SWANSEA — On Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) led seniors from across Illinois’ 13th District in an advocacy day focused on the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act. Budzinski attended an event hosted by AgeSmart Community Resources in Swansea, while the East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging and AgeLinc held concurrent events in Champaign and Springfield, respectively. The seniors who participated in the advocacy day wrote postcards to the
IEA President Karl Goeke on Dec. 19, 2025, made comments about cuts to federal community school grants. “The Trump administration’s announcement just before the holidays that it will cut Full Service Community Schools funding on Dec. 31 puts 19,000 students across the state at risk. The grant money funds mental health, tutoring, food assistance, extracurricular and after-school programs that help our most vulnerable students stay safe and healthy. “At least 32 schools across
O’FALLON, Ill. — On November 17, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital performed our first laser lead extraction. This innovative, specialized heart procedure is used to safely remove old or damaged wires, called “leads”, from a patient’s pacemaker or defibrillator. The first laser lead extraction at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital was performed by Dr. Michael Hushion, Prairie Cardiovascular Electrophysiologist. “Laser lead extraction is a minimally invasive
ST. LOUIS - Ameren Missouri is reminding customers this holiday season that a few simple efficiency steps can help keep celebrations bright while saving a typical household up to $70 on seasonal energy costs (depending on home size, equipment and how families use energy). As families light front porch displays and gear up for holiday cooking marathons, Ameren Missouri urges customers to choose efficient products and set up safely: ENERGY STAR® certified LED light strings use up
JERSEY - The Jersey CUSD No. 100 Board of Education is proud to announce the employment of Dr. Jason Brunaugh as the district’s next Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2027. Dr. Brunaugh will succeed Brad Tuttle, who is set to retire on June 30, 2027. The appointment marks a "full circle" moment for the district. A proud alumnus of Jersey CUSD No. 100, Dr. Brunaugh’s deep roots in the community have fueled a 25-year career dedicated to the success of local students
EDWARDSVILLE - On Saturday, December 6, 2025, math team members from Liberty and Lincoln middle schools gathered in Edwardsville for the fifth annual Edwardsville Middle Schools’ Junior Olympiad competition. Organized by middle school math teachers Gardner Holland, Rachel Tucker, Katie Sok, and Kyle Lask, the event featured 36 participants, marking the largest turnout to date. Students were divided into three-person teams to compete in five rounds of activities designed to encourage collaboration
ALTON — The Alton Police Department’s K9 Rico will soon be outfitted with a new bullet and stab protective vest, thanks to a donation from the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. The vest, which is expected to be delivered within ten weeks, was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s and will be embroidered with the message “In memory of Odin - EOW 8/22/24.” The protective gear is designed to help safeguard Rico while he serves alongside Officer Archer in
ST. LOUIS, MO. – The United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) Charmaine Chapman Society’s (CCS) Divine 9 members raised over $264,000 through its Divine 9 Challenge, an initiative of UWGSL’s Black philanthropy efforts. The challenge among CCS members from Black Fraternities and Sororities in the St. Louis Region provides a friendly fundraising competition. Each CCS member gives an annual donation of $1,000 or more to UWGSL, which helps 160 local nonprofits that UWGSL funds.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), led 29 Members of Congress in a letter to Dollar Store and Family Dollar raising concerns over widespread price discrepancies at locations nationwide. The letter follows a recent Guardian investigation that found items at these stores routinely ring up at checkout for significantly more than their posted shelf prices – and that, in many cases, stores fail to honor the lower price. “At a time when Americans
COLLINSVILLE – Two local men accused of driving under the influence in Collinsville face felonies in their latest DUI cases. Jacob J. Rieken, 31, of East St. Louis, was charged on Dec. 11, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated driving while under the influence. Rieken allegedly drove a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol on Vandalia Street in Collinsville on Nov. 7, 2025. Charging documents note this was Rieken’s third DUI violation, having previously
ALTON - Alton High School students will have the opportunity to take a few new courses next school year. During the Dec. 16, 2025, regular meeting of the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education, the Board unanimously approved the high school’s plan to offer Health Careers I, Health Careers II, and Introduction to Construction Trades. These classes will provide hands-on learning opportunities for students. “The passion behind these two programs is just amazing,”
ALTON - The great American Bald Eagle winter migration is here and southwest Illinois is ready to welcome the birds to their winter homes. The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau is hosting a two-day party in downtown Alton Friday, Jan. 2 and Saturday, Jan. 3 launching the official start of Eagle Season. The free Annual Alton Eagle Ice Festival will be held Friday, Jan. 2 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Saturday, Jan. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at FLOCK Food Truck Park, 210 Ridge St., Alton,
ALTON - The Alton Police Department welcomed Officer Kevin Couty to its ranks on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, marking a new addition to the local law enforcement team. Couty, a lateral hire from Missouri, was officially sworn in by Chief Jarrett Ford at the department’s headquarters in Alton. Bringing years of law enforcement experience, Officer Couty will immediately enter the department’s training program as he acclimates to his new role and prepares to serve the Alton community
COLLINSVILLE — The City of Collinsville announced Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, that Lt. Keith Jackson has been named the 2025 Employee of the Year by the city. Jackson, who serves as the administrative lieutenant for the police department, has played a key role in overseeing the expansion and renovation of the department’s dispatch center. He also has been responsible for acquiring and managing multiple grants, including a 2025 grant from Firehouse Subs that enabled the department
HIGHLAND - Community members can enjoy a unique New Year’s Eve pool party at Korte Rec Center in Highland. Kids and families are invited to swim in the heated pool, play games, get their faces painted, bounce in the bounce house, enjoy special NYE concessions, and watch two beach ball drops from 12–4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. Tickets are free for Korte Rec Center members or $8 for nonmembers and can be purchased online . “People have a fun time every time
GRANITE CITY - From the classroom to the soccer field, GCSD9 is celebrating National Twin Day by spotlighting twin staff members and student-athletes whose special bonds make a difference in our schools every day. First is a pair of twins who are both staff members at Granite City High School in the Special Education Department. Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Visintin have been best friends since day one and have been working at GCHS for a total of 16 years together. While these twin educators share
PONTOON BEACH – Madison County Transit (MCT) will once again provide convenient bus service to The Muny in Forest Park for the 2026 season. MCT’s Muny Express service will operate on Saturday evenings throughout the Muny 2026 season, which runs from June through August. Riders will be able to board at select Madison County locations in Highland, St. Jacob, Troy, Alton, East Alton, Wood River, Granite City, Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, and Collinsville traveling directly to The
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Detectives from the St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are investigating a homicide that occurred Thursday evening, Dec. 18, 2025, in the 1500 block of Marbella Drive, resulting in the death of an adult male. At 8:17 p.m. on Dec. 18, 2025, officers from the St. Louis County Police North County Precinct responded to a ShotSpotter activation and a 911 call reporting a shooting at the location. Upon arrival, officers found an adult male
ALTON - Dream Home Charities has completed its 17th year of giving Christmas gifts to families in need across the Riverbend. Sherry Gilleland, who started the Dream Home Charities Christmas initiative, explained that the organization collects donations to provide toys, clothing, hygiene products and more to families. She expressed her gratitude for the donors and volunteers who made this year possible, and she asked people to continue supporting as the organization hopes to do more throughout
CHICAGO – The Illinois Accountability Commission, housed in the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR), held a public meeting on December 18 at the Arturo Velasquez Institute (AVI) at Richard J. Daley College in the West Lawn community. During the first public meeting, the Commission outlined its function and purpose, presented two video montages highlighting concerning actions by federal agents, and heard a first-hand witness account as well as a presentation from a public health
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