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Brennan Center report predicts mass voter challenges likely in midterm elections

1 day 5 hours ago
WASHINGTON — Mass voter challenges are likely to occur in the 2026 midterm elections, the Brennan Center for Justice warned Tuesday, with the potential to “undermine the democratic process.” President Donald Trump and the Republican Party have been laying the groundwork for questioning the election process in state after state, as Trump has made “election […]
David Lightman

Report: ISU is Largest Preparer of Teachers Among American Public Universities

1 day 5 hours ago
NORMAL - It’s already Back to School time, as youngsters prepare to head back to the classrooms. When they get there, it’s a good chance that they may have a teacher from Illinois State. Overall, one of six teachers in the state of Illinois hold a degree from ISU. At least one ISU graduate is employed in 87 percent of the public school districts in Illinois. Founded as the state’s first public institution of higher learning in 1857, ISU was a “normal school,”

Private investment in youth sports draws state, federal scrutiny

1 day 5 hours ago
Courtney Hamby and her husband spend close to $6,000 per year for their daughter Ellie’s cheer and tumbling classes, competition fees and uniforms. That doesn’t include their travel expenses for multiple out-of-town competitions, including hotel rooms, gas, meals, and sometimes even flights. “This should be something that everyone gets to play, and it shouldn’t be […]
Anna Claire Vollers

St. Clair Prosecutor Declines Charges in Trooper Shooting

1 day 6 hours ago
ST. CLAIR COUNTY - St. Clair County State’s Attorney James Gomric said this week he will not file criminal charges against an Illinois state trooper in the Jan. 4, 2026, fatal shooting of Rachel E. Tarrence in East St. Louis, after reviews by his office and the Illinois State Police Division of Internal Investigation. In a letter released after Gomric said he met with Tarrence’s family and their attorney, the state’s attorney said the decision followed a review of video, audio,

Woman Reported Missing After Last Sighting in Mitchell

1 day 6 hours ago
MITCHELL - The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating Beatrice Robertson, a 45-year-old white woman who was last seen around 5 p.m. Monday, July 20, in the Mitchell area. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office said Robertson has brown hair and is 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 170 pounds. Authorities said she was believed to be wearing a purple short-sleeved shirt and jean shorts, along with a small purple souvenir-style backpack. She

Woman Critically Injured After Gunfire Hits Her Home

1 day 6 hours ago
ST. LOUIS - A 44-year-old woman was critically injured early Tuesday, July 21, 2026, after gunfire from outside her Greater Ville residence struck the home, prompting a St. Louis Metropolitan Police District 5 investigation, authorities said. Officers were called just before 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2026, to a local hospital after the woman was dropped off with a gunshot wound to her back, according to the information released. She was listed in critical but stable condition. A preliminary

Illinois State Police Combats Vehicle Hijacking And Theft

1 day 6 hours ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) continues to target vehicle theft, hijacking, and related violent crimes using grant funding from the Illinois Secretary of State Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council. ISP was awarded a $10 million grant for the first fiscal year, another $677,000 in June 2024, and $637,500 in July 2025. From April through June 2026, ISP missions resulted in the following: Vehicles recovered –