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New Amphibian And Reptile Guide Sparks Interest

3 years ago
EAST ALTON – The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center’s Terrestrial Ecologist John Crawford, along with co-authors Christopher Phillips and Andrew Kuhns, recently published a field guide focusing on Illinois amphibians and reptiles. The second edition of the “Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Illinois ” replaces the first edition, published more than 20 years ago. This new edition offers up-to-date information on the state’s 102 species of frogs and toads, salamanders, turtles, lizards, and snakes. “We spent a great deal of time updating the species information to incorporate new knowledge that has been generated over the past twenty years,” Terrestrial Ecologist John Crawford said. Numerous projects have been underway to better understand species distribution and the natural history of many species in the state. The updated field guide also provides shaded range maps, better reflecting the distribution of all amphibians

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Missouri AG, Georgia nonprofit communicated for months before school subpoenas

3 years ago

In 2018, a rash of students were dying by suicide in southwest Missouri. The Neosho School District wasn’t immune. “We were averaging about a suicide-and-a-half a year,” said Jim Cummins, the district superintendent. “And we knew that that couldn’t continue.” The district of roughly 4,600 students launched “a full frontal assault” to address the issue, […]

The post Missouri AG, Georgia nonprofit communicated for months before school subpoenas appeared first on Missouri Independent.

Tessa Weinberg

Letter To The Editor: Barham Says He Is Running For Office To "Give A Voice To The People"

3 years ago
Letter To The Editor: Abe L. Barham, a community activist, is a candidate for Madison County Board 8 and says he is running for office to "give a voice to the people." I am 2nd Vice President of the Madison County Democrats, Chairman of the Miles Davis Festival, and Co-Chair of the Alton Juneteenth Committee. I work at Olin Corporation and have an associate degree in marketing and business. I'm running for office to help our less fortunate population, including but not limited to our brave veterans, the homeless, and those suffering from mental illness. While there has been an increase in the area of mental illness and homelessness, resources have not, and these people are not receiving the help they need. I plan to have quarterly meetings and collaborate with city officials, and meet with Veteran's Affairs to bring a more positive attitude to Alton. Additionally, I plan to strengthen our industrial base while working towards the revitalization of our forgotten neighborhoods. Also,

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Ameren Missouri Plans To Acquire Its Largest-Ever Solar Facility To Power Thousands Of Homes

3 years ago
ST. LOUIS - Today Ameren Missouri, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE), takes another important step toward bringing more renewable energy to customers by announcing the planned acquisition of the company's largest-ever solar facility, a 200 megawatt (MW) solar installation in central Missouri that is expected to create more than 250 construction jobs. The facility will be acquired pursuant to a build-transfer agreement with EDF Renewables, a company with a longstanding track record of developing and building renewable energy facilities. Known as the Huck Finn Solar Project, it is planned to be constructed on the border of Missouri's Audrain and Ralls counties. Huck Finn is expected to produce enough energy to power approximately 40,000 homes. With timely regulatory approvals, the project could begin generating clean energy as soon as 2024. "Developing Huck Finn is good for all of our customers because it provides clean electricity, creates economic opportunity, and injects

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Lt. Governor Stratton's Statement On Gun Control Bill Signed Into Law

3 years ago
CHICAGO — Too many mass shootings. Too much pain. Everyone has the right to feel safe, and when the threat of mass shootings prevents communities from living happy and healthy, we must act. President Biden signed into law gun control measures that will protect the safety and well-being of all Americans. This bipartisan effort puts public safety first by expanding background checks, providing further protection for domestic violence survivors, and investing millions of dollars in mental health and school safety. I congratulate President Biden and supportive elected officials in Congress for recognizing that gun reform has been long overdue and for taking this action that will undoubtedly save lives. I extend profound gratitude to the advocates and organizations that continue to work for stronger gun control and fight for safer communities. There is more work to do to ensure that our nation never has to carry the pain and trauma of another mass shooting. This law proves that

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Hazelwood Is Broke, Says Mayor

3 years ago
Hazelwood Mayor Matt Robinson issued a statement on Friday saying that the city of 25,000 people in St. Louis County is facing severe financial hardship and bankruptcy "may be inevitable." The city's financial situation has been in limbo for years. According to Robinson's statement, this worst-case scenario was stalled by federal stimulus money that came to Hazelwood in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ryan Krull

Prayer in public school is making a comeback

3 years ago
Supreme Court precedent has been clear for many years about prayer in public schools: You can't do it in any way that effectively coerces students into participating. Coaches who lead team prayers on the field are very much included in this. Until now. So pray away, coaches. It's a new day in Supreme Court land.
Kevin Drum