Shawnee, Ill. – Today, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and Illinois Correctional Industries (ICI) announced a new service dog training program at Shawnee Correctional Center (Shawnee CC) in partnership with SIT Service Dogs (SIT). Launched this week, the new program will provide Launched this week, the new program will provide individuals in custody with the opportunity to help raise and train puppies that will eventually become service dogs for individuals with disabilities
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate remained at 5.1 percent in May, unchanged from April, and up +0.7 percentage point from the same month, one year ago, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised April unemployment rate was 5.1 percent. Total nonfarm payrolls saw a third consecutive over-the-month increase in May, up +6,000 (+0.1%) to 6,164,800. The April monthly change
The longest day of the year is not the hottest. That surprise sits at the heart of the summer solstice, a moment people often notice without fully understanding. The summer solstice marks the point when one half of Earth gets its greatest stretch of daylight. In the Northern Hemisphere, it usually falls around June 20 or 21. In the Southern Hemisphere, it happens around December 21 or 22. It is not just a date on a calendar. It is an astronomical event that has shaped farming, religion, festivals,
On June 20, 1837, Queen Victoria became queen of the United Kingdom, beginning a reign that would last more than 63 years and leave a lasting mark on world history. She came to the throne at age 18 after the death of her uncle, King William IV. At the time, Britain was already a major imperial and industrial power, but Victoria’s long reign helped define an era of political change, economic growth, and global expansion. Her name became attached to the “Victorian era,” a period
EDWARDSVILLE – The City of Edwardsville and the Edwardsville YMCA are teaming up this summer to promote safety and preparedness whether you’re on the go, in the pool or anywhere else. A series of upcoming fun and free events will offer guidance on compressions-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation along with water safety education. The Edwardsville Fire Department will lead two compressions-only CPR “pop-up” events this month at the Land of Goshen Community Market, offering
ALTON - Several organizations came together for a patriotic beautification project in downtown Alton. There are currently 100 American flags hanging along Broadway, State and Third Streets in downtown Alton to mark America’s 250th anniversary. These flags were installed ahead of the 250 on the Mississippi celebrations and will remain until Labor Day, with plans to display the flags every year between Memorial Day and Labor Day in the future. “If you drive up and down Broadway
EDWARDSVILLE – The proposed $44,000 purchase of a storage container for various items at Goshen Commons failed to pass at the last Edwardsville City Council meeting. Aldermen voted 4-1 on June 16, 2026 to approve a sole source resolution awarding a contract of up to $44,300 for TARDIS Structures LLC for the purchase and delivery of a storage container for Goshen Commons. A “sole source” resolution allows city officials to bypass the standard bidding process to expedite
ST. LOUIS — The American Red Cross has an urgent need for donors and is counting on people to act now and book a time to give blood or platelets. Donors of all blood types and those giving platelets are needed to keep a strong supply of lifesaving blood products on hospital shelves into the summer. As summer heat ramps up, so do people’s plans, which could lead to postponed appointments or less opportunities to give - an especially troubling scenario at a time where the Red Cross
TROY – State Senator Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) is hosting two upcoming June ICASH events in partnership with the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office. Constituents are encouraged to stop by to check if they are owed unclaimed property and receive assistance filing a claim. Troy ICASH Event Monday, June 22, 2026 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Constitution Bank 304 Bargraves Blvd., Troy, Ill. Carlyle ICASH Event Tuesday, June 23, 2026 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Constitution Bank 801 12th
WOOD RIVER – The Madison County Housing Authority (MCHA) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the new, $17 million facility replacing the former Stevens building, marking the completion of a year-and-a-half-long construction project and the realization of a vision that began more than seven years ago. Community members, partners, and stakeholders gathered on June 18, 2026, at 118 N Haller St., Wood River, IL 62095, to celebrate the opening of the new building, which replaces
COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane restrictions will be encountered on both northbound and southbound I-255 between Mile Marker 25 and Mile Marker 28 at Horseshoe Lake Road, near Collinsville, beginning Monday, June 22, 2026, at 6:00 a.m., weather permitting. The following lanes and ramps will be closed: The two right lanes of southbound and northbound I-255. The northbound exit ramp to Horseshoe Lake Road. The southbound entrance ramp
OSHKOSH, Wis. - Edwardsville's Ethan Stukenberg achieved honor roll status at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in the spring 2026, university officials announced on Thursday, June 18, 2026. University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh officials have released the names of students who qualified for the Dean's List and University Honor Roll in spring 2026. The term grade-point average (GPA) requirement for University Honor Roll is 3.3; the term GPA requirement for Dean's List is 3.75 out of a possible 4.0.
ALTON – An Alton man faces several charges after allegedly attacking a pregnant victim, threatening them while armed, stealing their cell phone, and fleeing the scene in the victim’s vehicle. Elijah C. Harris, 28, of Alton, was charged on June 8, 2026 with one count each of the following offenses: Unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle (Class 2 felony) Aggravated unlawful restraint (Class 3 felony) Aggravated battery (Class 3 felony) Theft (Class 3 felony) Domesti
GODFREY – Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick once again cast a tie-breaking vote to raise the village’s sales tax rate at this week’s Village Board meeting. Trustees cast a tied 3-3 vote on an ordinance amending the village’s previously approved sales tax rate increase from 0.75% to 1%. The newly approved measure will bring Godfrey’s total sales tax rate to 7.85%. Voting in favor of the increase were Trustees Sarah Woodman, Karen MacAtee, and Gerard Fischer. Those
JERSEYVILLE - The City of Jerseyville has several more “Rock the Block” performances planned, and the community is invited to come out and enjoy. From 6–9 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026, Nashville recording artist Mattie Schell — a Jerseyville native — will return home for a performance under the water tower. Two more dates are planned later this summer. Jerseyville’s Director of Tourism Will Strang looks forward to welcoming Riverbend residents to town
BETHALTO - Civic Memorial placed two players on the first team of its All-Mississippi Valley Conference girls soccer selections, led by senior Delaney Griffin and sophomore Landree Wallace after a season that also included a CM regional championship and a sectional semifinal appearance. Griffin and Wallace were named first-team all-conference for Civic Memorial. Griffin closed her outstanding CM girls soccer career with several strong outings in spring 2026, including a three-goal performance
ALTON - Over 80 people gathered at Alton Cemetery for a grave restoration workshop. On Friday, June 19, 2026, community members from across the Greater St. Louis region traveled to the cemetery for the workshop, hosted by Atlas Preservation 48 State Tour. Jonathan Appell, founder of Atlas Preservation 48 State Tour, commended Alton for its sizable turnout and the dedication demonstrated by the volunteers. “There’s a growing interest in this field, and I’m happy to try
ALTON - Alton Pride has announced its four scholarship winners and encourages the community to support the organization’s work so they can do more. As the LGBTQ+ community celebrates Pride Month in June, Alton Pride is gearing up for its fifth annual Pride Festival in September. The organization is also honoring four recent high school graduates who completed an essay contest about the support they want to see for LGBTQ+ youth in the Riverbend region. Lisa DeMarco, a board member with
GODFREY – The Village of Godfrey will help promote a solar program to local residents and businesses this summer and fall. Godfrey Village Board members voted unanimously on June 16, 2026 to enter the village into the Switch Together Group Solar Buy program . Virginia Woulfe-Beile, chair of the Godfrey Sustainability Commission, previously said the program’s purpose is to “make rooftop and ground-mount solar affordable and available for residents and small businesses.”
ALTON — Police are investigating an armed robbery reported late Thursday, June 18, 2026, at a Walgreens on Washington Avenue, where a man armed with a handgun allegedly demanded money from the cash register and fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. The robbery occurred at about 11:46 p.m. Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Walgreens at 1650 Washington Ave., according to the Alton Police Department. No injuries were reported. Preliminary investigation indicates the suspect, described
stLouIST