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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) seeks individuals or families interested in starting their own garden to raise fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers in a community setting. The IDOA’s Community Garden is located on the infield of the Illinois State Fair Grandstand racetrack and features 200 garden plots. Of those plots, 100 are designated for organic gardening, and the remaining 100 plots are assigned for non-organic gardening. “We are excited to offer space on the Illinois State Fairgrounds to people interested in growing their own food,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II . “This is a low-cost solution for those with limited yard space who still want to plant a garden.” Each plot costs $20 and can be tilled for you for an additional charge. The Department will supply water and compost free of charge. Those interested in participating in the 2025 growing season are encouraged to fill out a garden application on the

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is partnering with Wooden It Be Lovely for an exhibit of six refurbished chairs at the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site in Springfield during March for Women’s History Month. The chairs were hand-painted by the women at Wooden It Be Lovely , which offers transitional employment, housing and support to women healing from poverty, addiction, and abuse. The organization also offers jobs, mentoring, recovery tools, education, networking and a safe community. The women in the program are employed to refurbish and sell donated wooden furniture, sew unique products and craft hand-poured candles. This transitional employment empowers women to move toward economic stability and enhanced well-being for themselves and their children. “Wooden It Be Lovely is so honored to be invited to show some of our work at the Dana-Thomas House,” said the Rev. Margaret Ann Jessup, executive director of Wooden

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Did you know that tourism accounts for around 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions? As the world becomes more aware of climate change and its effects, the travel industry is taking significant steps towards sustainability. Travelers are increasingly seeking out eco-friendly destinations that not only minimize their carbon footprint but also contribute positively to local communities and ecosystems. If you're looking to travel responsibly this spring, consider these top eco-friendly destinations that promise both adventure and a commitment to conservation. Costa Rica: A Green Paradise Costa Rica has long been celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity and commitment to sustainability. With over 25% of its territory designated as protected areas, this Central American gem is a pioneer in eco-tourism. Visitors can explore lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and active volcanoes while participating in conservation activities like turtle nesting programs and reforestation projects.

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SPRINGFIELD – Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is celebrating one hundred years of providing services to people of all faiths throughout the 28-county Springfield Diocese in Central Illinois. On March 1,1925, Bishop James A. Griffin hired a social worker, Miss Elizabeth Kuhlman, as the first and only Catholic Charities employee. Miss Kuhlman was charged with bringing help and relief to the suffering in the Springfield community. In addition, Ms. Kuhlman was elected president of another new organization started by Bishop Griffin, the Society of Ladies of Charity. The sole mission of the Ladies of Charity was to provide material support to the new Catholic Charities office. The Ladies of Charity provided blankets and clothing to be given to the needy and paid monthly dues of ten cents to provide financial aid to the poor served by Catholic Charities. It was Bishop Griffin’ desire to establish Catholic Charities in the City of Springfield and

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Did you know that students today have access to more information in a single day than an individual in the 18th century would encounter in a lifetime? This exponential growth in information accessibility is just one facet of how technology has transformed the educational landscape. In modern classrooms, technology is not merely an add-on; it is a central pillar that shapes the way educators teach and students learn. From interactive whiteboards to online learning platforms, the integration of technology in education has fundamentally altered the dynamics of learning, making it more engaging, personalized, and accessible. Redefining Learning Environments Gone are the days of the traditional classroom, where students passively received information from a teacher at the front of the room. Technology has redefined the learning environment, fostering a more interactive and collaborative space. With tools like smartboards, tablets, and virtual reality headsets, students can engage with

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March 10 has been a significant date throughout history, marked by various transformative events across the globe. 1. The Great Blizzard of 1888 On March 10, 1888, the northeastern United States was hit by one of the most severe blizzards in American history. Known as the Great Blizzard of 1888, this storm paralyzed cities from the Mid-Atlantic to New England, affecting transportation and communication for days. Over 400 people lost their lives, and the event led to significant changes in weather forecasting and emergency preparedness in urban areas. The blizzard remains a stark reminder of nature's power and unpredictability. 2. The Discovery of the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (1965) In a groundbreaking scientific achievement, March 10, 1965, marked the day when Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson discovered the cosmic microwave background radiation, providing critical evidence for the Big Bang theory. This discovery transformed our understanding of the universe's origins

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Did you know that the average American gym membership costs about $60 a month? Over a year, that amounts to a staggering $720, not including the extra expenses like travel, clothing, or supplements. Yet, many people abandon their memberships just a few months in, often due to inconvenience or lack of motivation. Imagine if you could have a fully functional gym right in your home, without the hefty price tag. Setting up a home gym on a budget is not only possible; it can be a game changer in your fitness journey. Assessing Your Space and Needs Before diving into purchases, take a moment to evaluate your available space and personal fitness goals. Do you have a spare room, a basement, a garage, or even a corner of your living room? Understanding your space will guide your decisions about what equipment you'll need. Additionally, consider what types of workouts you enjoy. Are you into strength training, cardio, yoga, or a mix of everything? Tailoring your home gym to your preferences

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Letter To The Editor: Once again, Bill Dettmers resorts to his usual approach—running up legal fees, creating chaos, but offering no real solutions. Every time he doesn’t get his way, he resorts to bomb-throwing and threats of court action. Leadership isn’t about tearing things down; it’s about building a better future. If Dettmers were truly invested in progress, he would participate in forwarding a Plan B instead of just criticizing Plan A. The facts speak for themselves: Wood River is making tangible progress. The City now has the highest EAV in its history, and the lowest tax rate in over 30 years, keeping costs in check while investing in key improvements. In the past few years alone, we’ve made substantial strides in revitalizing our community. It’s progress as promised. 2025 will see another half million dollar round of sidewalk repairs. We’ve supported downtown development with substantial increase in car and foot traffic from new

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JERSEY COUNTY — The Jersey County Sheriff's Office is investigating a motorcycle crash on Illinois Route 3 and Newbern Road near Grafton on Sunday, March 9, 2025. According to Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns, the incident involved two motorcycles. As a result of the collision, he said two individuals, ages 22 and 37, sustained injuries and were airlifted to St. Louis University Hospital via ARCH medical helicopter. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, met with members of the Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs (JACPAC). JACPAC is a national organization dedicated to supporting issues reflective of Jewish values, including promoting strong U.S.-Israel relations, combating antisemitism, and supporting reproductive rights, gun violence prevention, and separation of religion and state. On the meeting, Durbin released the following statement: “After yesterday’s committee hearing on antisemitism, I’m grateful to meet with Jewish leaders in my office today. The surge in threats and violence against Jewish Americans after Hamas’s horrific October 2023 attack in Israel is deeply disturbing. Hateful rhetoric and threats have no place in our country, no matter the ideology or person it stems from—even if from the powerful people in our nation. “I will continue to condemn

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC)—led her fellow Democratic colleagues in demanding answers from President Donald Trump and Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins on their indiscriminate purge of Veterans and VA employees, including staff who help operate the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL), under the direction of unelected co-president Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency. Veterans make up more than 30 percent of the federal workforce and it is estimated that the Trump Administration has already fired more than 6,000 men and women who have served in uniform. Duckworth and her fellow lawmakers are calling on Trump and Secretary Collins to immediately outline how many Veterans and VA employees have been fired since the start of this Administration and to tell the truth about how the VCL has been impacted by these terminations. For

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ST. LOUIS - The Chinese lantern festival, Animals Aglow presented by Wells Fargo is returning to illuminate the Saint Louis Zoo for its second year running with dozens of new, towering lanterns and light displays. Animals Aglow celebrates the culture, art, and beauty of traditional lantern festivals celebrated in China for centuries. During the nighttime festival’s first year in 2024, more than 131,000 guests bought tickets to enjoy larger-than-life lanterns in the shape of plants, wildlife and mythical creatures. Animals Aglow is returning with nearly all-new lanterns this year. Guests will enjoy more than 60 glowing displays, nightly cultural performances and specialty food and beverage available for purchase. This year’s festival celebrates wildlife from three regions—Africa, South America and The Arctic—and will feature a section dedicated to traditional Chinese lanterns and folklore. Displays this year include: A nearly 100-foot-long tunnel made

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EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville Neighbors, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families in District 7 experiencing medical or emergency crises, is proud to announce a new scholarship program for high school seniors. This $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to two deserving students who demonstrate a passion for giving back to their community. The scholarship, designed to recognize young philanthropists, reflects Edwardsville Neighbors' commitment to fostering the next generation of community leaders. Eligible applicants must be seniors graduating in 2025, planning to attend either a college or trade school in the fall. To apply, students will need to submit a 500-word essay describing what philanthropy means to them and how they have made a positive impact on their community. “We are excited to support the next generation carrying forward the values of community service and compassion,” said Katie Wigton, President of Edwardsville Neighbors. “Our

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This March, celebrate National Nutrition Month® by raising a glass of cold milk. Count on dairy to bring together a wide range of food to create delicious, nutritious meals. These meals, in turn, connect us to family, friends, local farms and better health. Since 1980, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has been raising awareness about the importance of nutrition for individuals of all ages with this month-long initiative. Dairy, with its versatile role in recipes and meals, fits well with this year’s theme of “Food Connects Us.” Dairy is often the foundational ingredient in well-loved family recipes to some of the most nutrient-dense meals. Fueling Health at Every Age The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends three servings of dairy a day. “Reach for low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese to meet these dairy goals throughout your life,” said Maggie Nosic, nutrition educator and registered dietitian with St. Louis District Dairy Council

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BELLEVILLE — Illinois American Water recently invited 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students to showcase their creativity by submitting artwork to the company’s “Water Keeps Life Flowing” art contest. Hundreds of entries capturing the importance of high-quality water service were received. Illinois American Water chose 10 winners who earned their classrooms a $100 donation for school supplies or a classroom celebration. “From paintings of water towers to drawings of personal hygiene practices, we are completely inspired by the creative ways students used their love of art and understanding of science to showcase the importance of clean, safe and reliable water service,” said Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water. Losli added, “Illinois American Water plays a critical role in customers’ daily lives by providing water service that supports vital activities and jobs. We encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the role

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ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis region strengthened its position as a national and global freight hub in 2024 with the advancement of significant regional infrastructure projects and the launch of several new initiatives. The St. Louis Regional Freightway compiled a summary of some of the most significant developments and milestones during the past year that enhanced the region’s freight infrastructure, expanded its industrial site offerings or set the stage for workforce expansion to meet future needs. “Recent investments and endeavors enhance the future competitiveness and connectivity of the bi-state St. Louis region and support future growth, particularly in targeted industry sectors such as aerospace, where this region already has distinct advantages,” said Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multimodal Enterprises at Bi-State Development and head of the St. Louis Regional Freightway. One significant infrastructure project advancing is the $496 million

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Welcome to this weekend in history, March 8th and 9th, dates marked by remarkable events that have shaped our world. The most noteworthy event on March 8th is the celebration of International Women's Day, a global day recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Although it was officially adopted by the United Nations in 1977, its roots can be traced back to the early 20th century. The first National Women's Day was celebrated in the United States on February 28, 1909, organized by the Socialist Party of America. Over the years, the day has evolved into a platform advocating for gender equality, women's rights, and social justice. In 2025, International Women's Day continues to inspire movements worldwide, reminding us of the ongoing fight for equality. Moving on to the realm of science, on March 8, 1983, President Ronald Reagan delivered his famous "Evil Empire" speech, in which he characterized the Soviet Union as an evil force in the world.

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that a court blocked the Trump administration’s illegal decision to freeze critical federal funding to states. It is the second of two preliminary injunctions courts granted this week in two separate lawsuits challenging unlawful funding policies put in place by the Trump administration. The first came yesterday, when a separate court blocked the administration from cutting billions of dollars to universities and research institutions for medical and public health research. Raoul led multistate coalitions in filing both lawsuits. “States and research institutions rely on federal funding to provide services our residents rely on. These two preliminary injunctions will prevent the Trump administration’s ludicrous and unlawful policies from being enacted,” Raoul said. “My office relies on federal funds to protect children from online predators through our Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, an

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, met with Lithuanian Minister of Defense, Dovile Šakaliene, to discuss an increase in Russian hybrid attacks in the Baltics and across Europe, and the need to maintain allied support for Ukraine and NATO. The meeting comes after President Trump’s shameful outburst toward Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in the Oval Office last Friday. “My mother’s family originally came from Lithuania—a country that knows Russian tyranny too well,” said Durbin. “As I said to Minister Šakaliene, I was saddened, shocked, and stunned at what happened in the Oval Office last week with President Zelenskyy. During today’s meeting, we agreed that now, more than ever, the U.S. must reaffirm our support for our NATO partners in upholding democratic

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today shared the story of an Illinoisan, Jeannie Klein-Gordon, who was fired from her position as a researcher at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as part of President Trump and Elon Musk’s mission to gut the federal workforce. In his speech, Durbin emphasized that laying off researchers and agricultural experts will have long-term consequences for Illinois’ economy and agricultural sector. Durbin began his remarks by reading excerpts from an NPR Illinois article that detailed Ms. Klein-Gordon’s story in which she worked and studied for more than 11 years to earn a position at the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, Illinois. At the research lab, she focused on treatments for Red Crown Rot, a disease that poses a serious threat to Illinois’ multibillion-dollar soybean industry. “I want to tell a story about a young

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