Senator Erica Harris introduces bill to strengthen protections for working K9 animals
Following the tragic death of a former Alton K9, state Senator Erica Harriss (R-56th-Glen Carbon) has filed legislation to enhance legal protections for those who intentionally harm working K9 animals. “Our K9 officers play a critical role in protecting and serving our communities,” said Senator Harriss. “They risk their lives to help keep our communities…
Read MoreHeathman named CEO at The Wedge
The Wedge has announced the appointment of J. Scot Heathman, a distinguished servant-leader and retired Air Force Colonel, as its inaugural chief executive officer. Heathman brings over 25 years of military leadership experience to this role, where he will guide The Wedge’s mission as a 55,000-square-foot social impact hub, research lab, think tank, and workspace.…
Read MoreSpring tees off with Mississippi Masters Golf Tourney on May 2
Annual Grafton Chamber golf outing planned at Lockhaven Golf Club Get ready to tee it up at the annual Grafton Chamber of Commerce Mississippi Masters Golf Tournament scheduled for Friday, May 2 at Lockhaven Golf Club (10872 Lawrence Keller Drive, Godfrey, IL 62035). Golfers interested in taking part in the event can registers at: www.graftonilchamber.com.…
Read MoreDemocratic lawmaker grows concerned with use of AI in health care
Bills dealing with AI in online therapy, health insurance advance in House committees By JADE AUBREY and UIS Public Affairs Reporting (PAR), Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — Illinois lawmakers are growing concerned with the use of artificial intelligence in health care. Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, is sponsoring two bills that would place restrictions on…
Read MoreBeverly Farm CEO Crystal Officer named among ‘Top 100 St. Louisans to Know’
Beverly Farm Foundation recently shared that CEO Crystal Officer has been named one of the “Top 100 St. Louisans to Know to Succeed in Business” by St. Louis Small Business Monthly (SBM). Officer, along with other honorees, will be recognized in the publication’s April 2025 issue and at a special awards luncheon on April 8,…
Read MoreIn remarks to teachers union, Pritzker lashes out at Trump’s education cuts
AG Raoul joins multistate lawsuit to prevent agency from being dismantled By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday delivered more harsh criticism against President Donald Trump’s administration over attempts to drastically downsize, and possibly eliminate, the U.S. Department of Education. His remarks came just two days after the…
Read MoreIllinois department streamlines online licensing system
Improvements eliminate ‘historic wait times’ By JADE AUBREY and UIS Public Affairs Reporting (PAR), Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation updated lawmakers Wednesday on its new online licensing system to streamline the process and eliminate backlogs. Rep. Bob Morgan, D-Deerfield, called for the subject matter hearing in…
Read MoreBudzinski introduces bipartisan bill to protect postal performance
Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) introduced the bipartisan Protect Postal Performance Act to prevent the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) from downsizing facilities in underserved areas, provide more oversight over modifications to delivery schedules, and increase public transparency on proposed changes. The legislation is co-led by Congresswoman Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02), Congressman Jack Bergman…
Read MoreO’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber-hosted National Civics Bee® made history on March 13
History was made on March 13 as the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce, along with an upstate Illinois Chamber, became the first Illinois Chambers to participate in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce National Civics Bee®. This marks the first time Illinois has taken part in the prestigious program—not with just one, but two local competitions. The…
Read MoreI-255 lane closure set for March 17
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that a lane closure will be encountered on southbound Interstate 255 on Monday, March 17, at approximately 7 a.m., weather permitting. The right lane will be closed between the Illinois 3 interchange (Columbia) and the JB Bridge. All entrance and exit ramps will remain open. These restrictions are needed to perform…
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