Lifestyle Columns
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New Illinois laws aim to make streets safer for bikers, pedestriansJun 11, 2025 9:02 am - Several new Illinois bills improve biking and pedestrian safety, including requirements for e-bike battery safety standards and fatal crash studies to protect vulnerable road users.
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Lighten up: Fruit brings out the natural sweetness in three easy, anytime treatsJun 11, 2025 6:06 am - These three recipes are some of my go-to favorites: peanut butter banana oat bars, lemon loaf and strawberry lemon muffins. They’re lightened-up, easy to make and all use fruit to bring out natural sweetness without being overly sugary.
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The president’s cabinet: A look at its history, the duties of membersJun 04, 2025 12:06 pm - Author and retired educator Bruce Simmons debuts a column detailing the history of the president’s cabinet and the duties of each position.
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Happy mistake: When you’ve got extra ears of corn, make tomato corn soupJun 04, 2025 5:35 am - Anyone who has ever had their groceries delivered will understand what happened. I ordered four pieces of corn on the cob and received four packages of four. I could have made a fuss. Instead, I made Tomato Corn Soup, which turned out to be a lovely addition to dinner.
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One family’s 50 years of making delicious wine in AmericaJun 04, 2025 5:33 am - If you shop Jewel-Osco wine departments, you undoubtedly recognize the label of J. Lohr’s Cabernet Sauvignon “Seven Oaks.” But did you know that the wine consistently receives 90+ points and “Best Value” nods from international wine critics?
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Biking popularity surges with infrastructure improvements, events, clubsMay 28, 2025 8:13 am - Illinois has improved its bike safety and infrastructure since 2020, with more counties and municipalities adopting bike/ped plans. But fatalities remain high, indicating more focus on safety is needed.
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What makes a good brownie great? Quality ingredientsMay 28, 2025 4:29 am - The ingredients in most brownie recipes are pretty similar, though the quantities may differ. But using quality ingredients like natural high-fat cocoa and einkorn flour can take your brownies from basic to melt-in-your-mouth.
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Make the most of strawberry season with traditional Eton MessMay 21, 2025 5:43 am - Strawberry season is right around the corner. Even though we can purchase strawberries year round at the grocery store, there is nothing better than a freshly picked strawberry. This recipe for Eton Mess — a traditional English dessert consisting of strawberries, crumbled meringue cookies and whipped cream — is a perfect way to make use of your seasonal bounty.
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How ACE Awards honor students who’ve overcome challengesMay 16, 2025 5:00 am - Not every student-honors event takes your emotions on a rollercoaster ride, but the ACE Awards breakfast last week hosted by the Tri-Cities Exchange Club did just that.
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Delightful dips: Gather round this trio of bold, flavorful crowd pleasersMay 14, 2025 5:49 am - There’s something undeniably joyful about a good dip. Whether it’s creamy, cheesy, fresh or fiery, dips bring people together — around the table, at backyard barbecues, or while lounging on the couch with a bag of chips in hand.