From PBS News: As the average cost of college in the United States soars, more young people are being drawn to skilled trades. It’s part of a career rethink among members of Gen Z, who have been called the “toolbelt generation.” Special correspondent Christopher Booker reports. John Yang: As the average cost of college in […]
From PBS: As the average cost of college in the United States soars, more young people are being drawn to skilled trades. It’s part of a career rethink among members of Gen Z, who have been called the “toolbelt generation.” Special correspondent Christopher Booker reports. Thomas Stewart, Westchester Community College: There’s seven different types of […]
From ENR Midwest: Wieland, a supplier of copper and the copper alloys used in electric vehicles, has hired contractors Graycor and Helmkamp Construction Co., as the design-build contractor for construction of a $500-million expansion and modernization of its manufacturing facility in East Alton, Ill. Vestal Corp. will provide civil, structural, architectural, and building M/E/P design services […]
BETHALTO - Desiree Potter is passionate about Bethalto. Potter, one of nine candidates running for a seat on the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 Board of Education, shared more about who she is and what she stands for. She noted that her family moved to Bethalto for the school district, and she has been pleased to see how the district has treated her children. “My number one thing is, I’m a mom,” Potter said. “We feel so strongly about Bethalto. This is our roots. I’m not originally from here, but I love Bethalto, and we put roots here. I’m hoping one day my kids will have grandkids and we’ll be here for generations.” Potter has two sons at Civic Memorial High School. She also helped raise her nephew, and she noted that she saw a major transformation in him when he transferred to Bethalto schools. She is pleased with how the district has nurtured and educated her children, and she wants to be a part of that. Over
All aboard! The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch provide an unparalleled experience on the Mississippi River. The one-hour St. Louis Riverfront Cruise is narrated by a captain from the National […]
SPRINGFIELD - Returning to the Illinois State Fair for the first time since 2017, Brad Paisley will perform on the Illinois Lottery Grandstand Stage on Thursday, August 14, 2025. With three GRAMMYs, two American Music Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 14 Country Music Association Awards, including a highly coveted Entertainer of the Year honor and recognition as the most successful CMA Award co-host in history, Brad Paisley has earned his place in country music history as one of the genre’s most talented and decorated male solo artists. “Three-peat, Grandstand crowd favorite, Brad Paisley is always welcome at the Illinois State Fair,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. “His award-winning songwriting and showmanship are unmatched, and we’re honored to bring him back to our Grandstand.” In addition to his superstar status, becoming the first artist to achieve 10 consecutive Billboard Country Airplay
COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Board of Education recognized Collinsville High School student Taylor Dawson at the March 17, 2025, board meeting. Taylor was honored for winning the IHSA state championship in the girls wrestling at pounds. Taylor won the 140-pound division by defeating Christiana Finley of Country Club Hills Hillcrest by fall 5:59 and then pinned Maggie Zuber of Chicago Mother McAuley Catholic at 45 seconds of the final to capture the crown. The Kahoks wrestling sensation was introduced by Kahoks Athletic Director Clay Smith, who presented her with a certificate of recognition signed by board president Gary Peccola and Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich. Taylor was joined and congratulated by Kahok varsity wrestling coach Jordan May.
CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 12 attorneys general, today submitted a comment letter to the U.S. Department of State opposing proposed changes to the passport application process that would prevent transgender and nonbinary individuals from obtaining a passport that matches their gender identity. “This change in the passport application process is the latest of the Trump administration’s efforts to diminish the existence of transgender and nonbinary Americans. Prohibiting transgender and nonbinary people from having identification documents that align with their gender identity makes them less safe,” Raoul said. “Transgender and nonbinary individuals have the right to choose how their identity is reflected on their passports so they are not subjected to unnecessary confusion or delays while traveling. I am proud to stand with other attorneys general to advocate for and protect the rights of transgender and nonbinary individuals
CHICAGO - In recognition of Sunshine Week, Attorney General Kwame Raoul released the Public Access Counselor Annual Report with details of a sampling of over 4,200 new matters received in 2024, as well as other matters the Public Access Counselor (PAC) addressed last year. The PAC works to increase transparency in Illinois government by resolving disputes regarding public bodies’ compliance with the state’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Open Meetings Act (OMA). The 2024 report also describes how the PAC trained thousands of individuals on Illinois’ transparency laws in webinars, seminars and conferences throughout the state. “During Sunshine Week, I’m proud to highlight the hard work and commitment of my office’s Public Access Bureau to ensuring government agencies in Illinois are accessible to the people they serve,” Raoul said. “I encourage appointed and elected officials and FOIA officers, as well as the public, to attend
ALTON — A dump truck struck a power pole on Emma L. Kaus Lane in Alton on Tuesday morning, March 18, 2025, resulting in a significant power outage that affected approximately 2,800 customers in Alton, Bethalto and Cottage Hills, and about 60 customers in Brighton. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. According to Ameren Illinois officials, crews are currently assessing the situation to ensure safety and restore power to the affected areas. The dump truck, which had its bed partially raised, reportedly caught the cable and phone communications lines, leading to the collapse of two power poles. The impact caused power lines to short circuit, resulting in widespread outages. In response to the situation, utility crews from Ameren and JF Electric are working throughout the day to restore service. Part of the customers will likely be restored once some of the power source is rerouted. Fosterburg Road has been closed to facilitate the replacement of the downed poles and to ensure
The Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown is coming to streaming. The film starring Timothée Chalamet will debut on Hulu March 27.A Complete Unknown, directed by James Mangold, opened in theaters Christmas…
It took exactly three days for Trump to prove that Judge Beryl Howell’s “Alice in Wonderland” comparison wasn’t just apt, but prescient. After the judge blocked his executive order attempting to destroy Perkins Coie for representing his political opponents, Trump has now issued an almost identical order targeting another major law firm, Paul Weiss. Because […]
ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) has located a Cadillac CTS Sedan in connection with a March 17, 2025, incident that left an officer and a suspect injured. The vehicle, which is believed to be between 2008 and 2013 model years, was seized and is now in SLMPD custody. Authorities have also identified a person of interest related to the case. The incident began early on the morning of March 17, 2025, when the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force was investigating a carjacked Toyota RAV4 from East St. Louis. The RAV4 was spotted in the 4800 block of Cote Brilliante, leading deputies to observe the suspects exit the vehicle and enter a stolen Acura from Belleville. A description of the Acura was quickly disseminated, and District 6 officers located the vehicle in the 5400 block of Queens. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the Acura fled, swerving towards an officer deploying spike strips at the intersection of Queens and Harney. Despite nearly striking
CHICAGO HEIGHTS – Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced Monday her office has summarily suspended and filed a complaint to permanently revoke the license of Heights Crematory, Inc. (Heights) in Chicago Heights, Illinois. This is in response to violations documented by Illinois Office of Comptroller (IOC) staff including improper storage of bodies, lying to our office’s auditors, and failing to maintain records of the bodies brought in for cremation. “I am appalled, disgusted, and deeply saddened by the disrespect Heights Crematory showed to the remains of the deceased, and we are working swiftly to strip the facility of its license,” Comptroller Mendoza said. “No family should have to wonder what happened to their loved one when they pass or learn a deceased family or friend wasn’t treated with the utmost respect and dignity they deserve.” Upon learning of the egregious problems at Heights Crematory on Tuesday, February 18th, the Illinois
ALTON - A dump truck struck a power pole in Alton on Tuesday morning, March 18, 2025, causing a significant outage affecting approximately 2,800 customers in the surrounding areas. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. and has led to power disruptions in Alton, Bethalto, Cottage Hills, and about 60 customers in Brighton. The location of the dump truck strike has not yet been disclosed. Ameren Illinois officials are currently assessing the situation to ensure the safety of the area and restore power. "We have anticipated a bunch of calls," a spokesperson Brian Bretsch of Ameren Illinois said. "The first steps involve securing the site and possibly controlling traffic around the area. Crews will then determine whether power can be rerouted from another source to restore service to the affected customers. As the situation develops, utility officials are focused on restoring power as quickly and safely as possible.
CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement: “My aunt Cindy Pritzker passed away on Saturday, and it leaves a hole in my heart. She was not only a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, a loyal friend to so many, and a committed Chicagoan through and through, but she also played an important role in my life. When my father died and my mother was ill and I was just 12 years old, she and my uncle Jay took me in and made sure I felt safe and loved. I would not be who I am today without her love, laughter, and kindness. "Cindy grew up in the Kenwood neighborhood and embodied the spirit of the city she dedicated much of her life to – fierce, caring, and full of joy. From leading the Chicago Public Library Board and her work to build the Harold Washington Library to helping create the Pritzker Architecture Prize and Chicago’s Millennium Park Music Pavilion, Cindy shaped the city of Chicago just as much as it shaped her. She will live
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