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This Weekend in History on December 20 and 21: South Carolina Secedes from the Union

1 week 5 days ago
Let’s take a journey through time to explore some of these remarkable moments on Dec. 20 and 21. In the 18th century, December 20, 1803, was a pivotal day in European history when the United Kingdom took control of the Dutch Cape Colony in southern Africa. This strategic acquisition played a crucial role in British naval dominance and the expansion of its colonial empire, impacting regional politics and trade routes for years to come. Moving forward to the 19th century, on December 20,

Why the Winter Solstice Holds More Power Than You Think—and How to Celebrate It

1 week 5 days ago
Did you know that the winter solstice has been observed by humans for over 5,000 years? From ancient stone circles to modern-day rituals, this astronomical event has captivated civilizations across the globe, symbolizing much more than just a calendar milestone. The winter solstice marks a pivotal moment in the Earth's journey around the sun—a moment that has inspired myths, festivals, and reflections on renewal and balance. Understanding the Winter Solstice: Beyond the Astronomical Event

Belt Law Protects Workers Taking Time Off For Organ Donation Starting Jan. 1

1 week 5 days ago
SPRINGFIELD – Part-time workers may be dissuaded from taking time off to donate a life-saving organ due to fears of losing their job. That will change come Jan. 1, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Christopher Belt ensuring part-time workers are covered for this time away. “We need all the organ donors we can get,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I received a life-saving kidney transplant, so I know firsthand that donations save lives. This law removes barriers for

Budzinski, Bost Introduce Bill to Modernize USDA Loan Programs

1 week 5 days ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Reps. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Mike Bost (IL-12) introduced legislation to remove outdated eligibility barriers that prevent modern family farms from accessing U.S. Department of Agriculture loan programs. The USDA Loan Modernization Act updates eligibility standards to better reflect the structure of today’s multi-generational, family-run farms. This bill would expand access to operating, emergency, and real estate loans for producers in Central

Wood River Man, Belleville Woman Charged With Possession Of Stolen Vehicle, Title

1 week 5 days ago
MADISON COUNTY – Felony charges have been filed against a local man and woman accused in separate cases of possessing a stolen vehicle, title, and more. Tyler M. Buckingham, 24, of Wood River, was charged on Dec. 11, 2025 with one count each of unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle (a Class 2 felony) and possession of cannabis with the intent to deliver (a Class 3 felony). Buckingham was allegedly in possession of a Kia Rio bearing an Illinois registration number which he knew

State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Returns $100,000 in Missing Money to Illinois Food Pantries

1 week 5 days ago
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs is returning $100,000 in missing money to food pantries throughout the state. Each December, Frerichs’ office focuses on returning money through the ICash program to nonprofit groups that help people in need. This year, Frerichs decided to help food pantries that saw resources stretched and demand spike when the federal government shutdown stopped food assistance to many Illinois families in November. “Food pantries always

Wood River 3-Year-Old Needs Community Support in Fight Against Rare Bleeding Disorder

1 week 5 days ago
WOOD RIVER - Allison Schardan knew something was wrong with her 3-year-old son when the normal bumps and bruises of childhood started to intensify. In October, Carsen, a loving, vibrant toddler, began to bruise easily and often. It confused Schardan, who also noticed red dots on his skin, called petechiae. She asked her mom, a nurse, who agreed there was “something going on with his blood.” The pediatrician drew labs and discovered Carsen’s platelet count was at a nine.

Turner Law Designates Official State Beans

1 week 5 days ago
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois will soon have an official state bean starting Jan. 1, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Doris Turner. “Our state’s symbols highlight the important pieces that make Illinois what it is,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “The soybean powers our farms, fuels our economy and feeds our future.” Turner’s law designates the soybean as the official state bean of Illinois. According to the Illinois Soybean Association,

S.J. Morrison One Of Speakers At First 'Talking Transit' Forums To Discuss System In Region

1 week 5 days ago
ST. LOUIS - 2026 will mark the opening of the MetroLink extension to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, completion of the Secure Platform Plan, debut of a new fare system, next steps with the alternatives analysis for Bus Rapid Transit and an ongoing commitment to increasing transit accessibility and safety on both sides of the river — all in the midst of an ever-changing funding landscape at the local, state and federal levels. Much is at stake, and the area’s transit advocacy organization

Durbin, Shaheen Meet With Polish Embassy's Head Of Mission

1 week 5 days ago
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, and U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, met with the Head of Mission at the Polish Embassy, Bogdan Klich, to discuss Poland’s strong support of Ukraine as Vladimir Putin continues his brutal war. They also discussed Russia’s provocative incursion into Polish airspace, creating a dangerous escalation of the war in Ukraine

North St. Louis house fire: Building damaged, one rescued

1 week 5 days ago
ST. LOUIS - A house fire occurred overnight in North St. Louis, damaging a two-story brick building on Riverview Boulevard. The fire department confirmed that the incident started in a kitchen within one of the housing units. The fire took place on Riverview Boulevard between Baden and Jennings, affecting a building that contains up to [...]