March 2024

Missouri House passes HB 1569, advancing STEM education and career development opportunities

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. –The Missouri House of Representatives has passed a comprehensive education and workforce development bill aimed at enhancing opportunities in STEM education and career-technical certificate programs. HB 1569, sponsored by Representative Ann Kelley, would push Missouri into new era of support for students pursuing degrees and certifications vital to Missouri’s economic growth and

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Bryant unveils constitutional amendment to ensure U.S. citizenship required to vote in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Citizenship would be clearly required to vote in any election in the State of Illinois under an amendment to Illinois’ Constitution introduced by State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro).   In response to growing efforts to allow non-citizens to vote in local elections, Bryant has unveiled Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 14, which would

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Callery pear trees begin to bloom: registration opens march 15 for 2024 ‘buyback’ event 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The Missouri Invasive Plant Council (MoIP), in partnership with Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, Forrest Keeling Nursery, and the Missouri Department of Conservation, will host a Callery pear “buyback” program in locations around the state on April 23. On this date, citizens who complete event registration will receive a free native tree

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Emeritus professor chronicles SIU School of Law’s 50-year history as a ‘labor of love’

by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. — Frank G. Houdek has been affiliated with the Southern Illinois University School of Law for nearly 80% of a storied history that is now in its 51st year. SIU School of Law Professor Emeritus Frank G. Houdek shows off his book highlighting the law school’s first 50 years. (Photo by

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Final Projects awarded in Governor’s Rural Routes Program

JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded three projects for rural roads today, the final projects awarded in the Governor’s Rural Routes Program. The program, created with Gov. Mike Parson’s signing of the fiscal year 2024 state budget, allocated $100 million of General Revenue funds to the Missouri Department of Transportation to

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Gwendalyn McKlin is Valle’s Elks Student of the Month for March

STE. GENEVIEVE – Gwendalyn McKlin has been selected as the Valle Elks Student of the Month for March.     She is the daughter of Athena and Mark McKlin   She plans to attend the University of Northern Alabama where she will get a degree in Marine Biology and work at a rehabilitation clinic for

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How much is really being spent on programs for migrants? Illinois Senate Republicans file legislation to find out

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Members of the Senate Republican Caucus are once again asking for greater fiscal transparency about the Pritzker’s Administration’s migrant crisis, so lawmakers have a clearer idea about how much is really being spent on state programs for noncitizens.   Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove) was joined at a March 7

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Illinois AFL-CIO honors General Assembly members at Labor Salutes Award Ceremony

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois AFL-CIO honored three Illinois General Assembly members for their outstanding contributions to working Illinoisans at the organization’s annual “Labor Salutes” awards ceremony.   “Tonight, we have the opportunity to recognize our leaders in the General Assembly who are tireless advocates for the working people of Illinois,” remarked Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim

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