Alton is proud of its history as a river town, but the ways that we connect with rivers have changed over time. One hundred twenty years ago, people regularly used the riverfront to greet and unload steamboats and barges or to fish. Then, trains traveling on tracks parallel to the river drew…
For those unaware of the American Rescue Plan of Action (ARPA) funds, Alton received over$21MM in ARPA funds in 2022. The use of these funds is VERY restricted, misuse can result in stiff penalties, the least of which is Alton having to reimburse the misspent funds. Madison County also recei…
Paul is one of my Biblical heroes. He writes in Romans 5:3-5 “we rejoice in our sufferings.” Is he crazy? No! He is looking back. He realized that when he suffered, he had persevered. In other words, he had “toughed it out.” Doing that built up his character, and that gave him hope… and hope…
Higher education is, by definition, a collaborative endeavor.
The early days of fall are here. That means cooler weather, the grass is no longer growing a foot a week, and leaves will soon be changing to beautiful colors before falling to the ground. Unfortunately, it also means we see political candidate’s signs everywhere, on private property AND on…
Anyone who grew up during the Cold War can attest to how terrible the time really was.
The international community is watching Russian President Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine fail.
The end of the Cold War was greeted with euphoria by those who believed in the idea that Western democracy was bound to sweep the entire globe.
The world has certainly changed since Russian President Vladimir Putin’s illegal invasion of a sovereign country, Ukraine.
Would you build a rec center like this?
Two topics that Steelworkers are well versed in, and they collided with one another during the recent rupture of the TransCanada Keystone Pipeline, now operated by Marathon, spilling over 160,000 gallons of oil into Cahokia Creek in Edwardsville, Illinois.
The international community has turned its attention to the war of choice that Russia is currently waging in Ukraine.
The geopolitical tug-of-war between the United States and China and Russia, allied in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, needs to be contained.
Republicans side with Corporate Elites over Working Class again with another Sham Resolution
This January 17th, please join me in celebrating the life, influence and contributions of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This will mark the 37th year our country has honored Dr. King’s birthday as a federal holiday and I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect upon how…
In 2014, President Barack Obama announced that the United States would begin normalized diplomatic relations with Cuba, a country we had been at odds with since the 1950’s when it turned to a Communist form of government.
Character counts, even in politics.
The United Nations is a flawed organization in more ways than one.
On September 11th, 2021, Officer Tyler Timmins of the Pontoon Beach Police Department said “I do” to his soulmate, Linsey Timmins. On October 26th, just 47 short days later, Officer Timmins'life was violently taken away from him by a person with an extensive criminal history. Officer Timmins…
Despite its many woes, the Joe Biden administration has managed to fill key arms control posts.
What a nice story printed in a local media source on October 17, 2021, regarding Mayor Goins' accomplishments in his first six months in office. The Splash Park at Riverfront Park, the new hotel and restaurant near the train station, Starbucks’s coming to town. The article also highlighted t…
Almost two years ago, Wood River residents learned of our city’s intent to build a new 34,000-square-foot recreation center where the current historic Round House stands. A discussion ensued among many of us about the positive impact the Round House had on their families. An informal group q…