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READY TO STRIKE — Highland teachers picket Monday before the regular meeting of the Board of Education. From left are Kate Eaker, Michelle Deets, Sue Abbott (retired), Colleen Baker and Michelle Ficker.

Union claims teachers were bullied by some administrators

While the Highland School District has declared a commitment to eliminate bullying among students...

A teenage girl was hospitalized late Wednesday after she was injured at the former Belle Valley North School, located in a residential subdivision on the opposite side of West Boulevard from Belleville East High School. The current owners have a variety of security cameras and no trespassing signs around the building as they work to find a new owner or tenant.

Girl falls through skylight at abandoned Belle Valley school

A teenage girl was hospitalized late Wednesday after she was injured at a former Belleville area...

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Metro-east News

Assistant director and stage manager Josh Porter (15) helps with lines during practice.

Younger actors pick up stage presence in Monroe County production

Pat Hunsaker was a bit harried Wednesday afternoon during a rehearsal for a Young People's Theater Production at the Capitol Theater in Waterloo. 2 hours ago

Crime

Man dies in I-70 hit-and-run; police search for semi driver

The Illinois State Police are asking the public for help in finding a hit-and-run semi driver accused of fleeing the scene of a fatal crash on Interstate 70 near Troy.

Hot Topics

Pope Francis arrives to celebrate a mass in Caserta, Italy, Saturday, July 26, 2014. Pope Francis will remain in Caserta for a few hours, but will be back here for a private visit on Monday.

Trending: Is the pope too liberal for GOP? Plus, the story of the bicyclist and the mayor

A popular piece of legislation that seeks to honor Pope Francis is stuck in Congress.

Sports

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher John Lackey delivers to the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, July 26, 2014, in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Cardinals get pitcher Lackey from Red Sox for Craig, Kelly

Continuing their push for pitching, the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday added veteran starter John Lackey to their mix.

Features

Mascoutah Homecoming and August Fest packs three days with fun

Mascoutah is rolling out its 87th annual Homecoming and August Fest this weekend with parades, carnival rides, tractor pulls, car show, firemen's muster, food, judging of 4-H projects and livestock, live music and much more.

State|Region

In this Wednesday, July 30, 2014 photo, Illinois Department of Agriculture contractors Jeremy Conaway, left, and Mike Saunders help with preparations at fairgrounds for the opening of the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Ill. The annual agricultural extravaganza runs Aug. 7-17.

'American Idol' to have auditions at state fair

There's a chance you could walk away from the Illinois State Fair this year with more than just saltwater taffy, political ephemera and a tummy ache. You could snare a recording contract. 2 hours ago

Nation|World

Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., is surrounded by his staff as he walks to the House chamber for votes, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, July 30, 2014. As a result of his stunning primary defeat in the Virginia primary in June, Cantor will relinquish his leadership post tomorrow as Congress leaves for a five-week recess.

Eric Cantor steps down as House majority leader

Rep. Eric Cantor used his farewell as House majority leader Thursday to lament what he calls a diminished U.S. role in a world that he said is rife with instability and terror.

Opinion

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