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The Alton Community Unit School District is proud to announce two administrative appointments approved by the Board of Education at its January 20 meeting. Amber Harrington Named Principal of Lovejoy Elementary School Amber Harrington has been appointed principal at Lovejoy Elementary School effective July 1, following the retirement of Principal John Ducey in June. Mrs. Harrington brings 15 years of experience in education, the majority of which has been spent serving students,

ALTON- Soulcial Kitchen, the nationally recognized social enterprise known for its innovative Currency of Caring ® and Dignity on Demand initiatives, is proud to announce its first monthly Block Party for Good of 2026. WHAT: Alton Block Party for Good WHEN: January 23 | 2:00–4:00 PM WHERE: Soulcial Square | Market & 5th Street, Alton, IL The January Block Party for Good will once again transform The Alton Soulcial Square into a hub of care, connection, and community support,

A blank calendar can feel like a clean slate—even if nothing about your life has actually changed overnight. That reaction isn’t just optimism. It’s a mix of psychology, habit, and culture that makes “the start of the year” feel like a natural moment to plan, reset, and promise yourself you’ll do things differently. The draw is so strong that people who ignore planners all year will suddenly buy one, color-code it, and map out the next 12 months. There’s

On January 21, 1793, King Louis XVI of France was executed by guillotine in Paris, a moment that changed the course of the French Revolution and sent shockwaves across Europe. At the time, it marked a decisive break with the old idea that a king ruled by unquestioned authority. France had already overthrown its monarchy in practice, but the public execution made that change irreversible and highly visible. It also hardened divisions inside France and pushed other European powers to treat the

This morning starts off clear and cold with temperatures near 35 degrees. As the day progresses, you'll notice the breeze picking up from the southwest at around 15 mph, gusting up to 31 mph, making it feel a bit cooler. By afternoon, expect partly sunny skies as clouds thin out, setting the stage for a high around 44 degrees. Evening brings partly cloudy skies with temperatures dropping to around the mid-30s, and winds shifting to the west-northwest at about 10 mph, gusting to 25 mph. Overnight,

ALTON — The Alton Police Department officially welcomed Officer Daniel Huffman as its newest lateral hire. The hire of Huffman was made on January 5, 2026. Chief Jarrett Ford administered the oath of office during a ceremony at the department. Officer Huffman has already begun the Field Training Program as he integrates into his role serving the City of Alton. Chief Ford and the department expressed enthusiasm about the experience and dedication he brings to the community.

ALTON - Two representatives from the Alton Education Association spoke about declining morale in the Alton Community Unit School District #11. During their regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, Board of Education members listened as Sara Carter, president of the Alton Education Association, shared concerns about morale among staff members. Carter also said a senior school board member referred to her as “one of the peons” before a Finance Committee meeting in November 2025. AEA

MARYVILLE/FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Parents have the opportunity to receive free breastfeeding support. St. Louis Metro East La Leche League offers free support groups for prospective parents and nursing families. They meet in various locations across the Metro East and also have an online Facebook group . Dee, a breastfeeding counselor and La Leche League volunteer, explained that the group’s goal is to help parents feel more comfortable feeding and caring for their children. “When

ALTON – Two individuals from Alton face felony charges in separate cases of domestic battery. Shane M. Vanetten, 41, of Alton, was charged with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery and a Class A misdemeanor count of domestic battery on Jan. 6, 2026. On Dec. 25, 2025, Vanetten allegedly knowingly and without legal justification caused bodily harm to a household or family member who was 60 years of age or older at the time of the offense. The East Alton Police Department presented

GLEN CARBON - A local chiropractic clinic recently settled an agreement following allegations that the clinic committed fraud. Ryan Cleland and Infinite Wellness Integrative Medical Center in Glen Carbon entered into a $249,258.24 settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. This agreement resolves allegations that the clinic presented false and fraudulent claims for treatments that were not medically reasonable or necessary.

ALTON - The Mississippi River Water Trail organization will host their tenth annual Mississippi Meanderings speaker series this weekend. From 12–5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, river paddlers are invited to the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton for a day of community and education. Three speakers will discuss the history and culture along the Mississippi, as well as the work it takes to paddle on the river. “We are a community of paddlers in the St. Louis region fo

ALTON - A local businesswoman is hosting a Galentine’s Experience vendor fair to highlight woman-owned businesses, women’s wellness, and more. From 4–8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at Post Commons in Alton, community members can engage with local vendors offering a variety of products and services, from IVs and vitamin injections to a menopause station to piercings and permanent jewelry. Attendees are encouraged to learn more about women’s wellness while supporting

CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed the bipartisan Clean Slate Act (HB 1836), a law that will automate the state's record-sealing system process for individuals with certain non-violent convictions following a waiting period. Individuals with violent and serious convictions including murder, domestic battery, DUI, sex crimes, and other serious crimes are not eligible for record sealing under the Clean Slate Act. The bill also does not apply to any crimes that aren’t already

ALTON – The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) has awarded accreditation to OSF Saint Anthony's Health Center Laboratory, based on results of a recent on-site inspection as part of the CAP’s Accreditation Programs. Recognized for rigorous and robust standards, CAP accreditation elevates quality and mitigates risk, an important way that laboratories can contribute to improved patient outcomes. The facility’s director, Huazhang Guo,

BENTON – A Southern Illinois District judge sentenced a Kentucky man to 15 years in federal prison for possessing more than 150 grams of meth and a firearm as a felon. James W. Towery, 45, of Salem, Kentucky, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute meth and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. “Armed drug dealers belong in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Southern Illinois communities are safer with this

BELLEVILLE — The Belleville Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Monday evening, Jan. 19, 2026, on the 600 block of State Street. At approximately 8:19 p.m., officers responded to reports of a shooting near the entrance of a residence. Upon arrival, they found a male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel provided aid at the scene, but the victim later died from his injuries. A woman was taken into custody at the scene and is currently

JERSEYVILLE – A Godfrey man faces multiple charges after allegedly driving under the influence in Jerseyville and attempting to flee from police with a loaded handgun and drugs inside the vehicle. Coulton E. Faulstich, 22, of Godfrey, was charged on Jan. 15, 2026 with the following offenses: Unlawful possession of methamphetamine (Class 3 felony) Aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon (Class 4 felony) Aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer (Class 4 felony)

EAST ST. LOUIS - Growing up in East St. Louis and graduating from Assumption Catholic High School, I never imagined that one day I’d be named president of Ameren Illinois. But as I prepare to step into this role on January 1, 2026, I find myself reflecting on the journey that brought me here — a path paved with hard work, mentorship, and a deep connection to the community that raised me. I still remember the moment that sparked my interest in the utility industry. I was a kid, standing

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that since President Donald J. Trump took office on January 20, 2025, lawsuits filed by Raoul’s office have protected approximately $6.6 billion in federal funding for the state of Illinois and critical programs and services that support individuals, families and organizations across the state. In the past year, Raoul’s office has filed more than 50 lawsuits defending the rule of law and the civil rights of all Illinoisans,

ST. LOUIS, MO. — The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as requests from hospitals exceed the available supply of blood, leading to about a 35% drawdown of blood products in the past month. Individuals are urged to give now so patients don’t face delays in lifesaving care. The shortage is especially serious for platelets and types O, A negative and B negative blood. High flu activity in nearly every state may be sidelining donors, slowing efforts to rebuild the