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Giannoulias Awards Over $28 Million in Library and Literacy Grants

3 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias awarded $28.3 million for library services and literacy programs throughout the state. The grants include awards to the regional libraries systems across the state to enhance online catalogues at local libraries, support day-to-day operations, expand interlibrary loan programs and to radio information services that equip vision-impaired individuals with narrations of newspaper content. The literacy grants are designed to promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills. “Providing our libraries – the cornerstones of our communities – with the support necessary to expand their services and programs is vital to ensuring that all Illinoisans are empowered to learn, grow and explore, regardless of where they live, their physical abilities, financial situation or educational background,” Giannoulias said. “At the same time, raising literacy rates across

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See Tracks? Think Train! Safety Campaign Kicks Off In Illinois

3 months 1 week ago
CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed September 15-21, 2025, Rail Safety Week in Illinois, marking the 12th year of the statewide awareness initiative. In recognition, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and Operation Lifesaver, a national rail safety non-profit, will be sharing life-saving rail safety information around the state. “Knowing how to act safely on and around railways is key to preventing collisions and protecting Illinoisians,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Rail Safety Week is a reminder of the dangers associated with highway-rail crossings, and the importance of always looking and listening near train tracks. I would encourage all Illinoisans to attend a rail safety event this week and share the information with loved ones.” “Every three hours, someone in the US is hit by a train. With more than 7,000 miles of tracks and 10,000 public highway-rail crossings, the sheer size of Illinois’ rail system puts us at

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Robert Redford, Oscar-winning director, actor and indie patriarch, dies at 89

3 months 1 week ago
Robert Redford, the Hollywood golden boy who became an Oscar-winning director, liberal activist and godfather for independent cinema under the name of one of his best-loved characters, died Tuesday at 89. Redford died “at his home at Sundance in the mountains of Utah — the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved,” publicist Cindi [...]
BOB THOMAS, Associated Press

Repeat Domestic Battery Offender Faces Felony In Jersey County

3 months 1 week ago
JERSEYVILLE – A Jerseyville man previously convicted of domestic battery has been charged again with the same offense after allegedly attacking a member of his household. Zackery L. Stumbaugh, 34, of Jerseyville, was charged on Sept. 10, 2025, with one count of domestic battery, a Class 4 felony. On Sept. 9, 2025, Stumbaugh allegedly struck a household member in the mouth with his elbow, grasped the same victim’s leg and arm with his hands, and threw her onto a bed, knowingly causing bodily harm to the victim. Charging documents state Stumbaugh had previously been convicted of domestic battery in a 2018 case out of Sangamon County, Ill. In this latest case, Stumbaugh was initially granted pretrial release from custody with an initial court appearance set for Sept. 16, 2025, at 9 a.m. However, Jersey County court records indicate he has since failed to appear in court and a warrant is now being prepared for his arrest. All individuals charged are presumed innocent

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Pam Bondi Threatens To Prosecute Hate Speech, Which Charlie Kirk Himself (Rightly) Said Was Protected Speech

3 months 1 week ago
Attorney General Pam Bondi just provided a masterclass in how to completely misunderstand the First Amendment while threatening to abuse government power to silence critics. In response to online criticism of Charlie Kirk following his assassination, Bondi declared: “There’s free speech and then there’s hate speech, and there is no place, especially now, especially after […]
Mike Masnick

"Prophecy for the Moment" Workshop Offered at Mississippi Earthtones Festival

3 months 1 week ago
ALTON - You have the chance to learn more about spiritual connection and waking dreams at the Mississippi Earthtones Festival. Scheduled for this Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at the Alton Amphitheater, the Mississippi Earthtones Festival will have a variety of booths and activities for people to enjoy. Flora and Chuck, two students of Eckankar, are most excited for their 2 p.m. workshop in the Zen Zone, titled “Prophecy for the Moment: Getting the Message of Your Waking Dreams.” “Everybody is on a spiritual journey, whether they’re aware of it or not,” Flora said. “The importance is your own inner guidance, really becoming solid with that.” The “Prophecy for the Moment” workshop asks the question, “Was that a coincidence or guidance from divine spirit?” Chuck, Flora and other ECKists will share experiences and spiritual exercises from their daily lives. Eckankar is a religion, also known as “the path

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Alton Community Supports Young Girl's Fight For Mobility

3 months 1 week ago
ALTON - Wanda Chancellor is organizing a fundraiser to raise money for a wheelchair-accessible van for 3-year-old Rhea Chancellor of Alton, who was left paralyzed from the neck down after a sudden and severe illness on Nov. 26, 2022. Rhea spent one month in the intensive care unit fighting for her life, followed by two months at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, beginning her rehabilitation. Since then, she has undergone three major surgeries, including a nerve transfer, emergency toe surgery, and brain surgery. She is also preparing for double hand surgery in Philadelphia later this month. Despite these challenges, Rhea has shown remarkable strength and resilience. Her family said she faces each obstacle with bravery and a smile that inspires those around her. However, transportation remains a significant challenge that limits her ability to participate fully in family outings, school, and other activities. The fundraiser aims to provide a wheelchair-accessible van to ensure

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Appeals court says Trump can’t remove Federal Reserve’s Lisa Cook

3 months 1 week ago
WASHINGTON — An appeals court late Monday rejected the Trump administration’s request to move ahead with firing Federal Reserve board member Lisa Cook, as the president tries to pressure the independent board to lower interest rates.  The 2-1 decision will allow Cook to partake in Tuesday’s Federal Reserve meeting, where the board will vote on […]
Ariana Figueroa

Simmons Hanly Conroy Attorney John B. Wetmore Elevated to Partner

3 months 1 week ago
NEW YORK – Simmons Hanly Conroy , one of the nation's largest mass torts firms and a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, is pleased to announce that firm attorney John B. Wetmore has been elevated to partner. Based in the New York City office since joining Simmons Hanly Conroy in 2020, Wetmore is a member of the firm’s Asbestos Litigation department, helping families affected by mesothelioma. He focuses his practice on all stages of litigation, with a particular emphasis on legal research, motions, and appellate practice. “John has excelled for many years as a key member of our team focused on holding powerful asbestos companies accountable for the harm they’ve caused,” said Simmons Hanly Conroy Managing Attorney Laurence V. Nassif . “We congratulate John on his elevation to partner in recognition of his many successes for our clients.” Before joining Simmons Hanly Conroy, Wetmor

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