WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with the Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Michael Leiter, to discuss the Israel-Iran conflict, particularly following President Trump’s decision to bomb three nuclear sites in Iran. They also discussed the need to release the remaining 50 Israeli hostages currently held by Hamas and the urgent need for a long-term humanitarian effort in Gaza. In addition to Durbin, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Peter Welch (D-VT) also joined the meeting. “Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the continued holding of Israeli hostages by Hamas, and the larger uncertainty in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran and now President Trump’s involvement, it was important to meet with the Israeli Ambassador,” said Durbin. “We discussed a variety of topics including the recent U.S. bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites and wha
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the three-year anniversary this week of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade , U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) and their colleagues in condemning the Trump Administration’s recent rescission of guidance that reaffirmed hospitals and providers’ obligations under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) to provide medically necessary emergency abortion care, regardless of where the patient lives. The letter, sent to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, urges HHS to immediately reverse its decision to rescind this lifesaving guidance. “While EMTALA remains binding federal law, the rescission will create further confusion for hospitals and providers, especially in states with abortion bans, and will result in medically-necessary
ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust, Q shared his story of finding God and rebuilding his life after 30 years in prison. Q shared that he has made mistakes and experienced challenges in his life, but he believes “you grow through what you go through.” He spoke against judging others and encouraged people to put their trust in God. Above all, Q preached empathy. “I can’t sit and say who good people and bad people are,” he said. “Bad people usually become bad because at one point they were good and somebody took that away from them.” When he was released from prison, Q applied to over 300 jobs. He would be hired, then fired before he could start because employers would check his background. While the experience was discouraging at first, he used it as an opportunity to put his trust in God. Eventually, Q started his own business with his fiancé, and he couldn’t be happier
O'FALLON — The O'Fallon Police Department announced that the annual fireworks event will be held Thursday, July 3, 2025, at dusk at the O'Fallon Family Sports Park, 301 Obernuefemann Road. The event offers family-friendly entertainment and brings together community members for an evening celebration. Officials advised that parking within the park is limited and encouraged attendees to review parking maps in advance to understand access points and traffic flow after the fireworks conclude. The O'Fallon Police said once parking lots reach capacity, the park will be closed to incoming vehicles to ensure safety and manage traffic. To maintain clear routes for emergency vehicles, parking will be restricted on certain streets surrounding the park. The O'Fallon Police Department urged visitors to bring food, drinks, and patience to help facilitate a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants. The department is also working on improvements to the exit process following th
First Mid Insurance Group is proud to announce their Senior Solutions division, which assists Medicare beneficiaries and seniors with their health insurance needs, received the 2024 Million Dollar Producers Award from Senior Marketing Specialists. In addition, they were recognized for impacting 1,019 lives in 2024 through service and sales to their customers. “This recognition is a meaningful reflection of the commitment of our Senior Solutions team to serving clients with integrity, care, and expertise—especially the seniors who rely on us in our communities,” said Clay Dean, CEO of First Mid Insurance Group. “We remain committed to helping individuals navigate their Medicare options with confidence and clarity. Our continued partnership with Senior Marketing Specialists is extremely valuable and we are grateful for the trust placed in us by both our clients and partners.” Senior Marketing Specialists works with nearly 10,000 agents nationwide. Receiving
SAINT LOUIS - The seventh annual Gateway PVA 5K invites the community to come out in support of paralyzed veterans. On July 20, 2025, community members can stop by Tower Grove Park in St. Louis for a 5K or 1-mile run-walk-roll to support the Gateway chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America organization. The event aims to raise money to support paralyzed veterans in the Greater St. Louis area. “It’s amazing. It’s so cool that people will come out and support,” said Lynn Kampmann, one of the organizers. “There’s not even enough words to thank people for all they do, donating and coming out.” From 8–9 a.m. on July 20, participants and their families can enjoy donuts, coffee, fruit and a visit from Bluey the cartoon character. The race begins at 9 a.m. in the park. You must register online by July 8 to receive a t-shirt. The 5K participants will compete for medals, and organizers will announce the winners in three categories
CHAMPAIGN - Prairie Rivers Network is thrilled to congratulate Illinois ecologist and long-time PRN volunteer Martin Kemper on being honored as the National Wildlife Federation’s Volunteer of the Year – recognizing a lifetime of dedication to conservation and his pivotal role in protecting native ecosystems across the state. “After a long career supporting Illinois wildlife, Marty continues to demonstrate extraordinary commitment to conservation,” said Collin O’Mara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “His efforts to document and educate the public about how herbicide drift harms plants and trees have made an enormous impact, and his passion and expertise are an invaluable resource to both the Prairie Rivers Network and the Federation as a whole.” Kemper’s career spans more than three decades with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, where he served as a Wildlife, Natural Heritage, and Private Lands Biologist.
GRAFTON — The City of Grafton has updated its fiscal year 2025-2026 project list following emergency repairs and ongoing infrastructure improvements, city officials announced this week. The revisions come after a section of a creek wall on Springfield Street broke away, posing a threat to the roadway’s stability. Immediate repairs are underway with a budget allocation of $17,000. Additionally, underwater surveys of the public boat ramp have been completed using LiDar technology and diver inspections. SMS Engineers are preparing bid packages to address undercut washouts beneath the ramp, with repair work scheduled soon under a $100,000 FEMA grant. The city also recently completed an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant crosswalk at the intersection of Mulberry Street and Route 100. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has approved the installation following its final inspection, which is expected to enhance pedestrian safety at the busy crossing. Other ongoin
Francis Howell School District’s new superintendent, Mike Dominguez, was set to start his new role Tuesday. A deputy will instead assume the role on an interim basis, the district said.
CHESTERFIELD, Mo. - You may see a lot of pink ribbons in Chesterfield on Sunday as part of a powerful survivor celebration honoring women who have beaten breast or other cancers. The event, hosted by the group 'Pink Ribbon Good,' is taking place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Factory in Chesterfield. Organizers [...]
MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. - Approximately 500 athletes are competing in the Saint Louis Triathlon, which began at 6 AM Sunday at Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park. The Maryland Heights Police Department has issued traffic advisories due to several road closures in the area, urging drivers to exercise caution and plan for delays until 10:30 AM. [...]
ST. LOUIS - Sunday afternoon, more than one hundred musicians will perform at a benefit concert hosted by the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra at the Fox Theatre downtown to support tornado relief efforts. The concert aims to raise money for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and its disaster fund, which will help rebuild [...]
ST. LOUIS - We have a complex of rain and storms in our southwest communities early Sunday morning. The convection extends northwestward into central Missouri. This rain is slowly heading east and will continue to impact some of the area, mainly southeast Missouri. Storms are expected to remain weak, although due to slow movement, some areas [...]
Plant of the Week: Cauliflower. Start seeds indoors now for August planting or buy seedlings at August 16th Seed St. Louis Fall Seedling Sale Missouri Conservation Department pays for tree seeds St. Louis Master Gardeners Horticulture Answer Service: Monday through Thursday from 9 am. to 2:30 pm Bellefontaine Cemetery & Arboretum has reopened and events … Continue reading This Week in Gardening & Nature →
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