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Ameren Shares The Love With Local Libraries Through $200,000 In Grants

1 year 8 months ago
ST. LOUIS - Ameren co-workers love their libraries. The company has awarded $200,000 in grants to 100 public libraries throughout its Missouri and Illinois service territory as part of Ameren's Love Your Library program. The libraries awarded were chosen based on nominations from Ameren co-workers. Ameren co-workers noted how their own local library shaped their love for reading, and the joy their children have experienced there as they built early literacy skills. Beyond books, these libraries are also providing free summer programming, internet access, job resources, polling stations and other services that directly impact the community. "Part of our Ameren Cares mission is to advance institutions such as public libraries that create thriving communities," said Gwen Mizell , senior vice president, chief sustainability, diversity & philanthropy officer at Ameren. "From educational workshops to internet access to toddler story times to a cool place to gather on the hottest days,

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IDHS Ramps Up Infection Control Amid COVID-19 Outbreaks at Developmental Centers

1 year 8 months ago
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Human Services’ (IDHS) State-Operated Developmental Centers (SODCs) are amplifying COVID-19 testing and infection-prevention policies as a response to increased cases among residents and staff. SODCs provide residential programs to people with intellectual/developmental disabilities who have severe medical and/or behavioral needs. IDHS operates seven developmental centers in the state. Across the state, COVID-19 laboratory confirmed cases and COVID-19 related hospitalizations have increased by nearly 50% since early November, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. As of December 6, there were 58 residents, out of approximately 1,650 total, and 35 staff, out of approximately 3,500 total, who have tested positive for COVID-19 since November 20, with nearly all presenting mild symptoms. SODC staff have provided positive residents and patients with treatment, including antiviral medication as appropriate. Only

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L&C Gets $88,000 Grant: ICCB Provides More Than $9 Million to Address Educational and Career Programming

1 year 8 months ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) has granted nearly $9.2 million to 44 organizations, including 21 community colleges, throughout Illinois to help address education and unemployment gaps. Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey was part of the grants, and will receive $88,000 for the objective of wrap-around support services. The funding will be used to help minority and low-income students as well as individuals with disabilities remove barriers to completing their education and career goals through the Innovative Bridge and Transition Grant program (IBT). “Closing the equity gap in higher education is a critical priority of the Illinois Community College Board, and this grant funding helps community colleges and other organizations throughout Illinois do that. These financial resources help provide effective equitable education and career opportunities for thousands of Illinoisans who may otherwise not have the opportunity to better

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Meditative Multimedia: Jules Fair on Art, Self-Care and a New Alton Mural Project

1 year 8 months ago
ALTON - Jules Fair’s multimedia artwork could be described as “meditative,” to say the least. Fair hasn’t always had an easy journey, but those struggles have allowed the Milton Schoolhouse Artist of the Month to help other people navigate life through meditation, self-care and guided art practices. Meanwhile, her own art has grown over the years and made Fair one of the most prominent artists in the Riverbend. “During the lockdown for COVID, I had already been going through some tough times before, and I needed a way to feel better. So I decided to sit with myself and learn as much as I could about meditation and how we can rewire our mind,” Fair remembered. “I take the concepts that I sit with in meditation or through an active meditation like dance, I take those ideas and those concepts and I transmute them into a 2D or 3D piece of art.” As Fair’s meditation practice expanded, so did her art. She soon found herself drawing,

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Illinois Gaming Board Completes Historic Year; Approves New Rules and Licenses Among Other Measures

1 year 8 months ago
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Gaming Board (the "IGB" or "Board") held its final regular meeting of the year today as it works to close out a historic and productive 2023 that included the opening of four newly authorized casinos and two sportsbooks, licensing of more than 200 new video gaming establishments, issuing numerous other licenses and regulatory approvals, adopting significant new rules, and taking impactful enforcement and disciplinary actions. “We have achieved a lot this year to further strengthen and advance Illinois gaming, ensure a high level of integrity and ethics, safeguard public trust, and generate critical revenue for communities across our State,” said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. “I am thankful for and proud of our outstanding Board members and staff who deserve much credit for their work, dedication and accomplishments.” During the meeting, the Board approved four rules to assist in the implementation of the recently enacted Publi

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A Number of Tragedies

1 year 8 months ago

Laumeier Sculpture Park’s 2023 Visiting Artists in Residence are Pittsburgh-based artists Lenka Clayton and Phillip Andrew Lewis. This collaborative duo utilizes innovative approaches to conceptualism and minimalism to realize their […]

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Rachel Huffman