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EDWARDSVILLE - The Cross-River Crime Task Force seized illegal firearms and narcotics and made numerous arrests during a countywide deployment Friday, July 10, 2026, in Madison County, authorities said, as officers from multiple local agencies worked alongside state and federal partners. Among the arrests were individuals found in possession of firearms and illegal narcotics, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, according to the task force. Officers also located and arrested several fugitives

On July 15, 1410, one of medieval Europe’s most important battles reshaped the balance of power in the region. At the Battle of Grunwald, also known as Tannenberg, the allied forces of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania defeated the Teutonic Order, a powerful military and religious state that had dominated parts of the Baltic region for generations. The victory mattered immediately because it weakened a major regional power and changed relations among the kingdoms and

GLEN CARBON – Multiple streets in Glen Carbon are set for improvements later this year. Trustees voted unanimously on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 to accept the lowest bid of $884,899.06 from Christ Brothers Asphalt for the village’s 2026 Street Rehabilitation Program. Their bid was the lowest of five bidders and came in $344,228.94 below the village engineer’s estimate of over $1.2 million. According to a memo from Public Works Director Scott Slemer, this year’s program include

JERSEYVILLE – Several community members flocked to downtown Jerseyville for the 2026 Jersey County Fair Parade, with a patriotic theme tying the event to the nation’s 250th anniversary. With over 100 entries in this year’s parade, attendees saw plenty of red, white, and blue across multiple creative floats. The theme for the 2026 parade and fair is “Party Like It's 1776: Happy Birthday America!” Each year, a panel of judges awards plaques and prize money to the

BETHALTO - Residents approaching retirement or already retired will have an opportunity Aug. 6, 2026, in Bethalto to hear from local professionals about how retirement income, Social Security, health care, taxes, investments and estate planning work together during a free workshop hosted by Bill Kinkel of Genesis Wealth Management Group. There is another event in Bethalto at the Bethalto Senior Citizen Center at 100 E. Central Ave., Bethalto, 62010, set for July 28, 2026. The event runs from

ALTON — As Marquette Catholic High School prepares to begin its historic 100th school year this fall, school leaders are actively studying the possibility of launching a comprehensive capital campaign to strengthen the school's future for generations to come. Marquette Catholic is currently in the feasibility phase of the capital campaign planning process, meeting with longtime supporters, alumni, parents, and community leaders to gauge interest and gather feedback before determining whethe

ALTON - OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center is being recognized by the American Heart Association for its ongoing dedication to providing outstanding cardiovascular and stroke care through the Get With The Guidelines® program. The recognition highlights the medical center’s sustained excellence, with two or more consecutive years of meeting rigorous national benchmarks for quality and patient outcomes in heart failure, stroke and resuscitation care. “For patients

SPRINGFIELD, IL — 1st MidAmerica Credit Union announced the development of its newest branch in Springfield, located at 800 West Stanford Ave., furthering the credit union’s commitment to meeting members where they are and expanding access to convenient, relationship-focused financial services across Illinois. The branch will feature a design that reflects the evolving needs of members while maintaining the personalized service that has defined 1st MidAmerica for over 90 years. Th

ALTON - Sam’s Pawn Shop, a family-owned business at 208 E. Broadway in Alton, is closing after 35 years in business, with its final day set for Aug. 1, 2026, as the owners move toward an online-only business model, according to information provided by the shop. The closing sale includes fixtures, shelving and remaining inventory, and all outstanding pawns, loans and layaways must be redeemed by Aug. 1, 2026, the business said. The shop also said customers should stop in or call 618-462-5696

MARYVILLE - Maryville Women’s Center has moved to a new facility in Maryville after nearly 30 years in the community, relocating to 4972 State Route 159, according to an announcement dated June 10, 2026. The practice said the new office is about a mile from its previous location and is next to Walgreens and Domino’s. Maryville Women’s Center said its providers and staff are welcoming patients to the new building, which includes more exam rooms and updated amenities. “This

ST. LOUIS, MO — The American Red Cross is declaring an emergency blood shortage as the blood supply fell nearly 25 percent in June. Blood donors are urgently needed to give now to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care without delay. The shortage is especially serious for platelets and types O positive and B negative blood. A steep decline in blood donations since the end of May has created a growing gap between supply and patient need. Currently, Red Cross distributions

METRO EAST, Ill. — A rescue dog once enrolled in a shelter program for animals facing uncertain futures has been named Illinois’s Best in State in the Pet Lovers’ Choice Awards, the first fan-voted, nationally broadcast awards show celebrating America’s dogs and cats. Thor, adopted through CARE STL (Center for Animal Rescue and Enrichment of St. Louis), will represent Illinois in the national round beginning July 14. Three years ago, Thor was known as King Boo. Because

GLEN CARBON – Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSofSI) welcomes three new members to their Board of Directors: Members-at-Large Erin Barriger and Abigail Zajac, as well as ex-officio Girl Board Member Anna Kennedy. They were elected by council delegates during the organization’s annual meeting this spring. GSofSI’s Board of Directors assist the council with strategic planning, financial oversight, fund development, and interaction with the community. Erin Barriger is the Directo

GODFREY – A Godfrey resident remains in custody in Jersey County on charges of domestic battery and more. David L. Heape, 44, of Godfrey, was charged on July 10, 2026 in Jersey County court with one count each of domestic battery (a Class 4 felony), unlawful possession of methamphetamine (a Class 3 felony), unlawful interference with the reporting of domestic violence, and theft (both Class A misdemeanors). On July 9, 2026, Heape allegedly knowingly committed an act of domestic battery

EAST ST. LOUIS - One teenager has been charged as an adult for the murder of five individuals in East St. Louis this past weekend. A 16-year-old has been charged as an adult in connection with the killings of five people and the shootings of two others this past weekend in East St. Louis, according to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office. The St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office announced a 12-count indictment against Ja’ymier Davis, 16, charging him with fiv

ALTON - The Old Bakery Beer Company will host several upcoming events to bring people together and celebrate the community. On Thursday, July 16, 2026, OBB will host their annual Bark Market for dog lovers and their pets. A percentage of proceeds will go to Hope Animal Rescues . The restaurant will also sponsor a puzzle competition on July 23, followed by Oktoberfest in July on July 25 and the Nerd Market on Aug. 15. Lauren Pattan, owner of The Old Bakery Beer Company, noted that it’s

ALTON – Local event and festival organizers may be eligible for thousands in grants from the City of Alton. An ordinance establishing a microgrant fund for city-wide festivals and events was given a second reading and final approval at the July 8, 2026 Alton City Council meeting. Under the city’s new microgrant program, eligible applicants can secure grants of up to $1,000 for each event, with a cap of $10,000 awarded per applicant each fiscal year. Multiple application deadlines

GRANITE CITY - Granite City Mayor Mike Parkinson said he is excited for Union Pacific Railroad’s Big Boy No. 4014 steam locomotive to pass through Granite City on Saturday, July 18, 2026, as the historic engine travels back to Cheyenne, Wyoming. The locomotive, the only operational survivor of the 25 Big Boy steam locomotives built in the 1940s, is expected to pass through Granite City shortly after 1 p.m., according to information provided about the trip. The train is scheduled to leave

EDWARDSVILLE — Metro-East Lutheran High School graduate Lucas Lorenz has received an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, marking his next step after a high school career that included varsity basketball, volleyball and golf. Lorenz was a multi-sport athlete during high school. He played varsity basketball, served as an outside hitter and captain on the varsity volleyball team, and also competed in varsity golf. Lorenz is a BJ's Printables Male Athlete of the Month for Metro

GRANITE CITY – Madison County authorities have reported a wide variety of items stolen in recent weeks. Dustin M. McCallum, 38, listed as homeless out of Granite City, was charged on July 9, 2026, with a Class 3 felony count of theft. Between June 17 and June 23, 2026, McCallum allegedly knowingly stole two “Pokémon collectible albums filled with Pokémon collectible cards,” according to charging documents. The stolen cards reportedly had a total value exceeding