SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) reminds upland game hunters that applications are now being accepted for the 2026 free upland game hunting permit lottery and the controlled pheasant hunting program. These programs provide opportunities to hunt at select state sites across Illinois this fall. The free upland game hunting permit program offers lottery-assigned, no-cost hunting opportunities for wild upland game, including bobwhite quail, ring-necked pheasants
SHILOH - The Village of Shiloh said construction is continuing on its new Police Headquarters at 110 Oak St., a project intended to give officers a modern, efficient workspace and better serve residents for years to come. In a construction update, the village said there is “still plenty of work ahead” but that the project is taking shape. The update referenced a current construction photo and a rendering showing the planned appearance of the completed facility. If construction
CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed into law two pieces of legislation, championed by Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, that advance the health and safety of women and survivors of domestic violence in Illinois, ensuring that patients are treated by healthcare providers who are fully educated on perimenopause and menopause and domestic violence survivors are protected from emerging forms of technology-facilitated abuse. In doctors’ offices and within the justice system,
WOOD RIVER – Two parking-related ordinances received unanimous approval from the Wood River City Council at their Aug. 3, 2026 meeting. One ordinance designates an area near the Stevens Building at 118 N. Haller St. as a no-parking zone, while the other places new parking time limits on certain city-owned lots. Both ordinances take effect immediately. The first change was prompted by a request from the Wood River Fire Department and the Madison County Housing Authority on behalf of the
GODFREY - As much as Vitality Women’s Clinic hopes to support individuals experiencing unplanned pregnancies, they’re also determined to lift up the next generation of students. Vitality is a pro-life, faith-based pregnancy center in Godfrey. They recently welcomed a new high school-aged intern, and Executive Director Jackie Duty is excited to share more about the clinic’s internship program and support for local students. “They really are the future,” Duty said
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) in unveiling the For Our Republic Act , a comprehensive legislative package to fight back against President Trump’s aggressive authoritarian takeover of American democracy. Among many priorities, the new legislation includes Senator Duckworth’s Inspectors General Independence Act , which would prevent Donald Trump and future Presidents from appointing
WOOD RIVER – Monday marked a night of recognition and commendations for members of the Wood River Police and Fire Departments. Mayor Tom Stalcup read several letters of commendation addressed to the city’s police and fire personnel at the Aug. 3, 2026 City Council meeting. The first honored Captain Kristopher Ayers of the Wood River Fire Department for his retirement from the U.S. Army Reserve as a Sergeant First Class after 20 years of service. Ayers remains a member of the Fir
WOOD RIVER/GODFREY - Riverbend Family Ministries is preparing for its biggest fundraiser of the year, and you can help. From 5:30–7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, at The Commons at Lewis and Clark Community College, RFM will host their annual banquet. It’s completely free to attend, though donations are encouraged. Development Director Rachael Craddick hopes to welcome a huge crowd so they can do more to support their clients at RFM every day. “It’ll be great
(The following is a joint information from the SLMPD and U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Missouri) ST. LOUIS - Two 19-year-old men have been accused of shooting at St. Louis Metropolitan Police officers and ATF agents on July 28, 2026, while the officers and agents were conducting a traffic stop at Oriole and Thekla avenues in St. Louis, authorities said. Justin R. Price and Alexavier Bishop were charged by complaint Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, in U.S. District Court
ALTON - Alton Main Street’s quarterly information exchange, called “What’s Up Downtown”, will be held on Tuesday, August 11th at 5:30 p.m. at The Wedge, located at 620 E. Broadway in Classroom 402 in Alton, Illinois. The public is invited to learn the latest news regarding developments in Alton’s historic downtown district, including updates from new & existing businesses, news on real estate transactions and details of upcoming events and projects. You’ll
ALTON - A sizable crowd gathered at the Alton High School football field to watch a preview of the Marching 100 band’s season. On Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, families, administrators and friends of the Alton Community Unit School District #11 braved the heat for a preview of the band’s halftime show. Matt Chesner, the high school band director, noted that students have been attending band camp for the past two weeks and were eager to show off what they had learned. Chesner encouraged
TROY - The free community celebration will once again transform the streets of downtown into a vibrant outdoor festival featuring live music, local artists, interactive art experiences, food trucks, shopping, family activities, and specials from downtown restaurants and businesses. Whether you're an art enthusiast, music lover, foodie, or simply looking for a fun evening with family and friends, First Fridays offers something for everyone. Live Music Headlining the evening will be Ryan
ALTON – A sex offender accused of failing to register after moving to Alton and giving fake names to police has been detained pending trial. 63-year-old Gary L. Vancil, listed as homeless out of Alton, was charged on Aug. 4, 2026 with his latest offenses of unlawful failure to register as a sex offender (a Class 2 felony) and obstructing identification (a Class A misdemeanor). Vancil allegedly failed to register with the Alton Police Department within three days of moving from Sangamon
PIASA - Aiden Roberts, a Southwestern football and wrestling athlete, made significant improvement during the 2025-26 wrestling season, according to assistant wrestling coach Kimberly Kessinger. She said Aiden shined after developing through a youth wrestling club and continuing a sport shared by his family. Roberts is one of the bright spots for Southwestern in wrestling for the future after his performances this past season, and his future appears exciting. Roberts has been an offensive linema
GODFREY — Christmas in July, a fundraiser organized by Margaret Freer for Community Christmas, raised a record $85,000 on July 24, 2026, at Freer Auto Body in Godfrey, with proceeds going to help provide local families with toys, clothes, food, hygiene items and more during the holiday season. The total surpassed last year’s previous record of $76,000. “It was a monumental accomplishment,” Freer said. “We have a wonderful, giving community. The Christmas in Jul
ALTON/GODFREY - A luncheon brought together educators and community partners to celebrate Alton Community Unit School District #11 teachers and students. On Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, the Alton Educational Foundation (AEF) hosted their annual Partners in Education Luncheon to share their support for the district. AEF Director Dr. Kristie Baumgartner noted that the foundation is focused on three main programs this year, all of which aim to boost student and teacher success. The luncheon also
CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker today joined the Ambassador and Director General of American and European Affairs for Indonesia, Grata Endah Werdaningtyas, Illinois leaders, and Indonesian officials to announce a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the State of Illinois and the Republic of Indonesia focused on expanding trade, opening new markets for Illinois farmers, and strengthening cooperation across business, education, and workforce development. “Illinois and Indonesia
ALTON – A woman from Alton accused of illegally carrying a defaced handgun in a vehicle faces felonies in Madison County. Brandy S. Garrett, 46, of Alton, was charged on July 31, 2026 with one count each of defacing identification marks of a firearm (a Class 3 felony) and aggravated unlawful possession of weapons (a Class 4 felony). Garrett allegedly knowingly possessed a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun with a serial number that had been altered or removed on July 30, 2026. Charging
ALTON - Ryan Howard Jr. is expected to be a key piece for Alton High’s boys basketball program as JaQuail Townser takes over the Redbirds following Dylan Dudley’s departure after a 21-12 season in 2025-26. Howard is an Eardley Agency LLC Male Athlete of the Month for the Redbirds. He was a key player for the Redbirds last season as one of the leading scorers and had a strong summer of development. Dudley was announced as the new Illinois College head men's basketball coach on July
CHICAGO - More than 50 decomposing bodies were found Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at South Chicago Chapel on the South Side of Chicago, prompting a hazardous materials response as officials worked to identify the remains and notify relatives, authorities said. The discovery drew a sharp response from Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, whose office said it is familiar with the funeral home’s operators, Johanna and Clark Morgan, because of past practices at another business they ran, Heights
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