SPRINGFIELD – Legislation is headed to the Governor’s desk designed to keep rural ambulance services staffed and on-call to help save lives. The legislation, sponsored by State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) and State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield), provides important flexibility to rural ambulance services to meet legally mandated staffing requirements. Representative Davidsmeyer has been working with local ambulance service officials for the past couple
SPRINGFIELD – Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is inviting Illinoisans to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with the launch of a new America 250 website, Illinois State Archives social media channels and a series of exhibitions and events highlighting Illinois’ profound impact on the nation’s history. Beginning in July, residents can participate in a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, explore a new archival exhibit and enjoy free, family-friendly
GRANITE CITY – A local man remains in custody on charges of criminal sexual abuse, grooming, and child solicitation in Madison County. 19-year-old Tim D. Smith, of the 1200 block of Washington Avenue in Madison, Ill., was charged on June 15, 2026 with three Class 2 felony counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and one count each of indecent solicitation of a child, traveling to meet a minor (both Class 3 felonies), and one count of grooming (a Class 4 felony). From June 5 to June
ALTON - James “Jimmy” Griggs Sr. and Frank “Thurman” Anderson Sr., lifelong friends who were born on the same day in 1936, will be honored at a birthday celebration July 5 at Gordon Moore Park’s Munsterman Building as they prepare to turn 90 on July 9, 2026. The gathering, scheduled for 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 5, 2026, will celebrate what organizers describe as 90 years of life, legacy and friendship. Griggs and Anderson grew up together in the Alton school
EDWARDSVILLE - The City of Edwardsville has a full calendar of events to mark America’s 250th anniversary. Starting Sunday, June 28, 2026, and running through the Fourth of July, the City of Edwardsville has collaborated with several groups to host a variety of activities, performances and more for community members to enjoy. Two organizers — Cathy Hensley with the City of Edwardsville and Diana Sussman with the Edwardsville Public Library — noted that while the events will
BELLEVILLE - CASA of Southwestern Illinois is looking for 25 Madison County residents to sign up to support local foster kids. CASAs, or Court-Appointed Special Advocates, spend five hours a month with a child who has experienced abuse or neglect, most of whom are in the foster care system. The volunteers then write a report for the judge to help the judge make the best decision for the child. Lynda Camp with CASA of Southwestern Illinois noted that volunteers are needed to help in this mission.
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS, Ill. - State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) is highlighting a new law he helped pass that reduces prescription drug costs, increases accountability for pharmacy middlemen, known as pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and delivers vital support to both rural and medically underserved pharmacies across the 114th District. Representative Kevin Schmidt was Co-Sponsor and helped pass the Prescription Drug Affordability Act (Public Act 104-0027), which puts patients
CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined legislators and community members at Concord Music Hall to sign several bills that protect Illinois consumers. This includes banning junk fees, increasing transparency in ticket pricing and curtailing deceptive resale practices, and enacting greater oversight over ‘Buy-Now-Pay-Later’ lenders. These pieces of legislation will increase transparency for consumers and put money back in the pockets of working families by making fair, hones
EDWARDSVILLE — Senator Erica Harriss is inviting friends and supporters from across the Metro East to join her for the 4th Annual "Celebrate America with Erica" Reception on Wednesday, July 1, 2026 from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Ink House – Off the Record Lounge in downtown Edwardsville. The annual event brings together supporters from throughout the region to celebrate America and reflect on the progress being made for Metro East families. "When I first ran for office, I promised to b
ST. LOUIS - A 7-month-old girl died Friday afternoon, June 26, 2026, after she was shot inside a home in St. Louis’ Baden neighborhood. The shooting happened around 4 p.m. Friday, June 26, 2026, in the 8400 block of North Broadway, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Officers rushed the infant to the hospital in a police SUV while performing lifesaving care and shutting down numerous streets to create an escort path. The child later died at the hospital. Police said
ALTON – Whether you're a business owner, content creator, entrepreneur, or simply looking to improve your social media presence, this free event will provide practical strategies to create more engaging and professional videos. Beyond Creative AI is hosting a Free Video Editing Masterclass on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM at The Wedge , located at 620 E. Broadway, Alton, IL 62002 . The masterclass will be led by Tyler Duty , founder of Beyond Creative AI,
MARYVILLE, IL. - Cambridge House of Maryville Supportive Living marked its 20th anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce and Maryville Mayor Wayne White, followed by a party for residents, families and guests. The celebration took place in Maryville, where Cambridge House serves adults ages 65 and older who need some help to maintain their independence. Cambridge House also offers a financial assistance program for those
WOOD RIVER - Two teenage drivers were injured Thursday, June 25, 2026, in a two-vehicle crash on the 1900 block of Edwardsville Road in Wood River after a westbound Ford Ranger crossed into the eastbound lane and struck another truck, according to preliminary investigation findings, Chief Brad Wells announced on Friday, June 26, 2026. The crash happened a little before 5 p.m. Thursday in Wood River. Chief Wells said that, according to a preliminary police report, the red truck was traveling westbound
ALTON – Two years after a mine collapse created a large sinkhole on the Gordon Moore Park soccer field , Alton officials are moving closer to resolving the situation. Corporation Counselor Heidi Eckert said at the City Council meeting on June 24, 2026 that documentation of costs incurred by the city has been compiled and will soon be sent to an attorney for New Frontier Materials. She estimated the situation would be resolved within 30 to 60 days. “It is moving along,”
ALTON/SWANSEA - The monthly Block Party for Good will pause in June and resume in July. Soulcial Kitchen and other community partners host monthly Block Parties for Good on the last Friday of each month in Alton and Swansea. Community members can pick up free groceries and hot meals while also engaging with rotating services like the OSF OnCall Connect On the Go van and free haircuts. Because the St. Louis Area Foodbank is completing annual inventory and maintenance on June 26, 2026, there
GODFREY - Beverly Farm Foundation said tonight’s fireworks display and the scheduled appearance of the Quick Bite Frozen Treats ice cream truck on its campus were postponed because of forecasted ongoing thunderstorms and extremely wet lawn conditions. The foundation announced that the fireworks display has been rescheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026, with fireworks planned to begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. The postponement applies to the event on the Beverly Farm campus.
COLLINSVILLE – Rebuild Illinois is continuing to improve mobility, safety and quality of life in the Metro East, with the Illinois Department of Transportation delivering multiple major projects this construction season. Made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic capital program, 23 projects combined represent a total investment of nearly $960 million, creating and maintaining good-paying jobs throughout the region. “The historic Rebuild Illinois program continues to transform
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul scored two separate legal victories permanently blocking the implementation of key provisions in President Trump’s unlawful executive orders that attempted to interfere with states’ constitutional authority to administer elections. “These rulings are a win for democracy. They acknowledge that Congress and individual states – not the president – have the authority to oversee the elections process,” Raoul said. “Nothin
ALTON - Alton’s 250 on the Mississippi celebration promises three days of fun. An Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club member shared more about the July 2, 2026, event at Rotary Park. From July 1–3, 2026, downtown Alton will celebrate Independence Day with events at Haskell Park, Rotary Park, and the Alton Amphitheater. You can read more about the plans in this article on RiverBender.com . John Hopkins, a longtime Rotarian, noted that the July 2 event at Rotary Park will be fun for
O'FALLON/SHILOH - A Life Saving Award was presented at a Village Board meeting to O’Fallon-Shiloh firefighter and Village of Shiloh Public Works employee Jaydon York for actions on Friday, May 22, 2026, that officials said led to the safe recovery of a vulnerable child in a potentially life-threatening situation. York serves as both an O’Fallon-Shiloh firefighter and a Village of Shiloh Public Works employee. Shiloh Police Chief Rich Wittenauer, O’Fallon Fire Chief Brad White
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