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
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today participated in a bicameral spotlight forum entitled “Our Values at Stake: DHS Overreach and Violations of U.S. Citizen Rights.” The forum, convened by U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), provided a public platform for five U.S. citizens, including Dayanne Figueroa of Chicago, to share their story of being arbitraril
CHICAGO — Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 21 states, sent a letter to congressional leadership urging them to reject attempts to derail negotiations around the extension of tax credits that are part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by tying them to unlawful restrictions on state ACA insurance plans that would prohibit coverage of abortion. In the letter, the coalition argues that such a proposal would violate state sovereignty, conflict with existing state laws
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced the third official notice of funding opportunity through the Illinois National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, which will provide approximately $65.6 million for the construction of charging stations across the state. The latest opportunity builds on the first two rounds, which awarded funding for 62 charging stations along Illinois interstates to help meet Gov. JB Pritzker’s goal to have 1 million electric
CHICAGO — Attorney General Kwame Raoul won his lawsuit against the Trump administration over its unlawful order to freeze all federal permitting of wind energy projects. In May, Raoul and a coalition of attorneys general filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s decision to indefinitely halt all federal approvals necessary for the development of offshore and onshore wind energy projects pending federal review. Today, a federal judge in the United States District Cour
EDWARDSVILLE - State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) has been named a 2025 Prairie State Policy Champion by the Americans for Prosperity Illinois Chapter (AFP-IL), recognizing her leadership on lower taxes, educational freedoms, and policies that make Illinois a stronger, more prosperous state. “I am deeply honored to be named a Prairie State Policy Champion,” said Senator Harriss. “When I came to Springfield, lowering taxes was my top priority. To be recognized in
CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined bill sponsors, officials, and community advocates in Chicago’s Little Village to sign HB 1312. This pivotal legislation enshrines protections for immigrant families in Illinois in the wake of the Trump Administration’s lawless and aggressive immigration enforcement actions. “With my signature today, we are protecting people and institutions that belong here in Illinois. Dropping your kid off at day care, going to the doctor,
CHICAGO – The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is reminding customers that the state’s winter weather rule is in effect from December 1 - March 31. The winter weather rule limits utilities from disconnecting eligible customers who use electric or gas as their primary source of home heating. “Illinois winters are known for frigid temperatures and frequent snowfall. The winter weather rule protects customers who might otherwise struggle to stay warm during the coldest month
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued an updated standing order which adds Illinois public libraries to the list of locations that are permitted to keep a supply of opioid overdose reversal agents on hand, and to allow trained staff to administer them in the event of a suspected overdose on their premises. The revised standing order will make it easier for libraries to comply with new provisions of the Illinois Local Library Act which will take effect
December 10th has long stood as a day marked by profound global significance. Arguably the most impactful event commemorated on December 10th is the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize. Established by the will of Alfred Nobel, the Nobel Peace Prize has been presented annually on this date since 1901, honoring individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to world peace. This tradition not only celebrates remarkable achievements but also serves as a beacon of hope and
BUNKER HILL — Illinois State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred Tuesday evening, Dec. 9, 2025, at the intersection of Illinois Route 159 and Mansholt Road. According to authorities, ISP Troop 8 responded to a two-vehicle collision at the location. One occupant was pronounced dead at the scene. The ISP stated that the roadway was closed for several hours and reopened at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The Bunker Hill Fire Department, Shipman Fire
ALTON — Lines fell Wednesday morning, Dec. 10, 2025, on College Avenue at Park Avenue in Alton, draping across a van and prompting the closure of all lanes while authorities await Ameren’s response. The incident occurred amid a Wind Advisory issued for Madison County until noon, with forecasted gusts reaching 40 to 50 mph. Such winds are strong enough to bring down tree limbs, topple garbage cans, and displace holiday decorations. A service line and pole that broke caused the
JERSEY COUNTY — Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns reported that deputies responded to a serious two-car collision Wednesday morning at the intersection of U.S. 67 and Delhi Road. One female involved in the crash was transported by helicopter to a hospital in St. Louis, Manns said. Manns added that a male passenger was taken to Jersey Community Hospital for additional care. The cause of the collision remains under investigation, and no further details were immediately available, Manns said.
GODFREY - The North Alton-Godfrey Business Council recently hosted their Breakfast With Santa event, and NAGBC President Zeke Jabusch couldn’t be prouder of their work. On Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, community members came together for a hot breakfast and photos with Santa Claus in Godfrey. Jabusch noted his gratitude for the crowd and the people who have made the event happen for the past 21 years. “We’re so pleased to be able to do this,” he said. “This is
RIVERBEND - It’s time to get a jump on those New Year’s resolutions! If you’re feeling the reason for the season and want to help out your community in 2026, keep reading. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities in the Riverbend region that might be a great fit for you. Alton Main Street — Alton Alton Main Street organizes several events and programs in downtown Alton. They need volunteers to help at the Alton Farmers Market, Mississippi Earthtones Festival,
ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. — Emergency crews responded Wednesday morning, Dec. 10, 2025, to a water rescue near West Alton after a boat overturned on the Mississippi River, authorities said. The incident occurred near the Lincoln Shields Recreation Area, north of the Clark Bridge. St. Charles County requested assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol following reports that two duck hunters were in the overturned boat. Officials confirmed that both individuals were safely out of the
When people talk about mental health, the conversation often turns toward children, teens, or women seeking support. While these are crucial discussions, one group continues to fall through the cracks-men. For generations, men were raised to hide pain, suppress emotions, and “tough it out.” Today, the result of that culture shows up in statistics that are difficult to ignore. Men are less likely to seek help for mental health challenges, yet more likely to die from suicide. They
Expect a breezy and cool day with a high near 42 and a low around 25. Winds will blow from the northwest at 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph, making it feel colder than the actual temperature. There's a chance of light snow flurries today, so keep your jacket handy. This morning will start mostly cloudy with light flurries possible. As you move into the afternoon, the wind picks up and temperatures remain cool, making it feel more like 30 degrees. The evening brings mostly cloudy skies with
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