WELLSTON, MO. — St. Louis County Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide after a shooting Tuesday morning, Aug. 18, 2026, in the 6300 block of Ridge Avenue in Wellston left one adult male dead and three other adult males injured, authorities said. Officers from the North County Police Cooperative responded at approximately 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, to a call for a shooting. When they arrived, officers found four adult males suffering from apparent gunshot injuries.
EAST ST. LOUIS - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias today unveiled a newly renovated, state-of-the-art DMV facility in East St. Louis, designed to provide faster service, greater efficiency and a more convenient customer experience. Located at 1468 State St., Suite 200-300, the upgraded East St. Louis DMV is the 27th One-Stop-Shop DMV in Illinois and the second in the Metro East region. Under the One-Stop-Shop model, cross-trained employees can complete multiple transactions at a
EDWARDSVILLE — An East Alton man was found guilty Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, of felony home invasion after prosecutors said he kicked his way into a sleeping couple’s East Alton home on July 4, 2025, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced. Jesse E. Stewart, 42, was found guilty following a bench trial before Associate Judge Neil Schroeder, who issued the verdict. Stewart will be sentenced later. Home invasion, a Class X felony, is punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
JERSEYVILLE – The Jersey County State’s Attorney’s Office has charged another individual for their alleged involvement in the video-recorded public battery of an 18-year-old in Jerseyville . Lucas C. Roberts, 18, of Jerseyville, faces a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery/video/audio recording, a Class 4 felony count of mob action, and a Class C misdemeanor count of assault. On Aug. 9, 2026, Roberts allegedly filmed the victim as they were being attacked in the Jerseyville
(Video interview and photos by Charlie Schlueter). ALTON — Viral social media creator Professor Sendy met an assortment of fans Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, at a well-attended gathering at the Flock Food & Truck Park in Alton for a free public meet-and-greet offering photos, autographs, conversations, and opportunities to recreate his viral “Wombo” words and comedy videos. Professor Sendy is known for original comedy, inventive “Wombo” words, and rapid-fire, one-breath
WOOD RIVER – Following the detection of PFAS in Wood River’s drinking water, city officials say steps are being taken to address current levels and develop a long-term solution. City Manager Steve Palen informed residents last week of an incoming notice following testing by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) which detected PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in the city’s drinking water measured at 6.7 parts per trillion, higher than the state’s
JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey Community High School boys golf team opened its season Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, at the Hickory Stick Invite at Belk Park, where the Panthers placed third overall and freshman Adam Robinson led the team with a first-place round of 72. The Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100 team was paced by three top scores. Robinson finished first with a 72, Michael Roberts placed 12th with a 79, and Isaac Hackethal finished 19th with an 83. Jersey's boys golfers
EDWARDSVILLE — State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is pleased to announce she has helped secure $195,000 in state funding for the City of Edwardsville to support new EMS and public safety equipment for local first responders. “Our first responders are there when we need them most, and we need to make sure they have the equipment to do their jobs safely,” said Senator Harriss. “I’m proud to bring these dollars back to Edwardsville and support the people
EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is starting the fall semester with an events lineup for SIUE students to connect, get involved and make the most of campus life. From Welcome Weekend festivities to a full slate of Cougar Welcome Camp Cougar events, and exciting campus traditions like Late Night with Campus Recreation and Homecoming & Family Weekend, the first six weeks of the semester bring an abundance of exciting activities. Convocation On Friday, Aug. 21
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) recently hosted his annual Job Fair in East St. Louis, providing community members seeking employment with opportunities to learn more about interview guidance, creating a resume and to speak directly to employers. Schmidt said the event was successful and thanked the employers and everyone who attended. “Thank you to the local employers and community members for helping to make this event successful,” said
CHICAGO — As students across Illinois prepare to return to the classroom, Governor JB Pritzker today highlighted national rankings recognizing Illinois as one of the nation’s leaders in education, as well as the state’s continued efforts to invest in and make access to education more affordable for Illinois students and families. “From our earliest learners to students preparing for college and careers, Illinois is recognized as having one of best education systems
ALTON/GRAFTON – State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) announced the first two winning entries in his “America 250” Photo Contest to update the decor in his Capitol office in Springfield. “Each of these photographs showcase the patriotic spirit and natural beauty of the 100th District,” Rep. Davidsmeyer said. “I congratulate our first two winners and remind everyone that we still have another round of photographs to go. As part of America’s
HARDIN — Calhoun County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 40-year-old Alabama man on June 5, 2026, in Hardin after a traffic stop uncovered an active full-extradition parole warrant from the Arkansas Department of Corrections, according to a sheriff’s office press release. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office said Sheriff Zachary T. Hardin and deputies conducted the traffic stop at approximately 2 p.m. on South Park Street in Hardin, Calhoun County. Authorities identified
CARBONDALE — What began as a pilot program serving six Illinois counties has grown into a trusted program providing confidential mental health support to agricultural communities across all 102 counties. Now, seven years later, the Farm Family Resource Initiative (FFRI) announces its new name: FARM SOS. The rebranding reflects the program's evolution and creates a simpler, more recognizable identity that immediately communicates its purpose: connecting farmers and their families with support
HARDIN - A 49-year-old Alton man was arrested June 16 after a Calhoun County sheriff’s deputy conducted a traffic stop on South Park Street in Hardin, authorities said. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office said the stop occurred at approximately 8:06 p.m. on June 16, 2026, in Hardin, Calhoun County. The driver, Shannon D. Tarvin, was charged with felony driving while revoked. Tarvin was arrested without incident and transported to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, where
SPRINGFIELD — As a new academic year begins across Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) are highlighting valuable state tax credits available to parents, guardians, and educators to offset the cost of school expenses. Both families and educators can secure vital financial relief on their upcoming state tax returns by claiming deductions on qualified purchases like classroom materials, tuition, and required school fees. “Lowering costs for workin
GRANITE CITY - Autumn Dunn has been welcomed to the Granite City Police Department and will soon begin a 16-week program at the SWIC Police Academy before returning for field training, the department said. The department did not provide a specific start date for the academy. After completing the academy, Dunn is expected to return to the Granite City Police Department for field training.
ST. LOUIS – A convicted felon from Georgia has been arrested and accused of possessing about 53 kilograms of cocaine and two firearms. Chad E. “J-Bo” Brown, 54, was charged by complaint in U.S. District Court in St. Louis on August 14 with one count of possession with the intent to distribute more than 10 kilograms of cocaine. He appeared in court Monday. The complaint and affidavit say that the day before Brown’s arrest, the Drug Enforcement Administration learned
BELLEVILLE - An 88-year-old woman died after a two-vehicle crash Monday morning, Aug. 17, 2026, at the intersection of South Illinois Street and South Belt, where Belleville Police responded at about 9:04 a.m. Aug. 17, 2026, following a report of a traffic accident. The woman was a passenger in one of the vehicles and later died from injuries sustained in the crash, according to the Belleville Police Department. Three people involved in the crash were transported to local hospitals
GLEN CARBON — The Village of Glen Carbon has been awarded a grant of up to $294,240 from the Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD) to support the development of the Illinois-157 Shared-Use Path project. The proposed shared-use path will provide a connection along IL-157 from Magnolia Drive to the Sports Complex at Edwardsville High School, creating a link between existing and future pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in the region. The project will involve
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