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TEXT TO 911: Madison County Adds Lifesaving Option for Silent Emergencies

1 week 6 days ago
WOOD RIVER — Madison County residents are now able to send a text message directly to 911 when calling isn’t safe or possible. The Madison County Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB) launched Text-to-911, a new communication option that allows residents to contact emergency dispatchers via text message during life-threatening situations. “Sometimes, calling just isn’t an option,” 911 Director Arron Weber said. “If you’re hiding during a domestic

New student loan rule could dissuade people from advanced nursing degrees

1 week 6 days ago
Zoe Clarke became a hospital registered nurse two and a half years ago, following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother. Clarke, an ICU nurse in Asheville, North Carolina, wants to get her master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner or a certified registered nurse anesthetist — occupations in high demand — and eventually work […]
Nada Hassanein

Report: Pay Transparency Efforts Strengthen Equity In Illinois

1 week 6 days ago
SPRINGFIELD – A comprehensive new report released today by the University of Illinois’ Project for Middle Class Renewal (PMCR) finds that while Illinois has made meaningful progress toward gender pay equity since implementing pay data reporting requirements under a 2021 amendment to the Equal Pay Act of 2003 (EPA), significant occupational disparities in pay persist—particularly for Black and Hispanic workers in low-wage sectors. The analysis, conducted by Dr. Tingting Zhang

Illinois State Police Honors Those Dedicated To Protecting The Public

1 week 6 days ago
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan F. Kelly gathered today with ISP staff and their families, local law enforcement officers, and distinguished members of the public for the annual ISP Awards Ceremony. The ceremony was held to recognize individuals for their significant contributions and dedication to public safety in 2024. Director Kelly presented individuals with the following awards: Director’s Award of Distinction, Medal of Valor, Medal for Honor, Achievement

Registration Is Now Open For The 2026 Youth Goose Hunt

1 week 6 days ago
SPRINGFIELD – Youth between the ages of 10 and 17 who would like to participate in the annual Central Illinois Youth Goose Hunt sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources can register now for the event, which is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2026, in Fulton County. Registration is open through Dec. 31. To participate, youth hunters must go online for additional information and to register . The hunt will be hosted at private waterfowl hunting clubs near Canton in Fulton County,

Senator Harriss Statement On The Shooting Of A Granite City Police Officer

1 week 6 days ago
GRANITE CITY – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) has released the below statement following the officer-involved shooting Friday afternoon in Granite City: “The attack on a Granite City police officer Friday afternoon is a stark reminder of the danger our officers face every single day. I am grateful the officer is currently stable after surgery, and my thoughts are with him, his family, and the entire department as they work through this traumatic event. “This

Suspect In Granite City Police Officer Shooting In Custody

1 week 6 days ago
GRANITE CITY – The suspect in the recent shooting of a Granite City police officer is now in custody, the Illinois State Police has announced. The suspect, 26-year-old DJ Marshall of Granite City, IL, who is believed to have shot a Granite City Police Department officer has been taken into custody. This case remains under investigation. Individuals with information are encouraged to send it to ISP.CRIMETIPS@illinois.gov or call (618) 346-3990. On Dec. 5, 2025, at approximately 2:19

How to Plan a Stress-Free Holiday Shopping Schedule

1 week 6 days ago
Did you know that the average American spends over 20 hours shopping during the holiday season, often feeling overwhelmed and rushed? The pressure to find the perfect gifts, manage budgets, and coordinate with busy schedules can turn what should be an enjoyable experience into a source of significant stress. But what if the key to a calm and successful holiday shopping season lies not just in what you buy, but in how you plan your shopping schedule? Understand Your Priorities and Budget Early

This Day in History on December 8: John Lennon Shot and Killed

1 week 6 days ago
December 8 has long been a date marked by events that have shaped the world in profound ways. On December 8, 1980, the world was stunned by the news that John Lennon, former member of The Beatles and a prominent peace activist, was shot and killed outside his apartment building in New York City. Lennon was just 40 years old when Mark David Chapman fired five shots, ending the life of a man whose music and messages had inspired millions. This tragic event sent shockwaves across the globe, sparking