January 2026

Senator Bryant reacts to JCAR acceptance of IDOC mail scanning rule

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) has issued the statement in response after the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) accepted permanent rules regarding mail procedures in Illinois Department of Corrections facilities:   “For years, I have been raising alarms about the dangerous and entirely preventable flow of drugs into our correctional facilities. I have […]

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Senator Bryant relaunches Valentines for Seniors Card Drive

MURPHYSBORO, IL – State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) is inviting residents across southern Illinois to help spread cheer this Valentine’s Day by participating in her annual Valentines for Seniors Card Drive.   The initiative encourages individuals, families, classrooms, churches, and community groups to create or sign Valentine’s Day cards that will be delivered to local seniors, including

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SIU System MLK Day presentations highlight a transformative era in Chicago politics

by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. — A special presentation, featuring screenings of a powerful documentary about Black political organizing and influence within the Chicago Democratic political machine, is coming to Carbondale and Springfield on Jan. 19, courtesy of a Southern Illinois University System Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday event.     Charles Bowen is

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Ste. Genevieve Fire District assists at structure fire

STE. GENEVIEVE –Just before 10:30 a.m. Sunday, units from Stations 5, 2, and 7, along with automatic aid from Jefferson R-7 Fire Protection District, Goose Creek Lake Fire Department, and Ste Genevieve Fire District, were dispatched to the 6100 block of Charter Church Road in Ste. Genevieve County for a reported residential fire.   Upon

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19th Annual Lady Jackets Mid-Winter Classic is in the books!

2026 Champions are the Marissa Meteors; Runners Up are Chester Lady Jackets By Jim Beers CHESTER – The 19th Annual Chester High School Lady Jackets Mid-Winter Classic Basketball Tournament is completed and in the books! This year’s weather cooperated beautifully and all five nights/sessions went without a hitch. Marissa and Chester battled it out for

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2025: A year of delivering results for the American people

By Jason Smith, member of Congress   WASHINGTON, D.C – When I became Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, I promised to deliver results and real change for the working-class families, farmers, and small businesses that make America so great. For too long, working Americans were left behind in favor of wealthy environmentalists and

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As America turns 250, eagle-watching events abound this winter at Illinois state parks and other sites

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) invites families, wildlife watchers and nature lovers to experience eagle-watching events across the state this winter.   The best time to see the majestic bald eagle in Illinois is during the winter when the raptors seek open water areas for fishing. Certain Illinois state parks and locations,

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Illinois ranks No. 1 for workforce development in Midwest, climbs to No. 3 in the Nation

State’s talent pipeline and training drive national recognition CHICAGO – Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) have announced that Site Selection Magazine, the leading economic development publication, has named Illinois #1 for workforce development in the Midwest and #3 in the nation for 2026 – up from #2

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Lt. Gov. Wasinger launches student essay contest to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary and inspire patriotism

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – As our great nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, Missouri Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger today announced an exciting initiative to engage Missouri’s students in reflecting on what makes America exceptional.   The “Lieutenant Governor’s Award for American Patriotism” invites Missouri students

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