On April 13, 1742, George Frideric Handel’s Messiah was performed in public for the first time, premiering in Dublin. The concert was a benefit event meant to raise money for local charities, and the music quickly stood out for its clear storytelling, memorable melodies, and emotional range. At the time, it showed how a large public performance could serve both art and civic life. It still matters because Messiah became one of the most widely performed works in Western music, helping
TROY, Ill. — A person was killed after being struck by a freight train on the CSX Railroad in Troy, prompting a response from multiple agencies late Saturday night, according to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office said it responded along with the Troy Fire Department, Glen Carbon Fire Department and the Madison County Coroner’s Office to a report of a pedestrian struck by a freight train in the area of West Mill Creek Road, between Sout
CHICAGO – Gov. JB Pritzker announced today that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved a disaster declaration for the tornado and severe storms that impacted the Kankakee County area March 10-11, 2026. This disaster declaration will allow homeowners, renters, businesses and some non-profits to apply for low-interest loans for damages not covered by insurance. “In the wake of this destructive storm, these resources will be critical to the Kankakee County area’s
CHICAGO — Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a multistate settlement with Norwegian Cruise Line, specifically NCL Bahamas Ltd. (NCL), following an investigation of NCL’s cancellation procedures and sales practices, which the attorneys general allege misled consumers about the safety of travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bipartisan settlement prohibits NCL from incentivizing sales over the health and safety of consumers during disaster declarations. “I am please
CHICAGO – Today, the Illinois Arts Council (IAC) in partnership with the Office of the Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois Humanities awarded more than $325,000 to twenty-two (22) public art projects throughout Illinois to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. These grants are part of a broader statewide effort led by the Illinois America 250 Commission to celebrate the nation's historic anniversary. “Illinois is proud to support new public art projects
ST. JACOB, Ill. – Two individuals were charged on the same day with stealing $7,000 from an elderly St. Jacob resident in a home repair fraud scheme. Iscca L. Fulton, 42, of Waterloo, Ill., and Robert Boswell, 57, of Connersville, Ind., were both charged on April 9, 2026 in two related felony cases. Each faces a Class 2 felony count of aggravated home repair fraud of over $5,000 against a victim who was 60 or more years of age, as well as two Class 2 felony counts of theft. From March
SPRINGFIELD — The Commission on Equity and Inclusion (CEI) has released its Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Annual Expenditure Report for the Business Enterprise Program for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities (BEP), in accordance with Section 8f of the Business Enterprise for Minorities, Women, and Persons with Disabilities Act (BEP Act). This report showcases the State of Illinois' (State) progress in supplier diversity and identifies the FY25 BEP achievements of State agencies,
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) welcomed eight new Troopers today from Cadet Class 153 at a graduation ceremony at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield. ? The new Troopers will report to five ISP Troop locations throughout the state on Sunday, April 12, 2026. ? Cadet Class 153 marks the 24th cadet class graduation under Governor JB Pritzker and ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. ?Since 2019, 721 troopers have joined ISP. One of the graduates will report
GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man accused of “driving through a field” during a reckless high-speed flight from police faces felony charges for his latest such offense. John M. Shea, 36, of Granite City, was charged with two Class 3 felony counts of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer on March 25, 2026. Shea allegedly knowingly attempted to flee from a Granite City police officer who had signaled for Shea to stop the vehicle he was driving on Jan. 7
EDWARDSVILLE – The following students have been named to the Honor Roll at Metro-East Lutheran High School for the third quarter of the 2025-2026 school year: Grade 9 – Honor Roll with High Distinction (g.p.a. 4.0) Alaina Cleveland, Shiloh Lucas Cook, Bethalto McKenzie Cordero, Collinsville Austin Imhoff, Alhambra Tessla McCallister, Collinsville Reagan Moss, Edwardsville Anna Mosser, Staunton Dani Spann, Collinsville Shane Stewart, O'Fallon Elise Terracina, Edwardsville
PAWNEE — Illinois State Police and the Illinois Capital Development Board broke ground today on a new canine training complex in Pawnee, launching an $8.9 million state investment that officials said will add two new buildings with 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,” Gov. JB Pritzker said. “Upgrading ISP canine
On April 12, 1961, a 27-year-old Soviet pilot named Yuri Gagarin became the first human being to travel into space. Lifted by the Vostok 1 spacecraft, he completed one orbit of Earth in about 108 minutes before returning safely. At the time, the flight mattered because it proved that a person could survive launch, weightlessness, and reentry—questions that had not been answered with certainty. It also reshaped global competition in science and technology during the Cold War, pushing governments
EDWARDSVILLE - A late-night crash on Illinois Route 157 in Edwardsville left a motorcyclist seriously injured Saturday, prompting an emergency response that initially included a helicopter call and led authorities to close the roadway for hours. The crash occurred about 10 p.m. Saturday, April 11, 2026, on Illinois 157 near Esic Drive, authorities said. A motorcyclist was seriously injured. Authorities said a helicopter was initially called to the scene, but they confirmed that two people wer
WOOD RIVER - The Riverbend East Rotary Club recently recognized the March Service Above Self award winners from East Alton-Wood River High School — Brooke Moran and Noah Sconce. Photo — Riverbend East Rotary Club President Mark Smith presents the Service Above Self certificate to Brooke Moran. Noah Sconce was not available. Brooke Moran exemplifies what it truly means to live out “Service Above Self”. Brooke is a dedicated member of the East Alton-Wood River High School
EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is hosting its annual symposium, themed “Energy-Water-Food Nexus” on April 22 from 1-4 p.m. at the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability, Fuller Dome, on the SIUE campus. Brought together by the Climate and Sustainability Advisory Board (CASAB) and Environmental Resources Training Center (ERTC), the event is all set to bring regional experts, practitioners, and community members together to promote awareness
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — Multiple fire departments responded to a large vehicle fire at a tow yard in Cahokia Heights, Illinois, on Saturday afternoon, according to the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency. Crews arrived to find several vehicles on fire at Patterson Towing, prompting a massive mutual aid response. Assisting departments included Midway Fire Department, along with Camp Jackson, Cahokia Heights, East St. Louis, Prairie Du Pont, Church Road, Hollywood Heights, Millstadt,
EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County Sheriff’s Office deputies and other area law enforcement responded on Friday, April 10, 2026, to a report of a barricaded subject in the 200 block of 3rd St. in unincorporated Collinsville. This incident affected traffic in the surrounding neighborhood and on Pleasant Ridge Road, authorities said. In an update released at 3:25 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office said the barricaded subject “was taken
EDWARDSVILLE — State Senator Erica Harriss is proud to announce the launch of her annual Mother’s Day Diaper Drive , taking place from April 13 through May 8, 2026 , to support families in need across the Metro East region. “Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the strength and love of moms, but it’s also a reminder that many families are quietly struggling to afford everyday essentials,” said Senator Harriss. “This drive is about neighbors helping
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is reminding taxpayers about changes announced by the United States Postal Service (USPS) regarding postmarks that could affect tax filing deadlines in 2026. Under the updated USPS procedures, postmarks will continue to reflect the date of the first automated processing operation, however, they may no longer indicate the date a piece of mail was dropped off at a local post office. This distinction may impact time-sensitive materials,
EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) will host their annual “One Day, One SIUE” celebration and fundraising campaign. On Thursday, April 23, 2026, community members are invited to SIUE’s new Health Sciences Complex for the fifth annual event. Starting at 6 p.m., attendees can enjoy food, drinks, hot air balloons, and live music by the Charles Glenn Band. Julie Babington, Senior Director of Annual Giving, explained that the event is a fun way to
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