WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at a spotlight forum on protecting election security as the Trump Administration continues to restrict Americans’ voting rights and President Trump and some congressional Republicans continue to push the SAVE America Act. The spotlight forum comes after the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Louisiana v. Callais , in which
WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, continued his calls for serious reforms to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Section 702 allows the government to collect the private communications of foreigners overseas without a warrant. The problem is that millions, and potentially billions, of innocent Americans’ communications with friends, family
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) in introducing the Make More in America Act to rebuild American manufacturing capacity in industries critical
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois General Assembly has approved legislation backed by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to modernize Illinois distracted driving laws by addressing the use of artificial intelligence smart glasses and other emerging technologies behind the wheel. House Bill 4843 updates the Illinois Vehicle Code to clarify that electronic communication devices include artificial intelligence smart glasses, ensuring Illinois law keeps pace with rapidly evolving
GODFREY, IL – Lewis and Clark Community College is hitting the road this summer through its new “LC Road Trip” outreach initiative. Throughout June and July, LC staff members will travel to libraries, community centers, and public locations across the community college district to connect with prospective students and families. They will answer questions about enrollment, provide information on financial aid and academic programs, and strengthen community partnerships.
ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education recently heard from community members about the Reimagine Alton initiative that encouraged community involvement. During their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the Board listened as community leaders Damian Jones and Karen Wilson shared more about their experience with Reimagine Alton. This initiative invited stakeholders to engage with the school district and express their concerns, which were then addressed
GODFREY – Students from Lewis and Clark Community College won top prizes at the Future Business Leaders of America, Inc.’s (FBLA) National Leadership Conference (NLC) earlier this month. The event, held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from June 6-8, attracted college students, educators, and volunteers from across the country. The NLC provides education, competition, and networking opportunities centered on business. More than 1,300 attendees from nearly 200 colleges and universities
People often blame stress for restless nights, but a few extra degrees in the bedroom can quietly do just as much damage. Sleep is not just about being tired. It also depends on timing, light, body temperature, and daily habits. That is why many people notice that sleep feels different during the hottest months. They may fall asleep later, wake up more often, or get out of bed feeling less refreshed even after spending enough hours there. Heat is the obvious reason, but it is not the only one
Wednesday starts partly sunny and quiet, with temperatures in the upper 60s and a light breeze out of the ESE. It will not stay quiet for long. Through the late morning and into the afternoon, clouds and sunshine will mix as winds pick up from the south-southwest at 20 to 30 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph. The temperature climbs to a high near 90, and the air should feel close to the actual reading. By late afternoon, the forecast turns more active. There is a 55% chance of thunderstorms, and some
On June 17, the most far-reaching event in world history is the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775, one of the earliest major clashes of the American Revolutionary War. Fought near Boston, the battle showed that colonial forces could stand up to the British Army in open combat, even though the British eventually took the ground. At the time, it changed how both sides viewed the conflict: Britain saw that defeating the rebellion would be harder and costlier than expected, while the colonists gained
GODFREY - An evening of puzzle-solving and fundraising is set for Thursday, June 25, 2026, in Godfrey, where teams will compete in a 500-piece jigsaw contest to benefit Operation Blessing. The Jigsaw Puzzle Competition will run from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Godfrey KC Hall, 1713 Stamper Lane. Doors open at 6 p.m. Organizers are inviting friends, families, coworkers and “puzzle aces” to take part in the event, which will feature teams racing to complete the same puzzle for a cash
EAST ALTON - Several proposals, including a police promotion, demolition plans for four properties, and the purchase of new basketball hoops for the Keasler Complex, passed unanimously during an East Alton board meeting Tuesday night. Among the measures approved in East Alton were the appointment of Officer Wesley Hockaday to sergeant, demolition of four properties, the addition of six basketball hoops at the Keasler Complex, and a Class A liquor license for a new convenience store at 605
GODFREY – A new fiber optic network will be built in Godfrey after trustees reconsidered a previously rejected proposal from Socket Fiber. Village Board members unanimously approved a right-of-way license agreement with Socket Telecom, LLC (Socket Fiber) to install a residential and commercial fiber network in Godfrey at their June 16, 2026 meeting . This comes nearly a month after trustees unanimously rejected the company’s proposal amid concerns the new network would overlap
EAST ST. LOUIS - Three East St. Louis Senior High School students were recognized for their academic achievements by Walker’s Winners, a nonprofit sponsored by St. Louis Cardinals player Jordan Walker and managed by his mother, Katrina Walker. As a reward for meeting their academic goals during the school year, the students attended a Cardinals game last Sunday, the district said. They were accompanied by Ms. Sparks, a member of the school staff. The East St. Louis School District
GODFREY – A man from Godfrey accused of attacking two people including a disabled victim faces felony charges in Jersey County. Trevor J. Garrison, 23, of Godfrey, was charged on June 8, 2026 with two Class 3 felony counts of aggravated battery. The charges stem from an alleged incident on June 5, 2026, when Garrison is accused of attacking two different victims, one of whom he knew was disabled. Garrison reportedly threw the disabled victim out of their wheelchair before punching and
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) issued the following statement after Governor JB Pritzker signed the Fiscal Year 2027 state budget into law: “Today, Governor Pritzker continued his eight-year pattern of taking more from taxpayers to fund a bloated, out-of-control budget that ignores the affordability crisis hitting hardworking families across Illinois. “Since taking office, Governor Pritzker has helped balloon state spending to nearly $56 billion,
CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton joined legislative leaders and members of the General Assembly to sign the FY27 state budget package. The $55.9 billion balanced General Funds budget continues seven years of fiscal progress while prioritizing affordability for working families through housing support, food assistance, tax relief measures, and investments in education and healthcare — all without raising taxes on working people. “I’m
BELLEVILLE — As many Indigenous and Pacific Island languages face declining use among younger generations, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is helping preserve one of the world's oldest living Polynesian languages through one of the few university-based Samoan language courses offered in the United States. Samoan 101, taught by educator and social media language advocate Viliamu (William) Fanene, entered its second week this Tuesday at SIUE's Belleville campus. The course brings
JERSEYVILLE — Eighth-grade students in the Summer STEM class at Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100 recently completed a sustainable energy unit by designing and building windmill models from recycled and repurposed materials, applying lessons on renewable energy and environmental protection through a hands-on project. The project focused on wind energy as students demonstrated their understanding of the topic through model building. Jersey Community School District
ELSAH – Owner Julie Connoyer recently announced the upcoming closure of her Elsah business “Peace Works – a Market with a Mission.” After nearly six years with “Peace of Quiche — a Cafe with a Cause” in Grafton and over seven years at Peace Works in Elsah, Julie is moving on. There are several reasons for her decision, including the current tariffs on imported fair trade goods. “The tariff impact on some of our poorest countries has hurt my missio
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