SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that several new laws designed to strengthen public health initiatives will take effect with the start of the New Year, January 1, 2026. “The New Year offers a critical opportunity to advance public health and protect Illinois families through new laws and innovative strategies,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “We thank Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly for their leadership
SPRINGFIELD – Several initiatives spearheaded by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias will take effect in the new year. “This past legislative session delivered some big wins for Illinoisans that will make a real difference in their everyday lives,” Giannoulias said. “These laws move us closer to our goals of making our roads safer, ensuring our libraries have the tools they need to serve their communities and creating a more efficient and responsive government.”
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies throughout the state are joining forces to increase patrols focused on impaired drivers, seat belt violations, distracted driving and speeding as 2025 comes to a close. Whether you’re traveling a short or long distance the goal is for everyone to arrive to their destination and kick off 2026 safely. “Don’t ever drive if you’ve been drinking alcohol, using
SPRINGFIELD – Many of us pledge to exercise more and eat healthier as January 1st rolls around, but setting up a budget and tackling debt is also a great New Year’s resolution. “What better way to kick off 2026 than to take a hard look at your finances, make a plan to pay off bills and consider investing to provide for your future,” said Comptroller Mendoza. According to Fidelity Investments’ 2026 Financial Resolutions Study , 64% of respondents are considering
GRANITE CITY - The Granite City Council has approved and activated red-light enforcement cameras at the intersection of Maryville Road and Pontoon Road to enhance traffic safety. The cameras, which monitor all four directions of the intersection, became operational recently and will issue warnings for violations until Jan. 19, 2026. Starting Jan. 20, 2026, citations will be issued to registered vehicle owners for any red-light violations captured by the system. The initiative reflect
EDWARDSVILLE – Madison County Clerk & Recorder, Linda Andreas, announced today that they will begin implementing a notary fraud alert program in the Recorder’s office in the new year. The program, developed by Fidlar Technologies, is a powerful new tool designed to protect the notary community from fraud. This service allows notaries to sign up for free and receive daily, weekly, or monthly reports summarizing recorded documents bearing their name through our land records office. Wi
SAINT LOUIS - Sue Greenberg didn’t necessarily set out to transform the art scene in St. Louis, but she has had quite the impact. As she wraps up her 39-year career with St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts , Greenberg reflected on the years she spent as the executive director of St. Louis VLAA. She has helped countless Greater St. Louis artists connect with legal and accounting aid, and she is excited to see what comes next for the nonprofit. “Everything
SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is calling on Illinoisans to remain vigilant for fraudulent text messages claiming they owe money for traffic violations or tolls. Scam texts, which have surfaced recently, typically claim that the recipient’s vehicle registration or driving privileges are at risk of suspension and prompt immediate action through a link. These messages are phishing attempts designed to instill fear as a means of stealing money or personal information.
VIRDEN - North Mac High School will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 8:45 am to 1:30 pm on Wednesday, January 14 at 231 West Fortune Street, inside Donor Bus. What: North Mac High School Community Blood Drive When: Wednesday, January 14, 8:45 am - 1:30 pm Where: Donor Bus, 231 West Fortune Street, Virden, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact Tina Leonard at (217) 965-4127 or visit www.bloodcenter.org
EDWARDSVILLE — A 51-year-old man from Washington, Indiana, was taken into custody and charged in connection with a robbery at a local bank earlier this week, the Edwardsville Police Department announced Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. Robert Neal was charged with financial institution robbery, possession of a stolen license plate, and theft following the investigation into the Monday afternoon, Dec. 29, 2025, robbery at Chase Bank, located at 248 Harvard Drive in Edwardsville. The Madison Count
SPRINGFIELD – As 2025 ends, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) is proud to share a year of impactful enforcement actions and successful resolutions that protected workers' rights and ensured fair compensation across the state. From recovering unpaid wages – approximately $2.7 million year-to-date – to enforcing child labor and paid leave laws, IDOL has remained steadfast in its mission to uphold labor standards and support workers. “The Illinois Department of Labor
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois has been awarded $193,418,216 million per year for five years through the $50 billion federal Rural Healthcare Transformation Program (RHTP) fund, which will be utilized to expand equitable access to healthcare and to eliminate barriers to care that many residents of rural communities face. All 50 states applied for the RHTP funding, and a total of $10 billion will be available each year over five years, beginning in fiscal year 2026. While this funding will provide
O’FALLON, Ill. — On Saturday, December 27, 2025, O’Fallon police officers responded to a residence in the 1300 block of Bossler Lane for a well-being check on 72-year-old Terrie Nguyen after family members were unable to reach her. Upon arrival at approximately 1:30 p.m., officers found Terrie Nguyen deceased inside the home. Authorities determined her death to be suspicious and the result of violence. Early in the investigation, 38-year-old David Nguyen, Terrie’s son,
ST. LOUIS - The upcoming peak of the 2026 Quadrantid meteor shower in St. Louis is expected to reach its maximum activity late on Saturday, January 3, 2026, through the early hours of Sunday, January 4, 2026. The shower, known for producing bright fireballs, can deliver between 40 and over 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. Early Wednesday morning, Dec. 31, 2025, in St. Louis, a green glow briefly lit up the northern sky before fading near the Gateway Arch, a phenomenon identified
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), a leading Catholic health ministry with operations in Illinois and Wisconsin, announced today that Mark Thorn, MBA, FACHE, has been named Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for HSHS’ Southern Illinois Market. He begins his role Jan.26, 2026. In this role, Thorn is responsible for monitoring financial performance and maintaining appropriate financial plans and forecasts, serving as key financial liaisons to market executives
GRANITE CITY — Seven Granite City High School students earned Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) certifications through their Introduction to Cybersecurity course, the school district announced this week. The certifications, awarded by Cisco, a global leader in IT training and networking, recognize students’ job-ready skills in cybersecurity and IT support. Among the students, seven received the Cybersecurity certification, three earned the IT Support certification,
SWANSEA — The Swansea Police Department announced the passing of retired Sergeant Greg Woolery on Christmas Day, 2025, at the age of 70, following a prolonged battle with an aggressive illness. Woolery served a total of 36 years in law enforcement, beginning his career with the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, where he worked for eight years. He then dedicated 28 years to the Swansea Police Department, retiring in 2013 as a sergeant. Throughout his tenure, Woolery was recognized
ALTON – A sex offender residing in Alton faces a new felony charge after repeatedly failing to register with local authorities. Terrance T. Holmes, of the 1900 block of N. Rodgers St. in Alton, was charged on Dec. 26, 2025 with a Class 3 felony count of violating the Sex Offender Registration Act. On Dec. 24, 2025, Holmes allegedly failed to register as a sex offender with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office in Madison County, where he resides, as required under the Sex Offender
ALTON - Community members have a unique opportunity to see award-winning photography at Elysian Gallery this weekend. Like many small businesses in the downtown Alton shopping district, Elysian Gallery has created a special experience for the 17th annual Alton Eagle Ice Festival . Throughout Friday, Jan. 2, and Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, community members can stop by the gallery located in Mineral Springs Mall to see photos by nature photographer Lonnie Gatlin. Gatlin has over 30 years
COLLINSVILLE/GRANITE CITY – Collinsville and Granite City Police have filed felony charges against two after separate incidents of stabbing on the same day. Audrie B. Lively, 19, listed as homeless out of Collinsville, was charged with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery on Dec. 29, 2025. She allegedly stabbed another individual in the chest with a knife on Dec. 25, 2025. A petition to deny her pretrial release from custody was filed by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s
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