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CHICAGO - Get Covered Illinois joined 18 other state-based health insurance marketplaces to issue a joint letter to congressional leaders emphasizing the value to Americans of the enhanced premium tax credits set to expire at the end of this year. The letter, coordinated by the National Academy of State Health Policy (NAHSP), urges Congress to take action to extend the credits, citing their critical role in helping Americans afford health coverage. A record 24 million Americans, nearly 466,000 of whom are Illinoisans, enrolled in healthcare plans through the marketplaces for Plan Year 2025. “These tax credits are critical to ensuring health insurance doesn’t become unaffordable for Illinoisans,” said Get Covered Illinois’ Director Morgan Winters. “On average, Illinois residents saved $540 a month on health insurance costs last year thanks to these enhanced subsidies offered on the marketplace. Allowing these tax credits to expire will have real economic

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SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) along with U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and over two dozen of their Senate colleagues called on President Trump to reverse the illegal firing of Commissioners Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). “This action contradicts long standing Supreme Court precedent, undermines Congress’s constitutional authority to create bipartisan, independent commissions, and upends more than 110 years of work at the FTC to protect consumers from deceptive practices and monopoly power,” wrote the Senators. “We urge you to rescind these dismissals so the FTC can get back to the people’s

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A new veteran-specific program is starting up, as well as GED classes and partnerships with faith-based organizations.

ALTON – The City of Alton might get a new fitness court with a $100,000 contribution from Alton Township, pending approval of an agreement next week. The Alton Committee of the Whole is set to consider an intergovernmental agreement with Alton Township at their next meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025. Under the agreement, Alton Township would give the City of Alton $100,000 to build a fitness court. The agreement does not mention an exact location for the fitness court, other than within Alton city limits. According to the resolution on Monday’s agenda, both parties agree it is “in the best interests of the public health, safety, and welfare of the Township and its residents, and the City and its residents,” to enter the agreement for the fitness court. More details will likely come to light once the item is brought to the floor for consideration and a vote. The Committee of the Whole meets next on Monday, March 24 at 6 p.m. Follow the discussion on this

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ALTON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent lane closures on Illinois 140 at the intersection of Fosterburg Road in Madison County will begin, weather permitting, Wednesday, March 26, for intersection improvements. The $1.95 million project, which involves modifying the existing intersection to allow for an additional dedicated left turn lane on southbound Illinois 140 and installing new modernized traffic signals, is anticipated to be completed by November. Throughout construction at least one lane in both directions will be maintained on Illinois 140 and on Fosterburg Road. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information

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Plant of the Week: Collards. Also see Collard greens lovers are using science and history to lift up the Southern staple (WBEZ Chicago) Register for Missouri Invasive Plant Council’s Callery (Bradford) Pear Buyback Program in 17 cities Seed St. Louis Raised Bed Plant Spacing Chart Plan your garden with  Seed St. Louis 2025 Planting Calendar.-> … Continue reading This Week in Gardening & Nature →

The women hurt during the crash, both from Bonne Terre, were both passengers.

As one of the regions most affected by the global climate crisis, local scientists are struggling with canceled research grants and funding cuts from federal agencies.

Columnist Bill McClellan begins: Traveling well within the speed limit, I flew my spaceship to downtown Clayton the other day. I had some business to conduct.

St. Louis County stopped paying for costs such as meals, team outings and dog training. The Animal Protective Association quit soon after.

Catch up on local business expansions, milestones and projects.

Catch up on local business appointees, hires, and promotions.