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On January 10, 1920, the Treaty of Versailles officially took effect, bringing World War I’s peace settlement into force and setting new rules for how Europe would be organized after the war. At the time, it mattered because it confirmed Germany’s defeat, reshaped borders, created new states, and established the League of Nations in the hope that future wars could be prevented through diplomacy. It still matters today because many of the treaty’s choices—about territory,

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Todd Young (R-IN), Steve Daines (R-MT), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI.), Ted Budd (R-NC), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Mike Rounds (R-SD) to introduce the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act . The bipartisan legislation would accelerate quantum technology development and real-world applications that are vital to U.S. national

ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis region further solidified its standing as a premier national and global freight hub in 2025, propelled by continuing infrastructure investments, robust industrial expansion and collaborative workforce initiatives. The St. Louis Regional Freightway’s annual compilation summarizes the year’s most significant milestones, which have advanced the region’s multimodal connectivity, expanded its industrial real estate pipeline, and supported growth of the

HAYS, Kan. - Fort Hays State University recognized approximately 981 graduates during its fall 2025 commencement ceremonies Friday and Saturday, Dec. 12-13, at Gross Memorial Coliseum in Hays. Graduates who requested privacy are included in the count but omitted from this listing. Students are listed by their hometown, degree, and major. HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, DEGREE, MAJOR/CONCENTRATION Godfrey, IL Brittany Ritter, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

“The first injury due to the vogue of the Charleston” was reported in the Alton Evening Telegraph on January 4, 1926. The previous Saturday evening (January 2), Miss Mildred Volz of Wood River suffered a dislocation of the kneecap while dancing at the Valley Park dancing pavilion. The injury locked the knee joint and prevented all knee movement. Volz was driven to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Alton by automobile, and then, after being checked there, was taken home. “It

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned Will Chamberlain, a senior counsel at the right-wing Article III Project, in today’s Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action, and Federal Rights hearing. Durbin questioned Mr. Chamberlain about condemning political violence. In September, Mr. Chamberlain posted on X: “I’m fine with a living Constitution at the moment,

ST. LOUIS - Ameren is reminding residential customers across Missouri and Illinois that a wide range of resources remain available to support qualifying households with their energy bills in 2026. In addition to programs funded by the company, Ameren partners with United Way of Greater St. Louis, the Energy Assistance Foundation and hundreds of Community Action Agencies to ensure customers can apply for funds, including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). "As we start

EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will reopen its Centralized Enrollment Services, a convenient one-stop option for students to finalize enrollment and get connected before classes begin. Dedicated SIUE staff will be stationed in Morris University Center (MUC) to offer support to ensure the continued academic success of the record number of enrolled students for academic year 2025-26. From Thursday, Jan. 8 through Wednesday, Jan. 14, including weekend hours on both

CASEYVILLE - Caseyville Police Department welcomed Officer Michael Price to its ranks on Jan. 5, 2026, marking the start of his training at the Police Academy. Price brings nine years of service experience from the U.S. Navy, where he was assigned to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). The department expressed enthusiasm about Price joining the team, highlighting the valuable experience and dedication he offers. "We’re excited to have him on board and look forward to

BUZZ MAGAZINE – The Rose Bowl is the oldest bowl game of all, and many college football fans think it is the greatest. A Macoupin County man was a star of that game in 1957. Don Dobrino, who became a high school coaching legend at both Gillespie and Mount Olive, played a pivotal role in helping Iowa run past Oregon State 35-19 in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day 1957. It was the final game for Dobrino in a standout career with the Hawkeyes. Before that, Dobrino was one of the top

A recent Consumer Reports investigation has found that many protein powders and shakes contain troubling amounts of lead. A study of 23 protein products suggested that many powders could have risk due to lead contamination. The experts reviewed dairy, beef and plant-based protein supplements, including powders and ready-to-drink shakes. Testing showed that plant-based and chocolate flavors had the highest lead levels. Dairy-based options typically had lower lead levels but were not completely

BELLEVILLE — Sgt. Cerether White of the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department retired on Jan. 2, 2026, concluding a 25-year career marked by diverse roles and commendations. White began her service as a correctional officer on Dec. 18, 2000. During her tenure at the county jail, she was selected for the Special Operations Response Team (SORT). She later served as a D.A.R.E. officer and worked with the Drug Tactical Unit before her promotion to the patrol division in

JERSEYVILLE – Jersey Community Middle School has officially released their 2nd Quarter Honor Roll lists, recognizing several students for their hard work over the past quarter. 5th Grade Honor Roll: Adisyn Baker Kennadi Bland Thalia Calan Cade Crotchett Aubrey Cummings D’Angelo Edwards Jase Federle Una Faye Garland Jaxon Howell Jaelyn Kendall Blayklee Klunk Jayla Lane Adalynn McGiffen Clayton McKinnon Aubree Metcalfe Xander Rushing Korbin Ruyle Jase Strebel Han

EDWARDSVILLE – Lashly & Baer, P.C. announced today that it will open a new office in Edwardsville, Illinois, at 122 N Main St, Edwardsville, IL 62025, effective January 1, 2026. The new location expands the firm’s presence in Illinois and reinforces its long-term commitment to serving clients throughout the Metro East and surrounding communities. For more than a century, as a full-service firm, Lashly & Baer has developed a very diverse and extremely loyal base of local, regional

COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville, Illinois, Fire Department has become the first fire department in the St. Louis region and among the first in Illinois to deploy the new ZOLL EMS and Fire Zenix Cardiac Monitors in active service. This recent announcement marks a significant step in the department’s ongoing efforts to enhance pre-hospital emergency care and improve patient outcomes. After a thorough evaluation of available cardiac monitor platforms and consideration of long-term

EDWARDSVILLE - State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is inviting the community to help put a smile on the faces of local seniors this Valentine’s Day! She is encouraging students, scout troops, churches, families, and community groups to create heartfelt, homemade Valentine’s Day cards for residents in long-term care and assisted living facilities across the 56th District. “This is a simple way for our community to come together and show our seniors how loved and

Letter To The Editor: In 1837, in a small river town in Illinois, a mob decided it was done debating. Elijah Parish Lovejoy — a minister, newspaper editor, and abolitionist — was not killed because he attacked anyone. He was not killed because he broke the law. He was killed because he refused to stop publishing ideas that others found dangerous. Four times his printing press was destroyed. On the fifth, the mob came for more than metal and ink. They came for the man himself. Edward

MILLINGTON, Tenn. — A native of St. Louis, Mo., recently completed an intensive 10-week training program to become a member of the elite U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard. Airman Joseph Parker, a 2025 Oakville High School graduate, joined the Navy six months ago. Today, Parker serves as a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman. “I joined the Navy to ensure a better future for myself and my future family,” Parker said. Established in 1931, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard is the official

BUZZ MAGAZINE – The Madison County Historical Society (MCHS) will host their annual Winter Wine and Cheese Reception on Wednesday, January 28 from 4:30- 7:00 p.m. in the museum building at 715 N. Main Street in Edwardsville, Illinois. The event is a fundraiser to help cover operating expenses for the Madison County History Museum and Archival Library. A suggested donation of $25 can be paid by check, cash, or credit card at the door. The public is invited to attend. The museum has been

GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man faces felony charges after allegedly using fireworks to carry out a residential arson. Nicholas J. Miller, 28, of Granite City, was charged on Jan. 2, 2026 with a Class 1 felony count of residential arson. On Jan. 1, 2026, Miller allegedly knowingly damaged another person’s residence by means of fire in the 2200 block of Alexander Street in Granite City, which was occupied by the property owner. A petition to deny Miller’s pretrial release