SPRINGFIELD – Starting Jan. 1, 2026, a new law supported by State Senator Christopher Belt will allow smaller poultry producers increased access to the poultry market while still upholding basic food safety measures. “Farmers markets are popping up all over Illinois. They are a great way to grow local businesses, and now we will allow smaller poultry producers in on that growth,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This is a big win for family farms and local chicken producers.”
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today led a coalition of 20 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) strongly opposing the CFPB’s proposed changes to regulations implementing the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA). According to the coalition, the proposed changes violate the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and weaken the ECOA’s protections against discriminatory and unfair treatment in credit markets. Raou
COLUMBUS, Ohio — White Castle Frozen Food Division has initiated a recall of 1,021 cases of its retail frozen 4-count cartons of Original Sliders due to undeclared milk and soy. The carton may contain Jalapeño Cheese Sliders. Jalapeño Cheese Sliders contain milk and soy, allergens that are not on the Original Slider carton label. Consumers with an allergy or sensitivity to milk or soy run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product.
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in suing the Trump administration over its unlawful policy imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions for highly-skilled foreign national workers. In the lawsuit that will be filed, Raoul and the coalition allege the policy implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) violates the law because it charges an additional, unwarranted fee that is contrary to Congress’ intent in
Did you know that nearly 60% of people report feeling more stressed during the holiday season than at any other time of year? Despite the joy and celebration, the holidays often bring an undercurrent of anxiety, overwhelm, and emotional fatigue. What if the key to navigating this tumultuous period isn’t found in external changes but rather in cultivating a mindful inner presence? Mindfulness—the practice of intentionally focusing on the present moment with openness and non-judgment—can
Did you know that the ugly sweater trend, once a niche joke, has grown into a billion-dollar industry? According to market research, holiday-themed sweaters now generate hundreds of millions in sales annually, with ugly sweaters making up a significant portion. But beyond commerce, the ugly sweater holiday party has become a cultural phenomenon—an event where fun, creativity, and a touch of kitsch come together to create memorable experiences. Hosting such a party is more than just asking
Imagine this: a well-designed holiday table setting can enhance the dining experience so profoundly that guests remember it long after the last bite. Studies show that ambiance and visual appeal influence not only appetite but also the mood and social interactions during a meal. A festive tablescape is more than just decoration; it’s a subtle orchestrator of memories and emotions. But how do you craft a tablescape that balances beauty, function, and festivity without feeling overwhelming
December 15 has long been a day marked by monumental events that have shaped the course of history across the globe. Looking back, December 15, 1791, is a cornerstone day in the history of democratic governance — the ratification of the United States Bill of Rights. This foundational document, comprising the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, enshrined fundamental freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as protections against governmental abuses.
You can expect a sunny, breezy day in area with a high near 42 and a low around 25. Winds will come from the south-southwest at 14 mph with gusts up to 27 mph. This morning will start clear and bright with a cold but gradually warming trend. By afternoon, sunshine continues with a steady breeze making it feel chilly but not as cold as before. Evening looks mostly clear with lighter winds. Overnight, skies stay mostly clear with temperatures dropping back to the mid-20s. Tomorrow's forecast calls
ALTON — Holly Kim, Lake County Treasurer and candidate for Illinois Comptroller, will host a Meet and Greet from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, at the Alton Sports Tap, 3812 College Avenue. The event will include free light bites and offers an opportunity for voters to engage directly with Kim. Kim currently manages Lake County’s finances and performs duties akin to those of a comptroller, including issuing checks and overseeing fiscal accountability. She is running t
ST. CLAIR COUNTY — On Thursday evening, December 4, 2025, at 7:49 p.m., the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department responded to a 911 call reporting an active disturbance and potential robbery aboard an eastbound train near the Memorial Hospital Metrolink station. Two deputies on safety patrol at the Fairview Heights Metrolink Station encountered the victim, a 37-year-old man, who reported being physically assaulted by two male suspects and one female suspect. The victim sustained
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — Investigators with the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis found the body of a woman during the execution of a search warrant connected to a shooting incident in the 3900 block of Walnut Street on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, authorities said. The woman, identified as 44-year-old Laniya Joyce White of East St. Louis, was discovered inside the residence with apparent gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Major Case Squad. The initial shooting
ALTON – Alton Police have charged a local resident in his sixth case of domestic battery involving an illegally possessed firearm. Bura L. Robinson III, 54, of Alton, was charged on Dec. 8, 2025 with his sixth or subsequent offense of domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, and felon in possession of a weapon, a Class 3 felony. On Dec. 6, 2025, Robinson allegedly made physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature against a household or family member on Dec. 6, 2025. He was also
ALTON — Heather Brown, a woman in her mid-40s, is reported missing, prompting concern from her family and friends. She was last seen wearing jeans, grey shoes, a tan sweater, a zipper grey vest, and a black jacket, carrying a pink backpack. Heather is in her mid-40s with brown hair when last seen. She is 5-foot-7, 120 pounds. She was wearing jeans, grey shoes, a tan sweater, a zipper vest, and a black jacket when last seen. She also had a pink backpack. Her car is a mid-2000s Silver/Goldis
December 13 and 14 stand out in history as days marked by groundbreaking achievements and significant events that have shaped various facets of global society. In 1545, the Council of Trent, a major Roman Catholic ecumenical council, convened its first session on December 13. This council played a critical role in the Counter-Reformation, addressing doctrinal issues and initiating reforms that shaped the course of the Catholic Church for centuries. The decisions made during the council influenced
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that total nonfarm payrolls were nearly unchanged over-the-month in September, down -2,200 (0.0%) to 6,162,600. The August monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from -13,300 to -2,200. The industry sectors with the largest over-the-month jobs increases included: Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+1,200), Information (+1,200), Leisure and Hospitality (+900), and Other Service
ALTON - Community members are invited to the Alton Eagle Ice Festival in January, where you can meet live eagles, watch fire performers, enjoy an ice-carving competition, and more. From 5–10 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, various locations across Alton will host Eagle Ice Fest events and fun. The main base is at FLOCK Food Truck Park, the National Great Rivers Museum and the Audubon Center at Riverlands. Many downtown small businesses will als
WOOD RIVER – Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Eagles of the Month” program at Civic Memorial High School. Senior students are selected each month by members of the Civic Memorial faculty to represent each department. All students are awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. Two Seniors (1 female student and 1 male student) that were selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $500.00 “Eagles of the Year” scholarship eac
SPRINGFIELD – Southern Illinois University Medicine has launched a national search for its next dean, provost and CEO. The search will be conducted in partnership with Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm specializing in academic medicine and higher education leadership. Isaacson, Miller was selected after a competitive process for its depth of experience placing health care leaders, strong record with comparable roles and high-touch, tailored approach to executive recruitment.
SPRINGFIELD – Struggling to find the right holiday gift for a child? Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has one. Invest in a young person’s future by contributing to their Bright Start 529 college savings account. “Every time you make a Bright Start contribution, that kid sees that you believe in them. That’s a powerful message to hear from a loved one – you know that they have what it takes to pursue higher education when they finish high school,”
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