ROXANA – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) has secured $50,000 in state funding to support the purchase of new safety equipment for the Roxana Fire Department. “Our firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect others, and they deserve to have reliable equipment when they answer the call,” said Senator Harriss . “I’m glad we were able to bring this funding back to Roxana and support the men and women who serve this community.”
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - Four people were charged Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, after authorities alleged they beat and robbed a driver who stopped to check on the occupants of a vehicle he rear-ended in Jennings five days earlier. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Tamara Logan, 48; Martinez Logan, 25; Mary Moore, 26; and Davion Alfred, 30, all of St. Louis, with second-degree robbery, third-degree assault involving a special victim and second-degree burglary involving unlawful
GRAFTON - The New Horizons Band has partnered with the Jersey County Arts Council to offer a free concert this weekend. From 2–4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at Grafton Winery the Vineyards, community members can enjoy big band music, polka, movie themes and more by the New Horizons Band. The goal of the band is to provide older adults with musical opportunities, and the Jersey County Arts Council was eager to sponsor a concert and support this work. “We try really hard t
ALTON - The City of Alton has announced a Service Plan ahead of a possible Teamsters strike. The City of Alton has developed a strike contingency plan to maintain essential services and protect public safety. The strike will affect some nonessential services, and the administration will keep the public informed of any changes to those services. Teamster-represented employees in the City’s Public Works and Parks and Recreation departments are scheduled to begin a strike at midnight following
EDWARDSVILLE – A child’s curiosity should never be limited by barriers to access. At Edwardsville Children’s Museum (ECM) , that belief has evolved into a museum-wide commitment to creating a welcoming space where children of all abilities can play, explore, and imagine. Through new inclusive and sensory-friendly accommodations , ECM ensures children on the autism spectrum, those with sensory sensitivities, and visitors who need a little extra support can discover
PONTOON BEACH - Thanks to financial support from Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD), Madison County Transit (MCT) opened the new MCT Ridge Prairie Trail Thursday morning, adding approximately 1.5 miles to the MCT Trails system and creating a new connection between Collinsville and MCT’s expansive trail network. The MCT Ridge Prairie Trail begins near the Collinwood subdivision at Barbara Street in Collinsville and travels northeast to connect with the MCT Goshen Trail at Formos
EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Rotary Club has chosen to honor Edwardsville High School student Sebastian Reuter with the Student of the Month Award for September. Sebastian was nominated by Edwardsville High School teacher Rebecca Wilkinson. Sebastian is the son of Jeri and Jeremy Reuter. Sebastian was the number one chess player at his middle school and is the recipient of an American Legion award. Outside of school, Sebastian likes to focus on fitness. He also plays the guitar. Sebastian
EDWARDSVILLE - Kindergarten students at Goshen Elementary School in Edwardsville enjoyed a special presentation about nutrition. On Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, SIUE nursing student Camilla Thomas stopped by Jennifer Desse’s kindergarten class to share information about healthy eating. Thomas was Desse’s former student, which made the experience even more fun. “I’ve seen the difference of how important it is for kids to get all of their nutrients,” Thomas said.
ALTON/GODFREY — An 18-year-old Alton man charged with attempted first-degree murder was arrested Sept. 24, 2026, in connection with an August shooting that left a victim seriously injured, according to the Alton Police Department. Alton Police, assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, arrested Tylon L. Lunsford in the 1200 block of Laurel Avenue in Godfrey. The charges stem from a shooting at approximately 1:52 p.m. Aug. 20, 2026, in the 800 block of East Sixth Street
ST. LOUIS - The final defendant to be arrested, David Sims, appeared in U.S. District Court in St. Louis Thursday for a detention hearing. The indictment says that from as early as November 2024 through January 2026, Stewart and Finger received Treasury checks that had been stolen in Florida, Minnesota, California and Tennessee. They then created fraudulent driver’s licenses, U.S. passports and other identification documents so the checks could be cashed, the indictment says. The pair
ALTON - The community can celebrate Marquette Catholic High School’s homecoming and potentially win $50,000 at the Mega Raffle Homecoming Block Party. From 6–10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, Marquette Catholic High School will host their annual Block Party outside the school while students enjoy the homecoming dance inside. Community members, families and alumni are invited to come by and join in the fun. The Mega Raffle winners will also be announced that night; you can
ALTON — What began as an annual celebration has grown into an evening that brings together community, philanthropy, entertainment and hometown pride. Friends for David Goins will host the Fourth Annual Mayor’s Ball, “Boots & Bling: Where Midwestern Charm Meets Elegance for a Cause,” on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Lewis and Clark Community College Commons in Godfrey, Illinois. More than 300 guests are expected to attend this year’s sold-out event,
CHICAGO – Faculty and professional staff at the City Colleges of Chicago have voted to authorize a strike. With nearly 1,300 members casting ballots, 96% voted yes to authorize a strike. CCCTU President Tony Johnston said, “This vote sends a strong message that our members reject what the City Colleges is offering at the table. We don’t want to strike, but our members have made it clear that they will take the steps necessary to ensure our community colleges continue to offer
SWANSEA — Soulcial Kitchen will host its monthly Block Party for Good in both Swansea and Alton on Friday, September 25. Neighbors can receive free groceries courtesy of the St. Louis Area Foodbank, access free health care resources, and enjoy freshly prepared food truck meals at no cost. Swansea: The gathering begins at 1:30 p.m. CT at Soulcial Park, 127 Northbelt East, with food from It’s a Wra p food truck. Alton: The gathering begins at 2:30 p.m. CT at Soulcial Square,
SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed September 21-27, 2026, as Rail Safety Week in Illinois. In recognition, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and Operation Lifesaver, a national rail safety non-profit, are raising awareness with drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists on how to stay safe around railroad tracks and trains. “Rail Safety Week reminds us of the dangers associated with highway-rail crossings, and the importance of looking and listening near railways,”
NEW BADEN – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that one lane in each direction of Interstate 64 will be closed between Illinois 4 and the Clinton County line near New Baden beginning Thursday, Sept. 24, for roadway maintenance. The nightly lane closures will occur from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. and are expected to continue through late fall 2026, weather permitting. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers ar
GODFREY - Community members can enjoy a special orchestra concert while supporting Alton Community Unit School District #11 and The Nature Institute. At 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, The Nature Institute will host the Alton High School orchestra for an outdoor concert titled “Dance in the Woods.” The concert serves as a fundraiser for The Nature Institute. Laura Plummer, the orchestra director, noted that the annual concert is a fun way to connect with the community while
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced that $1 million has been secured through the Environmental Protection Agency for water main replacement projects in Teutopolis. “Reliable water infrastructure is something every community depends on,” said Bost. “The funding will help Teutopolis replace aging water lines to strengthen an essential service for families and businesses across the village. Making sure our communities have access to clean and
EDWARDSVILLE — With a consistent voting record supporting Illinois manufacturers and the state’s business community, State Senator Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) earned a 90 percent rating on the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association’s (IMA) 2025-2026 Legislator Report Card, ranking him among the top lawmakers in the Senate. “Manufacturers are creating jobs, investing in our communities and helping drive our economy, but too often they are forced to deal with higher
CHICAGO –The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) , the state’s college access and financial aid agency, is pleased to announce the 2026-27 Financial Aid Application Completion Recognition of Excellence Honorees . These Illinois public and private high schools have attained outstanding financial aid application completion rates-- demonstrating ongoing support for their students through the financial aid process. This recognition celebrates each school’s dedication t