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BATCHTOWN — A devastating fire on Tuesday, March 26, 2025, has left the Jackson family in Batchtown grappling with severe losses, including the hospitalization of family member Paula Benoist Jackson. The fire consumed their home and claimed the lives of three of their dogs, while three others survived but require medical attention. Paula (shown above) was inside the residence when the fire erupted and sustained critical injuries that necessitated her being life-flighted to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Currently in the Intensive Care Unit, she is reported to be stable, but her road to recovery is expected to be long and arduous. In response to the family's urgent needs, Courtney Smithee has organized a GoFundMe campaign aimed at alleviating some of the financial burdens they now face. The costs associated with Paula's life flight, her ICU stay, and anticipated medical treatments, including multiple surgeries, are expected to be significant. Additionally, Paula's inability to wor

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On March 25, 1925, 5,000 visitors attended the opening of Sessel’s expanded clothing store in their building at Third Street and Piasa Street (219-221 Piasa Street). “The occasion was one of the most notable events of the kind in the business history of Alton.” The celebration lasted from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., and the store gave out 3,000 carnations and 2,000 balloons. In 1907, Maurice Sessel opened Sessel’s Alton store in a corner of the old Armory building. In 1914, Sessel’s leased additional space on the first floor. In 1919, the second floor was also taken over, and in 1924, the entire four-story building was leased. The building’s first floor housed the heating plant and coal bins for the Haskell property on Piasa Street. The heating plant was separated from the salesroom by only a tile and plaster partition, which “was a constant source of expense through merchandise being damaged by coal dust and caused much uneasiness on the part

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GODFREY - Taylor Justice has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process. Currently serving as the Chief Development Officer at Beverly Farm Foundation, Mrs. Justice has established herself as a leader in the field of nonprofit fundraising and development. With over 10 years of experience in her profession, she spearheads fundraising initiatives and fosters relationships with supporters of the foundation's mission to provide homes, medical services and recreational centers for adults with disabilities. Among her notable projects, she led two successful 24-hour matching gift campaigns, raising over $1 million in 2024 alone. Mrs. Justice's career journey is marked by a series of progressive roles at Beverly

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Opera Theatre presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic operetta The Pirates of Penzance for their spring production. Producers promise "a night of swashbuckling fun and delightful mischief” in a lively evening of family entertainment. Performances will be held on Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in Dunham Hall Theater. The operetta, which premiered in 1879, follows the story of Frederic, a young man mistakenly apprenticed to a band of pirates until his 21st birthday, as he embarks on a journey filled with love, confusion, and outrageous misunderstandings. The SIUE production represents the collaboration of several departments set to bring a full orchestra, vibrant costumes, energetic choreography, and Gilbert and Sullivan's signature blend of humor and heart. “’You make it a point of never attacking a weaker party than yourselves, and when you attack a stronger one you invariably

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – In her opening remarks at today’s committee hearing on the horrific DCA aircraft collision, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)— a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Ranking Member of the CST Aviation Subcommittee—reiterated the long-pressing, ever-growing need to expand our air traffic controller workforce and invest in more safety technology in order to safeguard passengers, crew and our entire aviation system. For years, Duckworth has been sounding the alarm that we must make these critical aviation safety investments immediately to prevent all-too-often near-misses from becoming catastrophic tragedies. Despite the Senator’s calls, the Trump Administration began making cuts and firing hundreds of FAA employees in the wake of multiple deadline airplane crashes, including the DCA crash that killed 67 passengers and crew on January 29, 2025. Video of Duckworth’s opening remarks

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision today upholding a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) rule regulating ghost guns, which are untraceable weapons often made at home from kits that are sold online. Today’s ruling comes after Raoul and a coalition of 24 attorneys general filed an amicus brief in Bondi v. VanDerStok in July 2024, asking the court to reverse a decision by an appeals court overturning the ghost gun rule. The coalition argued that the rule is a commonsense clarification of existing law that is necessary to prevent gun violence and help law enforcement to solve serious crimes. “Today’s decision by the Supreme Court will help us save lives. Untraceable firearms without serial numbers are attractive to individuals who are not legally able to purchase a firearm or pass a background check. These guns fuel criminal activity, destabilize neighborhoods

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) and Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) — alongside U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to place a memorial honoring women’s contributions to World War II on the National Mall. The legislation builds on Senator Duckworth’s 2023 law that authorized the establishment of a WWII women’s memorial in D.C. “It’s long past time we memorialize the contributions hardworking women made during World War II beside all the other historic memorials on the National Mall,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud our legislation was signed into law to establish a memorial in D.C. to honor the millions of women who rolled up their sleeves and took whatever job was necessary to help move our country forward during World

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today met with members of the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC) to discuss a variety of issues, including labor shortages related to the Trump Administration’s mass deportations, a path forward for Dreamers, and steps necessary to protect their workforce. “In just the first few weeks of the Trump Administration, they have unleashed havoc and fear on our immigrant communities,” said Durbin. “What the Trump Administration fails to recognize is that immigrants helped build our nation and contribute greatly to our society and the economy. During my meeting with ABIC leaders, I reiterated my support for our immigrant communities and stressed the importance of finding a permanent legislative solution for Dreamers. I am hopeful to reintroduce the Dream Act on a bipartisan basis this Congress, just as I have done in previous Congresses.”

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Briana Morales, an educator at Bush Alternative in East St. Louis School District 189, has been nominated for the 2024-2025 LifeChanger of the Year Award, an honor that recognizes exceptional K-12 educators and school employees who significantly impact students' lives. The announcement was made on Thursday by East St. Louis School District 189, highlighting Morales' dedication to excellence, leadership, and positive influence in education. The LifeChanger of the Year Award is a national recognition, with only 17 individuals selected each year from across the country. The award aims to celebrate those who inspire and transform the educational experience for their students. Morales' nomination has drawn attention to her commitment to fostering a supportive and effective learning environment. The East St. Louis School District community has expressed pride in her recognition, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging educators who make a difference in the lives

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, with a bipartisan coalition of 50 attorneys general, today announced he filed for preliminary approval of a $39.1 million settlement with generic drug manufacturer Apotex over allegations of a conspiracy to inflate pharmaceutical prices and limit competition. Raoul is also alerting Illinoisans that they may be eligible for compensation if they purchased a generic prescription drug listed here between May 2009 and December 2019. To determine eligibility, consumers can call toll-free at 1-866-290-0182, email info@AGGenericDrugs.com or visit www.AGGenericDrugs.com . “This settlement builds on the work my office is doing to hold drug companies accountable for engaging in practices to maximize profits at the expense of the health and pocketbooks of Illinoisans. I encourage any Illinoisan who may have purchased a generic prescription from Apotex to check their eligibility for compensation that is included in this settlement,”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with the Illinois chapter of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) to discuss the Trump Administration’s harmful rhetoric on privatizing the United States Postal Service (USPS). Durbin and the letter carriers spoke about the future of USPS leadership as Postmaster General Louis DeJoy resigned earlier this week. Additionally, Durbin reiterated his opposition to the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) proposal to cut 10,000 USPS employees at the detriment of Illinoisans who rely on USPS to receive medications, critical communications from the federal government, Social Security payments, and more. On Sunday, Durbin joined NALC in Chicago at the Rally to Save USPS to oppose any effort to dismantle the Postal Service. “Our letter carriers are dedicated federal employees who provide a critical service to our communities. It’s shameful that President Trump doe

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College is debuting a new Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Human Services beginning with the Fall 2025 semester, and enrollment has officially begun. Program Coordinator Chad Keller said the degree is for students who have an interest in helping others develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide direct support to clients seeking social services. Those clients might include individuals with intellectual or physical differences or those dealing with mental health concerns. Professionals in this field often also help youth and older adults access support services at area community organizations. “This degree is about helping people make in a difference in their communities,” Keller said. “It reflects the unique opportunity LC has as a community college to offer a degree pathway for students who are passionate about social work and psychology but who are not interested in pursuing a bachelor's or who want t

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EDWARDSVILLE - Ableist oppression is multifaceted and it can be compared to patriarchal domination, so says Mich Ciurria , PhD, philosophy adjunct professor at Washington University in St. Louis. Ciurria gave the keynote address on Friday, March 21 at the Midwest Society for Women in Philosophy (MWSWIP) Conference at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. For many years, Midwest SWIP has been organized and run by Meredith Verrochi , PhD, instructor in the SIUE Department of Philosophy. This is the first year for SIUE to host this long-running conference. Introducing the keynote speaker was Alison Reiheld , PhD, associate professor in philosophy and one of the MWSWIP Conference host liaisons. Ciurria, a queer, disabled philosopher with specializations in ethics, moral psychology, Marxist feminism, and critical disability theory, spoke about “Moral Responsibility and Disability.” The noted philosopher P. F. Strawson asked, “What is disability and what do

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — A 75-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a child sexual abuse investigation initiated by the Fairview Heights Police Department on March 5, 2025. The suspect, Roger M. Tiemann, is currently in custody at the St. Clair County Jail following the issuance of multiple warrants related to predatory criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse. The investigation began after police received a report of child sexual abuse. Detectives promptly dedicated substantial resources to the case, which culminated in Tiemann's arrest. On March 22, 2025, the case was presented to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office, leading to the issuance of several charges against Tiemann, including four counts of predatory criminal sexual assault involving a victim under the age of 13, classified as Class X felonies, and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse where the offender is five years or more older than the victim, classified

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ALTON - Alton’s Spring City-Wide Litter Cleanup will be held on Saturday, April 12th, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., rain or shine. The community is invited to pitch in by picking up bags, gloves, a free donut, and directions to areas that need cleaning. Registration stations are open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and located Downtown at the corner of 3rd & Belle Street and in Middletown at Fast Eddies Chicken at 7th and Central Avenue. At 9 a.m., groups are departing in Upper Alton from Taqueria Maya at 621 College Ave and in North Alton from Joe K’s Restaurant, located at 2530 State Street where additional supplies will be stocked if needed. Groups can pick up supplies at Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau at 200 Piasa Street, at the Pride, Inc. office located within the Benjamin Godfrey mansion, and at FLOCK & Food Truck Park two weeks prior. Alternatively, volunteers can simply pick up litter in their neighborhood and deposit it in their own trash & recycle bins.

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GRANITE CITY - Brenda Whitaker, the director of the Alfresco Art Center, expressed her gratitude to the Granite City Police Department, Mayor Parkinson, and community members for their assistance following recent vandalism at the center. Whitaker confirmed that the suspect involved in the incident has been identified, apprehended, and charged. However, Whitaker voiced her concerns regarding the legal repercussions the suspect faces under the SAFE-T Act. She noted that the individual was released after being given a court date, despite having previously been released under similar circumstances. "This is not justice," she said. "It’s a harsh reminder that our communities are being left vulnerable — not because law enforcement isn’t doing their job, but because the system they’re forced to operate within is broken." Whitaker emphasized the ongoing risks posed by individuals who may not face significant consequences for their actions. "This individual,

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JERSEYVILLE – Jerseyville-area sewing enthusiasts of all experience levels are invited to the Jersey County Arts Council (JCAC) for a series of informal events with support, sewing machines, and more. “Bring Your Own Project” sessions will be open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the final Saturdays of March, April, and May, starting this Saturday, March 29, 2025. These events grant a dedicated supportive space for sewers of all experience levels. Interested attendees can make use of the JCAC space in the First Presbyterian Church at 400 S. State St. in Jerseyville. While no formal classes are planned, on-site help and support will be available – as will some loaner sewing machines, on a first-come, first-serve basis. While no registration is required, the JCAC does request a $10 donation from participants. For more information about the “Bring Your Own Project” events, contact sewingismysuperpower8@gmail.com or visit sewingismysuperpower.com to

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GRAFTON — JT Terry Day, a veteran who dedicated over four decades of service in both the U.S. Air Force and Army, is being honored for his contributions to the military and his ongoing commitment to veterans. Terry, who served from 1961 to 1969 in the Air Force and from 1983 to 2003 in the Army, participated in significant conflicts including the Vietnam War, Desert Shield, and Desert Storm. Terry, who attained the rank of Buck Sergeant in the Air Force and Chief Warrant Officer 4 in the Army, was part of various units, including the 399th Military Police Group and the 701st Military Police Group, where he engaged in protective services and criminal investigations. His service record includes time in Iraq and Afghanistan. Throughout his military career, Terry earned numerous accolades, including the Secretary of Defense Badge, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Badge, and the Joint Service Commendation Medal, among others. He expressed pride in serving his country and ha

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ST. LOUIS – Today, Governor Kehoe signed HB 495, which strips St. Louis City of its local control over the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Mayor Tishaura O. Jones issued the following statement in response: “From the very beginning, this bill has been a sham, and the Governor’s signature represents nothing but disrespect for every Missouri voter who supported local control,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “The residents of the City of St. Louis are safer today because my administration has made difficult and bold decisions that have resulted in a historic reduction in crime. State takeover is not based in reality, and only shows that Governor Kehoe and the legislature are willing to throw out facts, reason, and the will of the people in order to give the safety of our city away to special interests.” Further context: The “ State of Public Safety 2025 ” report outlines how the leadership of Mayor Jones has led to a more than

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SPRINGFIELD – The Trump Administration notified the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) that it is terminating federal grants nationwide that had been already awarded to support the ongoing work to protect the public from infectious diseases. The termination pulls back $125 million in funding for IDPH and 97 local public health departments, which had been allocated by IDPH for the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity for Prevention and Control of Emerging Infectious Disease (ELC) program and other uses. The funding was awarded to Illinois through 14 separate budget lines in the federal bipartisan CARES Act passed during the first Trump Administration. In addition to rescinding $125 million in previously approved investments, this Trump Administration is also blocking $324 million for future work to prevent and treat infectious disease in Illinois. As originally passed, the bill would have provided up to $449 million in direct long-term support for the state’s

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