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SPRINGFIELD – More than 7,000 students will visit Illinois state parks, natural areas, museums and other natural resources sites this year to learn about nature and conservation thanks to grant funding through the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) today announced more than $99,600 funding was awarded for 113 student field trip grants. Grant recipients represent 32 counties in the state. The grants are made possible by private donations from the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation of Skokie and the D.F. and M.T. Grohne Family Foundation of Wilmington. The donations and funding for the grants are coordinated by the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF). “This program allows students to visit natural, outdoor locations throughout Illinois to see firsthand what they’ve been learning about in the classroom,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finni e. “Our future conservation leaders need

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SPRINGFIELD - Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointments in his administration: Employment Security Advisory Board Rick Terven will continue to serve as a Member of the Employment Security Advisory Board.* Rick Terven, Jr. serves as the Legislative and Political Director for the Illinois Pipe Trades Association representing 21 local unions and over 26,000 union members across Illinois. Terven is a member of Pipe Fitters Association Local 597 and is a graduate of SUNY Empire State University’s National Labor College with a Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies. Terven is also a Vice-President on the Illinois AFL-CIO Executive Board, and has served as an employee representative on the Employment Security Advisory Board since 2016. Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees Ed HighTower will continue to serve as a Member of the Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees.* Dr. Hightower retired

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CHICAGO - Ahead of April 1, 2025, the Democratic Party of Illinois (DPI) has released details of its 2025 municipal campaign program—a robust and hands-on initiative to support nearly 300 candidates in every region of the state. In 2023 , under Chair Lisa Hernandez’s leadership, the Party made clear its commitment to preventing extremist conservatives from implementing regressive platforms on school and library boards. This cycle , as national politics dominate the political ecosystem and impact the daily lives of working Illinoisans, DPI has built upon 2023’s program to continue defending its values of diversity, equity and inclusion and affirm that every election and every vote matters. “From day one as Chair, I’ve stressed to my team that every election matters," DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez said. “With national politics dominating the conversation and Trump-Musk threatening democracy, organizing at the most hyperlocal levels is one way for us

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Labor's (IDOL) Division of Occupational Safety and Health (IL OSHA) has released an incident report following an inspection and investigation of the drowning of a public works employee. The Deming Incident Report serves as a learning resource for municipal water departments. In February 2023, a 20-year-old maintenance worker drowned in a water main vault that flooded during the attempted repair of a leaking valve. IL OSHA determined there were multiple contributing factors that led to the drowning, including: Lack of compliance with several confined space standards. Lack of oversight and auditing by management. Lack of rescue capability at the worksite. “This incident highlights the importance of compliance with Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Act standards, proper risk assessment, and a rapid and effective rescue plan for confined space operations,” said IL OSHA Chief Erik Kambarian. “Additionally,

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Education Association (IEA) awarded seven educators from around the state for their outstanding commitment to their schools, students, communities and public education. The awards were presented during the IEA Representative Assembly (RA). The RA is the legislative body of the IEA and helps the state’s largest union set its agenda for the year. There are 1,200 IEA delegates, guests and state dignitaries who attend the RA. The IEA award recipients were nominated and chosen for their awards by their peers. The 2025 IEA RA award winners are: Bob Haisman Early Career Teacher of the Year Award – Christopher Pettit (Orchestra teacher, Bell Graham Elementary School CUSD 303) As an early career educator, Christopher Pettit has demonstrated outstanding involvement in our local, state and national associations. Christopher has served as a region council member, IEA Representative Assembly (RA) delegate, National Education Association Representative

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Four students from East St. Louis Senior High School are making significant strides in education through their involvement with the Illinois Student Success Network. These students have collaborated with peers across the state on critical issues including curriculum and instruction, social-emotional learning, and artificial intelligence. Their efforts culminated in a series of discussions aimed at gathering insights that will influence the future of education in Illinois. As they prepare to analyze the data collected from these conversations, the students are set to present their findings to school districts statewide. The initiative highlights the students' commitment to fostering positive change within the educational landscape. The East St. Louis School District stated the students' work is part of a broader movement aimed at enhancing student success across Illinois.

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ALTON - Barry Macias has the experience. Macias, one of six candidates for the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education, shared more about who he is and what he stands for. He noted that he is completing his 16th year on the school board, and he believes he has more to give. “I’ve got a track record established, and you’re not going to please everybody, but I think I’ve done a decent job,” he said. “It’s probably the most rewarding volunteer work that I’ve done, and I’m excited to do it.” Macias has owned Macias Insurance Agency in Godfrey for 27 years. He recently served as the school board treasurer and previously was a member of Alton Main Street. His business is currently part of the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council, and he sits on the Illinois College Alumni Board. He also has three children, one of whom is a senior at Alton High School. As a school board member, he has been able to hand

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ALTON — The Alton Fire Department responded to approximately seven weather-related incidents during a severe storm that swept through the area on Friday, March 14, 2025, according to Deputy Chief Matt Fischer. The calls included reports of downed trees, arcing wires, and fire alarms. In addition, Fischer confirmed that the department dealt with a residential house fire and a car fire that was suspected to be related to lightning. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries associated with these incidents. “Alton was pretty lucky,” Fischer remarked, noting the impact of the storm despite the occurrence of several power outages. The department's swift response helped to manage the situation as the storm passed through the region.

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WOOD RIVER — A two-vehicle crash in Wood River on Illinois Route 143 near the Federico Kia Dealership on Saturday, March 15, 2025, resulted in one person being taken to an area hospital, while three others involved in the incident declined medical attention. The collision occurred when a vehicle, traveling eastbound, pulled out of the Midwest Petroleum Gas Station and collided with another vehicle. Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells confirmed the details of the incident. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River Fire Chief Wade Stahlhut reported a series of incidents sparked by arcing power lines that ignited brush fires along Tyler Timmins Drive, behind the KIA dealership, on the afternoon of Friday, March 14, 2025. The brush fire, which took approximately 30 minutes to contain, was part of a larger pattern of emergency calls linked to strong winds that preceded a storm in the area. Stahlhut noted that the fire department responded to multiple incidents on Friday related to the high winds and the arcing of transformers. "Most of it was power lines arcing and transformers, things of that nature," he said. The winds also caused fencing along Highway 143, near the BP property, to collapse, leading to additional hazards along the roadway. The fire chief indicated that the department had to prioritize calls due to the volume of incidents that occurred almost simultaneously. "We actually had a large number of incidents due to strong consistent winds with heavier wind gusts,"

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Severe storms swept through parts of Missouri and Illinois on Friday evening, March 14, 2025, leaving behind a trail of destruction and resulting in at least 10 fatalities in Missouri, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP). The storms, which featured wind gusts reaching up to 80-90 mph, prompted numerous emergency calls and reports of significant damage across multiple counties. In total, MSHP reported six fatalities in Wayne County, two in Ozark County, and one each in Jefferson and Butler counties. The National Weather Service (NWS) is currently conducting storm surveys to confirm the number of tornadoes that occurred during the event, with preliminary reports indicating possible tornado activity in areas such as Rolla, Union, Villa Ridge, Bridgeton, Florissant, and Arnold in Missouri, as well as O’Fallon and Lebanon in Illinois. An NWS meteorologist said he wasn't sure when the discovery team would hit the Illinois side in their research. Reports of damage

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SWANSEA/PONTOON BEACH - Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Acting Director James Jennings today announced updates to the Illinois Vehicle Emissions Testing Program, which include the reopening of the Forest Preserve Drive location in Chicago beginning Monday, March 17. Other updates that will be available beginning March 17 include the launch of Mobile Testing Units, an updated, multi-lingual website, and program updates via social media. “With the updated Vehicle Emissions Testing Program, special consideration was given to underserved areas, convenience to motorists, and traffic flow,” said Acting Director Jennings. “We are excited to kick off the new contract that will expand the network of testing options.” The reintroduction of vehicle emissions testing sites in the City of Chicago and the new testing options are the result of a plan developed pursuant to Public Act 102-0738 , sponsored by Sen. Sara Feigenholtz and Rep. Lindsey LaPointe.

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul secured a decision from the United States District Court for Maryland to temporarily stop unlawful mass federal layoffs and reinstate the jobs of thousands of employees. The Trump administration fired thousands of federal probationary employees without giving states the 60-day notice required by law. Last night, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) for 18 federal agencies, ordering them to stop the illegal mass layoffs of federal probationary employees and to reinstate fired employees by 1 p.m. on Monday, March 17. “This ruling requires the Trump administration to stop these indiscriminate and unlawful layoffs and also orders it to undo the harm inflicted by restoring the jobs of hardworking federal employees,” Raoul said. “These mass firings reflect disregard for both the law and the essential role of civil service in maintaining government stability. I am proud to join my fellow attorneys general

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ALTON - Following the tragic death of a former Alton K9, State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) has filed legislation to enhance legal protections for those who intentionally harm working K9 animals. “Our K9 officers play a critical role in protecting and serving our communities,” said Senator Harriss. “They risk their lives to help keep our communities safe, and we have a responsibility to ensure they receive the protection they deserve.” Under Senate Bill 2091 , individuals convicted of willfully or maliciously torturing, mutilating, injuring, disabling, poisoning, or killing service animals, law enforcement animals, search and rescue dogs, or accelerant detection canines would face stricter consequences. The push for this legislation comes in the wake of the tragic death of Alton Police Department K9 Odin, who was killed in the line of duty last August while protecting his community. K9 Odin's sacrifice has underscored the need for stronger laws

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SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) introduced the bipartisan Protect Postal Performance Act to prevent the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from downsizing facilities in underserved areas, provide more oversight over modifications to delivery schedules, and increase public transparency on proposed changes. The legislation is co-led by Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-01) and Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01). “My constituents in Central and Southern Illinois are already facing delays in service and the Postmaster General’s plans to downsize USPS would only worsen the situation—leading to more missed paychecks, late bills, and even delays in essential medications,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I was proud to bring forward bipartisan legislation to push back on this misguided effort that could further impact poor delivery rates for rural Americans. This bill not

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EDWARDSVILLE - The City of Edwardsville has announced a small section of Madison Avenue will be closed on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 for road repairs. Madison Avenue will be closed from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. from East Avenue to 100 feet north of East Avenue. Access is expected to remain open to and from East Avenue during this work. This work is dependent on weather. The map to the right shows the general repair area. The city appreciates your patience and apologizes for the inconvenience.

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ALTON - Senior Services Plus, Inc. (SSP) and their dedicated Ombudsman Program will host a panel discussion on Elder Abuse Prevention, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 12-1 p.m. in SSP’s School House Grill located at 2603 N. Rodgers Ave. in Alton, Ill. Speakers include Tracie Ramel-Smith with Illinois Long-Term Ombudsman Program, Scott Spencer with Adult Protective Services, the Madison County Sheriff’s Department, and the Madison County Assistant State’s Attorney Office. A free lunch is provided and is sponsored by SSP’s Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. This panel discussion is designed for not only older adults but also their family members and caregivers. Elder abuse can manifest in many ways, each carrying the potential for serious physical, emotional, or financial harm. Victims often feel too embarrassed or fearful to speak out and may be unsure of how to begin the reporting process. “Recent studies have shown that 1 in 5 older adults have

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ)—founding co-chairs of the Senate’s first-ever Environmental Justice Caucus —issued the following statement after the Trump Administration moved to close all the environmental justice offices within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and slash over 30 EPA regulations that have helped protect our nation’s public health and the environment for decades: “The Trump Administration seems determined to undermine protections aimed at helping every American—no matter their zip code—breathe safe air, drink clean water and live, work and play on uncontaminated land. By planning to shut down EPA’s environmental justice offices and throw out decades of proven regulations, Donald Trump and Elon Musk are needlessly endangering the health of millions of Americans—all so they can carve out tax cuts for billionaires and let the biggest polluters poison

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ALTON - Jack Cox knows the value of a strong mentor. Cox, one of six candidates for the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education, shared more about who he is and what he stands for. He noted that he cares deeply about the kids of the Alton community, and that’s why he decided to run for the school board. “I’ve been a mentor my whole life in the Alton School District, so me looking out and taking care of kids, that ain’t nothing to me. I just have to do this,” Cox said. “It takes a village to raise these kids, so that’s the main reason. Really, I want to get back in the school district and run for school board to make sure every kid has the best opportunity they can have.” Locally, Cox owns a construction company, a liquor store, a mechanic’s shop and a laundromat. Construction “has been heart whole life,” and he has renovated over 50 homes in Alton. He has also served as a coach for over

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COLLINSVILLE – Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site’s annual spring Native American Market featuring arts and crafts by more than 30 tribal-affiliated artists from across North America will take place April 5-6, 2025 at the Collinsville VFW, 1234 Vandalia St. Artists will demonstrate and sell authentic Indigenous arts and crafts. Some available items include jewelry, ceramics, paintings, drawings, clothing, flutes, and woodcarvings. The event is open to the public, and admission and parking are free. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, is just eight miles from St. Louis, off Interstates 55/70 (Exit 6) and Interstate 255 (Exit 24) on Collinsville Road. The site’s interpretive center exhibits and gallery will remain closed for most of 2025 for major mechanical renovations; however, the grounds are open daily from dawn until dusk. A water fountain and portable restrooms are in the Monks Mound parking lot, and

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