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Representative Amy Elik and Senator Erica Harriss Bringing Free Job Fair to the Riverbend

2 days 22 hours ago
ALTON – State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) and State Senator Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon) are teaming up with local and state employers to host a free job fair in Alton. “I’m thrilled to team up with Senator Harriss to host our first Job Fair,” said Rep. Elik. “We’ve worked hard to bring together a wide array of employers to provide an opportunity for anyone, and hope that you’ll find your next adventure because of the connections you’ll make.” Attendees are encouraged to bring plenty of resumes and dress for success. “Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, this event is a great chance to explore what’s out there,” said Senator Harriss. “We invite anyone eager to grow their career to come out, bring a friend, and connect with the many employers who will be joining us.” The event is free and open to the public. Friday, Sept.

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Edwardsville Arts Fair Highlights Woodworker Ryan Brown, Sculptor Doris Trojcak, and Painter Gavin Otteson

2 days 22 hours ago
EDWARDSVILLE - This is another group of artists to be featured at the upcoming Edwardsville Arts Fair on Sept. 26-28, 2025 at Edwardsville City Park. Today, the featured artists are Ryan Brown, Doris Trojcak and Gavin Otteson. Artist #1: Ryan Brown – RAB Woodworking Medium: Wood Artist Statement: "My work focuses on the beauty of practical objects. I use traditional hardwoods to make functional items for the home — cutting boards, clocks, trays, and picture frames—that highlight the natural beauty of the wood." Website Artist #2: Doris Trojcak – Clay Play Medium: Sculpture Artist Statement: "I love music, nature, science, art, and problem-solving. After many years of teaching and becoming a university administrator, I realized I needed a therapeutic outlet. In 1993, I chose clay — first on the wheel, then hand-building, which eventually evolved into teaching myself how to make clay flutes in the shape of animals.

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Governor Signs HB2196 into Law, Expanding Poultry Processing Access for Illinois Farmers

2 days 22 hours ago
SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Stewardship Alliance today celebrated the signing of House Bill 2196 into law, a groundbreaking reform that expands on-farm poultry processing opportunities for small-scale farmers and brings Illinois regulations closer to federal standards and neighboring states. Championed by Senator Sally Turner (R-Beason) and Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville), HB2196 increases the annual poultry processing limit from 5,000 to 7,500 birds, permits direct-to-consumer sales at farmers markets, and eliminates the 30-day ownership requirement previously imposed on consumers wishing to process poultry and livestock for personal or cultural purposes. “This is a transformative win for our members,” said Liz Moran Stelk, Executive Director of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance. “It gives small farmers the tools they need to succeed while respecting food safety and community traditions.” One such farmer is Bethany Salisbury of Saratoga Homestead

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Mental Health Resources Added To Teacher IDs Under Belt-supported Law

2 days 22 hours ago
SPRINGFIELD – Teachers will soon see mental health resources on their school IDs under a new measure supported by State Senator Christopher Belt that was signed into law Friday. “This ensures every adult working with our students has direct access to life-saving crisis resources,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This will help reinforce a culture of awareness and support.” House Bill 3000 requires all school districts serving students in grades 6-12 to have the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), the Crisis Text Line and the Safe2Help Illinois helpline on all employee IDs. The law builds on a 2021 law expanding suicide and crisis helpline awareness in schools by ensuring all employees in school districts have this information on their ID cards. Currently, this information is required to be in student handbooks or planners and on student IDs if schools issue them. “This new law is a crucial next step in strengthening mental health safety nets

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Edwardsville School District #7 Embraces Unity With One Mission Theme

2 days 23 hours ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Staff members of Edwardsville School District #7 have returned, marking the start of the 2025-26 school year, reuniting with colleagues across the district. A kickoff event brought together teachers and staff from various schools within the district, emphasizing a shared commitment under this year’s theme, “One District, One Mission.” The 2025-2026 school district theme highlights the collective goal of empowering each student to achieve personal success, regardless of individual roles or locations within the district. District officials described the atmosphere as one of warmth and enthusiasm, with hugs and smiles reflecting the excitement of reconvening after the summer break. The kickoff gathering set a tone of connection and collaboration aimed at fostering growth and achievement throughout the school year. Edwardsville School District #7 looks forward to a year focused on strengthening community ties and supporting student development

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Alton School District Outlines Goals for 2025-2026 School Year

2 days 23 hours ago
ALTON - During their regular meeting on Aug. 19, 2025, the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education learned about the District Improvement Plan and initiatives for the 2025–2026 school year. Superintendent Elaine Kane and Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Rene Hart shared that the district administrative team spent multiple days over the summer reflecting on data, goals and priorities. Hart reiterated the District Improvement Plan’s three strategic goals: creating a culture of belonging, grade-appropriate instruction and assignments, and effective professional learning communities (PLCs) that drive results. The district believes they have the right priorities identified in these goals, and the next step is to act on these goals. “You plan something, you do it, you study the results, and you act on those results,” Hart explained. “So that cycle is a continuous repeat, and we’re really excited to start a brand

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Highland Prepares For Annual Kirchenfest With Road Closures

2 days 23 hours ago
HIGHLAND — The Highland Police Department has announced multiple road closures in downtown Highland, Illinois, to accommodate the annual Kirchenfest festival set for Aug. 19-25, 2025. The event, which celebrates the city’s Swiss and German heritage, will prompt street closures and traffic changes aimed at ensuring public safety during the week-long festivities. The Highland Police Department said the following roads will be closed during the festival: 9th Street from Cypress to Lemon; Main Street from Cypress to Lemon; Cypress from 9th to Main; Lemon from 9th to Main; and Olive Street from the alley between Main and Broadway to the alley between 8th and 9th streets. Additionally, Lemon Street will be converted to one-way traffic from 8th Street to Main Street. Barricades, detours, and police officers will be deployed to manage traffic flow and assist drivers. Officials encouraged residents and visitors to plan alternate routes and exercise caution near the affected areas.

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Duckworth, Kim Lead Senate Delegation to South Korea & Japan to Strengthen National Security & Economic Ties, Expand Auxiliary Shipbuilding and Quantu

2 days 23 hours ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) are leading a Senate delegation to South Korea and Japan to strengthen economic ties between our countries as well as bolster national security by expanding quantum cooperation and exploring auxiliary shipbuilding partnerships. As our sealift and auxiliary fleet continues to be significantly smaller and less competitive than too many adversaries and allies abroad, this week the Senators met with government, military and business leaders in South Korea—a global leader in the shipbuilding industry—where they discussed how the two nations can work together to surge production of auxiliary vessels, strengthen our fleet readiness and support our sealift capacity and workforce in the event

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Attorney General Raoul Seeks Court Order Blocking Trump Administration's Attempt To Share Private SNAP Data

3 days ago
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, with 21 attorneys general and the state of Kentucky, filed a motion to block the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from attempting to force states to turn over personal and sensitive information about millions of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients while litigation challenging the legality of the demand continues. SNAP is a federally funded, state-administered program that provides billions of dollars in food assistance to tens of millions of low-income families across the country. SNAP applicants provide their private information to state agencies with the understanding, backed by long-standing state and federal laws, that their information will not be used for unrelated purposes. “SNAP provides access to food for millions of Illinois families while also supporting thousands of local grocers, farmers’ markets and other merchants who are critical to states’ economies,” Raoul said. “Individual

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