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EAST ST. LOUIS – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), today hosted a Community Day for Metro East residents to learn more about the latest updates on flood mitigation and water infrastructure improvements throughout Cahokia Heights, East St. Louis and the region. Duckworth and Budzinski met with residents, shared their efforts at the federal level to bring funding and oversight to water infrastructure projects throughout the region and received status updates on ongoing improvement projects from USACE and local officials. Photos from today’s event are available on the Senator’s website. “For years I’ve been working to bring awareness to the longstanding flooding and environmental issues that plague this region and bring in more funding and oversight,” Duckworth said. “It took decades of neglect, lack of investment or resources and environmenta

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SPRINGFIELD - On Friday, Governor JB Pritzker signed Executive Order 2025-04 launching a statewide effort to protect vaccine access during the fall respiratory virus season. This Order establishes the Statewide Vaccine Access Initiative, led by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) in partnership with multiple state agencies to ensure Illinoisans can get the vaccines they need and can rely on science-based guidance. It also directs IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra to issue a Standing Order to allow eligible providers in pharmacy and other appropriate clinical settings to administer vaccines recommended by IDPH after consultation with its expert Immunization Advisory Committee (IAC). The Governor’s action today ensures that Illinoisans will be able to receive the immunizations they need during the anticipated rise in seasonal respiratory illnesses later this fall. “This is about making sure no family in Illinois is left wondering if they can protect themselves

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Devin Marcee, 25, of St. Louis, was charged Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, with multiple counts related to a series of burglaries and attempted thefts across South County and Affton business districts between Aug. 17 and Aug. 29. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed 15 counts of second-degree burglary, three counts of attempted second-degree burglary, one count each of first-degree property damage involving an ATM, attempted motor vehicle theft, and attempted second-degree tampering with a motor vehicle against Marcee. He is currently held on a $250,000 cash-only bond. According to the probable cause statement, Marcee allegedly targeted retail businesses by smashing glass doors and stealing merchandise and cash from registers. The incidents occurred at various locations, including the 2900 block of Telegraph Road, 4200 block of Bayless Avenue, 5500 and 2800 blocks of Telegraph Road, 8400 block of Watson Road, and multiple locations

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ALTON - Riverbend residents are invited to downtown Alton for a day of shopping this weekend. Hosted by Alton Main Street, the “Fall in Love with Downtown Alton” event invites community members to shop local small businesses on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Melissa Bland, owner of Honeybee Vintage, shared that the event aims to increase collaboration between downtown businesses while inviting community members to explore the shops. “I’m here today to invite everybody in our community to come downtown to Alton to shop your small brick-and-mortar shops tomorrow during regular business hours all day. Just drop in,” Bland said. “As long as it’s clear and sunny, people should have a good time. Just pick a place to park and go for a stroll.” Honeybee Vintage, Strangelovely, Persnickety by Jen Farley, Party on Broadway, Uncle Jeff’s T-Shirts, Coco+Oak, Funky Planet Toys and Gifts, Elysian Gallery, Mooneyham Art Gallery, Picture Thi

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GRANITE CITY – Two women from Granite City accused of recklessly firing weapons face felony charges in unrelated cases. Shenelle R. Johnson, 43, of Granite City, was charged on Sept. 2, 2025 with a Class X felony count of aggravated battery with a firearm and a Class 3 felony count of felon in possession of a weapon. Johnson allegedly discharged a firearm without legal justification, striking the victim in the shoulder and causing injury on Aug. 29, 2025. According to charging documents, her possession of the “silver handgun” used in the reported battery was unlawful given her previous felony conviction of reckless discharge of a firearm in a prior Madison County case from 2023. The state’s petition to deny Johnson’s pretrial release from custody states the victim reported seeing Johnson “circling the neighborhood” before parking near the victim’s residence. The situation escalated after the victim approached Johnson. “Victim

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ALTON — Marquette Catholic High School will face East Alton-Wood River High School in a football game at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at Alton Public School Stadium, 1513 State Street, Alton. The game has been moved from its originally scheduled time of 11 a.m. on Saturday. Marquette Catholic Athletic Director Brian Hoener said the Saturday contest time change was made because of the extremely high temperatures predicted during the day for Sept. 13. The National Weather Service predicts a high temperature of 98 degrees on Saturday. The heat index is projected to be as high as 101 degrees, the National Weather Service said on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. Marquette Catholic is 1-1 overall going into the contest and East Alton-Wood River is 0-2. Jhrodyn Croft is leading the Explorers with an average of 63 rushing yards per game and Kalin McGee, a running back, has four touchdowns so far. He has also rushed for 84 yards total to lead the team. Don'tay Longstreet and Jack Beaber ar

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GRAFTON - Pere Marquette Lodge invites the community to come out to their upcoming Halloween-themed programs. At 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 3, 2025, the lodge will host a Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner Party. This will be followed by the Halloween Paddle Battle pickleball tournament at 5 p.m. on Oct. 4 at Lions Club Park in Jerseyville. The Halloween fun wraps up with the Sippin’ with Spirits Halloween party at 6 p.m. on Oct. 24 at the lodge. “We throw an event out there just to see how it does, and we end up selling it out,” shared Arielle Niemeyer. “I get to meet some amazing people on the way. I have a great job. I’m very lucky.” The dinner party costs $60 to attend, which includes the show, tax, gratuity and dinner. There are ten seats left, and they’re going quickly. Niemeyer noted that Pere Marquette hosts multiple murder mystery dinner parties every year, and they’re always a lot of fun. “It’s a great deal,”

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COLLINSVILLE — Alexis Haynes, a student at Collinsville High School, was awarded her Apprenticeship Certificate at the City Council meeting this week, recognizing her year-long work as a housekeeper at the Gateway Convention Center. The certificate was presented by State Senator Erica Harriss, State Representative Katie Stuart, Collinsville High School teacher Cathy Kulupka, and other officials. Haynes is one of eight students with disabilities to earn the credential through the City of Collinsville Apprenticeship Program since it began in 2021. The program, a collaboration between the City of Collinsville, Madison County Employment & Training Department, Collinsville Community Unit School District #10, the Regional Office of Education, and the U.S. Department of Labor, aims to provide students with disabilities with hands-on experience and training tailored to their abilities and career interests. According to program officials, the apprenticeship offers participants the opportunity

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MARYVILLE/SAINT LOUIS - Community members are invited to support a local nonprofit that provides education, healthcare and housing to children in Zambia. African Vision of Hope, based in Maryville, will host their 25th anniversary gala on Sept. 25, 2025, in St. Louis with special guests Dennis and Laura Quaid. Judi Bertels, who started African Vision of Hope with her husband 26 years ago, shared that the gala aims to raise $200,000 to build more classrooms while finding 40 new monthly donors to support Zambian students’ higher education. “We’re about four things: a Christ-centered education, rescuing children, allowing them to grow up healthy and safe, and also just giving them some critical life skills,” Bertels said. “What I love about working with these children and adults is, they don’t have any expectations. Everything they get is a gift, and every gift they get, they multiply.” Two decades ago, Bertels volunteered to house

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GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man accused of stabbing a juvenile and another city resident charged with battering an elderly victim both face felonies in separate cases of battery. Garrett E. Redden, 19, of Granite City, was charged on Sept. 2, 2025 with one count of aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony. Redden allegedly stabbed a 14-year-old juvenile victim in the abdomen with a knife on Aug. 31, 2025. According to the state’s petition to deny his pretrial release from custody, the victim told authorities that he and his mother “went to a neighboring apartment to pick up his sister, who was at that location intoxicated.” “Victim reported that his mother confronted the defendant (who is 19 years old) about why her underage daughter was intoxicated at defendant’s residence,” the petition states. “During that confrontation, victim reported that he was in an altercation with defendant, who stabbed him in the abdomen.” The petition

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GRAFTON - Community members and firefighters with QEM Fire Protection District climbed 2,071 steps to honor the first responders lost on Sept. 11, 2001. On Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, the QEM Fire Protection District’s burn tower was set up so firefighters could climb the stairs 34 times, or the equivalent of 110 floors. Firefighters from Medora and Centralia joined the QEM firefighters, and a few community members also participated to honor 9/11 first responders. “It’s just honoring all those that gave their lives for strangers, complete strangers,” said QEM Firefighter Cameron Mank. “We just thank you guys for taking time out of your evening to come and honor those people, and then also just to support us. It’s a lot going up and down the stairs, and when you get gassed and you look at people watching you, it’s like, oh, this is why we do this.” Firefighter Victoria Westfall echoed Mank. She expressed her admiration for the first

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Did you know that the vibrant colors of autumn leaves are the result of chemical processes within the trees that transform their pigments into a spectacular palette of reds, oranges, and yellows? This natural phenomenon creates some of the most breathtaking landscapes, making fall hikes a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature’s artistry. But where exactly should you go to witness these vivid displays, and how can you make the most of your foliage adventure? Understanding the Science Behind Fall Foliage Before diving into the best hiking spots, it’s helpful to understand what causes the dazzling colors of fall. As daylight decreases and temperatures drop, chlorophyll (the green pigment in leaves) breaks down, revealing other pigments such as carotenoids (yellow and orange) and anthocyanins (red and purple). The intensity of these colors depends on several factors, including temperature, moisture, and sunlight. For hikers, this means timing and location are crucial

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September 12 has long been a date marked by pivotal events that have shaped our world in profound ways. On September 12, 1998, the first satellite phone network was launched, forever transforming global communication. This event marked a significant leap in technology, offering reliable voice and data services in even the most remote and inaccessible regions of the planet. Before this, communication in isolated areas was often unreliable or impossible, hampering everything from emergency response efforts to everyday connectivity. The satellite phone network bridged this gap, enabling instant communication regardless of geography and laying the groundwork for the interconnected world we live in today. The launch of this network was the culmination of decades of research and development in satellite and telecommunications technology. It opened new possibilities for global business, disaster response, and even personal communication, ensuring that no matter where someone was, they coul

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) today met with U.S. Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan to discuss the limited logistical support provided by Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL) to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials as they ramp up increased immigration enforcement operations across the Chicago area during “Operation Midway Blitz.” At DHS’s request, NSGL has agreed to provide limited logistical support, to include office space, parking, and storage space for nonlethal munitions. No Navy personnel or resources will be involved in immigration raids directed by DHS in the Chicago area. During the meeting, the lawmakers underscored that transparency is essential as the Trump Administration increases ICE’s presence in the Chicago area and continues to threaten to deploy the National

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent the following statement after Senate Republicans voted against releasing the Epstein files: “The American people have asked for the truth about the Epstein files, but the Trump Administration has stalled, distracted, and fabricated falsehoods to prevent the release of the files. It’s about transparency in government and holding abusers accountable,” Durbin said. “The Epstein files must come to light, in a manner that protects survivors of his abuse—that’s why I joined my Democratic colleagues in voting in favor of releasing them.” Durbin is a cosponsor of Merkley’s Epstein Files Transparency Act , legislation to provide full transparency for the American people, accountability for individuals involved with Epstein, and justice for all victims harmed. As story after story trickles out about the Trump

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ALTON – Two Alton-area residents are among four charged last week with possession of various stolen vehicles. May E. Lewis, 41, of Alton, was charged on Sept. 4, 2025 with one count of offenses related to motor vehicles, a Class 2 felony. Lewis allegedly possessed a 2019 Infiniti vehicle bearing an Illinois registration number which she reportedly knew had been stolen on July 19, 2025. Michael A. Proffer, 46, of East Alton, was also charged on the same day with a Class 2 felony count of offenses related to motor vehicles. Proffer is accused of knowingly possessing a stolen 2007 Dodge Dakota with an Illinois registration number on May 9, 2025. 68-year old Rickey D. Hayes of Hartford, was also charged on Sept. 4 with one count of offenses related to motor vehicles, also a Class 2 felony. On July 30, 2025, Hayes was reportedly knowingly in possession of a stolen 2025 Nissan Versa bearing an Ohio vehicle registration number. Steven W. Callender, 44, of Gillespie, was charged two

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — After Donald Trump effectively declared war against the city of Chicago, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—called out this dangerous, wasteful and unconstitutional abuse of the military against American cities. During Duckworth’s questioning at General Christopher J. Mahoney’s confirmation hearing to serve as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mahoney agreed that it wasn’t appropriate for troops to police their fellow Americans. Not only did Duckworth underscore that abusing our military this way was wholly unconstitutional, but that it is also a waste of resources and distracts our servicemembers from their core mission of keeping Americans safe from adversaries who wish us harm. Duckworth’s full remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube . “Our servicemembers did not sign up for Donald Trump’s war against

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered remarks during today’s Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting where he spoke on President Trump’s extreme and unqualified judges. During his opening statement, Durbin first reflected on the anniversary of September 11th. The Committee voted on the nominations of Joshua Dunlap, nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit; Eric Tung, nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; William Mercer, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana; and Stephen Chad Meredith, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “This 24th anniversary brings to mind that fateful morning when I was in the Capitol building. I was in a meeting with then-Senator Daschle. We looked out the window, down the Mall, saw black smoke billowing from the Pentagon, realizing something

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ALTON - Myrtle Stiles walked away from her life on Tuesday, September 8, 1925: her 42nd birthday. Her husband, Elmore, reported her missing to the police the next day. He was very anxious to get in touch with anyone who could give him an update on his wife’s whereabouts. An article in the Alton Evening Telegraph on September 10, 1925, told of the disappearance and quoted Mr. Stiles as having said that for the past year or more, Mrs. Stiles had been in poor health and on several occasions threatened to leave her family. The Stiles family had lived in Alton for the past five years after moving to the area from Hardin (Calhoun County). They lived at 1209 ½ Belle Street. Elmore was at work at the Bluff City Brewery Company ice plant when his wife departed. She took many of her clothes with her. Their oldest daughter, Vera, came by the house on Tuesday evening and found the children (11, 6, and 4) in bed and her mother gone. Myrtle was still away almost a week later.

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BELLEVILLE - The Belleville community gathered for a ceremony to remember the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks today. On Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, community members and leaders met at the September 11 Memorial Walkway of Southern Illinois in Belleville. This memorial stands year-round outside of the Belleville Fire Department, but the space took on special significance on the 24th anniversary of 9/11 as community members, first responders and elected officials commemorated the bravery and sacrifice of those who were affected. “Today, we come together in Southern Illinois to remember those who were killed and those who survived the attack,” said Sharon Strausbaugh, chairperson of the September 11 Memorial Walkway of Southern Illinois Committee. “We’re here to honor the sacrifices of the first responders and the recovery workers who ran toward danger to aid and to rescue, and to recapture the spirit of unity and service that developed in the aftermath of

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