Kelsey Landis | Belleville News-Democrat

Jews in southern Illinois fear the congresswoman’s anti-Semitic comments will lead to more prejudice against the religious minority, which has always been an undercurrent in the region.

“I show up. I work. I do whatever needs to be done,” said state Sen. Christopher Belt, D-Centreville, of his role at Commonfields of Cahokia Public Water and Sewer District.

Commonfields of Cahokia Public Water and Sewer District is the public utility for a community plagued by decades of flooding and sewage backing up into resident's homes and yards.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a “bridge phase” and said universal eligibility for vaccines begins April 12.

Police, prosecutors, defenders and judges prepare to enact more than 700 pages of legislation.

State senators questioned health officials about inconsistencies and delays in vaccine distribution.

The former speaker’s iron rule over the legislative process has increasingly conservative downstate lawmakers curious if the new speaker, Emanuel "Chris" Welch, will be more cooperative with them.

“Hopefully we are doing our ancestors proud in the work that we are doing here,” state Rep. LaToya Greenwood said.

Minimum wage workers in Missouri will make $10.30 an hour, and those in Illinois will make $11.

State agencies in Southwestern Illinois are bracing for budget cuts after Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a first round that will affect public safety and social services, with promises of more to come.

Neighboring counties in the Metro East are taking opposite approaches to enforcing the governor's coronavirus related restrictions. Some are cracking down on violators, while others are relying on educating those who break the rules.

The St. Clair County Health Department suspended food or liquor licenses for seven bars and restaurants late last week, and could order more businesses to close if they don’t comply with a statewide ban on indoor service.