ALTON - Alton High School students and the Hayner Public Library District have collaborated to publish a new book. “Get Outside! A Survey of Alton Area Parks Past and Present” was researched and written by Reneé B. Johnson with Hayner’s Genealogy and Local History Library. Lexa Browning-Needham, the project supervisor and graphic communications teacher at Alton High School, worked with her Graphic Design Club students to compile photography, complete the layout, an
Some of the oldest monuments on Earth work like giant calendars. That fact changes how many ancient sites look once you know what to watch for. A ring of stones, a temple doorway, a carved pillar, or a bonfire ritual was often more than a religious symbol. It could also be a way to mark the longest day of the year and the turning point that came with it. For ancient cultures, this moment mattered deeply. It shaped farming, worship, trade, and daily routines. It also inspired stories and customs
On June 4, the most widely remembered global event is the 1989 military crackdown on protests centered around Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. In the spring of that year, large crowds of students, workers, and residents had gathered to call for political reform, greater openness, and action against corruption. The Chinese government declared martial law and sent troops into the capital, leading to many deaths and injuries, though the exact number has never been fully confirmed. At the time,
ALTON — Rosetta Brown and Tammy Perry Are Continuing Their Highly Anticipated Youth Summer Road-Trip Program With A Night Out To See “Michael” On June 9th At The Alton Cinema. The Annual Program, Designed To Provide Safe, Engaging, and Memorable Summer Experiences For Local Youth, Chose This Exciting Event. Attendees Will Get To Experience The World Of “Michael” At The Alton Cinema Located At The Alton Square Mall. "We Are Thrilled To Continue Our Summer Programming
2025-2026 School Year – 2nd Semester Senior High Honors: Anabel Eilerman, Marissa Fraley, Stella Gress, Hannah Klaas, Carly Pohlman, Emma Rose, Jack Zipprich Senior Honors: Addison Becker, Reagan Clendenny, Jack Goode, Tyler Grimes, Sadie Kiel, Mia Krysl, Tamara Osterman, Mary Squier Junior High Honors: Noah Bailey, Ian Gilman, Jordan Hillen, Gabriella Hurley, Grace Hurley, Madison Mayerck Junior Honors: Caroline Adams, Lucy Baalman, Peyton Baalman, Henry Barczewski, Jacob
GRANITE CITY – A sex offender from Granite City faces his latest felony charge in a series of registration failures in St. Clair and Madison Counties. Wayne H. Schone, 40, of the 2900 block of West 20th Street in Granite City, was charged on May 28, 2026 with a Class 2 felony count of unlawful failure to register as a sex offender, his second or subsequent such offense. On May 27, 2026, Schone allegedly failed to register his address with the Granite City Police Department as a sex offender,
SPRINGFIELD, IL. - Illinois lawmakers are moving to impose new statewide rules on electric bikes, scooters, and other micromobility devices, advancing legislation backed by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias that supporters say is needed to address growing safety concerns as the devices become more common on bike paths, sidewalks, and roads. The Illinois Senate passed the bill, Senate Bill 3336, on June 1, 2026, by a 55-2 vote after it had also passed the House. The measure now awaits Gov. J
JERSEY - The Jersey County Sheriff’s Office has recognized Taylor Woodring as a recipient of the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship, honoring a Jersey Community High School graduate who plans to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville this fall to study dietetics and nutrition. Woodring has also been an active girls' cross-country and indoor and outdoor track-and-field athlete at the school. The Jersey Sheriff’s office said Woodring said she earne
EAST ALTON-WOOD RIVER — The Riverbend East Rotary Club recently presented a $1,700 check to East Alton-Wood River High School Special Education Supervisor Emily Zipprich to support several special education programs at the high school. The donation came from proceeds raised through the club’s Jambalaya Dinner. Zipprich, identified as second from left, received the check from Joe Silkwood, Kendra Green and club President Mark Smith.
BELLEVILLE — St. Clair County is inviting residents to donate comfort items and care package essentials for deployed Airmen from Scott Air Force Base during a donation drive Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the St. Clair County Courthouse in Belleville. The event, organized in partnership with local military supporters, is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the courthouse’s Circle Drive, 10 Public Square. The county said the effort is intended to boost morale for service members statione
GODFREY - Vitality Women’s Clinic aims to raise thousands of dollars for their Baby Bottle Campaign. The faith-based, pro-life pregnancy center offers resources to expectant and new parents, but does not provide or refer for abortions. Their Baby Bottle Campaign encourages people to donate to the clinic by filling empty baby bottles with spare change or loose dollars. Executive Director Jackie Duty and Board Secretary Cindy Parish hope many people make the decision to donate. “Every
EAST ALTON-WOOD RIVER - Representatives from East Alton-Wood River Community High School District 14’s Riverbend Growth Association Young Adults Committee were recognized recently at the Chamber Choice Awards, where three students also received scholarships. East Alton-Wood River students Eva Steiniger, Landon Bomkamp, Adyson Bunt, and Jace Burns were recognized at the event, East Alton-Wood River CHSD 14 said. John Barnerd was also thanked as the students’ mentor.
PAWNEE – The Illinois State Police (ISP) and Capital Development Board (CDB) today broke ground on a new canine training complex. ? The $8.9 million state investment consists of two new buildings, including upgraded kennels, training areas, and office space. ? “Here in Illinois, we’re proud to support our State Police as they take innovative steps to reduce crime and protect the People of Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. ? “Upgrading ISP canine training facilities
GODFREY – Godfrey officials plan to ask their more “seasoned” residents for opinions on various village topics later this fall. The village plans to host an “Older Adult Residents of Godfrey” Forum at the Alton-Wood River Sportsmen’s Club on Sept. 16, 2026. Finance Committee members unanimously approved a $2,000 budget for the event at their June 2, 2026 meeting . The total includes $1,000 for supplies and $1,000 to cover the cost of $25 meals for 40 people
ALTON - The Alton Police Department announces that formal charges have been filed in connection with the Monday, June 1, 2026, shooting that occurred in the 3400 block of Milton Drive. Following a review of the investigation by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, led by State’s Attorney Tom Haine, John A. Hammond, 46, of Alton, Illinois, has been charged with the following offenses: • Count I – First Degree Murder • Count II – First Degree
EDWARDSVILLE - The City of Edwardsville has a major celebration planned for America’s 250th anniversary. An entire week of activities will mark the anniversary this year, starting with an event titled “Celebrating the Spirit of 1776” on Sunday, June 28, 2026, in City Park. This will be followed by a “1776” movie showing at the Wildey Theatre on Tuesday, June 30, and a “Musical Ode to America” Edwardsville Municipal Band concert on Thursday, July 2
ST. LOUIS - A 6-year-old boy identified by police as Antone Little III died May 29, 2026, days after suffering a gunshot injury in what St. Louis County police said was an accidental shooting at a home on Midlothian Road in north St. Louis County. Police said the shooting happened at about 2:25 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. Officers responding to the home found the child with a gunshot wound to the face. He was taken to an area hospital in critical condition and later died fro
VENICE - Illinois State Police special agents have arrested an 18-year-old Missouri man on two counts of first-degree murder after a fatal shooting in Venice, Illinois, authorities said on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Jason A. McCallum of Florissant, Mo., was charged in connection with the death of 38-year-old Travion Sherrod of Madison, IL., who was found with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle in the 1200 block of Selb Street of Venice. After what state police described as a thorough investigation,
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) grilled U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Donald Trump’s Congressional budget request that once again proposes deep cuts to the State Department that would gut our diplomatic capacity and ultimately make Americans less safe. At today’s U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) hearing, Duckworth warned against wasting taxpayer dollars on a war of choice while further promoting the
GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that intermittent lane closures will be in place on Illinois 203 between Branding Drive and the Interstate 270 ramps in Madison County beginning Monday, June 8, 2026, weather permitting. One lane will remain open in each direction. The closures are necessary for pavement patching. The project is expected to be completed by mid-August. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8
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