BELLEVILLE/SAINT LOUIS - A new book explores Forest Park’s history and legacy. This past weekend at Belleville Books in Belleville, authors Amanda Doyle and Cameron Collins shared their book “Forest Park: St. Louis’s Gathering Place Since 1876.” This book explores the park’s 150-year history through newspaper articles, historical documents, and the memories of St. Louis residents. “We wanted to have a project that would really celebrate the park as we
On August 16, one of the most consequential events in global history is the 1945 announcement that Japan would accept the terms of surrender in the Second World War. Emperor Hirohito’s recorded message, broadcast to the Japanese public for the first time, marked the effective end of the war in Asia and brought the deadliest conflict in human history to a close. At the time, it mattered because it stopped years of destruction that had spread across continents and oceans, caused immense civilia
CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement after Stellantis announced that it plans to invest more than $800 million at its Belvidere facility: “Today’s announcement builds on Stellantis’ commitment to bring thousands of good-paying jobs back to Belvidere and represents another major vote of confidence in Illinois workers and the future of Illinois manufacturing. By increasing its investment to more than $800 million and selecting Belvidere
CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) has published its 2027-2028 Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) , which establishes the rules and criteria governing Illinois’ Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, the state’s primary tool for financing the creation and preservation of affordable housing. The new QAP is part of Governor Pritzker’s broader housing strategy to address Illinois’ housing from multiple facets: maximizing limited federal
SKOKIE, Ill. — The Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI), in collaboration with Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Kevin Olickal, is hosting an in person Business Enterprise Program (BEP) and Veterans Business Program (VBP) Certification Kickstart Workshop on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Oakton College in Skokie, IL. This interactive training session is designed to help small, diverse, and veteran owned businesses begin or complete the State certification proces
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), along with 26 of their Democratic Senate colleagues, in demanding that Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. reverse the Department’s destructive cancellations of lifesaving health research grants administered by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
SWANSEA – State Senator Christopher Belt is proud to announce eight libraries in the 57th District will be receiving over $200,000 for literacy program enhancements, workplace skills development and more. “Reading is a wonderful gift,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Whether you had a late start or have physical limitations, these grants will go toward spreading that gift to everyone.” The latest round of funding through the Illinois Secretary of State includes more than
BELLEVILLE — The Illinois Department of Transportation will host an information session Aug. 18, 2026, in Belleville as it seeks to hire 286 seasonal workers to help with snow and ice removal in the Metro East and surrounding counties during the winter months. The session is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Illinois Department of Employment Security, 7650 Magna Drive. IDOT representatives will be available to answer questions and assist with the application process. The department is hiring
SPRINGFIELD - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today encouraged Illinois families to visit his office’s tent at the 2026 Illinois State Fair, which is located on Grandstand Avenue and offers many free resources focused on enhancing public safety and protecting children from online dangers, including risks posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI). “I encourage all families to visit the Attorney General’s tent to learn about the important services my office provides and how we wor
On August 15, one of the most significant events in modern global history is the end of Japanese rule in Korea in 1945. On that day, as Japan announced its surrender in the Second World War, Korea was liberated after 35 years of colonial control. For millions of Koreans, it marked the end of political repression, forced assimilation, and wartime hardship. The date still matters because liberation did not bring immediate stability. Instead, it was followed by division, rival governments, and eventuall
GRANITE CITY - State Senator Erica Harriss and State Representative Amy Elik are teaming up with over 50 local and state employers to host a free job fair in Granite City. Attendees are encouraged to bring plenty of resumes and dress for success. Friday, August 28 9:00AM – 1:00PM The Commons at SWIC (Sam Wolf Granite City Campus) 4950 Maryville Road, Granite City The event is free and open to the public. Employers include: 1st MidAmerica Credit Union Alton School District Ameren
SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) and the Cook County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) today announced the launch of a dedicated 24/7 callout line and email address for the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Crisis Response Therapy Canine Certification Program, making it easier than ever for schools, first responders, local governments, businesses, community organizations and residents across Illinois to request the support of certified crisis response
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee (CST) on Aviation, Space and Innovation—joined U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) in reintroducing the Cabin Air Safety Act , bicameral legislation to protect airline pilots, flight attendants and passengers from toxic cabin air. Building on cabin air reporting provisions secured in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today highlighted a new report from the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee showing that Illinois families are paying $3,800 more on average just to afford everyday essentials as the cost of gas, groceries, housing and health care skyrockets due to the Trump Administration’s disastrous policies. Despite Donald Trump’s repeated pledges to lower costs on day one, the President’s reckless tariffs
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A 19-year-old St. Louis County woman was charged Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026, with abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death after authorities said her 11-month-old daughter died from blunt force trauma following an April 8, 2026, emergency response at a home on Torii Drive. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued the charge against Shaykala Watson, of the 8800 block of Torii Drive in St. Louis. Watson is being held
MONTGOMERY COUNTY – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a Litchfield, Illinois man was sentenced to 23 years in prison for disseminating child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. Dean Beasley, 19, was sentenced today in Montgomery County Circuit Court after
GODFREY/ALTON - Two Riverbend staples are partnering to build up the next generation of nurses. Vitality Women’s Clinic regularly welcomes nursing students from CALC Institute of Technology to shadow nurses and learn more about patient care. Jackie Duty, Vitality’s executive director, highlighted the value of engaging with students and bringing these generations together to provide care for individuals experiencing unplanned pregnancies. “You can see that really cool collaboration
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced that drivers harmed by Grubhub’s deceptive earnings claims and consumers harmed by the company’s misleading and unlawful conduct will soon receive financial relief. Under a settlement obtained by Raoul, in partnership with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the FTC is sending payments totaling more than $23.8 million to drivers and consumers nationwide. “This settlement was the culmination of a multi-year investigation
ALTON - The Alton Marina will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a Miami Vice-themed party. From 6–10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, community members can stop by the marina to enjoy drink specials, giveaways, live music by The Klose Kuarters Band, and more. Manager Rob Honke looks forward to welcoming the community to learn more about the marina and celebrate their milestone year. “The marina is turning 30,” he said. “I’m hoping to see some pastel suits
COLLINSVILLE — Illinois State Police will conduct roadside safety checks in Madison and St. Clair counties during August, Troop 8 Commander Capt. Casey Faro announced, citing efforts to increase public awareness, enforce traffic laws and save lives. Officers working the details will watch for motorists who show signs of impaired driving, operate vehicles in an unsafe manner, drive with a suspended or revoked license, transport open alcoholic beverages, fail to use seatbelts or child restraints
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