Area News
Illinois joins lawsuit to force federal government not to pause SNAP benefits
Nearly 2M Illinoisans could lose benefits as federal shutdown continues By BEN SZALINSKI Capitol News Illinois Article Summary Illinois is one of 25 states suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture over plans to pause benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program on Saturday. The USDA has said November SNAP benefits will not be paid if…
Read MoreU.S. House Minority Leader Jeffries accelerates Illinois redistricting push
New York Democrat makes stop in Chicago, Springfield By BRENDEN MOORE Capitol News Illinois Article Summary As Indiana’s governor called a special session to redraw the state’s congressional maps, U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries urged Illinois Democrats to do the same. Jeffries’ pitch has been met with a cool reception in Springfield. Black lawmakers…
Read MoreState rep., comptroller candidate’s ICE disclosures draw threats from DOJ
The dispute comes amid heightened tensions over Trump’s immigration crackdown By MAGGIE DOUGHERTY Capitol News Illinois Article Summary State representative and comptroller candidate Margaret Croke, D-Chicago, has come under fire from online conservatives for publicizing ICE vehicle details. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said federal agents who tamper with license plates are not above the…
Read MoreCrowded Dem primaries, GOP field for governor take shape as candidates file for office
GOP primary for governor remains in flux after tragedy hits Darren Bailey’s family By BEN SZALINSKI and BRENDEN MOORE Capitol News Illinois Article Summary Hundreds of candidates filed petitions on Monday to run for office in 2026 as several primary races take shape. U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ push to redraw Illinois’ congressional maps…
Read MoreSenator Erica Harriss honors local heroes at First Responders Appreciation Event
State Senator Erica Harriss (R-56th–Glen Carbon) welcomed more than 60 first responders from across the Metro East region to her first annual First Responders Appreciation Event held on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, at her Edwardsville district office. “This event was all about saying thank you,” said Senator Harriss. “Every day, these brave men and women…
Read MoreSpectrum donates $5,000 to The Salvation Army of St. Clair County
Spectrum presented The Salvation Army of St. Clair County with a $5,000 donation on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, accompanied by State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea). The donation, accepted on behalf of the organization by The Salvation Army of St. Clair County Captains Kenneth and Samantha Jones, will help the organization provide critical resources to…
Read MoreBelt calls for bipartisan action to protect Illinois families from SNAP benefit shutdown
State Senator Christopher Belt is urging federal lawmakers to resolve the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families. “SNAP is a lifeline for families in need, and…
Read MoreAlaska Airlines plans non-stop service from STL to Portland
Alaska Airlines expands STL’s footprint in the Pacific Northwest Beginning in May 2026, Alaska Airlines will start non-stop service from St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) to Portland International Airport (PDX). This direct service to PDX is the airlines second destination from STL to the Pacific Northwest. The airline already provides non-stop service to Seattle,…
Read MoreNatural gas rate increases likely for Ameren, Nicor customers next year
Proposed regulatory decision cuts companies’ requests, but still recommends increasing bills By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois Article Summary Nicor Gas and Ameren Illinois customers will likely see a rate increase on their bills next year, pending a final decision from state regulators in the coming weeks. An administrative judge recommended that regulators increase rates.…
Read MoreSIUE School of Business hosts first combined advisory board meeting at The Wedge
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) School of Business recently hosted a “dynamic” advisory board meeting and social, bringing together members from across the school’s various advisory boards for an evening of collaboration, networking, and celebration. The event, held at The Wedge—one of the university’s newest and most innovative spaces—marked the first time that…
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