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Poll finds ‘remarkably low’ trust in federal public health agencies

1 year 1 month ago
WASHINGTON — Less than half of Americans have confidence in federal public health agencies’ ability to regulate prescriptions, approve vaccines and respond to outbreaks, according to a poll released Tuesday by the nonpartisan health research organization KFF. The survey shows that just 46% of the people questioned have at least some confidence in federal agencies ensuring […]
Jennifer Shutt

Teacher Appreciation Week: Cassie Flynn Inspires Appreciation for Art

1 year 1 month ago
EDWARDSVILLE - Cassie Flynn does more than teach; she inspires students to care. Flynn is an art teacher at Edwardsville High School in the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7. She works with students in grades nine through twelve to teach art techniques. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she’s reflecting on the hundreds of students she has worked with throughout her 18 years in the classroom. “My favorite part of teaching art is guiding students through the creative process,” Flynn explained. “Even though their artwork may not turn out as they hoped or planned, they always learn something — if nothing else, a deeper appreciation for the arts as they enter adulthood.” Flynn always loved art. As a high schooler, art classes became “really the reason” she attended school every day. When it was time for her to decide what she wanted to do in her career, she realized she received the most joy from creating and sharing art.

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Senior Leaders Becker and Holzinger Honored at McGivney Prom Night as Queen and King

1 year 1 month ago
GLEN CARBON — Father McGivney Catholic High School crowned seniors Kylie Becker and Brock Holzinger as prom queen and king during the school’s prom on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Becker, the daughter of Brian and Amy Becker of Highland, has been recognized as a respected leader both academically and socially. She is involved in tennis, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Art Club, and has served as a House leader. The school highlighted her participation in the McGivney Mission Trip to New Orleans as one of her most meaningful experiences, where she helped serve others while building lasting memories. Outside of school, Becker enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, and reading. She looks forward to traveling and exploring future opportunities. Holzinger, son of Duane and Ruth Holzinger of Highland, is known for his enthusiasm, leadership, and school spirit. His activities include the Announcement Team, Drama Club, Liturgical Ministry, Math Team, Scholar

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Illinois State Police Announces Results Of Roadside Safety Check

1 year 1 month ago
COLLINSVILLE – Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 Commander Captain Casey Faro announces the results of Roadside Safety Checks (RSC) held in Madison and St. Clair counties in April. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Citations: 1 Other Alcohol/Drug Citations: 11 Occupant Restraint Offenses: 21 Registration Offenses: 21 Driver’s License Offenses: 21 Insurance Violations: 12 Total Citations/Arrests: 78 Total Written Warnings: 25 Alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be a factor in more than 47% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-related traffic fatality every 39 minutes in the United States. RSCs are designed to keep our roads safe by taking dangerous DUI offenders off the road. This project was funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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Trump’s Aggressive Actions Against Free Speech Speak A Lot Louder Than His Words Defending It

1 year 1 month ago
Harvard University took the extraordinary step of suing the Trump administration on April 21, 2025, claiming that the pressure campaign mounted on the school by the president and his Cabinet to force viewpoint diversity on campus violated the Constitution’s guarantees of free speech. “Defendants’ actions are unlawful,” Harvard’s lawsuit states. “The First Amendment does not permit the […]
Mike Masnick

Daily Deal: The Complete 2025 Microsoft Tech Training Super Bundle

1 year 1 month ago
The Complete 2025 Microsoft Tech Training Super Bundle has 11 courses to help you level up your Microsoft IT skill set. Courses cover Microsoft 365 identity management, Azure administration, cybersecurity, and more. It’s on sale for $80. Note: The Techdirt Deals Store is powered and curated by StackCommerce. A portion of all sales from Techdirt […]
Daily Deal

Severe Weather in Midwest Can Be Spawned by Hurricanes

1 year 1 month ago
SPRINGFIELD – While a hurricane won’t hit Illinois, some tropical storm remnants move far inland to cause flooding and wind damage. “I know it’s unusual to ask Illinoisans to be prepared for hurricane season June 1 – November 1, but the Midwest could feel the effects of any strong hurricane,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Interim Director Khayyat. “It was just last year that the remnants of Hurricane Helene brought damaging winds, heavy rain, and flooding to our state,” Khayyat continued. “This is why IEMA-OHS continuously monitors the National Weather Service forecasts so we are prepared if severe weather tracks from the coast into Illinois.” Residents are encouraged to subscribe to weather alerts through a local National Weather Service office and/or their local media. That is good advice whether you are susceptible to hurricane remnants or if you plan to travel to

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IDNR Accepting Applications For Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship Grants

1 year 1 month ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship grants through June 13, 2025. Eligible applicants are conservation land trusts exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code and whose originating documents include in its purposes the restoration and stewardship of land for conservation purposes. The goal of the grant program is to increase the delivery of much-needed stewardship activities to natural areas protected within the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC) system. Stewardship needs at natural areas throughout the state have continued to outpace the ability to deliver these services by individuals, volunteers, organizations, and government agencies. This grant program is designed to fund projects that immediately address this deficiency and begin to expand on the stewardship capacity of conservation land trusts through grants that will expand

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Vacancy Strategy Initiative Convening to Unveil New Data and Recommendations to Tackle Vacancy in St. Louis

1 year 1 month ago
ST. LOUIS — After two years of intensive collaboration, the City of St. Louis and the STL Vacancy Collaborative (STLVC) invite everyone to attend the final Vacancy Strategy Initiative (VSI) Quarterly Convening on Wednesday, May 7 , from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Deaconess Foundation (1000 N. Vandeventer Ave.). The “VSI Quarterly Convening: The State of Vacancy in St. Louis City” free event will offer a first look at the upcoming Vacancy Strategy Initiative Report, featuring new data and trends on vacancy rates in the City, and new strategies for preventing, stabilizing, and reusing vacant properties citywide. The VSI brought together over a dozen City of St. Louis departments, and hundreds of community members—who participated in eight public outreach events—to create a coordinated, data-driven plan to reduce vacancy and strengthen neighborhoods. Vacancy remains one of the most urgent and visible challenges in the City of St. Louis. Today, there are over

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IDOT, ISP Urge Public to "Start Seeing Motorcycles"

1 year 1 month ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and motorcycle safety advocates are reminding all users of the road to “Start Seeing Motorcycles” as part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. “We want every driver and every motorcyclist to share and safely enjoy Illinois roads,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame , IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Don't take risks, always obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits and lane markings, and never drive or ride impaired.” The Start Seeing Motorcycles campaign coincides with the arrival of warmer weather and more motorcyclists on the roads. During the riding season, Start Seeing Motorcycles banners and yard signs will be on display throughout the state, reminding the public to always stay alert for motorcycles. With more than 150 deaths in Illinois each year, motorcyclists are significantly overrepresented in traffic crashes and fatalities.

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