SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) invites residents to step into 2026 with a First Day Hike at an Illinois state park on New Year’s Day. IDNR is hosting self-guided hikes at 17 state parks across Illinois on Jan. 1. These free, family-friendly hikes are available to the public. The First Day Hike program is an initiative in partnership with America’s State Parks Foundation . The organization began the event in 1992 in Massachusetts. The
ROXANA — The American Cancer Society proudly announces that Wishing For A Cure , a team from Relay For Life of Riverbend, has been named the 2025 North Region Relay For Life Team of the Year. The North Region of the American Cancer Society includes 17 states, making this recognition a significant honor. Wishing For A Cure is co-captained by Stephanie Palmer and Anna Pearson. The team was nominated for their exceptional dedication, passion, and fundraising achievements. With this award, th
O’FALLON, Ill. – Prairie Cardiovascular is pleased to welcome Prasad V.N. Kandula, MD, to the team at 3 St. Elizabeth Blvd. in O’Fallon, Illinois. Dr. Kandula is a board-certified cardiologist who provides patient-centered care grounded in respect, compassion and clear communication. He has served the Belleville/Southern Illinois community for over 25 years and is dedicated to helping individuals achieve and maintain better heart health through personalized treatment and
ST. LOUIS — The Gateway Arch Park Foundation is marking a period of progress and setting its sights on future projects aimed at advancing downtown St. Louis. The foundation, the official philanthropic partner of Gateway Arch National Park and surrounding areas, is focusing on key initiatives including the predevelopment of the former Millennium Hotel site and the expansion of Gateway Arch National Park to the East St. Louis riverfront. The foundation’s efforts are part of a broader
O'FALLON - Two O’Fallon veterans were recently gifted personally designed and constructed “Unsung Warrior Quilts.” United States Air Force veteran Marion Rose served her country for 22 years as a charge nurse in many settings, including heart, orthopedics, pediatrics, urology, education and more. She credits the USAF for expanding her education – she earned a bachelor’s degree in social sciences and a masters degree in counseling while serving. She also admits that
Did you know that over 150 million people visit holiday markets across Europe and North America every December? These vibrant bazaars are more than just shopping venues—they are cultural experiences that weave together artisan craftsmanship, culinary delights, and festive traditions. For travelers and locals alike, holiday markets offer a unique way to immerse oneself in the spirit of the season, discover distinctive gifts, and enjoy communal celebrations. The Allure of Holiday Markets:
December 16th has been a date marked by pivotal moments that have shaped our world in profound ways. One of the most impactful events associated with this date is the Boston Tea Party, which took place on December 16, 1773. This bold act of defiance against British colonial authority was a catalyst for the American Revolution. American colonists, frustrated by the Tea Act imposed by the British Parliament, boarded ships in Boston Harbor and dumped 342 chests of tea into the water as a protest
Today expect a sunny but chilly day with a high near 51 and a low around 31. Winds will blow from the south-southwest at 10 to 20 mph gusts, making it feel a bit cooler at times. This morning will start off cold but clear, with temperatures rising steadily. The afternoon will bring plenty of sunshine and mild breezes. Tonight, skies will stay partly cloudy with some late fog possible as lows dip near freezing. Winds calm a bit to around 8 mph. Looking ahead to tomorrow, skies will feature periods
ALTON – It’s been official since before the 2025-26 basketball season started, but Semaj Stampley is a future South Dakota State University Jackrabbit. The decision was finalized back in early November on National Signing Day, just a couple of weeks before he began his senior season representing the Alton Redbirds. “I think it naturally has to be, . I was just so impressed by the way he handled the whole thing,” Stampley’s current head coach, Dylan Dudley, said.
EDWARDSVILLE - During their regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a separation agreement with former Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton. Shelton was suspended with pay on Sept. 25, 2025, amid an ongoing investigation. No further details have been released about the nature of this investigation. After the vote on Dec. 15, Board President Bob Paty read a prepared statement in which he acknowledged
ALTON – Alton officials on Monday took the first step towards redeveloping a former golf course in a key commercial area of the city. Committee of the Whole members voted unanimously on Monday to approve a resolution directing the Director of Planning and Development to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the development of the Wadlow Town Center. Alderwoman Patricia Ford was absent. “ Wadlow Town Center” refers to the former site of the Robert P. Wadlow Golf Course,
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — A coordinated fugitive apprehension effort involving federal and state law enforcement agencies resulted in 63 arrests, the seizure of 2.5 pounds of narcotics and $15,000 in U.S. currency, officials announced Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. The weeklong operation, dubbed “Operation Safe Christmas,” was conducted across multiple counties in Illinois and in Atlanta, Georgia. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois said the operation
EDWARDSVILLE - Metro-East Lutheran High School musicians participated in the Illinois Music Educators Association District 6 Festival recently, showcasing their talents in various ensembles. The students representing MELHS at the ILMEA District 6 Festival were as follows: Dean Hemmer - Senior Band - Trombone Ganyn Krausz - Senior Chorus - Bass I Rebekah Lindsey - Senior Chorus - Soprano I Emilia Malcomb - Senior Treble Chorus - Alto II Kaitlyn Peterson - Senior Chorus - Soprano
EDWARDSVILLE - Metro-East Lutheran High School’s girls bowling team earned recognition at the recent Gateway Metro Conference Bowling Tournament, held earlier this month. The MELHS' strong performance was highlighted by individual honors for several players. Katie Albrecht and Dani Spann were named to the First Team All-Conference, with Spann achieving the highest girls' score of the day. Both Spann and teammate Charlotte Smith set career-best match scores during the tournament.
EDWARDSVILLE — Lucas Abbott, a junior boys' cross country runner at Metro East Lutheran High School, concluded his 2025 season with a strong performance at the state meet in Peoria, finishing 54th in Class 1A with a time of 15 minutes, 36 seconds. Abbott’s season highlights include winning first place at the Trenton Wesclin Regional with a personal best time of 15:32.4. He also placed fourth at the Trenton Wesclin Sectional, recording a time of 15:34.0. He is a BJ's Printables Male
BETHALTO — Civic Memorial's Glenn Collins is preparing for a standout track and field season in 2026 after a notable cross country campaign in 2025 with the Eagles. Collins has earned recognition as the Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athlete of the Month following his consistent improvement throughout the cross country season. Collins finished 121st at the IHSA Class 2A state meet with a personal record time of 15 minutes, 47.7 seconds for three miles. He posted times of 16:23.4 at th
ALTON - Allie Weiner, a senior at Marquette Catholic High School, has been recognized for her achievements in basketball, highlighting a successful high school sports career marked by leadership and dedication. Weiner, who has played basketball since kindergarten, credits her early love for the sport to shooting hoops with her older brother. Over the years, she has developed into a key player for Marquette Catholic, earning several honors, including a spot on the All-Tournament Team at the Carrollton
MADISON COUNTY — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office hosted its 2025 "Shop with a Sheriff" event, providing children from the local community with a holiday shopping experience. The event at Target was funded by members of the PBPA Unit 118. Employees of the sheriff’s office accompanied the children on the shopping spree, creating a memorable morning for all involved. The event aimed to support families in the community during the holiday season and foster positive relationships
CARROLLTON – Principal Ronda Smith is pleased to announce that four students from Carrollton High School’s graduating class of 2026 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the state’s college access and financial aid agency, presents this annual recognition of academic achievement to exceptional Illinois high school students who rank in the top ten percent of graduates from Illinois high schools. This year, nearly
SPRINGFIELD — Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, a new law named after Sonya Massey will require law enforcement agencies in Illinois to conduct more comprehensive background checks on prospective officers before hiring, State Senator Doris Turner announced. The legislation, Senate Bill 1953, was introduced in response to the July 2024 fatal shooting of Massey by Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson during a police encounter at Massey’s home on Hoover Avenue. Grayson was
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