A state senator is taking aim at colleges and universities in Missouri who ask prospective students or job candidates to explain how they would contribute to an institution’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals. The legislation would prohibit schools from requiring the submission of a diversity, equity and inclusion statement for admission or employment. It would […]
GLEN CARBON – Ameren Illinois is currently constructing a new distribution power line into its Main Street substation in Glen Carbon to enhance energy service reliability, flexibility and load capacity. This additional electric capacity will support the ongoing economic development in Meridan Plaza. The new, 2.4-mile distribution power line will extend from the Main Street substation down to and along Illinois Route 157, just to the northeast of the intersection of South University Drive and Chain of Rocks Road. The added capacity is similar to expanding a two-lane highway to a four-lane highway. Nearly 1,500 customers will benefit from these enhancements. "Substations do not get a lot of fanfare but they are critical elements in a reliable, resilient energy grid," said Langston Rose, Director of West Region Electric Operations, Ameren Illinois. "With these enhancements, Ameren Illinois is taking proactive steps to prepare for the future needs of our electric customers.
ALTON - The Alton Police Department has named Captain Kurtis McCray its Officer of the Month for February 2025 in recognition of his efforts to reduce gun violence in two troubled neighborhoods. Capt. McCray's efforts have made a huge difference in Alton. For more than a year, the 800 block of Pearl Street and the 1200 block of Central Avenue in Alton experienced persistent gun violence that disrupted the lives of residents. Despite numerous arrests and firearm recoveries by police, the violence continued. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said Captain McCray responded by going beyond traditional enforcement methods. He worked closely with the property owner in the 800 block of Pearl Street to facilitate an eviction order and the sale of the property, a process that involved complex negotiations and cooperation among multiple parties. In addition, he collaborated with the Madison County Housing Authority to assist in relocating a family residing on the 1200 block of Central Avenue,
ST. LOUIS - Yelp released its first auto report Wednesday, just in time for the summer travel season. Within the report, St. Louis was listed as one of the top five toughest cities for car upkeep. The report takes a nationwide look at how drivers are searching, spending, and staying on the road, with St. [...]
NOTE: Video above is from February 15, 2025 ST. LOUIS -- On Wednesday morning, a court hearing took place regarding the sale of KDHX to Gateway Creative Broadcasting Inc., which owns two Christian networks, K-LOVE Inc. and JOY! FM. More than a dozen listeners and former volunteers for KDHX sent a request to a federal [...]
Mark Zuckerberg fairly obviously bought Instagram and WhatsApp to neutralize a perceived competitor. He isn’t doing that with TikTok, and the FTC’s monopolization trial is why.
ALTON — Crisis Food Center and Midwest Members Credit Union will distribute free Easter hams and side items to families from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 21 East 6th Street in Alton. This marks the sixth year the two organizations have partnered for the Easter Ham Giveaway, with each contributing equally to the purchase of hams and side dishes. Derrick D. Richardson, a board member of Crisis Food Center and former board member of Midwest Members Credit Union, emphasized the importance of supporting the community during the holiday. “Together, we are able to purchase a lot of hams for families in need this Easter,” Richardson said. “Teaming up together makes a good partnership. We believe that feeding our community is important and want to make sure that families in our community are able to celebrate Easter with a nice Easter meal. We want to give back in a way that would definitely impact the families in the community.” Tiffany James o
CARLINVILLE – Blackburn College has announced that Jared Jones, a 2016 graduate and director of team travel and logistics for Major League Baseball’s Cleveland Guardians, will be the keynote speaker at the College’s 2025 commencement ceremony. The event will take place Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. on the Hudson Quad. Jones brings an inspiring perspective to this year’s graduating class, shaped by their shared experiences in Blackburn's student-managed Work Program—the only student-managed program in the country. The Work Program offers students a way to gain valuable, hands-on experience in roles that directly support the College's daily operations. Students who participate in the Program develop essential skills, build a resume, and reduce the cost of their education, all while earning a four-year degree. Jones's journey from a student worker on campus to a leadership role in the Major Leagues highlights the impact of Blackburn’s nationally
As the US government trotted out its latest excuses for illegally trafficking Abrego Garcia to a Salvadoran torture camp, the district court overseeing the case has made it clear that she’s had enough of the government defying her orders. In ȧ hearing followed by an order granting discovery, Judge Paula Xinis has made it clear […]
ALTON - Ameren Illinois' new carbon-free assessment program aimed at helping public schools in the state reduce energy costs and improve sustainability has been very successful, Michael Pittman, manager of new clean energy programs, said. The program, which began in the first quarter of 2024, offers comprehensive energy assessments to public school districts within Ameren Illinois’ service territory. The assessments evaluate both the interior and exterior of school buildings and provide a strategic roadmap to increase energy efficiency, including opportunities to update HVAC systems, improve insulation, and consider solar facilities. “Energy costs are one of the largest expenses of operating a school,” Pittman said. “We look at the facility comprehensively to identify opportunities such as updating HVAC schedules, installing smart thermostats, fixing windows and doors, and making other capital improvements that can lead to significant savings.” Since