COLLINSVILLE – Two men with criminal histories of domestic violence face new charges after separate alleged incidents of domestic battery. Cory A. Gehrs, 34, of O’Fallon, Ill., was charged on Nov. 12, 2025 with his second or subsequent offense of domestic battery, a Class 4 felony. Gehrs allegedly intentionally caused bodily harm to a family or household member without legal justification on Nov. 11, 2025 by striking the victim in the face, causing bruising. Charging documents not
ALTON – A sex offender with an Alton address faces a felony charge after reportedly failing to register with the local Chief of Police. Terrance T. Holmes, 32, of Alton, was charged on Nov. 10, 2025 with one count of violating the Sex Offender Registration Act, a Class 3 felony. On Oct. 7, 2025, Holmes allegedly failed to register as a sex offender with the Chief of the Alton Police Department, the municipality in which he resides or is temporarily domiciled for a period of three or mor
ALTON — The Great Rivers Choral Society will present “A Silver Glow,” the second concert series of its 25th anniversary year, offering a selection of holiday music under the direction of Music Director Raynard Brown. The non-profit chorus, dedicated to fostering music appreciation, will perform three concerts in December to celebrate the festive season. The performances are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. at Upper Alton Baptist Church; Saturday, Dec. 13, at 3 p.m. a
What if the greatest barrier to peace and progress in our world is not a lack of resources or technology, but simply our inability to accept and respect differences? Tolerance—often taken for granted—is a vital social glue that holds diverse societies together. The International Day for Tolerance, observed annually on November 16, serves as a powerful reminder of this truth, encouraging individuals and communities worldwide to embrace understanding over division. Understanding Tolerance:
SPRINGFIELD – As hunters across Illinois prepare for the upcoming firearm deer season, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) urges them to use safety harnesses when hunting from tree stands in the field. Tree stands are the No. 1 source of hunting-related accidents and fatalities in Illinois. In 2024, 70% of hunting incidents reported to IDNR were the result of tree stand-related accidents, including failure to use a fall arrest system. One fall resulted in a fatality
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) is proud to announce that 21 Illinois community colleges have been named among the nation’s top 200 two-year institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The prestigious award recognizes outstanding student outcomes, including retention, program completion, transfer and bachelor’s-degree attainment. The inclusion of nearly half the community colleges in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today that Illinois’ Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan has earned its 7th Gold rating from independent analyst Morningstar, firmly placing the plan among the best in the nation. “To be touted as one of the nation’s best by Morningstar for the seventh time under my watch confirms from an independent source that Illinois’ 529 College Savings plans are a great investment for Illinois families,”
SPRINGFIELD – As winter weather approaches, Illinois residents are reminded to prepare for the possibility of snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures. This week marks National Winter Weather Preparedness Week, a timely opportunity for individuals, families, and communities to plan ahead for the challenges the season can bring. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is partnering with the National Weather Service (NWS) to urge everyone t
BELLEVILLE — Two people were shot Saturday morning, Nov. 15, 2025, at an apartment building on Woodcliffe Drive in unincorporated St. Clair County, the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office said. At approximately 11:57 a.m. on Nov. 15, the St. Clair County CENCOM emergency operations center received a 911 call reporting a disturbance at an apartment complex in the 7700 block of Woodcliffe Drive. Dispatchers learned that several shots had been fired, resulting in two victims suffering
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Detectives are investigating a homicide after an adult male was found shot to death early Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in the 12100 block of Bellefontaine Road. St. Louis County Police officers from the North County Precinct responded at 2:06 a.m. Saturday, to a ShotSpotter activation indicating gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim, who had been shot at least once. The Bureau of Crimes Against Persons is leading the investigation. Authorities
MONROE COUNTY — James L. Goodwin, 81, of Belleville, was arrested Nov. 13, 2025, following an investigation into allegations of aggravated criminal sexual abuse involving two juvenile females, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department announced Nov. 15, 2025. Deputies received a report on Nov. 9, 2025, alleging inappropriate contact by Goodwin toward the minors. After extensive interviews and evidence review, investigators determined the juveniles had been subjected to inappropriate
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt backed a property tax relief package that increases property tax exemption thresholds for senior citizens in Illinois. “When this piece of legislation came across my desk, it was a no-brainer,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Many seniors in the Metro East have lived in their homes for decades - let’s ensure they are not priced out of the homes they have invested their lives into.” Senate Bill 642 would deliver critical
WASHINGTON, D.C . – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) in introducing legislation that would place limits on the Trump Administration’s ability to deploy the National Guard into American communities, while also injecting $1 billion in new resources to fight crime in American communities. The No Troops in Our Streets Act gives Congress the ability to
CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) joined the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 2 Chicago Stagehands to celebrate the opening of their new training center, which was supported by a $5 million grant from the State of Illinois. “Illinois is a prime cultural hub and major tourist destination – thanks in no small part to our skilled entertainment workforce,” said Governor
ALTON – Simmons Hanly Conroy, one of the nation’s leading mass-torts and complex litigation firms, is proud to announce that 13 firm attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 edition of the Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists for Illinois. These designations reflect the firm’s ongoing commitment to legal excellence and leadership in the representation of mesothelioma patients and their families and complex litigation on a national scale. The following attorneys have been selecte
EDWARDSVILLE - Roughly 3,000 households can receive free food next week. From 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. or until supplies run out on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, the St. Louis Area Foodbank will distribute groceries to community members at Ralph Korte Stadium on the SIUE campus in Edwardsville. There are no requirements and no questions will be asked. “We want everyone to be able to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Ericka Kinkead with the foodbank. “We’re doing
GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College’s Criminal Justice program welcomed Madison County Assistant State’s Attorney Luke Yager and Victim Advocate Maddison Erwin to the Godfrey Campus, Wednesday, Nov. 12. The pair gave presentations to students in both the Criminal Law and Mental Health and Criminal Justice classes. Among the topics discussed were the insanity defense, resources for the unhoused and mental health issues. For more information on LC’s Crimina
EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's School of Education, Health and Human Behavior will welcome approximately 400 high school students for the fourth annual Future Teacher Conference, a growing regional event designed for students exploring careers in education. Attendance has grown significantly since last year’s conference, which drew 300 participants. The conference introduces future educators to the profession through workshops, presentations, and faculty engagement,
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) led every Democratic Member of the Illinois delegation in a letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz expressing support for Illinois’ application for the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) program. The Members of Congress emphasized that the RHT Program is an important opportunity to improve the health of Illinois rural communities and address critical challenges like access to
GRANITE CITY — Granite City Police Department responded to an armed robbery at a Family Dollar store on Nameoki Road. At approximately 7:56 p.m. Friday, the Granite City Police Department confirmed it received a report that a suspect, armed with a handgun, confronted a store employee at Family Dollar located at 2600 Nameoki Road. According to scanner traffic, the suspect displayed the weapon to the worker before fleeing the scene in an unknown direction. The Granite City Police Department
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