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As the nation’s health care system grapples with inequities, violence, and social challenges that extend far beyond hospital walls, one national leader in pediatric surgery says the key to progress might not be new technology — but renewed humanity. Dr. Edward M. Barksdale Jr., MD, professor of surgery and pediatrics at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and chief surgical officer for the Chicagoland Children’s Health Alliance, delivered the keynote address

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After unanimously passing the Senate in May and passing the House in November, bipartisan legislation led by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) to make it easier for parents to safely embark on air travel with breast milk and breastfeeding supplies is now law. Senator Duckworth’s Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act —co-led by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI)—requires th

Jacob Mercer, 23, was killed when a Maryland Heights officer shot him at a Walgreens store on Dorsett Road, police said.

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a multi-state coalition of seven attorneys general, today sent letters to the six largest buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) providers seeking detailed information regarding their pricing and repayment structures, consumer contracts, user agreements, and disclosures. The inquiry aims to determine if BNPL companies are complying with consumer protection laws and whether their products may be placing Illinois consumers at financial risk. The letters

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke on the Senate floor to honor the two National Guard members who were shot in Washington, DC, last week. During his speech, Durbin remembered 20-year-old Specialist Sarah Beckstrom who tragically passed away on Thanksgiving Day. He also prayed for 24-year-old Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe’s recovery. Staff Sergeant Wolfe remains in critical condition. “We pray for his recovery and—as one nation—send

GODFREY - The Village Garden in Godfrey has unveiled a new bridge, enhancing the community space for visitors. The project was completed with the support of several local organizations and individuals, including Tom Bechtold, Cindy Gelsthorpe, First Fruits, Alton Community Service League, and Hamilton Steel. The new bridge aims to improve accessibility and the overall experience at the garden, which serves as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike. Organizers expressed gratitude

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a $120 million settlement with Monsanto Company (Monsanto) and affiliates Solutia Inc. and Pharmacia LLC over the environmental and health effects of Monsanto’s decades-long production of polychlorinated biphenyls, known as PCBs. Raoul’s office filed a 2022 lawsuit alleging the company was aware of the chemicals’ toxicity while publicly denying any knowledge of the danger to human health and the environment. This settlement

Kevin Childers Jr., 38, who formerly ran the jail's kitchen, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and meth, the U.S. attorney's office said.

ALTON - Nicole Rhoades is seeking community support following the tragic death of her father, John Rhoades, who died in a recent house fire. The family is coping with the sudden loss and the financial burden of the funeral and final expenses. John Rhoades was described by his daughter as a loving father and devoted grandfather who brought joy and laughter to family gatherings. “He had a playful spirit and loved playing games with us all — he truly was a big kid at heart, and his

SPRINGFIELD – Several new laws take effect in Illinois on Jan. 1, 2026, including regulations on artificial intelligence, eliminating the state’s grocery tax, and more after receiving Gov. JB Pritzker’s signature. AI Amendments To Human Rights Act Target Employment Discrimination House Bill 3773 makes it a civil rights violation for employers to use artificial intelligence (AI) to discriminate against employees or potential new hires based on race, gender, age,

ALTON – State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) was named an Americans for Prosperity – Illinois (AFP–IL) 2025 Prairie State Policy Champion. AFP-IL cited her work leading opposition to the Homeschool Act as a determining factor in their decision to award Elik. “I am honored to be recognized for my efforts to rein in government spending, ease Illinois’ state tax burden, and protect homeschoolers and empower educational choice in Illinois,” said Rep. Amy Elik.

PONTOON BEACH – Holiday cheer is once again hitting the streets of Madison County as Madison County Transit’s (MCT) “Holiday Bus” rolls out for the 2025 season. The festive tradition offers surprise complimentary rides to passengers throughout December, reflecting MCT’s appreciation for the community members they serve. In 2024, the Holiday Bus provided nearly 5,000 free rides to passengers throughout the county. From December 1 through December 31, the Holiday

GRAFTON - On a chilly Friday evening, Nov. 28, 2025, families gathered in The Grove Memorial Park in Grafton to celebrate the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, welcoming the holiday season with festive cheer and community spirit. Despite the cold, attendees enjoyed hot chocolate and s’mores provided by the Grafton Pub, warming themselves around a fire as Nickie Brooks performed Christmas songs that set a joyful tone. Children eagerly awaited the moment when the large Christmas tree

ALTON - Illinois Main Street, a statewide coordinating program of Main Street America, recently announced the 2025 Lt. Governor Awards for Excellence in Revitalization during the Illinois Main Street Conference in Dixon, Illinois. The program recognized more than two dozen projects, organizations, and local leaders who are transforming downtowns and neighborhood business districts in communities of all sizes across the state. Alton Main Street was honored for a study that was completed in partnership

Superintendent Mark Delaney, a former deputy, has served as interim superintendent since July, after it was announced the district's previous hire would not assume his role "due to unforeseen circumstances."

When the clock strikes midnight on January 1, 2026, Illinois will usher in a slate of new laws, signed by Gov. JB Pritzker, that promise to reshape workplaces, redefine employee rights, and even redraw the boundaries of corporate power.

A former Lincoln County Jail contract employee appeared in federal court Monday and was sentenced for smuggling methamphetamine and fentanyl into the jail.

ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE/GRANITE CITY - The Overnight Warming Locations (OWLs) are once again active and making sure there’s a warm place for people to sleep on the coldest nights of the year. Located in Alton, Edwardsville and Granite City, the OWLs open when the forecast overnight temperature in Alton is 20 degrees or lower. Unhoused community members or folks with insufficient heat are invited to come in, enjoy a hot dinner, take showers, and spend the night. In the morning, guests