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Attorney General Raoul Files Lawsuit Against Trump Administration For Blocking Access To Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars In Education Funds

1 week ago
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 17 states on Thursday in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration to restore access to critical U.S. Department of Education (department) funds that support programs for students across the state, including low-income and unhoused students, and provide funding for other essential school services to address the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 students. Raoul and the coalition’s lawsuit comes after the department notified states on March 28 that it was unilaterally ending access to hundreds of millions of dollars in grants from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which the department had previously determined the states could access through March 2026. The department’s sudden change in position and arbitrary termination of states’ access to these funds will cause serious harm to students throughout the country. Illinois alone will lose access to over $77 million in essential

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Westbound Illinois 140 Lane Closures In Madison County

1 week ago
ALTON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that the outer lane of westbound Illinois 140 at the intersection of Fosterburg Road will close beginning, weather permitting, Monday, April 14, 2025. The lane closure is part of an ongoing improvement project that will add new turn lanes to the Fosterburg Road intersection. The entire project is expected to be completed by November. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to choose alternate routes during this time. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone.

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IDNR To Host Private Pond Management Seminar April 17 In Kampsville

1 week ago
KAMPSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host a pond management seminar at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at the McCully Heritage Project in Calhoun County. IDNR fisheries biologists will field participant questions regarding private pond management, the ecological health of ponds as well as fish and weed management. Biologists will explain pond ecology and functions, which fish species work best in a pond, and proper fish stocking. Additional topics will include site selection and construction, general maintenance, harvesting, and pond plant control. “Spring is a great time to develop pond management goals for your private pond,” said IDNR district fisheries biologist Blake Ruebush. “IDNR pond management seminars are an opportunity for landowners to dive into pond management and ask specific questions related to their pond. IDNR district fisheries biologists will provide recommendations on fish stocking, aquatic plant control,

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Section of Franklin Avenue to be Closed for Road Repairs Beginning April 14

1 week ago
EDWARDSVILLE – In order to make road repairs, a section of Franklin Avenue will be closed beginning Monday, April 14, 2025 . The road will be inaccessible to traffic just east of Lautner Lane between approximately 1017 and 1022 E. Franklin Avenue. The closure will begin about 7 a.m. Monday, and is expected to last through Friday, April 18, weather permitting. Since the impacted section of Franklin Avenue is in close proximity to Leclaire Elementary School, the work was scheduled to coincide with spring break week for the Edwardsville School District. Franklin Avenue will be accessible on either side of the construction zone, but alternative routes will be necessary to avoid the closure. The City apologizes for the inconvenience and appreciates everyone’s patience. Anyone who must drive in that area is asked to please use caution for the safety of the City’s Public Works crews completing the repairs. Questions about these improvements can be emailed

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Durbin Meets With Quad Cities Chamber Of Commerce In Washington

1 week ago
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce (QCC) to discuss the Trump Administration’s haphazard tariff policies that will harm Illinois’ agricultural industry, QCC’s priorities to help the Quad Cities remain competitive for new jobs and investment, and workforce development. QCC also raised its tax policy priorities, and Durbin discussed the dangerous Republican plan for cutting Medicaid to pay for tax breaks for billionaires. QCC and Durbin also discussed his bipartisan legislation, the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act , which would boost workload at Army arsenals like Rock Island Arsenal. “Today, I sat down with the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce to hear their concerns about the President’s volatile tariff policy and maintaining support for regional employers like Rock Island Arsenal,” said Durbin. “While the Trump Administration continues to be a force of chaos

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Senator Harriss Continues Push For Tax Relief In Illinois

1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is continuing her push for tax relief at the Illinois State Capitol by filing extensions on bills aimed at saving Illinois residents money. The push comes following the assignment of her bills to the Revenue Committee, where she hopes to present them this week. “High taxes are a constant concern for the people I represent, who are struggling to pay their bills and raise their families,” said Senator Harriss. “Providing tax relief is a top priority for me, and I will continue to advocate for legislation that eases the burden on Illinois residents.” The following legislation has been granted a committee deadline extension: Senate Bill 2086 : This bill raises the income eligibility for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption to $75,000 and ties future increases to inflation. Senate Bill 2095 : This bill would increase the general homestead exemption to $10,000 for tax year

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Duckworth, Durbin Join Colleagues in Demanding HHS Restore Title X Family Planning Funding Immediately to Protect Health Care Services for Millions

1 week ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and other Senate Democratic colleagues in urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to immediately reinstate Title X family planning funding in 23 states after the agency began withholding grants that support basic health care for approximately one million people. “We are alarmed at the Trump administration’s attacks against providers that enable access to health care for low-income and uninsured people,” the Senators wrote in a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “We urge you to swiftly reinstate funding to avoid extended gaps in service for vulnerable communities who rely on Title X funded health centers and programs.” Title X is the nation’s only dedicated source of federal funding for family planning. In 2023, the program

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Opinion: A New Era in St. Louis Politics Begins With Recent Elections

1 week ago
Letter To The Editor: ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis election marked a major turning point for our city. I want to extend my sincere congratulations to Mayor-elect Cara Spencer and Comptroller-elect Donna Baringer on your victories. The people of St. Louis made clear that they believe in your distinct visions and leadership. I look forward to working together, identifying where our priorities align, and building a path forward that serves all of our residents. I also want to honor Mayor Tishaura Jones and Comptroller Darlene Green. Their contributions to this city, and to my own journey, cannot be overstated. I grew up under Darleen’s watch in the Comptroller’s office, and she has been a mentor and example throughout my career. Her legacy is one of strength, integrity, and service. Tishaura has been a trusted ally, friend, and advocate, and I remain aligned with her unwavering commitment to equity, especially in uplifting North St. Louis. As the new composition of the

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SIUE University Housing Leaders Honored With Patriot Award

1 week ago
EDWARDSVILLE - On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, Mallory Sidarous, Director of University Housing, and Kim Watson, Associate Director of University Housing Facilities Management at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, were recognized with the prestigious Patriot Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a program of the U.S. Department of Defense. This distinguished award honors individual supervisors for their extraordinary support of employees who serve in the National Guard or Reserve. Sidarous and Watson were nominated by a service member within University Housing in recognition of their commitment to supporting those who serve. The directors’ efforts include providing flexible schedules, granting leaves of absence and offering support to families before, during and after deployment. David Balai, an electrician with University Housing Facilities Management, nominated Sidarous and Watson for the award in recognition of their unwavering support durin

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Jersey County Arts Council Hosting Hand-Stitched Embroidery Classes

1 week ago
JERSEYVILLE – The Jersey County Arts Council is hosting classes coming soon for those looking to learn the art of hand-stitched embroidery. Classes will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Jersey County Arts Council space in the First Presbyterian Church at 400 S. State St. in Jerseyville. Attendees will get a hands-on education covering the fundamental basics of the decorative art form. Classes are open to interested embroiderers ages 8 and up, though class sizes are limited. A non-refundable $25 donation to the Jersey County Arts Council is required to secure your spot and help cover supply costs. To register and get more details about the event, including a list of supplies, email sewingismysuperpower8@gmail.com . To learn more about other upcoming class offerings from the Jersey County Arts Council, visit their Facebook page or sewingismysuperpower.com .

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Belleville, East St. Louis Men Charged With Mob Action

1 week ago
BELLEVILLE – Residents of Belleville and East St. Louis have been accused of mob action in related and recently filed criminal cases. The following individuals were each charged on April 11, 2025 with a Class 4 felony count of mob action: Ahmad J. Grady, 21, of Belleville Trequion D. Holman, 28, of East St. Louis Gabriel E. Boyd, 32, of East St. Louis On March 27, 2025, Grady, Holman, and Boyd allegedly acted together in physically attacking another individual. Holman and Boyd were specifically accused of striking the victim about the body with their hands and fists, while Grady was accused of kicking the victim about the body with his foot. Each of the cases against Grady, Holman, and Boyd were presented by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. All three men have since been granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Dry and warmer weather for the weekend

1 week 1 day ago
A Frost Advisory is in place for the majority of our Illinois counties until 8AM. Otherwise, we have a great weekend ahead of us. Temperatures on Saturday will climb to the mid 60s with sunny skies. Overnight lows only fall into the upper 40s to near 50. On Sunday, the warming trend continues as temperatures [...]
Jaime Travers

Multiple Fire Departments Respond to Wood River Structure Fire

1 week 1 day ago
WOOD RIVER — Firefighters responded to a structure fire early Saturday morning, April 12, 2025, in the 500 block of State Street. The Wood River Fire Department arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the residence. In response to the situation, a box alarm was requested, prompting assistance from neighboring departments, including Roxana, East Alton, and Rosewood Heights. Fire Chief Wade Stahlhut praised the collaborative efforts of the responding units. "Wood River and East Alton Fire Department responded quickly and was able to get a fast hit on the fire. It is great to have mutual aide to help us," Stahlhut said. The fire originated in a bedroom and spread to two rooms and the attic, causing significant damage. "The house appears fixable," Stahlhut noted. One occupant was able to evacuate the home but required treatment for smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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