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CHIGAGO – Deputy Governor of Health and Human Services (HHS), Grace Hou, and Director of Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR), Jim Bennett, today presented IDHR’s annual Human Rights Awards to Youth Outlook and Mano a Mano Family Resource Center in recognition of International Human Rights Day, December 10, during a ceremony at 555 W. Monroe St., Chicago. Youth Outlook’s and Mano a Mano Family Resource Center’s work embodies the fundamental principle that huma

SPRINGFIELD – State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) has been ranked one of the most effective lawmakers in the General Assembly by the Center for Effective Lawmaking. “It is an honor to be recognized as one of the most effective legislators in Illinois,” said Rep. Elik. “The people I represent do not care about political theater - they care about results. I always fight to deliver.” The Center for Effective Lawmaking, a nonpartisan research group made up

ALTON - Mrs. Stacie Franke is pleased to announce that 22 students from the Alton High School graduating class of 2026 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars. Nearly every high school in Illinois participates in the Illinois State Scholars program, which identifies and honors the highest academically performing seniors across the state. This year, 22 outstanding students from Alton High School earned this prestigious recognition; their names are listed below. “Alton High School

HIGHLAND - Layna Powers is a well-rounded student. For her accomplishments, Layna Powers is a Platinum Transportation Student of the Month for Highland High School. Powers, a senior, has competed on the cross country and track and field teams for three years. She loves running and has completed multiple full and half marathons. This year, she aimed to run a half marathon every month, and she just finished this goal a few days ago. She also participates in Spanish Club and Media Production.

JERSEYVILLE – At Jersey Community High School, students in the Welding and Electricity programs are getting hands-on experience to meet a rising demand for skilled tradespeople. The work of students in these programs were highlighted in a social media post last week from Jersey Community Unit School District (CUSD) 100. The teachers leading these programs recently shared more insights behind the photos and highlighted the benefits their courses have to offer. Electricity Students

ILLINOIS - Republican Don Tracy is running for the U.S. Senate seat in Illinois, and he recently shared more about his platform, his major concerns, and his plan if he takes office. Tracy previously ran for state senator as a Democrat before he realized his values aligned more closely with the Republican party. He also made a bid for lieutenant governor as a Republican in 2010. Now, he’s encouraging people to vote for him in the March 17, 2026, Republican primary. “If

BETHALTO - The Bethalto Police Department is investigating a break-in involving three females who tampered with Christmas donation boxes in a local park at 5:19 p.m. on Dec. 8, 2025. The incident was captured on video surveillance, and authorities are urging the individuals to come forward voluntarily. Bethalto Police Chief Jason Lamb said the case is likely related to juveniles and that the department expects to resolve the matter shortly after reviewing the footage. "We have all those volunteers

EDWARDSVILLE — Dr. Pamela Denise Long, a former Newsweek columnist and conservative political commentator, officially filed her nominating papers recently to run for U.S. Senate in Illinois. Long aims to become the first Republican to win statewide office in Illinois since 2014 and, if successful, would be the first legacy Black American Republican woman elected to the Senate from the state. Long, a downstate resident and occupational therapist, launched her campaign in May and has since

COLLINSVILLE - Starting Dec. 3, 2025, Collinsville Police began issuing citations to drivers who line up more than 15 minutes before dismissal at three local schools if they are blocking the roadway, the Collinsville Police Department announced. The policy applies to drivers at Collinsville Upper Elementary, Collinsville Herald Elementary, and Collinsville Early Childhood Center. The department said the measure aims to prevent safety hazards caused by blocked traffic during school dismissal

EDWARDSVILLE - District #7 Board of Education Student Representatives senior Josie Proctor and junior Claire Johnson recently attended the Illinois Association of School Boards Joint Annual Conference, where they joined student board members from across the state to share ideas, learn from peers, and reflect on how student voice shapes school communities. Both Josie and Claire participated in the Student Representative session, which offered a deeper look into how Boards of Education operate.

ALTON – Two Alton residents have been charged with aggravated battery in separate felony cases, with one involving a 10-year-old victim and the other involving a glass jar used as a weapon. Janet M. Harrison, 48, of Alton, was charged on Dec. 4, 2025 with one count of aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony. On Sept. 4, 2025, Harrison allegedly knowingly caused bodily harm to a 10-year-old female child by punching the victim in the face and leaving marks. Another Alton resident also face

EAST ST. LOUIS - Brady Niemi, a sharpshooter senior point guard who plays on the boys basketball team for Edwardsville High School, is probably one of the Tigers' most improved players this season, and showed why during a 68-60 loss at East St. Louis on Dec. 5, 2025. Niemi hit five threes during the first half as the Tigers broke out to a 31-21 lead in the second quarter, but the Flyers fought back in the second half to take the win in the Southwestern Conference opener for both teams. Three

EAST ST. LOUIS — A federal judge sentenced Ligneshkumar H. Patel, a 38-year-old Indian national, to 90 months in prison on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, for his role in an imposter scheme that defrauded 11 identified victims, including elderly residents in Edwardsville and St. Louis. Patel pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and financial institution fraud, as well as two counts of wire fraud, and was ordered to pay more than $2 million in restitution. The investigation was

ALTON – The City of Alton Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce its annual Holiday Story Night with Santa, inviting families from Alton and the surrounding communities to in the Christmas season with a free, festive event. This year's Holiday Story Night offers a special opportunity for children to meet Santa Claus, enjoy delicious treats, and experience the warmth of community spirit. "We are so excited to host this free event that not only brings Santa to the

JERSEY COUNTY — Jersey County deputies responded to a two-vehicle collision with injuries early Wednesday morning, Dec. 10, 2025, at the intersection of U.S. Highway 67 and Delhi Road, according to Sheriff Nicholas J. Manns. The crash occurred at 7:37 a.m. on Wednesday when a sport utility vehicle driven by a 16-year-old female was crossing eastbound on Delhi Road and was struck by a southbound car on U.S. Highway 67 driven by a 53-year-old man. Both drivers sustained injuries in the collision,

ALTON - You can experience a powerful Christmas Cantata service at Main Street United Methodist Church this weekend. At 10:45 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, community members are invited to Main Street UMC for the Christmas Cantata service led by Michael and Julia Frazier. Pastor Nick Gleason promises music by local musicians, a retelling of the Christmas story, and a touching experience for everyone in attendance. “We hope it will enrich the lives of everyone who joins us on Sunday,”

BRIGHTON – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced a former Metro East police officer pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $58,000 from the Alton Police Department Benevolent and Protective Association while employed by the Alton Police Department. Jeremiah T. Dressler, 42, of Brighton, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, to one count of Class 2 felony theft, one count of Class 2 felony theft by deception and three counts of Class 3 felony wire fraud. Dressler’s sentencing

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced $789,426 in federal grant funding for fire departments in Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. The funds will be awarded to the City of Wood River, Chatham Village, the City of Collinsville, the Mount Olive Fire Protection District, and the Girard Fire Protection District as part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program. “I’m thrilled

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, asked for unanimous consent (UC) for the Senate to pass his bipartisan STOP CSAM Act alongside the bill’s cosponsor U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO). “I come to the floor today to ask the Senate to pass the STOP CSAM Act, bipartisan legislation that would finally open the courthouse doors to survivors of child exploitation and their families. Too many parents

What if a holiday celebrated for over two millennia still holds lessons about resilience, identity, and community that resonate deeply in today’s world? Hanukkah, often known as the Festival of Lights, is more than a festive occasion marked by candles and dreidels; it is a profound cultural emblem that reflects the enduring spirit of a people and their history. The Historical Roots of Hanukkah Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the second centur