Senator Bryant launches petition to save the (Ste. Genevieve-)Modoc Ferry
MURPHYSBORO – State Senator Terri Bryant is calling on the Governor to help save the historic Modoc Ferry, a vital link for residents and visitors crossing the Mississippi River between Illinois and Missouri.
The ferry, one of the last of its kind in the region, is at risk of shutting down due to funding shortages. While Missouri has stepped up to contribute toward its operation, Illinois has yet to match those efforts.
Senator Bryant says the Modoc Ferry provides an important connection for southern Illinois, and if Missouri can pay its share to keep the ferry running, Illinois should too.
Senator Bryant has launched a petition to urge the Governor to commit state funding and ensure the ferry’s future. The petition is available online at senatorbryant.com/save-the-modoc-ferry-petition.
Pritzker defends his sanctuary state agenda while Illinoisans pay the price
As Governor J.B. Pritzker traveled to Washington, D.C. to testify on Illinois’ sanctuary state policies, his immigration agenda has cost Illinois citizens billions of dollars. While Gov. Pritzker claims he’s simply following existing law, in reality, he has pushed policies that dramatically limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, even in cases involving repeat offenders, violent criminals, and known gang members.
In 2021, Gov. Pritzker signed legislation forcing counties to cancel long-standing ICE detention contracts, weakening the state’s ability to detain and deport dangerous individuals. He also empowered the Attorney General to investigate and penalize police departments that assist federal immigration officials, sending a chilling message to law enforcement across Illinois.
Beyond enforcement, Gov. Pritzker created the taxpayer-funded Welcoming Illinois office to expand benefits for undocumented immigrants, including free healthcare, costing billions at a time when working families are struggling with inflation, rising taxes, and public safety concerns.
State Senator Terri Bryant stated that the testimony wasn’t just about immigration policy, but about a governor being more focused on currying favor in Washington than protecting the people of Illinois. Residents deserve leadership rooted in accountability, not political ambition.
Madigan sentenced: 7 ½ years, $2.5 million fine for public corruption
Once the most powerful politician in Illinois, former House Speaker Michael Madigan was sentenced this week to 7½ years in federal prison and a $2.5 million fine for corruption, a stunning fall for a man who ruled state politics like a mob boss, controlling government, rewarding allies, punishing opponents, and building one of the most formidable political machines in the country.
Madigan was indicted in 2022 after years of federal investigations. Prosecutors charged him with racketeering, bribery, wire fraud, and extortion for orchestrating a scheme in which he traded official favors for personal and political gain. At the heart of the case was a series of deals involving utility giant ComEd, which prosecutors said secured favorable legislation in exchange for funneling no-work jobs and contracts to Madigan’s allies.
The trial revealed a political operation run like an organized crime syndicate, one that blurred the lines between public service and personal power. Madigan was ultimately convicted on all major counts, ending a career that shaped state government for half a century.
But while Madigan faces justice, the system that enabled him remains intact. Not a single ethics reform targeting the General Assembly has passed since his indictment. While Senate Republicans have introduced measures calling for independent oversight and tighter revolving-door laws, Democratic leaders have blocked action. Without meaningful reform, Madigan’s conviction may serve as a warning, but not the fix Illinois still desperately needs.
Sports betting just got more expensive thanks to Illinois democrats
Illinois Democrats approved a new per-wager tax on online sports bets, adding another financial burden to consumers and threatening the state’s legal sports betting industry.
Beginning July 1, Illinois sportsbooks must pay $0.25 on each of the first 20 million bets placed statewide annually and $0.50 on every bet after that. FanDuel has announced it will begin charging a $0.50 fee on every wager starting September 1.
This follows a steep tax increase passed last year that already raised rates to as high as 40% for top operators.
Illinois invests in library technology to support underserved communities
The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is awarding more than $1 million in technology grants to 88 public libraries across the state. The funding, administered through the Illinois State Library, will help libraries in underserved communities improve technology access and services.
Eligible libraries will receive either $27,500 or $12,500, based on the population they serve. To qualify, libraries must operate in areas with a low tax base relative to their service population. This year’s recipients follow 113 libraries that received similar grants last year.
Libraries can use the funds to upgrade hardware and software, expand online resources, purchase digital devices, improve Wi-Fi and internet access, ensure website accessibility, and add adaptive technologies and patron self-checkout systems. The goal is to bridge the digital divide and enhance library services where the need is greatest.
All 88 libraries have been notified of their eligibility and are working with the State Library to complete applications. Projects may begin as early as June 28, 2025, and grant funds must be spent within two years.
The following libraries in the 58th District received grants:
- Steeleville Area Public Library
- Marissa Area Public Library District
- Albion Public Library
- Wayne City Kissner Public Library
- West Salem Public Library