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Belleville Teen Wins Middle School Category With Vibrant Farmscape In Statewide Contest

6 months 2 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD – Twelve Illinois students who brought new dimensions to their artwork were named winners of the annual art contest sponsored by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Illinois State Board of Education. The top entries in four age groups were from George Bandik, 6; Uthman Serir, 10; Alaina Karban, 13, and Steven Jiang, 15. They will be displayed at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, alongside eight runners-up. Karban, 13, a Belleville student, won in the grades 6-8 category with a colorful farmscape. “As my car pulls up in the rocky driveway of my great-grandpa’s farm, I can see the vibrant colors and fun that awaits. … What more could I ask for as my great grandpa lifts me off my feet to give me a big hug,” said the student at Blessed Sacrament School in Belleville. Their entries took viewers from a peaceful farm to the depths of the sea and celebrated relationships ranging from two friends to the

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Durbin, No. 2 Senate Democrat, to retire

6 months 2 weeks ago
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the No. 2 Senate Democrat, announced Wednesday he will not seek reelection, capping off a decades-long Senate career. “The decision of whether to run for reelection has not been easy. I truly love the job of being United States Senator. But in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the [...]
Caroline Vakil

Bill overturning protections for Section 8 renters a step away from Missouri governor’s desk

6 months 2 weeks ago
Local laws prohibiting landlords from discriminating against tenants who receive public assistance would be unenforceable under legislation approved by the Missouri Senate Tuesday night. The bill takes aim at ordinances passed in several Missouri cities to protect tenants from discrimination based on the source of their income — especially tenants who use federal housing choice vouchers, known as Section 8 vouchers, to pay rent. It now returns to the House, which approved it earlier this year.  If…
Clara Bates

Maplewood council members sworn in, talk about their terms in office

6 months 2 weeks ago
Maplewood judge Douglas Sidel officiated the swearing in of three council members at the Maplewood city council meeting on Tuesday. C Wiley was successful in a write-in campaign for Ward 1. Eric Page (Ward 2) and Nick Homa (Ward 3) both were reelected to second terms (both unopposed). Also, Maplewood Mayor Barry Greenberg read a […]
Doug Miner

How to Create a Productive Home Office Setup

6 months 2 weeks ago
Did you know that employees who work in well-designed home offices are up to 20% more productive than those working in makeshift spaces? With remote work becoming a staple rather than an exception, the environment in which you work has a profound impact on your efficiency, creativity, and overall well-being. Crafting a home office that promotes productivity isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic investment in your professional success. Understanding the Foundation: Space and Ergonomics The first step in creating a productive home office setup is choosing the right location. While it might be tempting to work from your couch or kitchen table, these spaces often lack the structure needed for sustained focus. Choose a Dedicated Space: Ideally, select a quiet corner or a spare room where you can establish a boundary between work and personal life. This physical separation helps condition your brain to switch into “work mode,” reducing distractions. Prioriti

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This Day in History on April 23: William Shakespeare Born and Dies

6 months 2 weeks ago
April 23rd is a date steeped in historical significance, weaving together a tapestry of cultural, political, and scientific milestones that have left an indelible mark on the world. One of the most celebrated events on April 23rd is the birth and death of William Shakespeare, often regarded as the greatest playwright in the English language. Born in 1564 and believed to have died on April 23, 1616, Shakespeare’s works continue to resonate globally, influencing literature, theater, and modern storytelling. His plays—ranging from tragedies like Hamlet to comedies such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream —explore the depths of human emotion, societal structures, and the complexities of identity, securing his place as a timeless cultural icon. In 1564, the same year as Shakespeare’s birth, Miguel de Cervantes was baptized, who would later author Don Quixote , another cornerstone of Western literature. This coincidence highlights April 23rd as a day of prolific

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Belief in false measles claims correlated with lower vaccination rates

6 months 2 weeks ago
WASHINGTON — Americans are increasingly unsure what to believe about measles as an outbreak spreads throughout the country, according to a survey released Wednesday by the nonpartisan health research organization KFF. The poll shows that nearly a quarter of those asked believe a commonly repeated false claim that getting a child vaccinated against measles could lead […]
Jennifer Shutt

Belief in false measles claims correlated with lower vaccination rates

6 months 2 weeks ago
WASHINGTON — Americans are increasingly unsure what to believe about measles as an outbreak spreads throughout the country, according to a survey released Wednesday by the nonpartisan health research organization KFF. The poll shows that nearly a quarter of those asked believe a commonly repeated false claim that getting a child vaccinated against measles could lead […]
Jennifer Shutt