A portion of the signatures submitted last week to force a referendum on Missouri’s gerrymandered congressional district map won’t be reviewed before a Cole County judge rules on whether all should be checked. People Not Politicians is challenging a decision by Secretary of State Denny Hoskins that no signatures collected before Oct. 14 — the […]
ALTON — At 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, Wreaths Across America held its 19th annual ceremony at Alton National Cemetery, 600 Pearl Street, to remember fallen veterans, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom (Photos by Mike Cruz ). The event centers on laying Veteran Balsam wreaths on 560 graves, an effort carried out by children and veterans alike. The temps were low 12-13 degrees at 11 a.m. but that didn't stop the young or older adults from carrying o
EDWARDSVILLE - Thanks to the incredible generosity of residents across the 56th District, State Senator Erica Harriss’ annual Share the Warmth Drive has wrapped up and was a great success! Donations collected over the month were delivered this week to Riverbend Family Ministries, helping local families stay cozy and cared for this winter. “This year’s Share the Warmth Drive truly showed the heart of our community,” said Senator Harriss. “Every hat, glove, pair o
SPRINGFIELD – As part of his broader modernization push, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced that the Illinois Court of Claims will now offer electronic filing options and conduct remote hearings – a major step forward in how the court serves the public. The transition replaces a slow, paper-based system that depended on mail delivery, cumbersome copies and in-person proceedings, often delaying case processing and complicating access for claimants. “For
SPRINGFIELD – Starting Jan. 1, 2026, a new law supported by State Senator Christopher Belt will allow smaller poultry producers increased access to the poultry market while still upholding basic food safety measures. “Farmers markets are popping up all over Illinois. They are a great way to grow local businesses, and now we will allow smaller poultry producers in on that growth,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This is a big win for family farms and local chicken producers.”
State lawmakers of both parties said they plan to keep passing laws regulating artificial intelligence despite President Donald Trump’s efforts to stop them. Trump signed an executive order Thursday evening that aims to override state artificial intelligence laws. He said his administration must work with Congress to develop a national AI policy, but that in […]
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today led a coalition of 20 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) strongly opposing the CFPB’s proposed changes to regulations implementing the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA). According to the coalition, the proposed changes violate the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and weaken the ECOA’s protections against discriminatory and unfair treatment in credit markets. Raou
COLUMBUS, Ohio — White Castle Frozen Food Division has initiated a recall of 1,021 cases of its retail frozen 4-count cartons of Original Sliders due to undeclared milk and soy. The carton may contain Jalapeño Cheese Sliders. Jalapeño Cheese Sliders contain milk and soy, allergens that are not on the Original Slider carton label. Consumers with an allergy or sensitivity to milk or soy run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product.
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in suing the Trump administration over its unlawful policy imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions for highly-skilled foreign national workers. In the lawsuit that will be filed, Raoul and the coalition allege the policy implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) violates the law because it charges an additional, unwarranted fee that is contrary to Congress’ intent in
On This Day, Dec. 15, 1967…The Who released their third album, The Who Sell Out, a concept album created to sound like a broadcast from one of the popular pirate radio stations…
Three law enforcement officials met last month at the estate of retired developer Bob Brinkmann to discuss possible sites for the taxpayer-funded regional police training facility.
Did you know that nearly 60% of people report feeling more stressed during the holiday season than at any other time of year? Despite the joy and celebration, the holidays often bring an undercurrent of anxiety, overwhelm, and emotional fatigue. What if the key to navigating this tumultuous period isn’t found in external changes but rather in cultivating a mindful inner presence? Mindfulness—the practice of intentionally focusing on the present moment with openness and non-judgment—can
Did you know that the ugly sweater trend, once a niche joke, has grown into a billion-dollar industry? According to market research, holiday-themed sweaters now generate hundreds of millions in sales annually, with ugly sweaters making up a significant portion. But beyond commerce, the ugly sweater holiday party has become a cultural phenomenon—an event where fun, creativity, and a touch of kitsch come together to create memorable experiences. Hosting such a party is more than just asking
Imagine this: a well-designed holiday table setting can enhance the dining experience so profoundly that guests remember it long after the last bite. Studies show that ambiance and visual appeal influence not only appetite but also the mood and social interactions during a meal. A festive tablescape is more than just decoration; it’s a subtle orchestrator of memories and emotions. But how do you craft a tablescape that balances beauty, function, and festivity without feeling overwhelming
December 15 has long been a day marked by monumental events that have shaped the course of history across the globe. Looking back, December 15, 1791, is a cornerstone day in the history of democratic governance — the ratification of the United States Bill of Rights. This foundational document, comprising the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, enshrined fundamental freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as protections against governmental abuses.