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Ameren Illinois Explains Pole Recycling Program

1 month 3 weeks ago
RIVERBEND - Ameren Illinois has introduced a new program to recycle power poles. In 2022, Ameren Illinois partnered with Blackwood Solutions. This company picks up broken or decommissioned poles and recycles the wooden poles by giving them to farmers for fence posts, turning them into parking blocks, or shredding them into woodchips. Brian Bretsch, a spokesperson for Ameren Illinois, explained that this has been a great way to improve Ameren’s environmental footprint. “We’re just doing what we can to be good environmental stewards by diverting as much wood waste as possible,” Bretsch said. “With this partnership, since 2022, we’re diverting literally tons of wood waste every year.” Ameren Illinois and Ameren Missouri replace an average of 24,000 poles in both states every year. Poles must be replaced if they’re involved in an accident and cannot be repaired. Poles are also often damaged in storms, or a pole might simply reach

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Grafton's National Memorial of Military Ascent Unveils First Bronze Statue

1 month 3 weeks ago
GRAFTON - The National Memorial of Military Ascent is one step closer to completion. On Monday, May 12, 2025, elected officials, community members and veterans gathered at the Grafton Visitor Center for the unveiling of the memorial’s first bronze statue. The memorial is modeled after Point du Hoc in Normandy, where Allied forces landed during D-Day. The completed memorial will feature 12 statues climbing the bluffs at the site of the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA). “‘Ascent’ can have two meanings,” said David Schock, documentarian, who emceed the ceremony. “The first is spelled ‘ascent,’ and it means to rise or climb, exactly what the Second Army Rangers did. The second ‘assent’ means to give approval or agreement, to concur. Point du Hoc brought together both these meanings. Those soldiers climbed, but before they did that, they gave their assent by offering their lives in the service to this country.”

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The Copyright Office Issues A Largely Disappointing Report On AI Training, And Once Again A Major Fair Use Analysis Inexplicably Ignores The First Amendment

1 month 3 weeks ago
As this post explains, we have issues with the third installment of the Copyright Office’s report on AI. The rest of this post discusses them, but we note here that, while the report is due criticism, the criticism does not warrant or justify the firing of Register of Copyrights Shira Perlmutter from her duly-appointed position. […]
Cathy Gellis

Georgia becomes second US state to shield maker of Roundup weed killer from some cancer claims

1 month 3 weeks ago
In a victory for global agrochemical maker Bayer, Georgia has become the second state to shield pesticide manufacturers from some lawsuits claiming that they failed to warn customers of potential dangers. The legislation signed Friday by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is designed to protect Bayer from lawsuits claiming that it failed to tell customers that [...]
DAVID A. LIEB, Associated Press

Over $58,000 Raised Toward New Memorial Honoring Fallen Officers

1 month 3 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE — On the first day of National Police Week, Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor announced plans for a new memorial honoring officers killed in the line of duty. The memorial will be constructed at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and funded entirely through private donations. At a press conference held Monday, Connors revealed that the effort has raised $58,663 toward a $500,000 goal. Korte Construction, based in Highland, has been contracted to build the memorial. During the event, several local organizations presented checks to support the project. Contributions included $20,000 from Simmons Law Firm and Gori Law Firm, $10,000 each from U.S. Steele and Hepler Broom, $7,500 from Patterson Tire, $5,000 each from Pizza World and Apex Physical Therapy, $2,500 from Gateway Regional Hospital, $2,000 from Tyler Timmins Foundation, and $1,000 from Insurance Brokers. The Madison County Fallen Officers Memorial Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, emphasized

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Shotgun Creek Headlines Entertainment At First Friday In Troy Event For June 6, 2025

1 month 3 weeks ago
TROY — The second installment of the First Friday in Troy series is set to take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025, in downtown Troy. The event will transform Main Street, between Clay and Market Streets, into a lively pedestrian zone featuring local businesses, artisan vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. Shotgun Creek will provide the featured entertainment during the event. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, which can be stored securely in a tent while they explore the downtown area. Organizers plan to close the street to vehicle traffic, encouraging attendees to enjoy a variety of food options, including offerings from the Troy VFW fish fry, the Time Out Menu, and several food trucks located in the Jarvis Township parking lot. Participants are welcome to bring their own food and beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, to enjoy along Main Street. Parking is available at Troy City Hall, Spencer Park, and various street locations. Additiona

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