Americans are not peasants. We are citizens of a republic founded on the revolutionary proposition that ordinary people can govern themselves. This isn’t poetry or aspiration—it’s the foundational premise of the American project. And right now, a faction of tech oligarchs is betting everything on proving that premise wrong. They want to replace “We the […]
Freddie Mercury’s lyrics will be the subject of a new book coming out in the fall of 2026.A Life in Lyrics: The Official Creative Legacy of Freddy Mercury, being released by Harper…
O'FALLON, Ill. — The O'Fallon Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in identifying a man who they say is connected to recent fraud investigations. Authorities have released an image of the individual and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Police have not provided additional details about the specific fraud cases, but emphasized the importance of locating the suspect to advance their inquiries. Residents who recognize the man or have relevant information are encouraged to contact the O'Fallon Police Department at 618-624-4545, extension 0. The department thanked the community for their cooperation in addressing the ongoing investigation.
ILLINOIS - The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) might reduce a proposed $128.8 million gas rate increase by Ameren Illinois by about one-third. Ameren Illinois and a few local advocacy groups shared their comments on the rate case. “In January, Ameren Illinois filed a plan with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) that will maintain the safety, integrity and reliability of the natural gas distribution system and support an orderly and equitable transition to clean energy sources,” said Brad Kleoppel, senior director of Gas Operations and Technical Services. “As with any proposed plan before the ICC, our natural gas proposal is currently undergoing an extensive review process, where stakeholders and interested parties are able to weigh in and give input. A final order is expected in November.” A few local groups argue that the proposed reduction is not enough. During a media briefing on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, Jim Chilsen with the Citizens Utility Boar
O'FALLON - The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office charged 60-year-old Keith Burton of O’Fallon with three counts of possession of child pornography on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. The charges follow an investigation that began in June 2025 after a report was made to the O’Fallon Police Department. Burton was located and arrested at his residence in O’Fallon on a warrant related to the case. Under the Illinois Safe-T Act, the charges are classified as non-detainable offenses, and Burton was released from custody pending further court proceedings. The O’Fallon Police Department acknowledged the collaborative efforts of its officers and detectives alongside the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office in advancing the investigation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
by Tom Finan, Executive Director, Construction Forum The U.S. Department of Energy’s funding rollback on alternative energy has thrown the future of ICL Group’s $574M LFP battery materials plant in St. Louis into doubt — along with work for major contractors and design teams already engaged. The planned ICL battery materials plant is planned for […]
ALTON - Antonia Phillips, a two-time Illinois High School Association (IHSA) All-State wrestler and 2022 state champion, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Medal of Courage by the Illinois Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Phillips, who is deaf, has been recognized for her trailblazing achievements as a female athlete in Southern Illinois. She currently competes at Aurora University after a storied career at Alton High School. Phillips’ high school coach at Alton High School, Eric Roberson, praised her dedication and resilience. “I am so proud of Antonia, and she is so deserving of the Medal of Courage award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame,” Roberson said. “She was always so focused and showed a great maturity when she competed at Alton High. I think she did show tremendous courage to play many sports growing up, and she never made any excuses. She just always outworked her competition, and she really earned everything she has received.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate left for its customary long weekend Thursday afternoon, following a brief three days in session despite the ongoing government shutdown. The House remained on an extended break from Capitol Hill, where neither Democrats nor Republicans seemed motivated to talk to each other despite mounting repercussions from the funding lapse. Federal […]
BELLEVILLE - Friends and family of Dalton Vonderheide, a 17-year-old from Belleville who died in a car accident on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, are rallying to provide financial help to cover funeral expenses and related costs. Dalton, described as a vibrant and kind young man, passed away suddenly in the tragic incident that has deeply affected his community. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family during this difficult time, allowing them to focus on grieving and healing without the added burden of financial stress. The funds raised will go directly to the family to help with funeral arrangements and time off work. Details about the funeral arrangements are still being finalized and will be shared on social media once confirmed. The campaign organizer, Jael Wilson, expressed gratitude for any contributions, as well as for the thoughts, prayers, and memories shared in honor of Dalton’s life. Those wishing to support the family can find the GoFundMe page linked
CHICAGO — Amid his third bid for governor, JB Pritzker's campaign released his partial tax records on Wednesday, which show more than $1.4 million in gambling income. In a joint filing, Pritzker and his wife reported an adjusted gross income of $10.6 million, which includes $1,425,000 in gambling winnings, $4,209,421 in capital gains, $3,858,197 in ordinary [...]
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