a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

Bost Introduces Bill To Protect Prime Farmland And Provide More Local Control

8 months 3 weeks ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today introduced the Securing Our Lands And Resources (SOLAR) Act. This legislation establishes guidelines for solar panel projects on prime and unique farmland funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. It ensures rural communities have a say in the approval process for solar panel projects, while still providing farmers flexibility to utilize their land for renewable energy projects. “We are losing precious and productive farmland that is being gobbled up, acre after acre,” said Bost. "That has a big impact on America's agricultural supply chain, our food security, and our Southern Illinois economies. The worst part is, many local communities aren't allowed to have a say in what land is designated for solar projects. My legislation puts the power back into the hands of the people by allowing them to determine what's best for their area, not bureaucrats in Springfield." The SOLAR Act will require

Continue Reading

Bill to end Missouri sales tax on groceries draws resistance from local governments

8 months 3 weeks ago
A little-known quirk of Missouri’s sales tax law means that retailers charge a higher rate for a hot dog purchased off a roller than for a cold sandwich. Both are meant for immediate consumption. But the cold sandwich can be purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, better known as food stamps, while the hot dog can’t. So the tax on the hot dog is 3% more. On Wednesday, a bill to exempt eligible food from all sales tax drew bipartisan praise for the sponsor…
Rudi Keller

Doug Scott Confirmed to Five-Year Term as ICC Chairman

8 months 3 weeks ago
Today, the Illinois State Senate confirmed Doug Scott as Chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Scott was reappointed to a five-year term by Governor JB Pritzker in January 2024 after serving out the remainder of former Chairman Carrie Zalewski’s term. “States are at the forefront of keeping the country’s clean energy ambitions apace. Three years ago, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) charted Illinois’ path to a 100 percent clean energy economy, and in the years to come, the ICC will continue to play a critical role in steering Illinois toward its decarbonization goals,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As a regulator, Doug Scott understands the importance of balancing reliability, safety, and affordability alongside these goals. Illinois is fortunate to have Chairman Scott at the helm of the ICC.” “I’m grateful to Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Senate for their continued support of my leadership at the ICC.

Continue Reading

Alton Flood Wall Meeting Thursday Night

8 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON – A public meeting to discuss a potential permanent flood wall in downtown Alton will be held in the Alton City Council chambers at City Hall at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. The wall, expected to be approximately 1,050 feet long and up to 5 feet tall, would run along the north end of Broadway from William Street to Piasa Street. The city is seeking public input on the project before it proceeds to the City Council for consideration and approval. The invitation from the city reads as follows: “The City of Alton cordially invites the public to an open house meeting on the planned flood mitigation improvements within the downtown district. The purpose of the open house is to provide citizens with updated information regarding the project scope and proposed timeline.” The flood wall project aims to protect buildings in the city’s downtown business district and industrial corridor. The area includes 45 buildings, 23 residential units, about 25 businesses,

Continue Reading

YWCA Reschedules Alton School Board Candidate Forum

8 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON - The YWCA’s school board candidate forum has been rescheduled. The forum, previously scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, has been postponed due to the Alton High School girls basketball game. The forum will now be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the YWCA in Alton. Hosted by the YWCA and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), the forum invites the community to hear from all of the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education candidates ahead of the April 1, 2025, consolidated election. “YWCA and NCNW are thrilled with the Alton High School Girls Basketball success and do not want to miss tonight's basketball game,” the YWCA and NCNW said in a statement. “To be true to our Redbirds, we have cancelled tonight's Alton School Board Forum and have postponed the date to Monday, March 10 at 7 p.m.” There are four ACUSD11 Board of Education seats up for grabs. Current Board members Christina Milien, Tiana Gipso

Continue Reading

Eads at 150

8 months 3 weeks ago

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the completion of the iconic Eads Bridge, Eads Bridge at 150 examines the complexities of its design, its construction, and the role it has played since it opened […]

The post Eads at 150 appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

Myranda Levins

Mark Boyko (2025)

8 months 3 weeks ago
State Rep. Mark Boyko joins STLPR's Sarah Kellogg and Jason Rosenbaum to talk about his journey to the Missouri House, his views on education policy, and the prospects for Democratic influence during the 2025 session.