgrounds, exposing children and families with no notice,” Illinois Environmental Council’s Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture Program Officer Lindsay Keeney told the Community Word. “Pesticide applicators are not required to notify schools before spraying, but we’re working to change that.”

Correlation isn’t cause, but connections cause concerns.

“Cancer is a complex disease and can be caused by numerous environmental and genetic factors,” Felder said. “Some links have been clear — such as smoking and lung cancer — while other forms can be impossible to trace back to an original cause. But scientific research linking pesticides with certain types of cancers has been growing.”

One study –“Comprehensive assessment of pesticide use patterns and increased cancer risk” in the journal Frontiers in Cancer Control and Society – reported that “the impact of pesticide use on cancer incidence may rival that of smoking,” wrote the scientists, who linked pesticides to prostate, lung, pancreas and colon cancers, plus associated pesticides with lymphoma and Parkinson’s disease.

Also, cancer development can range from months to decades. But displaying cancer rates on a map of the nation’s top crop and vegetable growing regions, where pesticide use is highest, is revealing. Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska — leading corn-growing states — have the country’s highest cancer rates

In Iowa, the legislature seemed to recognize the connection, but last year responded by proposing a law protecting pesticide manufacturers from some lawsuits, not residents. Iowa’s state Senate passed the bill (Senate File 2412) one year ago, 30-19. But ahead of a vote in the House, lobbying by farmer, public health and environmental groups made a difference. 

“I call myself a Republican, but this is not about politics,” commented Bill Billings, a resident of Red Oak, Iowa, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2024. “This is about money, about the almighty dollar,”

Iowa’s legislative session ended without the House taking up a vote, although he bill could return in 2026,

In Illinois, lawmakers are trying to prioritize public health.

“House Bill 1596 would require certified pesticide applicators to provide written notice before spraying to private and public schools, daycares and public parks and playgrounds near the application site,” Keeney said. “The notification requirement would apply only to large-scale operations that use boom sprayers, tractor-mounted sprayers, and airplanes to apply weed killers — not residential applications.
“Large applicators should have a real responsibility not to expose their neighbors to dangerous chemicals without their knowledge,” she added. “Our partners at Prairie Rivers Network have called this “chemical trespass,” and they’re right. It’s not safe. It’s not okay. And it is time for the Illinois General Assembly to step up and put in place real protections for central and southern Illinois communities, children, and ecosystems. Sponsored by eight lawmakers, all Democrats, HB1596 was introduced in January 2025. The bill passed the Energy & Environment Committee on March 15, 2025, underwent amendments and was sent to the Rules Committee, which approve it for consideration on Feb. 11 this year and got a second reading two days later. There’s been no action since March 6.

Nationally, both progressive environmental groups and conservative health movements have called for reducing or eliminating the use of pesticides. 

“Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a longtime critic of pesticides, in a May 2025 report from his Make America Healthy Again commission, linked pesticide overuse to children’s health issues, which drew praise from both political camps,” Felder said. However, “three months later, Kennedy’s MAHA commission published its final report, which contained no calls to further regulate pesticides. In fact, it called for the federal government to work with large agrichemical companies to ensure public “awareness and confidence” in the EPA’s current pesticide regulations.”

 

Investigate Midwest’s new research, released Feb. 18, shows metro Peoria’s three counties’ pesticide use rate per square mile and cancer rate per 100,000 people:

 

PEORIA

Pesticide rate 1,048 lbs.

Cancer rate 501 cases

 

TAZEWELL

Pesticide rate 1,413 lbs.

Cancer rate 504 cases

 

WOODFORD

Pesticide rate 1,520 lbs.

Cancer rate 502 cases

In context, the U.S. pesticide rate per square mile is 435 lbs., Investigate Midwest reports, and the cancer rate is about 453 per 100,000 people, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Investigate Midwest’s “Pesticide use and cancer risk rise together across America’s heartland” analyzed data across the country, interviewed more than 100 farmers, environmentalists, lawmakers and scientists as part of a partnership with the Pulitzer Center’s StoryReach U.S. Fellowship and supported by the Fund for Investigative Journalism. For the complete original piece, go to https://investigatemidwest.org/2026/02/18/pesticide-use-and-cancer-risk-rise-together-across-americas-heartland/

 

‘Bleacher bums’ and Notre Dame soccer

Sanctions have been placed against Peoria Notre Dame’s soccer program following racially charged behavior at the October Regional game against rival Normal Community, and the most troubling actions came from the stands and staff, not the players, according to documents the Community Word obtained through a Freedom of Information request.

People who’ve coached amateur Little League, JFL, volleyball, etc., know that fans can get unruly, but rarely does it extend to racist slurs and uncooperative coaches.

Coming into the 6 p.m. Class 3A Regional Final Oct. 24, the high school teams were co-champions of the Big 12 conference, both with 9-0-1 records, although overall, the Normal Community Ironmen were 19-4-4, and the Notre Dame Irish were 15-4-3. Head-to-head, Normal had won once and they tied once.

But on that cool, cloudy evening at the historic “Soule Bowl” in East Moline, the atmosphere turned hot.

In the first half, Normal Community (NC) scored a goal and celebrated, and Notre Dame spectators – parents as well as students – erupted and called one NC player “a f**king [N-word]” and also directed the insult to an official, according to a report with the IHSA (the Illinois High School Association, which regulates, supervises, and develops interscholastic sports and activities).

One of the referees said, “I heard slurs,” and added that players from both teams confirmed it.

Later, when the crowd’s volume and vulgarities got worse, a Notre Dame administrator was asked to try to calm the situation but he refused to help, according to a post-game report. An on-site IHSA representative, Moline High School Athletic Director Todd Thompson, intervened to request the team remove the offending crowd from sight and sound of the game, but Notre Dame staff only reluctantly moved their crowd a short distance, still within players’ and officials’ eyes and ears.

“Throughout the rest of the game, the Peoria Notre Dame spectators continued to taunt and heckle [the] crew, Normal Community players and even some Peoria Notre Dame players,” the report said. “The spectators were shouting comments [such as] “We need a center official who isn’t a female,” “Referee, the game isn’t about you; let the boys play” and “Referee, you suck; how did you get this game?”

In the second half, an official called a foul against Notre Dame for a play that injured a Normal Community athlete, and Peoria fans slammed the player, screaming to “Get his ass up!”

An official had enough, reporting, “I made the decision to clear all spectators from the field/stands. I let both [teams] know that we would not be restarting the match until the spectators were up the hill and behind the premises gate. Again, the Peoria ND AD refused to assist in getting his spectators under control. The Peoria ND head coach [also] refused to assist in the matter until I gave two options: clear the spectators or abandon the match. Both were still hesitant to assist, so I gave a two-minute time limit.”

Before police helped clear spectators, an official said, Thompson and his helpers were cursed during the removal.

The match ended with Normal Community winning 4-3, the school’s third straight Regional title. But the consequences didn’t end with a whistle.

Obviously, it’s been months since the episode, but it’s gone unreported by sports media and it shocked some soccer devotees.

Brandon Knauss is uniquely qualified to comment. An alum of Notre Dame, he played soccer there and in college before becoming a licensed referee.

“I know what I’m talking about,” Knauss said after watching the game. “Heckling has gotten beyond fun. It has become personal and often times hateful. I do not stand for referee abuse.”

After the game, Thompson separately reported, “PND was an absolute mess on the fan side. I have never witnessed or been a part of a situation like this, but it all falls back to the fact there are no consequences for the way PND coaching staff, fans and administration act towards anyone with authority. The issues we are having … are continuously growing, and individuals need to be held accountable.”

Knauss, when asked if such turmoil from fans is unusual, told the Community Word, “For most, yes. For that program, absolutely not. Who wants to go against the rich and privileged?”

Maybe this polarized time somehow makes hooliganism and racism acceptable, but the IHSA couldn’t ignore the blatant violation of its Code of Conduct. IHSA’s Boys Soccer “Manual for Schools and Managers” lists unacceptable behavior, including “disrespectful or derogatory yells, chants, songs or gestures; booing or heckling an official’s decision; criticizing officials in any way [and] displays of temper with an official’s call; yells that antagonize opponents; and use of profanity or displays of anger that draw attention away from the game”). Also, its “Schools’ Responsibility to An Official” states, “Insist coaches display good sportsmanship and are proper examples for players and crowd, prevent any disturbances that may occur” [and] work with officials regarding crowd control.”

IHSA Associate Executive Director Matt Troha told the Community Word, “There was an investigation into this incident following a Special Report being filed with our office. After talking to the game officials and schools involved, sanctions were implemented on the Peoria Notre Dame soccer program for the 2026 boys soccer season.”

Past IHSA sanctions against schools in similar incidents have included suspensions of players and coaches, the inability to host post-season events for periods of time, or a probationary status, but Troha declined to provide details on the sanctions against Notre Dame.

“We are confident that the school is taking this situation very seriously and is working to ensure a similar situation does not occur again,” he said.

Peoria Notre Dame coaches and administrators did not respond to multiple requests for a comment.

Illinois/ mass job losses mostly spare central Illinois

In late January, eight companies announced closings that will affect about 1,900 Illinois workers, and another 192 were laid off by employers who remain in operation, according to the most recent mandatory notices to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Illinois Work Net Center,

This follows closures eliminating 560 jobs reported in December, with 143 jobs lost through layoffs.

In south-central Illinois, Alton Steel Inc. on Jan. 26 abruptly announced to United Steelworkers Local 3643  that the manufacturer is ceasing operations after almost 25 years producing steel in metro St. Louis. More than 250 workers will lose their jobs.

The union last negotiated a contract in 2024.

The employer – which said all 401(k) accounts will remain secure and accessible – cited insurmountable challenges such as aging infrastructure, market competition and industry consolidation as reasons for the closure, according to Riverbender.com.

“Our employees have shown exceptional dedication and skill for more than two decades of production,” said CEO Chris Ervin. “But we’ve reached a point where the fundamental structural challenges cannot be overcome.”

Alton Steel emerged from Laclede Steel Co., which halted operations in 1998 after 87 years of operation. Laclede went bankrupt in 2001 but partnered with former Laclede workers and J&J Ventures to reorganize as Alton Steel in 2003.

Illinois’ Dept. of Labor says Alton Steel violated the state’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act requiring employers with 75 or more full-time employees to provide 60 days' advance notice of plant closures or mass layoffs.

Elsewhere, Amazon Fresh is closing 10 Illinois locations –all in Chicagoland except for one store in Normal –next month, when more than 1,500 employees will lose their jobs. T-Mobile in Schaumburg and Founders Insurance Co. in Des Plaines are laying off 109 and 43 workers, respectively.

U.S. workers’ unionization up last year – and the news is even better than the numbers

New data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows union representation grew by 463,000 in 2025, bringing the total number of workers represented by union contracts to 16.5 million.

Beyond the statistics, related trends show other good news for organized labor.

“Thanks to years of sustained organizing, 11.2% of all wage and salary workers in the United States are now covered under union contracts, up from 2024 and the highest in 16 years,” the AFL-CIO said.

Last year’s numbers show the highest number of unionized workers in the U.S. in 16 years, reported the Economic Policy Institute.

“The increase is a departure from prior years’ downward trend in union density,” write EPI’s Celine McNicholas, Margaret Poydock and Heidi Shierholz. “It demonstrates working people’s desire for greater agency in their workplaces and in shaping the policies that affect their lives. In a time of fear, uncertainty and hardship, the importance and benefits of unionization are especially clear. Further, this increase occurred despite the nation’s broken system of labor law and the most anti-union president in history. It is a testament to working people’s resolve and the fact that unions are increasingly viewed favorably and recognized as critical instruments for building a just economy.”

The growth in unionization in 2025 occurred despite President Trump’s relentless attacks on workers and their unions. Since returning to office, President Trump has engaged in a consistent campaign against U.S. workers, making their lives less affordable in the process. From stripping federal workers’ collective bargaining rights to canceling federal collective bargaining contracts.

“Billionaire bosses and union-busting politicians have tried to throw the kitchen sink at working people and their unions – slashing our jobs and rigging the rules to scare us out of organizing— but they are failing,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “Working people are experiencing relentless attacks on our freedoms and our livelihoods. These numbers confirm what we’ve seen in the labor movement: Workers have felt President Trump’s billionaire-first agenda in action and are hungry to take back their power.

“Workers know that the best check on a bad boss is a strong union contract,” she continued. “In 2026, workers will continue to organize in every corner of the country and build power to fight for the lives they deserve.”

Unionization among state and local government workers increased  from 37.1% to 37.6%, an increase of 196,000 unionized workers. (BLS’ reference to “unionization,” it should be noted, means representation, not membership. In other words, the number includes non-member “free riders” in the public sector and Right To Work [for less] states, where workers are permitted to benefit from union representation in bargaining wages,

However, private-sector union coverage last year also rose – by 227,000, pushing the unionization rate up from 6.7% to 6.8%. Within the private sector, there were particularly large gains in health care and social assistance, retail trade, and educational services. In addition, organized labor overall is made up of a cross-section of the nation: About one-third (32%) of unionized workers are white non-Hispanic men, and roughly two-thirds (68%) are women and racial minorities. Also, younger workers have a “heightened organizing activity,” EPI said. “Union coverage among workers under age 45 increased by 428,000, compared with an increase of 35,000 among workers age 45 and over.”

Elsewhere, labor scholar and historian Lane Windham of Georgetown University, a former labor organizer, stresses significant positives beyond BLS data.
“There are promising developments rumbling through unions and other worker-justice organizations that the BLS union survey doesn’t capture,” she wrote in In These Times magazine, listing five:

* “First, many unions have been on the front lines of the pushback to the Trump administration’s policies. Unions like UNITE HERE, SEIU and AFT have been at the head of the march, sponsoring the large-scale No Kings rallies and pushing back against crackdowns by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Unions helped organize and lead the Minneapolis march and strike against ICE in January 23, negotiating with employers to shut down work and filling the streets. After Customs and Border Patrol agents murdered AFGE member and nurse Alex Pretti the day after the march, National Nurses United held a week of vigils and called for the abolishment of ICE. The Sheet Metal Workers joined with others to demand union apprentice Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s return after the Trump administration wrongly deported him to El Salvador.

* “Second, there’s even more organizing happening because these [BLS] statistics only capture people who have secured an actual union contract.

* “Third, the union membership statistics don’t capture all of the people who would like to join unions, but who haven’t yet had a chance to do so.

* “Fourth, the BLS union membership statistics do nothing to demonstrate the new forms of worker-justice organizing that have blossomed. The statistics don’t count any of the thousands of workers who marched in the Fight for $15 movement and inspired dozens of states to raise their minimum wage, helping to put as much as $150 billion in workers’ pockets since 2012.

* “Finally, the union member statistics do not capture the widespread changes happening in America’s labor leadership. Over the last five years, more women and people of color have stepped into leadership roles, including at the top of organizations.”

The economic and social climate has helped, and promises to continue.

“Unions have record high public favorability in the United States,” EPI said. “Since 2021, approval for unions has remained high, with over 68% of people in the U.S. viewing unions favorably. This positive view of unions is shared across generations, with majorities of Boomers (59%), Gen X (58%), Millennials (61%), and Gen Z (63%) viewing unions favorably. Young adults (ages 18–35) have the highest favorability rate at 72%. Unions are viewed positively across party lines with Democrats (90%) and Independents (69%) having high favorability rates for unions, and over 40% of Republicans approving of labor unions.”

Of course, legal and political reform is still needed.

Shuler said, “We call on Congress to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, and to reverse the single largest act of union-busting in American history by passing the Protect America's Workforce Act in the Senate.”

EPI added a few more targets for labor, including:

Ensuring workers can reach a first contract. “Congress should pass legislation that encourages unions and employers to reach a first contract in a timely manner. The National Labor Relations Act requires unions and management to bargain in good faith but does not require that the two sides reach an agreement. As a result, most unions fail to reach a first contract within a year of unionizing. The bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act would establish a mediation-and-binding-arbitration process when employers refuse to bargain in good faith.”

Expand collective bargaining rights to domestic workers, agricultural workers, and app-based/gig workers.

Eliminate so-called right-to-work (RTW) laws. “Twenty-six states currently have anti-union so-called RTW laws, which diminish workers’ collective power by prohibiting unions and employers from negotiating union-security clauses into collective bargaining agreements. This makes it harder for workers to join, form and sustain unions. More states should restore private-sector workers’ full bargaining rights by repealing these anti-union state laws, as Michigan did in 2023