A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that the government can continue withholding billions of dollars in foreign aid funding that Congress had appropriated for fiscal year 2024. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit voted 2-1 to overturn a district court injunction that had required the State Department and U.S. Agency […]
Author: Dani Tietz
U.S. National Debt Surpasses Historic $37 Trillion Milestone
The U.S. government’s gross national debt has crossed the $37 trillion threshold for the first time in American history. The Treasury Department’s latest daily financial report confirmed this historic high on August 12, revealing that the debt reached $37,004,817,625,842.56. This moment arrives years ahead of pre-pandemic projections, as the Congressional […]
Scientists Counter Kennedy Administration with Evidence-Based Health Report
In direct response to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s controversial health policies, a coalition of scientists and public health experts released an evidence-based alternative report titled “Improving the Health of Americans Together” (IHAT), challenging what they characterize as Kennedy’s “fake MAHA agenda” built on pseudoscience and […]
Fourth Circuit Court Strikes Down DOGE Data Access Protections in Split Decision
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has vacated a preliminary injunction that had blocked the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive personal data held by three major federal agencies. In the 2-1 decision issued August 12, the appeals court ruled that labor unions and federal employee groups were […]
Illinois Partially Complies with Federal Request for Voter Data
The Illinois State Board of Elections has responded to a Department of Justice request for comprehensive voter data by providing some information while withholding sensitive personal details. In an August 11, 2025 letter to DOJ officials, Illinois State Board of Elections General Counsel Marni M. Malowitz confirmed the state provided […]
Cyclists Gear Up for 2025 River to Rail Ride in Danville
Bicyclists from across the region are invited to take in some of Vermilion County’s most scenic landscapes during the 2025 River to Rail Ride on Sept. 13, starting at Kennekuk County Park’s White Oak Barn. Hosted by the Vermilion County Conservation District, the annual event offers a variety of well-marked, […]
Gene Hackman’s Cinematic Legacy Celebrated at FischerFest in Danville
The Fischer Theatre is rolling out the red carpet August 16–17 for FischerFest: The Cinematic Legacy of Gene Hackman, a two-day event honoring the illustrious career of Danville’s own Oscar-winning actor. FischerFest’s lineup will showcase five of Hackman’s most acclaimed films. On Saturday, guests will enjoy Bonnie and Clyde, The French Connection, […]
Federal Judge Denies Justice Department’s Bid to Unseal Ghislaine Maxwell Grand Jury Records
A federal judge in Manhattan delivered a scathing rebuke to the Trump administration on Monday, denying the Justice Department’s request to unseal grand jury transcripts and exhibits from the criminal case against Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell. U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer dismissed the DOJ’s motion in a 31-page […]
Trump Cites False Crime Statistics to Justify Takeover of D.C.
President Donald Trump, who was convicted of 34 felony counts and found legally liable for sexual abuse and defamation, announced Monday that he is placing Washington D.C.’s police department under federal control and deploying National Guard troops to the nation’s capital, claiming the city faces a “crime emergency” despite official […]
Village of St. Joseph to Consider Resolution Appointing Zoning Administrator and Establishing Community Development Department
The Village of St. Joseph is taking steps to streamline zoning, permitting, and code enforcement functions with the appointment of a new zoning administrator and plans to create a formal Community Development Department. The Village Board of Trustees is looking to appoint current Village Administrator Joseph Hackney, who is recognized […]











