ST. LOUIS - The Saint Louis Zoo announced on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, that Merah, a 57-year-old Sumatran orangutan and one of the oldest of her species in North America, died on Wednesday morning, June 3, 2026. The zoo said Merah was the second-oldest Sumatran orangutan in North America at the time of her death and had been receiving specialized care for multiple advanced health conditions related to her age. “We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Merah, our beloved, 57-year-old
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) today announced near universal compliance among active-duty law enforcement officers in the state’s first verification group in the training verification process as mandated by the Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today (SAFE-T) Act. The high achievement rate for the “A-G” last name group, which encompasses more than 12,000 active officers, marks a significant milestone in the
SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is offering remote retailers a valuable opportunity to resolve past Illinois sales tax liabilities through the 2026 Illinois Remote Retailer Tax Amnesty Program, which forgives all interest and penalties to encourage compliance. The program will run August 1, 2026, through October 31, 2026 , and be available to remote retailers and businesses that sell to customers in Illinois but do not maintain a physical presence in the
A room can feel more motivating at 7 p.m. than it did at 3 p.m. for one simple reason: light changes the way effort feels. That is part of why longer days often seem more productive. People do not just measure a day by the number of hours on a clock. They also respond to cues from light, routine, energy, and expectation. When there is more daylight, many people feel more alert, more willing to start tasks, and less rushed while doing them. The day seems to offer more space, even though everyone
On June 9, one of the most far-reaching events in modern history took place in 1815, when the Final Act of the Congress of Vienna was signed. The agreement came after years of war brought on by the French Revolution and Napoleon’s rise across Europe. Leaders from the major powers gathered to redraw borders, restore governments, and try to prevent another continent-wide conflict. It mattered immediately because Europe had been exhausted by war and political upheaval. It still matters because
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - The Fairview Heights Police Department said officers responded Friday, June 5, 2026, to a report of a suspicious incident at First Community Credit Union in Fairview Heights, where investigators later determined there was no actual threat after a man entered the bank, raised a stick and said, “Attention everyone, this is a stick-up” while recording the encounter for a social media post. Police said the call came in at about 4:53 p.m. Friday. Officers quickly
EDWARDSVILLE - Grab the lawn chairs and a blanket, because this week’s municipal band concert is turning the local bandstand into a grand theater — with a playful, family-friendly twist. On Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m., City Park will come alive with the Edwardsville Municipal Band and a performance that highlights famous melodies we all know from movies, history, and modern pop culture. The concert features "Nessun Dorma" from the opera Turandot, a beautiful melody that became
BETHALTO - Several public safety updates and municipal approvals led Monday night’s Bethalto City Council meeting, where officials announced a police promotion, reported monthly call volumes, and approved measures involving a trail project, a liquor license, and a zoning map change. During department head reports, Bethalto Police Chief Ryan Dugger announced the promotion of Bradley Henry to sergeant. Dugger said Henry began his police career at the St. Louis Airport Police Department
ALTON – A move to expand residency requirements for Alton city employees is on its way to the City Council. Committee of the Whole members voted 4-2 on June 8, 2026 to approve a resolution to consider an ordinance which would amend a City Code section regarding residency requirements for non-union city employees. Alderman Chris Bohn and Alderwoman Patty Ford cast both votes against the resolution, with Alderman Michael Velloff absent and all others voting in favor. City Council members
WOOD RIVER - Chestnut Health Systems was founded in 1973, and it wasn’t long before the organization became one of the largest providers of substance use, behavioral health and physical health treatments in the Riverbend region. Started in “a modest house” on West Chestnut Street in Bloomington, the small team worked with adults who were struggling with substance use disorders. Soon, Chestnut grew to meet other community needs, with the first southern Illinois location openin
ROLLA, MO. - The Mars Rover Design Team at Missouri University of Science and Technology has won the University Rover Challenge for the second consecutive year, after competing against 35 teams from across the country and around the world. "We didn't go into it thinking we were world champions," says Chase Stem, chief executive officer of the team and a 2026 graduate. "We're a new team, a new group of students, a new leadership group, with a new rover." Held annually at the Mars Desert Research
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - After receiving submissions from across the 114th District, State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) has chosen Cahokia Heights Fine Dining as his ‘Business of The Month’. The upscale restaurant is owned and operated by Zeleke Awash and offers customers a fine dining experience in Cahokia Heights. “ If you reside in Cahokia Heights or just visiting and want a fine dining experience with fantastic food, this restaurant is a must-try,” said Rep.
EDWARDSVILLE — Revity Credit Union is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 College Scholarship Program. This year, four exceptional high school seniors have each been awarded a $2,500 scholarship in recognition of their academic achievements, dedication, and commitment to their future goals. The 2026 Revity Credit Union Scholarship recipients are: • Sebastian Noronha, a graduate of Father McGivney Catholic High School, who will attend the University of Oregon to pursue
JERSEYVILLE – A Jerseyville man accused of domestic battery against two including a child faces felony and misdemeanor charges in Jersey County. The 37-year-old Jerseyville resident was charged with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery of a child under the age of 13 and two Class A misdemeanor counts of domestic battery on June 2, 2026. The day prior on June 1, the suspect allegedly knowingly caused bodily harm to two household or family members, including one victim who was
SOUTH ROXANA — Flash flooding in South Roxana on Monday morning, June 8, 2026, was isolated to one intersection, Police Chief Bob Coles said late Monday morning, as authorities urged people to avoid the area until the water recedes. Coles said the flooding was at Madison Street and Sinclair Avenue, where a roughly 500-foot block of roadway was closed until the water subsides. He said both nearby retention ponds were full because of the torrential rains on Monday morning, June
ALTON - OSF St. Anthony’s will host a free Mental Health First Aid training for community members. On July 10, 2026, Riverbend residents can join a hybrid Mental Health First Aid training to learn how to respond when someone is having a mental health or substance use crisis. Rachel Yuhas, LCPC with OSF St. Anthony’s, shared that the goal is to help community members look out for each other. “Really, we just wanted to provide education to the community, provide resources
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - A 60-year-old St. Louis man died after a motorcycle crash Saturday evening, June 6, 2026, near the intersection of Lemay Ferry Road and Telegraph Road, where St. Louis County police said a motorcyclist collided with a pickup truck making a left turn. Authorities identified him as Dion Schaffer, 60, of the 3600 block of Dovedale Lane in St. Louis, Missouri, 63125. The St. Louis County Police Department said South County Precinct officers responded to the crash
ROXANA - Roxana Junior High School athlete Peyton Cincoski won the Illinois Elementary School Association Class 3A state championship in the 100-meter race recently. Cincoski posted a time of 13.08 to finish ahead of Sydnee Nestrick of Vandalia and Maylie Bates of Tolono Unity. The Roxana School District celebrated Cincoski’s victory in a statement that recognized both her athletic achievement and character. “Congratulations, Peyton Cincoski. She is a state champion athlete
SOUTH ROXANA/ROXANA - Lauren Clendenen, a Roxana High School graduate, is serving the South Roxana community in two public safety roles as a full-time South Roxana police officer and a volunteer lieutenant with the South Roxana Fire Department after completing 16 weeks in the police academy at Southwestern Illinois College. Clendenen said she has been a volunteer firefighter with the South Roxana Fire Department for about three years and is now a lieutenant on the fire team. She also works
ALTON - Alton High School’s girls volleyball team will host a trivia night fundraiser so they can support opportunities for their athletes. On Friday, June 12, 2026, community members can gather at the Owl’s Club in Alton for the trivia night. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event starts at 7 p.m. Coach Eric Wolf is excited for the chance to support the athletes and bring the community together for a fun night. “We thought a trivia night would be fun,” he said.
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