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Gov. Pritzker Breaks Ground on New Allied Health & Nursing Center at South Suburban College

2 months 2 weeks ago
SOUTH HOLLAND – Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB), and local elected officials for a ceremonial groundbreaking at South Suburban College (SSC). The college’s new Allied Health & Nursing Center will expand the college’s capacity to train healthcare professionals, directly benefitting Illinois students and the surrounding communities. “As the demand for quality healthcare only continues to grow, it is absolutely vital that we invest in the next generation of care professionals,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From the brand-new state-of-the-art classrooms to the advanced simulation labs, SSC’s Allied Health & Nursing Center is a shining example of our vision for Illinois community colleges as engines of economic and educational opportunity. Future graduates will make up the next wave of skilled nurses, medical technicians, and allied health specialists that can help fill healthcare needs up and down

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Giannoulias Partners with IEPA to Pilot Emissions Mobile at DMV to Address Decade-Long Need for Chicago Residents

2 months 2 weeks ago
CHICAGO – As part of the continued push to meet residents where they are and have services fit into their busy schedules, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has partnered with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to re-establish new vehicle emissions testing locations for residents within the City of Chicago. “For too long, Chicagoans have been forced to travel long distances for routine vehicle emissions testing, which needs to happen every two years. Working with the IEPA, we have developed a modern and convenient alternative within the City of Chicago,” Giannoulias said. “Bringing services to people where they need them, reducing the hassle and sparing a trip to the suburbs will go a long way toward improving the lives of Chicago area drivers and vehicle owners.” “Mobile Test Units (MTUs) provide a convenient option for motorists to get their vehicle tested,” said Illinois EPA Acting Director James Jennings.

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$700,000 Water Main Replacement, Resurfacing Project on Cass Avenue to Begin

2 months 2 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE – An approximately $700,000 improvement project is set to begin Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, to replace and upgrade the water main on Cass Avenue between North Kansas and North Buchanan streets. The project will include the installation of an 8-inch water main, replacing an older and smaller series of mains that now serve this area. This portion of Cass Avenue also will be resurfaced and new hydrants will be installed. The replacement project will bring improved long-term reliability and water flow in this area. Local traffic access is expected to be maintained during construction; however, some delays and access limitations are likely in the immediate area where workers are present. Weather permitting, this work is expected to wrap up before November. As part of the project, water service lines will be moved to the new water main. While the transfers are being made from each water service line, water customers can expect a temporary service disruption and will need

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QEM Fire Protection District to Host Blood Drive

2 months 2 weeks ago
GRAFTON - QEM Fire Protection District will host a blood drive to benefit the community. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, community members can stop by QEM Fire Protection District at 14905 Elsah Road in Grafton to donate blood. ImpactLife will run the drive, while the firefighters will be happy to answer questions, show off their firetrucks, and share their facility with the public. “The nation is low on blood,” said firefighter Cameron Mank. “We had a space to use, so we’ll utilize it to give an opportunity to help a little bit more.” Anybody who donates blood that day will be entered into a drawing for the chance to win two tickets to Guns ‘N Hoses. This event, scheduled for November in St. Louis, supports The BackStoppers through boxing matches between police officers and firefighters. You can click here to schedule an appointment to give blood, or walk-ins are also welcome. For more information about the QEM

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Collinsville Police Relaunch Citizen Academy to Boost Trust

2 months 2 weeks ago
COLLINSVILLE — After a three-year pause, the Collinsville Police Department is restarting its Citizen Police Academy to foster better understanding and cooperation between law enforcement and the community. The program, designed to educate residents about the criminal justice system and everyday police work, will run for eight weeks beginning Sept. 23, 2025. Sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and led by Sergeant Josh Hunt and Sergeant Jay Edwards. “The goal of our Citizens’ Police Academy is to promote understanding between our police officers and the residents we serve regarding their respective needs and problems,” the department said in a statement. “By promoting this relationship, the hope is that our residents and police can work together to make the entire community a safer place to live.” The academy offers a hands-on approach, allowing participants to observe and learn about various aspects of law enforcement.

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Madison County Sends Two Solar Projects Back to Committee For Review

2 months 2 weeks ago
EDWARDVILLE - During the regular meeting of the Madison County Board on Aug. 20, 2025, the Board voted to send two solar projects back to the Zoning Committee for review. Wolf Road Solar requested a special use permit to develop a commercial solar energy facility in Foster Township on property that is currently zoned as Agricultural District. Rezy Road Solar also requested a special use permit to develop a commercial solar energy facility in New Douglas on property that is currently zoned as Agricultural District. During the public comments portion of their meeting, the Board heard from multiple people who advocated for and against the projects. Reuben Grandon represents the development company GreenKey Solar, which is behind the solar facilities. He asked the county to “not move the goalposts at this point in the process,” emphasizing that the projects have fulfilled all the requirements set by the county. Julie Hamilton, a homeowner, owns land that adjoins the

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Pesticide politics: Inside the corporate push to limit liability

2 months 2 weeks ago
With billions of dollars at stake, Bayer has gone on the offensive. Billboards along major highways. A social media offensive. Tens of thousands of dollars in campaign donations in Missouri alone. And a major push in at least 11 states to change pesticide labeling laws. Such efforts by the agricultural biotech company and others are […]
Mary McCue Bell