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The Data On Immigration & Terrorism Don’t Support Trump’s Travel Ban

4 weeks ago
The Trump administration on June 4, 2025, announced travel restrictions targeting 19 countries in Africa and Asia, including many of the world’s poorest nations. All travel is banned from 12 of these countries, with partial restrictions on travel from the rest. The presidential proclamation, entitled “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from […]
Mike Masnick

118th Annual Betsey Ann Picnic Kicks Off This Weekend in Brighton

4 weeks ago
BRIGHTON - This weekend, Riverbend residents are invited to the Village of Brighton for the 118th annual Betsey Ann Picnic. On June 13 and 14, 2025, community members will gather at Betsey Ann Park in Brighton to enjoy carnival rides, games, bingo, vendors, live music and Brighton’s famous burgoo soup. Darin Werts, who helps organize the event, noted that the picnic is a hometown tradition he’s proud to carry on. “It’s just a tradition that you can’t let go,” he said. “It’s a lot of work, but then again, it’s a lot of fun when it’s happening, so we just keep the tradition going the best we can. We’ve got a good group of people that put it together. It’s just one of those things you’ve got to do.” The fun starts at 4 p.m. on Friday with vendors, followed by hot food from 4:30–10 p.m. Little Egypt Shows & Carnival will open from 6–11 p.m. both nights, with rides and games for people o

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Granite City Junior Karlisa Brent Wins Prestigious Tomasi Flutes Scholarship

4 weeks ago
GRANITE CITY – Granite City High junior and All-State flute player Karlisa Brent was recently awarded the coveted Tomasi Flutes Scholarship to attend the Midwest Flute Institute at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), a nationally recognized summer program for aspiring flutists. Brent stood out not only for her musical excellence but also for her genuine passion and dedication to the art of flute playing. From achieving All-State recognition to maintaining music as a heartfelt hobby, her journey is an inspiring testament to perseverance and love for music. “I want to continue in music for as long as I can,” she shared in her scholarship application. “Of all of the hobbies I've ever enjoyed ... Music has stayed close to my heart for the longest. It gives me a temporary moment of stillness and calm without the stress and realities of the world.” Her band director, Mr. Wyatt Roberds, had high praise for the standout junior: “Phenomenal

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Chamber Launches June Events to Boost Local Business Engagement

4 weeks ago
TROY — The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce is hosting a series of events throughout June aimed at supporting local businesses and fostering community engagement. The month kicks off on June 12 with a Chamber Social from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at McDonald's, 103 McDonald S. Lane, Troy. Lead Ambassador Mark VanZeyl of Bullseye Promotions will facilitate casual networking over breakfast, encouraging meaningful conversations among Chamber members. Attendees are responsible for purchasing their own breakfast. On June 14 and 15, the Chamber is offering a chance to win four tickets to the Bommarito 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway. Interested participants can enter by liking and commenting on the contest post on the Chamber’s Instagram page, @tmsmcoc. The winner will be announced on June 11 via the Chamber’s Facebook and Instagram accounts. Business networking continues on June 18 with Business Before Breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Brightly

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Tucker Wetmore To Headline Du Quoin State Fair Grandstand

4 weeks ago
DU QUOIN – The Du Quoin State Fair is excited to welcome Tucker Wetmore to the Grandstand stage on Saturday, August 30 . With an explosive rise in the country music scene, Wetmore brings his powerhouse vocals and hit-filled setlist to one of Southern Illinois’ biggest summer stages. Wetmore has rapidly cemented himself as a breakout country star, racking up over 855 million streams in just one year. He burst onto the scene with RIAA PLATINUM-certified debut singles “Wine Into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missin’ You”, both earning spots on the Billboard Hot 100. Fresh off his first-ever headlining Waves on a Sunset tour and recent performances with Kameron Marlowe and Luke Bryan, Wetmore’s 2025 is already on fire — including a direct support slot on Thomas Rhett’s Better In Boots tour. “Tucker Wetmore is a perfect fit for the Du Quoin crowd,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture

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Attorney General Raoul Joins 18 States Condemning Trump Guard Deployment

4 weeks ago
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL CONDEMNS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FOR UNLAWFULLY DEPLOYING THE CALIFORNIA NATIONAL GUARD CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general in releasing the following statement condemning the Trump administration for unlawfully deploying the California National Guard against protestors in California over the objections of state leadership. “The president’s decision to federalize and deploy California’s National Guard without the consent of California state leaders is unlawful, unconstitutional and undemocratic. The federal administration should be working with local leaders to keep everyone safe, not mobilizing the military against the American people. “As the chief law enforcement officers of our states, we are proud to protect our communities and support Attorney General Bonta in his challenge to the Trump administration’s illegal conduct. We oppose any action from this administration

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East St. Louis School District 189 Marks Next Phase in Electric School Bus Project

4 weeks ago
EAST ST. LOUIS — East St. Louis School District 189 will host a community event on Thursday, June 12, 2025, to celebrate continued progress in its electric school bus initiative. The event will highlight construction of a new depot that will support 25 electric school buses and chargers. The district was awarded funding through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program as part of a competitive, multi-district application. The project includes the deployment of 25 Thomas Built electric school buses and 25 Heliox chargers, with operations scheduled to begin in the 2025–2026 school year. “We are proud to roll out 25 new electric school buses for regular routes this coming school year—an investment in both the health of our students and our community,” said Arthur R. Culver, Superintendent of East St. Louis School District 189. “Our students deserve clean, safe, and modern transportation. These electric buses

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U.S. Attorney, FBI Vow Strong Action After Federal Building Damaged in Carbondale

4 weeks ago
CARBONDALE – Following an incident in Carbondale on Tuesday evening where criminals defaced a federal building, U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson are vowing to protect law and order in southern Illinois. “There are bright lines separating where speech ends and criminal conduct begins. Those who committed this targeted vandalism to federal property will be pursued and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Our system protects good faith expressions of ideas and opinions, but it abhors lawlessness and violence. Any such criminality cannot, and will not, be tolerated.” In the evening on June 10, individuals gathered outside the entrance of the Senator Paul Simon Federal Building in Carbondale. During the gathering, some members defaced the outside of the building, from which any damage is being assessed at this time. “The Senator Paul Simon Federal

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Madison County: Lane Closures on IL 159 at Beltline Road/Pine Lake Road  

4 weeks ago
COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane restrictions will be encountered at the intersection of IL 159 and Beltline Road/Pine Lake Road beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, weather permitting. The left lane and left turn lane in both the northbound and southbound directions on IL 159 will be closed. The through lane and left turn lane on both Beltline Road and Pine Lake Road will also be closed. Traffic on Beltline Road and Pine Lake Road will be required to turn right onto IL 159. Traffic impacts could be significant, and it's recommended to avoid this area if possible. These lane closures are necessary to allow IDOT District 8 Operations forces to perform pavement patching through the intersection. All lanes are expected to re-open as soon as possible. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changing conditions and all detou

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