Area News
Food prices follow inflation uptick; beef hits record high
By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek After a few months of a downward trend, inflation is on the rise again with food prices following suit. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 0.3% in June and 2.7% in the past 12 months. Food prices rose faster than overall inflation. The CPI for all food increased 0.3%…
Read MoreRep. Miller joins Senator Hawley in effort to ban Chinese ownership of American land
Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL-15) introduced the House companion to Senator Josh Hawley’s (R-MO) Protecting Our Farms and Homes from China Act. This legislation would ban Chinese corporations and individuals affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from purchasing American agricultural land and residential property. This effort comes in direct response to growing concerns over the…
Read MoreBost announces upgrades for Marion, St. Louis VA facilities
U.S. Representative Mike Bost (R-IL-12) recently announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs will fund an additional $800 million in infrastructure upgrades this year, including improvements to the Marion VA Medical Center and the John Cochran and Jefferson Barracks facilities in St. Louis. The investments will support renovations and new medical equipment for treating local…
Read More‘Leo’s On Fire’ scheduled for Aug. 23 at Mooneyham Art in Alton
Mooneyham Art LLC recently announced the upcoming Leo’s On Fire, a celebratory exhibition and free public event to be held from 5 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, 2025, at its downtown Alton gallery, located at 305 State Street. The event commemorates the birthdays and art of Charles Mooneyham, Jon Ross-Mooneyham, and Stephen Scordias—three…
Read MoreSIUC research focuses on air traffic controllers’ mental health
Research by Southern Illinois University Carbondale aviation and psychology faculty may shed added light on mental health concerns of the nation’s air traffic controllers (ATC) as they face high-pressure working conditions and staffing shortages. The goal is to fill a research gap within an integral part of the aviation industry and provide potential recommendations…
Read MoreIDJJ to host juvenile justice specialist job screenings
The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) will host employment screening events for its Juvenile Justice Specialist positions. Juvenile Justice Specialists make a difference in the lives of youth by providing a safe and healthy environment through mentoring relationships and direct supervision of youth. The positions are full-time, year-round, shift-work positions and the position has…
Read MoreMCT announces August service changes, proposed 2026 modifications public meetings
Madison County Transit (MCT) has announced a series of service changes set to take effect on Sunday, Aug.10, 2025, including updates to MCT Micro zones and fixed-route services. In addition, MCT will host public meetings in early August to collect feedback on proposed changes under consideration in 2026. Changes in August include the following: MCT…
Read MoreMedia literacy education lacks consistency across Illinois
State law requiring instruction was passed three years ago By JASON PISCIA and DR. ANN STRAHLE Capitol News Illinois Article Summary Three years ago, the state mandated that K-12 schools teach media literacy. But the law did not create statewide oversight or provide funding for curriculum. A University of Illinois Springfield study conducted last year…
Read MoreAG Raoul obtains guilty plea, restitution from former Shipman village treasurer
Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced that his office obtained a guilty plea from a former village trustee and treasurer in Macoupin County who misused village funds by collecting pay she was not entitled to and spending funds on personal expenses. Elizabeth Robinson, 47, of Shipman, pleaded guilty to Class 1 felony theft of governmental property,…
Read MoreNGRREC invites community to summer research intern poster showcase
The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) is inviting the community to attend a research presentation showcase for its summer interns from 5 to 7 p.m., July 29, at the Jerry F. Costello Field Station. Guests are encouraged to explore interactive presentations showcasing innovative research projects and to engage directly with the interns.…
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