By CASEY HARPER The Center Square The U.S. Senate voted Tuesday [Nov. 29, 2022] to pass a bill that would federally codify same-sex and interracial marriages. A handful of Republicans joined Democrats in voting for the “Respect for Marriage Act,” which passed 61-36, and will now head to the House of Representatives. “This Senate has…

The Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees met Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, for its regular monthly meeting. Board members included Bill Hawley (Odin), Laura Wedekemper (Shattuc), Bryan Holthaus (Carlyle), Louis Kalert (Centralia), Jeff Brown (Greenville), and Jim Beasley (Centralia). Linda Stover (Centralia) and Alyssa Lurkins (Student Trustee) were absent. Trustees reviewed and approved the proposal from…

Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC and Foland, Wickens, Roper, Hofer & Crawford, P.C. have announced that the two law firms will merge effective Jan. 1, 2023. The combined firm name will be Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC. Baker Sterchi managing member, Scott Kreamer, will continue to serve as the managing member of the…

After the success of last year’s inaugural run, the Madison County Transit (MCT) “Holiday Buses” will be back on the streets this December! In the spirit of giving, MCT is surprising riders with the gift of free public bus rides for passengers who happen to board an MCT “Holiday Bus” throughout the month of December.…

By DAVID SHEPARDSON      (REUTERS) – More than 400 groups on Monday called on Congress to intervene in an ongoing railroad labor standoff that threatens to idle shipments of food and fuel and strand rail travelers while inflicting billions of dollars of economic damage. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of Manufacturers, National Retail Federation,…

Agreement will supplement the state’s Trust and Rainy-Day Funds, secure employer tax credits, and save taxpayers millions Governor JB Pritzker announced today a historic agreement to pay off the remaining $1.36 billion unemployment insurance loan balance, replenish the fund for the future, and protect benefits for working families. The agreement will save taxpayers an estimated…

S. M. Wilson & Co. has completed the construction of a new $1.7 million, state-of-the-art community clinic for Hermann Area District Hospital in Hermann, Mo. The project included the interior remodel of the west portion of the Alco building into a 10,000-square-foot clinic to serve area residents. S. M. Wilson served as the General Contractor.…

Alton Main Street’s quarterly information exchange, called “What’s Up Downtown”, will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov.  30 at Jacoby Arts Center,627 E. Broadway, Alton, Ill. The public is invited to learn the latest news regarding developments in Alton’s historic downtown district, including updates from new and existing businesses, news on real estate…