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WASHINGTON (AP) — The grand military parade that President Donald Trump had been wanting for years barreled down Constitution Avenue on Saturday with tanks, troops and a 21-gun salute, playing out against the counterpoint of protests around the country by those who decried the U.S. leader as a dictator and would-be king. The Republican president, on his [...]

World-renowned opera singer Jermaine Smith will take on a new role in the Broadway-style musical Five Guys Named Moe, a tribute to jazz legend Louis Jordan, at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on UMSL's campus on June 21.

Did you know that the American flag has undergone 27 official versions since its inception, each reflecting the evolving identity of the nation? Behind the stars and stripes lies a rich history that is commemorated annually on Flag Day, a celebration that honors not just a symbol, but the ideals and unity it represents. The Origins of Flag Day Flag Day in the United States is observed on June 14, a date chosen to honor the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. The resolution that created the flag stated: “Resolved, That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” The idea of dedicating a specific day to the flag emerged over a century later. One pivotal figure was Bernard J. Cigrand, a schoolteacher who first celebrated Flag Day in 1885 in Waubeka, Wisconsin.

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June 14 has long been a date marked by transformative moments that have rippled across the globe, shaping societies and inspiring generations. One of the most globally impactful events that took place on June 14 happened in 1777, when the Continental Congress of the United States adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official national flag. This was more than just a design choice; it was a bold statement of unity and identity amid the struggle for independence. The flag, with its thirteen stars and stripes, represented the original thirteen colonies coming together, symbolizing hope, freedom, and the birth of a nation. Today, the American flag remains a potent emblem of resilience and patriotism, recognized worldwide. Moving forward in history, June 14, 1846, marked a significant moment in the expansion of the American frontier. The Oregon Treaty was signed between the United States and Great Britain, setting the boundary at the 49th parallel and peacefully resolving territorial disputes

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Backstage compiled a list of projects casting right now in Missouri, neighboring states, and nationwide, and which roles they're looking to fill.

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, with leaders from 21 states, filed an amicus brief supporting California’s request for a court order blocking President Trump’s unlawful federalization and deployment of that state’s National Guard. The amicus brief outlines how Trump’s action is wholly inconsistent with our nation’s founding principle that freedom depends on the subordination of the military to civilian authority. “To demand accountability from elected officials and to peacefully protest injustice are the responsibilities of every American, particularly at this extraordinary moment in our nation’s history. However, it is absolutely unacceptable for anyone to engage in unlawful activities, such as violence or destruction of property, under the guise of a protest. Those who participate in such conduct should be held accountable,” Raoul said. “Just as members of local law enforcement know how best to protect their communitie

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BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (AP) — Hundreds of law officers fanned out across a Minneapolis suburb Saturday in pursuit of a man who authorities say posed as a police officer and fatally shot a Democratic state lawmaker in her home in what Gov. Tim Walz called “a politically motivated assassination.” Authorities say the same suspect also [...]

Two DFL state lawmakers, Sen. John Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman, were shot in targeted attacks at their homes.

CHICAGO – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued a statement on a decision by the District Court for the District of Massachusetts granting a preliminary injunction blocking unlawful provisions in President Donald Trump’s unprecedented elections executive order. Attorney General Raoul co-led a coalition of 19 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit challenging the order in May. “Nothing is more fundamental to the perseverance of our democracy than the right to vote. Today’s decision by the court acknowledges that Congress and individual states – not the president – has the authority to oversee the elections process. “While serving in the state senate, I led the effort to pass the Illinois Voting Rights Act as well as a constitutional amendment enshrining the right to vote in our Constitution. These actions have ensured Illinois has some of the strongest election laws in the country, guaranteeing access to the ballot box, encouraging

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that Interstate 255 from Illinois 157 to Illinois 15 in St. Clair County will reopen to traffic, weather permitting, by 6 p.m. Saturday, June 14, more than six weeks ahead of schedule. Made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, the accelerated $65.4 million project is the second of five phases to repair and improve I-255. “Since day one as governor, I’ve made it my mission to invest in the highways, streets, and bridges that support safe commutes for the people of Illinois,” said Gov. Pritzker. “Over the years, we’ve worked to speed up these projects, minimizing construction delays and saving taxpayers money. Today’s reopening is a testament to the hard work and impressive planning from the IDOT team, and I’m excited to get drivers back on the road.” By completely closing the work zone instead of accommodating

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CHICAGO – As people in Chicago, Los Angeles and cities around the nation peacefully protest unlawful policies and orders issued by the Trump administration, Attorney General Kwame Raoul today released guidance to help them do so safely. Raoul’s “ Know Your Rights Advisory: Safely Participating in Peaceful Protests in Illinois ” is available on the Attorney General’s website to help Illinois residents understand their rights and responsibilities while participating in protected First Amendment protests. Attorney General Raoul also issued a guidance summary to ensure local law enforcement officials understand key provisions of the Illinois TRUST Act, which generally prohibits state and local law enforcement from participating in federal civil immigration enforcement. “It is impossible to ignore the widespread injustice taking place around the nation at the direction of the Trump administration, and it is incumbent upon all of us to speak out and

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Seth Magaziner (RI-02), co-leads of the Congressional Labor Caucus Building Trades Task Force, joined Labor Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and union leaders outside the U.S. Capitol to oppose efforts by President Trump and Congressional Republicans to repeal clean energy tax credits in their proposed tax megabill. The lawmakers were joined by Brent Booker, President of the Laborers' International Union of North America; Eric Dean, President of the Ironworkers; and Dean Warsh, Government Affairs Director of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Together, they warned that repealing key tax credit provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act would cause massive job losses as the bill moves through the Senate. "The clean energy tax credits enacted through the Inflation Reduction Act have been nothing short of transformative. Across the country, they have spurred massive

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Roger Daltrey has been knighted by King Charles.The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer has been recognized as a Knight Bachelor as part of the King’s Birthday Honours. The now Sir Roger Daltrey…

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SPRINGFIELD - Chris Mitchell, commissioner of the Granite City Park District, recently attended the Illinois Association of Park Districts’ (IAPD) 2025 Boot Camp. IAPD offers the educational course to elected officials and professionals at Illinois park districts. Attendees receive targeted, in-depth training on an array of topics including good governance, the Open Meetings Act; making a difference through legislative advocacy; breaking down the fundamentals and best practices of park district finances; implementing inclusivity strategies; promoting effective relationships among the board, executive director, and staff; and adhering to ethical requirements. “This content-rich program provides tremendous benefits to board members and staff and sets them on track to advance their agencies as a unified force. They gain a greater appreciation of the critical role that park commissioners play in good governance, compliance with state law, and enhancing the quality of life

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