Area News
Budzinski calls out dollar store pricing as shoppers face higher everyday costs
On Dec. 19, 2025, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), led 29 Members of Congress in a letter to Dollar Store and Family Dollar raising concerns over widespread price discrepancies at locations nationwide. The letter follows a recent Guardian investigation that found items at these stores routinely ring up at checkout for significantly more than their posted shelf prices…
Read MoreSIUE community raises nearly $428,000 on Giving Tuesday
Donors to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s annual Giving Tuesday campaign, themed “Cougar Nation Gives Back,” contributed $427,989.10 in philanthropic support through scholarships, program enhancements, faculty support, and state of the art facilities, an 19.2 percent increase from last year. The campaign drew 990 gifts from 828 unique donors, with an average gift of $432.31, highlighting…
Read MoreJustice Department sues Pritzker, Raoul over Illinois Bivens Act
WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul, challenging their unconstitutional attempt to regulate federal law enforcement officers through the so-called “Illinois Bivens Act” and “Court Access, Safety, and Participation Act.” The official announcement further noted: Not only are the laws illegal attempts to regulate…
Read MoreNew cardiac technology available in the Metro East
Laser lead extraction now available for pacemaker and defibrillator leads On Nov. 17, 2025, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital performed its first laser lead extraction. This innovative, specialized heart procedure is used to safely remove old or damaged wires, called “leads,” from a patient’s pacemaker or defibrillator. The first laser lead extraction at HSHS St.…
Read MoreRenowned eagle photographer Marty McKay headlines Mooneyham Art exhibit during Alton Eagle Ice Fest
Mooneyham Art LLC will present an exclusive showcase featuring Alton area wildlife photographer Marty McKay, whose eagle portraits have captivated audiences nationwide. The showcase event will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3. Mooneyham Art’s gallery, located at 305 State Street in downtown Alton, invites guests to experience McKay’s…
Read MoreAlton Eagle Ice Fest kicks off start of eagle season
Newly expanded two-day event takes place Jan. 2 & Jan. 3 The great American Bald Eagle winter migration is here and southwest Illinois is ready to welcome the birds to their winter homes. The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau is hosting a two-day party in downtown Alton Friday, Jan. 2 and Saturday, Jan. 3…
Read MoreGateway Pet Guardians ask for holiday help from fosters to clear shelter
Gateway Pet Guardians (GPG) is calling on fosters to give dogs a much-needed break from the shelter this Christmas. GPG staff will be on site at the Pet Resource Center to hold walk-in foster and adoption hours from 2 to 6 p.m. today (Monday, Dec. 22) and Tuesday, Dec. 23. The goal is to clear…
Read MoreEffort to modernize USDA loan programs underway as Budzinski, Bost introduce bipartisan bill
On Dec. 17, 2025, U.S. Reps. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) and Mike Bost (R-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…
Read MoreIllinois Stewardship Alliance announces 2026 farmer-led policy agenda
Member-driven agenda targets monopolies, food access, and farmer support The Illinois Stewardship Alliance (ISA) recently announced its 2026 policy agenda, highlighting targeted, high-impact campaigns to tackle monopolies in agriculture, support farmers, and expand equitable food access across Illinois. The agenda was voted and approved by members at ISA’s Annual Member Meeting on Dec. 10, 2025.…
Read MoreState Senator Erica Harriss to host January Listening Sessions
State Senator Erica Harriss (R-56th-Glen Carbon) will host a series of Listening Sessions in January to provide residents of the 56th District an opportunity to meet one-on-one with the Senator and share their concerns, ideas, and feedback. “Meeting directly with the people I serve is the best way to understand the issues that matter most…
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