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U.S. House panel debates FEMA’s role, as Trump administration eyes ‘top-down reform’

4 months ago
WASHINGTON — U.S. House lawmakers on Wednesday began debating when the Federal Emergency Management Agency should provide state and local communities with help addressing natural disasters and when aid should be handled by others. The Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee’s hearing on FEMA’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year came just days after the Trump administration sent […]
Jennifer Shutt

Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Announce Military Reciprocity for Law Enforcement Certification

4 months ago
SPRINGFIELD — Today, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) announced the approval of military reciprocity for service members transitioning into civilian law enforcement careers. Illinois joins 18 other states in supporting veterans and active-duty service members by recognizing military training and experience in the law enforcement certification process. This announcement comes during Military Appreciation Month, supporting those who wish to continue to serve their communities after active duty by creating a streamlined process for individuals with military experience to pursue careers in civilian law enforcement. “Today's announcement honors the commitment of our service members by opening a clear path into law enforcement careers across Illinois,” said Keith Calloway, Executive Director of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. “This is about honoring their experience while meeting our state's workforc

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How to Host a Sustainable Spring Dinner Party

4 months ago
Did you know that the average American dinner party can generate up to 30 pounds of waste, much of it non-recyclable? The environmental footprint of our social gatherings—often overlooked—can be surprisingly large. Hosting a dinner party doesn’t have to mean excess waste, food miles, or disposable decor. Instead, it can be an opportunity to showcase creativity, mindfulness, and care for the planet, all while delighting your guests. Here’s how to host a sustainable spring dinner party that’s as eco-friendly as it is memorable. Planning with Purpose: Setting Sustainability Goals Before sending out invitations, consider what sustainability means to you in the context of your event. Is your priority minimizing food waste, supporting local producers, or reducing single-use plastics? Defining clear goals helps in making intentional decisions throughout the planning process. For example, if reducing food waste is your focus, you might plan a menu with smaller

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This Day in History on May 8: Victory in Europe Day

4 months ago
May 8 is a date that echoes with historical significance across the globe. 1945 – Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) Arguably the most impactful event on May 8, 1945, marks the day when Allied forces formally accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany, effectively ending World War II in Europe. After nearly six years of brutal warfare that resulted in tens of millions of deaths, widespread destruction, and profound social upheaval, VE Day brought relief and hope to millions worldwide. On this day, celebrations erupted across Allied nations, from the streets of London to New York City, as people rejoiced at the prospect of peace after years of hardship. The victory was not just a military achievement but symbolized the triumph of democratic ideals over fascism and tyranny. However, it was also the beginning of a complex post-war period marked by reconstruction, the onset of the Cold War, and a re-examination of international relations. 1783 – The First United

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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Close Winfield Recreation Area to Prepare for Construction of New 1,200-ft. Lock Chamber

4 months ago
WINFIELD, MO – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, will close the Winfield Recreation Area to allow for contractor equipment and material staging associated with two active construction projects at Lock and Dam 25. The two projects, which are part of the Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program, will collectively increase the efficiency of Lock and Dam 25 in Windfield by adding a new 1,200-foot lock chamber. This will make locking time over four times faster by eliminating the need to perform a “double-lockage” which is needed for a 15-barge commercial tow to get through a 600-foot lock chamber, currently standard on the Upper Mississippi River, above St. Louis. This process requires deck hands to disconnect barges from the tow, as the entire shipment will not fit in the chamber at once, conduct two back-to-back lockages, and reconnect the barges before continuing up or down stream. Locking through a 1,200-foot chamber without the

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Illinois revenue projections improve as economic uncertainty grows

4 months ago
The Illinois General Assembly’s independent forecasting commission has improved revenue projections for the upcoming fiscal year despite growing economic volatility. That’s good news for state lawmakers who are in the final weeks of crafting the fiscal year 2026 budget set to take effect July 1. But the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability’s upward revision to its revenue forecast remains significantly more conservative than what Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s office projected when…
Ben Szalinski