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Decision to unfreeze migrant education money comes too late for some kids

7 months 3 weeks ago
Victoria Gomez de la Torre doesn’t know when — or if — the migrant children she serves are going to get the education help they’ve come to rely on. Gomez de la Torre oversees the migrant education program for 12 central Florida counties. The federally funded service helps the children of migrant agricultural workers, who […]
Nada Hassanein

East St. Louis Included: Illinois EPA Awards Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program Funding

7 months 3 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD —Today, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) announced $983,750 in grant funding has been awarded to four grantees through the Illinois Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program. The Illinois EECBG Program supports municipalities and counties with the development of strategic energy or climate action plans, as well as energy efficiency audits and publicly owned building upgrades. Illinois’ EECBG program was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). “The steps being taken by grantees are meant to help communities across Illinois design, update, and finalize their comprehensive energy plans,” said Illinois EPA Acting Director James Jennings. “These plans will help maximize energy reduction and Return on Investment, enable better selection of advanced, location-specific technologies, and enhance resilience to future grid demands.” The final

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Back-to-School Shopping on a Budget: Smart Strategies to Stretch Your Dollars

7 months 3 weeks ago
Did you know that the average American family spends over $800 on back-to-school shopping each year? For many households, this expense can strain the budget, especially when balancing other financial commitments. Yet, with thoughtful planning and strategic choices, it's entirely possible to equip students with everything they need without breaking the bank. This article explores practical tips and approaches to help families navigate back-to-school shopping economically while still securing quality supplies. Understanding Priorities: What Do Students Really Need? Before rushing to the store or filling your online cart, it’s crucial to differentiate between essentials and wants. Schools typically provide a list of required supplies—ranging from notebooks and pens to specific uniforms or technology. By focusing strictly on these items, parents can avoid unnecessary purchases that inflate costs. For instance, a common mistake is buying multiple styles of backpacks or trendy

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This Day in History on August 5: Neil Armstrong Born, Later Becomes First Person to Walk on the Moon

7 months 3 weeks ago
August 5th holds a significant place in world history, marked by events that have shaped the political, scientific, and cultural landscape globally. Moving back in time, August 5 has witnessed a range of pivotal moments across different fields. In 1583, the city of São Paulo was founded in Brazil by Jesuit priests. This event was crucial in the spread of European influence in South America and the development of Brazil as a significant cultural and economic hub. São Paulo grew from a missionary outpost into one of the largest cities in the world, playing a vital role in the country's history and identity. Another notable event occurred in 1962 when the Mariner 2 spacecraft became the first successful mission to another planet, conducting a flyby of Venus. This milestone in space exploration expanded human knowledge about our solar system and marked a major achievement during the space race era, inspiring generations of scientists and enthusiasts. In the arts and entertainment

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District #7 Announces Approval of New Contract With Edwardsville Education Association

7 months 3 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 has announced the approval of a new two-year contract with the Edwardsville Education Association (EEA) that reinforces the district’s commitment to supporting and valuing its certified staff. The contract was ratified by the EEA and approved unanimously (7-0) by the Board of Education at a special meeting Monday evening. The agreement provides increased benefits and strengthens the overall employee experience within the district. The new contract includes important benefits for employees, including: One additional personal day for certified staff. 25 paid parenting leave days that do not impact employees’ sick leave balances. Increased classroom supply reimbursement to $100 for all certified staff Pre-K–12 (up from $40 for K–6). Implementation of a bi-monthly pay schedule for certified employees starting in the 2026–2027 school year. Enhanced stipend schedules, including adjustments

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