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Public Comment Opportunity On Ameren Illinois Gas Rate Case

5 days 1 hour ago
EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is encouraging Ameren Illinois customers to provide public comment on the utility’s proposed natural gas rate increase at a pair of public hearings in Springfield and East St. Louis. The hearings will take place Wednesday, August 27 and Thursday, August 28, 2025, respectively. East St. Louis When: Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 7:00 – 9:30 PM Where: New Life Community Church 1919 State St. East St. Louis, IL 62205 Springfield When: Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025 7:00 – 9:30 PM Where: CMS Regional Complex 4800 W. Wabash Ave. Springfield, IL 62711 Customers unable to attend the hearings can submit their comments via the ICC website or call our Consumer Services Division at 1-800-524-0795 during regular business hours. Ameren filed its petition with the ICC for a $134 million general rate increase in January 2025. Rate cases are formal proceedings used to ensure utilities receive

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What's Up Downtown Information Exchange To Be Held Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025

5 days 1 hour ago
ALTON - Alton Main Street’s quarterly information exchange, called “What’s Up Downtown”, will be held on Tuesday, August 19th at 5:30 p.m. at the Riverbender building, located at 200 W. 3rd Street in Alton, Illinois. The public is invited to learn the latest news regarding developments in Alton’s historic downtown district, including updates from new & existing businesses, news on real estate transactions and details of upcoming events and projects. You’ll be in the know on topics from the evening’s featured speakers: Natalie & Keith Steinacher who have transformed the former community center in the ground floor of the Riverbender building into an event space and martial arts studio called The Teller Room 1925 Chris Jacoby will explain the products and services now available at Jacoby Fine Violins Jeff Bohnert will introduce us to his new Elysian Gallery, recently opened at 301 E. Broadway Jared Unfried will tell about new services offered

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Governor Pritzker and IBHE Announce New Statewide Direct College Admissions Program

5 days 1 hour ago
CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) launched One Click College Admit – a statewide direct admissions program for Illinois public universities and community colleges. Through One Click College Admit, high school seniors and community college transfer students in Illinois will receive college acceptances into the state’s public universities by meeting only one criterion for admission: grade point average (GPA). This new program waives applications, application fees, essays and letters of recommendation for students. “Enhancing access to Illinois’ public universities and community colleges with One Click College Admit will empower even more talented students across the state to realize their full academic potential through higher education,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This program marks another

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Ttorney General Raoul's Legislation To Improve Services For Sexual Assault Survivors Becomes Law

5 days 1 hour ago
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today applauded Governor JB Pritzker for signing legislation that will improve medical forensic services for sexual assault survivors by making important updates to the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act (SASETA) and the Illinois Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program. Senate Bill (SB) 1602 builds on the work of the Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Services Implementation Task Force . The task force was created in 2018 and included experts from the Attorney General’s office, the Illinois Department of Public Health, hospitals, health care providers, law enforcement officials, advocates and legislators. The task force has worked diligently since being established by state statute to evaluate and strengthen SASETA. Last year, the task force issued its final report, which was crafted with input from more than 40 stakeholders in government and the medical community serving sexual assault survivors. “The Illinois

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Belt: We Are Removing Barriers For Organ Donors Willing To Step Forward And Save Lives

5 days 1 hour ago
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt championed a newly signed law to ensure taking time off work to donate an organ doesn’t put workers’ livelihoods at risk. “This is deeply personal to me,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I received a lifesaving kidney transplant, so I know firsthand that donations save lives. This law removes barriers for people who are willing to step forward and give that gift.” The law allows eligible part-time workers to take up to 10 days of leave in a 12-month period to serve as organ donors. For part-time employees receiving compensation for their donation, employers must pay them based on their average daily pay over the previous two months of employment. Currently, part-time workers often do not receive the same workplace protections as full-time employees. Belt’s law ensures that all eligible workers, no matter how many hours a week they work, can take time to donate an organ without risking their job o

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Audit finds Independence school board violated Missouri Sunshine Law

5 days 1 hour ago
A state audit of the Independence School District found the board discussed the four-day school week and other topics during closed meetings, violating the Missouri Sunshine Law. The district also had problems with cash handling procedures and hadn’t created policies on retaining electronic records, the Aug. 18 audit report said. But overall, the audit “has […]
Maria Benevento

How to Prepare Your Home for the Transition to Fall

5 days 2 hours ago
Did you know that the average household spends nearly 30% more on energy bills during the colder months? Preparing your home thoughtfully for the change in season can significantly reduce these costs and enhance your comfort. Beyond just adjusting the thermostat, there are strategic steps that make your living space more efficient, cozy, and ready for the months ahead. Assessing Your Home’s Energy Efficiency One of the most impactful ways to prepare for fall is by examining your home’s energy efficiency. Heat loss through poorly insulated windows, doors, and attic spaces can drive up heating costs and create uncomfortable drafts. Key Actions: Inspect seals and weatherstripping: Check around windows and doors for gaps or cracks. Replacing old weatherstripping or applying caulking can prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from entering. Evaluate insulation levels: Attics and basements often need additional insulation. According to the U.S. Department of Energy

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This Day in History on August 19: Last Group of Accused Witches Released From Salem Jail

5 days 2 hours ago
August 19 marks a pivotal day in global history, featuring moments of political transformation, cultural milestones, and scientific breakthroughs that have shaped the world as we know it. Moving back in time, August 19 holds significance in the realm of exploration and adventure. In 1934, the first solo nonstop transpacific flight was completed by Clyde Pangborn and Hugh Herndon, who successfully flew from Japan to the United States. This daring feat pushed the boundaries of aviation and inspired future generations of pilots and explorers to venture further and achieve the seemingly impossible. In 1692, the last group of accused witches were released from jail in Salem, Massachusetts, ending one of the darkest chapters in early American history marked by hysteria and injustice. The Salem witch trials have since become a cautionary tale about the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of due process. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate that on August 19, 1939, the Baseball Hall

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