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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure to enhance early literacy education for students in kindergarten through third-grade. “It’s so important that kids receive early intervention if they are having difficulties reading,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The earlier a student is identified as potentially struggling with reading, the sooner intervention and support can start for the student.” The Illinois State Board of Education created and adopted a Comprehensive Literacy Plan in 2024. The plan acts as a roadmap to enhance and unify core literacy instruction efforts statewide. It is designed to outline necessary supports and resources for literacy reform, ensuring all students receive developmentally appropriate and evidence-based literacy instruction. The purpose of Belt’s measure is to ensure kindergarten through third-grade students receive regular screenings for potential reading difficulties so those needing additional

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SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, along with 29 Senators, sent a letter demanding a reversal of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) cancellation of food purchase programs across the United States, warning of the harmful impacts this move will have on both families and American farmers. Slashing funding for locally sourced, nutritious food in schools showcases the hypocrisy of the Trump Administration’s claims about wanting to improve healthy food for children. “We ask that you reverse the cancellation,” the Senators wrote. “We have grave concerns that the cancellation... poses extreme harm to producers and communities in every state across the country. At a time of uncertainty in farm country, farmers need every opportunity to be able to expand market access for their products.” In Illinois, cancellation of purchases through

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SPRINGFIELD – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Peter Welch (D-VT) issued the following statement after President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, claiming wartime power to deport noncitizens without due process: “Over the weekend, President Trump invoked the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport noncitizens without due process. This attempt to use an archaic wartime law—not used since World War II—for immigration enforcement is yet another unlawful and brazen power grab. “Let’s be clear: we are not at war, and immigrants are not invading our country. Furthermore, courts determine whether people have broken the law—not a president acting alone, and not immigration agents picking and choosing who gets imprisoned or deported. It’s what our Constitution demands, and it’s the law Trump is bound

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ROODHOUSE - A juvenile bald eagle injured in Roodhouse, Ill. on May 29, 2024, is on the road to freedom after an extensive rehabilitation process. The young eagle, believed to be around year three, was discovered with a left humerus fracture and was quickly transported to Treehouse Wildlife Center by dedicated volunteer Tabatha Morris. The eagle's recovery was made possible thanks to the expert care of Dr. Lindsay Trickel, who performed a successful surgery to repair the fractured humerus via pinning on June 8, 2024. The surgery was critical to ensure the eagle’s return to a healthy, wild life. Dr. Trickel's skillful work was instrumental in giving this bird a second chance. Following the surgery, the bird’s rehabilitation included a structured physical therapy regimen, using wing extensions to regain strength in her injured wing. The rehabbers at Treehouse Wildlife Center worked diligently to help her regain full range of motion and strength. After six weeks of therapy,

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Did you know that the average person wears only 20% of their wardrobe 80% of the time? This staggering statistic highlights a common dilemma: we often find ourselves overwhelmed by choices yet stuck in a cycle of wearing the same few pieces repeatedly. This is where the concept of a capsule wardrobe comes in—a curated collection of versatile clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create numerous outfits without the clutter. For those looking to refresh their style this spring, a capsule wardrobe offers a practical and efficient approach to dressing with intention. Understanding the Capsule Wardrobe Concept A capsule wardrobe is more than just a trend; it's a lifestyle choice that promotes simplicity and sustainability. Originating in the 1970s, the idea is to select a limited number of clothing items that harmonize with each other, allowing for endless outfit combinations. The appeal lies in reducing decision fatigue, saving time, and minimizing clutter while still

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March 18 has seen its fair share of significant events that have shaped the world in numerous ways. One of the most noteworthy events in history on March 18 occurred in 1965, when cosmonaut Alexei Leonov made the first-ever spacewalk. This groundbreaking achievement was part of the Soviet Union's Voskhod 2 mission and marked a significant milestone in the Space Race during the Cold War. Leonov spent 12 minutes outside his spacecraft, floating in the vacuum of space, and his successful extravehicular activity (EVA) paved the way for future space exploration. The event not only showcased the technological prowess of the Soviet Union but also inspired generations to dream of the stars. Fast forward to 1990, when the world witnessed a pivotal moment in the fight for global democracy. On this day, the Lithuanian parliament declared independence from the Soviet Union. As the first Soviet republic to assert its sovereignty, Lithuania's move was a significant step towards the dissolution

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COLLINSVILLE - The City of Collinsville has issued a boil order for several locations as a precautionary measure following a water main repair. The order affects residents on Lake Avenue, Adams Avenue, Hi Point Street, Apple Street, and Oran Street. The boil order is in effect until further notice, and it requires that water intended for drinking or cooking be brought to a full rolling boil for at least five minutes before use. Residents are also advised to turn off ice makers and discard any ice that has been produced during this time. The affected addresses include: Lake Avenue : 711, 713, 715, 719, 721, 722, 724, 726, 727, 728, 730, and 732 Adams Avenue : 2100, 2108, 2200, 2210, and 2300 Hi Point Street : 600, 601, 602, 603, 605, 616, 703, 705, 709, 711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 716, and 721 Apple Street : 2098, 2102, 2104, 2106, and 2114 Oran Street : 600, 601, 602, 604, and 606 Residents with questions regarding the boil order can contact Troy Turner, Director of Public

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WOOD RIVER – Changes to redevelopment agreements for three Wood River properties face scrutiny from City Councilman Bill Dettmers, who claims city officials have failed to enforce certain guidelines. At Monday’s City Council meeting, Dettmers vocally opposed a series of amendments to TIF agreements for three properties, claiming the amendments would eliminate protections defending the city against waste, fraud, and abuse. City Manager Steve Palen said the city was simply amending each of its TIF agreements to be consistent with each other. Councilman Jeremy Plank has previously voiced support for simplifying the city’s TIF agreements to encourage developers to invest in Wood River. Of concern for Dettmers were three agreements for redevelopment using Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The properties in question include 1 E. Ferguson Ave., 10 W. Ferguson Ave., and 62 E. Ferguson Ave. For 1 E. Ferguson Ave., Dettmers claimed an amendment was made to the TIF agreement

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GODFREY - The Beem Family Foundation is looking forward to hosting their second annual event, an 80s-themed night. From 5–10 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, 2025, the community is invited to The Commons at Lewis and Clark Community College for dinner, entertainment by Porch Cafe, an auction, and more fun throughout the evening. Tickets cost $65 a person or $120 per couple, and all proceeds go back to the Beem Family Foundation and the LCCC scholarships they have founded in honor of three deceased family members. “It means a lot,” said Nicholas Wittman, the organization’s president. “The three family members we lost did a lot of things for a lot of different local organizations over the years, and being able to give back to our community in some form or fashion in their name means a lot to our family. We always appreciate the community coming out to help make that happen.” The Beem Family Foundation was founded in 2022 in honor of Sharilyn Beem,

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ST. LOUIS, MO. — The American Red Cross has opened shelters for residents in Missouri affected by recent severe, widespread storm damage which severely damaged homes, uprooted trees, and left many without power. If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-Red-Cross. Disasters are stressful for all, if you or someone you know needs mental health support, please call the Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990, operators are available 24hrs/day in multiple languages. Missouri Shelter Locations: · Franklin County: Moose Lodge, 905 Highway 50, Union, Missouri 63084 · Howell County: 1st United Methodist Church at 503 W Main St, West Plains, MO 65775 · Jefferson County: St David’s Catholic Church, 2334 Tenbrook Rd., Arnold, MO. 63010 · Phelps County: First Baptist Church, 801 N Cedar St, Rolla, MO 65401 · St. Louis County: North County Rec Plex, 2577 Redman Avenue, St Louis MO 63136 Respite Center Locations: · Butler

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ST. LOUIS – New data from the Census Bureau show that the St. Louis metro area grew by 6,420 residents in 2024. However, the City of St. Louis lost about 3,000 residents, falling to just under 280,000 residents, according to the estimate. “The City of St. Louis is the core of the St. Louis region, and these numbers are encouraging for our metro area,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “While our city has experienced population loss for decades, these numbers show that we continue to slow that decline, with the goal of reversing it. People want to move to a city that is safe, welcoming, fun, and has a successful school system. My administration will continue to do the work of making St. Louis an appealing place to live. Despite what is happening under the Trump administration, St. Louis remains a welcoming city for our immigrant neighbors, who are crucial to the formula for reversing negative population trends.”

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EDWARDSVILLE – A third-party contractor working in the 7300 block of Marine Road was using a boring machine when the operator hit a one-inch Ameren Illinois natural gas pipeline line. Ameren Illinois received a call about a natural gas service line being struck. A crew arrived on the scene and safely secured the area. The crew was able to safely repair the damage to the pipeline in about 20 minutes. The natural gas outage impacted only one customer. No one had to be evacuated. As a safety reminder, it is important to call 811 before digging – 811 is the national number for utility locating and marking. In the Ameren Illinois service territory, the number connects directly to a nonprofit organization called Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (J.U.L.I.E). When a call is placed to J.U.L.I.E., the caller must include the digging location (address), as well as the specific area (e.g. left/right side of the house, front, back) If J.U.L.I.E determines that Ameren

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ALTON — A powerful storm swept through Alton this past Friday, March 14, 2025, causing strong winds that resulted in significant damage to an Alton home. Marissa Kudelka's grandparents in Alton were affected when a large tree fell onto their residence, severely damaging the roof. The incident occurred during a period of severe weather that has prompted concern among residents about the impact of storms in the area. Kudelka has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist her grandparents with the urgent repairs needed to restore their home. "We are reaching out for help to get them back on their feet," Kudelka said in a statement regarding the situation. The GoFundMe page aims to raise funds for the necessary repairs and has been shared widely within the community, she said. For those interested in supporting Kudelka's grandparents, the GoFundMe can be found at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-marissas-grandparents-after-storm

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ST. LOUIS — The National Weather Service in St. Louis confirmed today (Monday, March 17, 2025) that two tornadoes struck St. Clair County on Friday, March 14, 2025. An EF-1 tornado began on the northeast side of O’Fallon and moved into northern Lebanon, while an EF-2 tornado originated in northern Mascoutah and continued northeast into Clinton County. Alex Elmore, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in St. Louis, provided details on the tornadoes, stating that the EF-1 tornado had peak winds of 109 mph. The EF-2 tornado reached even higher wind speeds, with gusts up to 120 mph as it tracked northeast of Mascoutah, passing south of Summerfield and Trenton. Elmore noted that two teams are currently in the field assessing damage and searching for additional tornadoes. One team has been dispatched to Randolph County, IL., while another is heading to the Arnold, MO., area to survey reported tornado damage. The National Weather Service is expected to release full

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ALTON — As always, Johnson's Corner is celebrating St. Patrick's Day today on Monday, March 17, 2025. Monday marks the first such event since the death of co-owner Jimmie Johnson. Jimmie died on Sept. 18, 2024. The celebration, a cherished tradition for the Alton community, will feature the preparation of 500 pounds of corned beef and cabbage, according to Jimmie’s son, Nash Johnson, who discussed the menu for the big day on a recent "Our Daily Show!" episode with host C.J. Nasello. Nash Johnson has stepped into a leadership role to continue the family legacy. "We do it every year," he said. "I will make sure everyone is having a good time." His mother, Cathy Johnson, expressed her pride in her son’s commitment to honoring his father’s memory. "St. Paddy's Day was Jimmie's biggest day," she said. "Nash is now carrying on that tradition with the other employees." The menu for the celebration will also include Irish stew and Reuben sandwiches, with specials

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EDWARDSVILLE - Taylor Weber, who, along with her twin sister, Alexis, are considered the two most important players for an improved Metro-East Lutheran High softball team, and is looking forward to starting the 2025 season on March 17, 2025, with a game against Dupo. Taylor, a senior pitcher, last year went 1-0, with a 2.33 ERA in 42 innings pitched, allowing nine walks while fanning 85 batters. She's seen much improvement among her teammates this season, and is hopeful of helping the Knights improve on their 6-8 record a year ago. Taylor is a BJ's Printables Female Athlete of the Month. "I think things have been going really well," Taylor said during a recent interview. "I've seen lots of improvement, but mainly, we've all came out here with really positive attitudes, we're all building one another up, and I think that's the most important thing we can do right now." Taylor does feel that her and her sister are not only the key players on the team, but leaders on the club,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Zach Cohn, who was a senior forward and captain for the Edwardsville High club hockey team, had another successful season in helping the Tigers win their 15th Mississippi Valley Club Hockey Association Class 2A championship recently. On Feb. 20, 2025, Cohn had a goal and an assist in helping Edwardsville defeat St. John Vianney Catholic 4-2 in a key win at the RP Lumber Center in Edwardsville, sweeping the Golden Griffins in their best-of-three semifinal series 2-0. The Tigers would go on to sweep O'Fallon in the finals 2-0, to win the championship a week later. It was a very good season for Cohn himself, as he scored 20 goals, and also handed out 22 assists for 42 points, only being called for 14 minutes in penalties. Cohn was one of the key players on the Tigers' top line in another championship season for the team. He is a Spencer Homes Male Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. Cohn said he was excited to capture another Mississippi Valley Club Hockey Association

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EDWARDSVILLE - Maddie Aldrich is a senior utility infielder/outfielder who will fit in a variety of roles for the Edwardsville High softball team as the Tigers prepare for the 2025 season, which begins March 18, 2025, at Freeburg. During last season, Aldrich filled in for players as a late-inning replacement and filled in very admirably when she was called upon. This season will be different, as Aldrich looks ahead to the new season. Maddie is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete of the Month. "I think things are going really well," Aldrich said during an interview conducted at the Tigers' softball field during preseason practice. "The girls are working so hard, and we're working so hard to get to get ready for our first game." Aldrich will see her role on the team as a player who will support her teammates through thick and thin. "Some of the keys are just cheering each other on," Aldrich said, "with fielding and hitting, trying to get everyone to keep talking through hard times

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O'FALLON, Ill. — Michelle Chaplin is organizing a fundraiser to support her grandmother, Tonya Monzella, whose home was destroyed by severe storms and a tornado that struck O'Fallon on Friday night, March 14, 2025. The tornado left Monzella and her spouse fortunate to escape with their lives, but they now face significant challenges. Both are dealing with various health issues stemming from the incident and are currently unable to work. In addition to losing their home, they have also lost their vehicles, which were totaled during the storm. Chaplin is reaching out to the community for support, emphasizing that any donations would be greatly appreciated. "Thank you and God bless," she added in her message seeking assistance for her family. Michelle Chaplin is organizing this fundraiser. The GoFundMe can be accessed by clicking here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-tonya-rebuild-after-tornado-loss

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ALTON — An Alton family is seeking community support after losing both of their vehicles during severe storms that recently swept through Southern Illinois on Friday, March 14, 2025. Becca Cantrell is organizing a GoFundMe campaign on behalf of Laurie and Matt Rahmberg, whose 1995 Ford F350 and 2011 Dodge Durango were crushed by a fallen tree. The storm's impact has left the Rahmberg family in a challenging position, as they require transportation to manage daily responsibilities, including transporting their children. “They have kids to transport, life to take care of, and have been nothing but good to me and many other patrons, locals, and friends,” Cantrell said. The fundraiser aims to assist the family in replacing their vehicles, which have been deemed total losses. The community is encouraged to contribute or share the campaign to help the Rahmbergs regain their mobility and stability. For those interested in supporting the Rahmberg family, the GoFundMe

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