CHICAGO, IL (AP) — More than two dozen libraries across Illinois will receive grants to teach middle and high school students how to use the latest technology. Secretary of State Jesse White, who also serves as the state librarian, announced the some $525,000 in Project Next Generation grants. The program provides funding for libraries to…
By MARK SHERMAN and LISA MASCARO , Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Quarreling and confusion marked the start of the Senate’s confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh on Tuesday, with Democrats trying to block the proceedings because of documents being withheld by the White House. Protesters also disrupted the proceedings. In his opening…
By MARK SHERMAN , Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh promised Tuesday to be a “team player” if confirmed to the closely divided court, declaring that he will be a “pro-law judge” who won’t decide cases based on his personal views. With Republicans hoping to move the Supreme Court to the…
By JENNIFER KAY , Associated Press MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Coastal residents from Florida to Louisiana hustled to prepare for a deluge as Tropical Storm Gordon grew stronger on a path to hit the central U.S. Gulf Coast as a hurricane Tuesday night. Boaters evacuated to safe harbors, motorists left barrier islands and homeowners…
Wentzville, MO (KTRS) An overnight explosion is to blame for destroying a home in Wentzville. Firefighters were called to the burning home on Bonnie Brook Lane around 12:30 Tuesday. When firefighters arrived, the two-story home was fully engulfed. No serious injuries were reported. Fire officials say they are looking at utilities as a possible cause.
GENEVA (AP) — The U.N. refugee agency says people smugglers are taking greater risks to ferry their human cargo toward Europe as Libya’s coast guard intercepts more and more boats carrying migrants, increasing the likelihood that those on board may die during the Mediterranean journeys. That’s one of the key findings from the latest UNHCR…
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — A huge fire engulfed Brazil’s 200-year-old National Museum in Rio de Janeiro, lighting up the night sky with towering flames as firefighters and museum workers raced to save historical relics from the blaze. The esteemed museum, which houses artifacts from Egypt, Greco-Roman art and some of the first fossils found…
JEFFERSON CITY, MO (AP) — A Missouri judge is blocking portions of a new state law on meat inspections from taking effect. The Jefferson City News-Tribune reported that Cole County Circuity Judge Jon Beetem temporarily blocked the law from being implemented. The order runs through Sept. 15. Beetem issued the temporary ban in face of a lawsuit…
BARTONVILLE, IL (AP) — Volunteer firefighters in central Illinois are not leaning on the Peoria department enough, according to the city’s mayor. Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis said he blames that reluctance on four fire deaths in Bartonville and West Peoria over the past 11 years, the Journal Star reported. Volunteers have a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System,…
SPRINGFIELD, IL (AP) — The federal courthouse in Springfield is getting a $2.6 million face-lift. The State Journal-Register reports the U.S. General Services Administration is repairing the exterior of the Paul Findley Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse. GSA spokeswoman Cat Langel says weather exposure has worn down the exterior walls of the building, which was constructed in…