Thirty-five years ago today, Nirvana released an album that helped change the direction of popular music. “Nevermind,” issued Sept. 24, 1991, brought the force of underground rock to a much larger audience, pairing abrasive guitars with memorable melodies. Its success helped move alternative rock from the margins toward the center of the music business. But this date belongs to more than one band or one sound: Its history also includes a career-changing arrival in London, an ambitious
The Psychology of Comfort Why can a television episode you have already seen five times feel more appealing than a brilliant new series? The familiar episode offers something novelty cannot: you know what happens next. There are no surprises to decode and no emotional risks to weigh. That small choice reveals something important about comfort. It is not simply about pleasure. It is often about finding a place where your mind can stop working quite so hard. Comfort shapes what we eat, where
ST. LOUIS — An 18-year-old Normandy High School student faces a felony charge after school authorities found a loaded firearm in his backpack at the school’s metal detectors on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, according to information from St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Melissa Price Smith’s office. Jayden Saddler entered the school through the front door and proceeded to the metal detectors with his backpack. School authorities discovered the firearm there, and responding
Thirty years ago, on September 24, 1996, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty opened for signature at the United Nations in New York. It sought to prohibit all nuclear weapon test explosions and other nuclear explosions, extending earlier efforts that had restricted testing without banning it altogether. After decades of nuclear competition, the agreement offered a way to limit weapons development and reduce the environmental dangers of testing. The treaty remains significant for both
ALTON – The Alton Homecoming and Halloween Parades will continue whether or not a Public Works strike occurs in two days, according to Mayor David Goins. At the Sept. 23, 2026 Alton City Council meeting, Alderwoman Rosie Brown asked for a status update on the ongoing contract negotiations between the city and Teamsters Local 525, the union representing the city’s Public Works Department. The union announced on Sept. 10, 2026 that its members were prepared to strike in 15 days,
OTTERVILLE – A full weekend of fun awaits area families and history fans looking to support a historic local landmark. The 43rd annual Hamilton Primary School Festival returns this Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, and Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, to the school grounds at 107 E. Main St. in Otterville. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Attendees can expect food, games, a bounce house, live entertainment, tours of the school building and more. The festival
JERSEYVILLE - Jersey Community High School senior Neely Goetten earned her 100th career tennis victory Tuesday night, Sept. 22, 2026, as the Panthers hosted Marquette Catholic during PAC the Place and swept the Explorers 9-0. Neely is a Sparklight Female Athlete Of The Month for the Panthers. Goetten defeated Izzy Hough 6-0, 6-0 at No. 2 singles. She also teamed with Jersey's Addalyn Hutchens at No. 1 doubles to beat Marquette Catholic's Hough and Mia Lopez 6-4, 6-1. Goetten is also a standout
EDWARDSVILLE - Robert G. Smith, 73, faces 11 felony counts of child sexual abuse material over allegations that he distributed and possessed images depicting children younger than 13 on Sept. 22, 2026, in Madison County, according to charging documents. Three counts accuse Smith of knowingly distributing the material through Discord and Snapchat. Each is listed as a Class X felony carrying an enhanced prison sentencing range of nine to 30 years. The remaining eight counts allege possession of
NEW YORK CITY – As Illinois marks five years this month since the passage of the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), Governor JB Pritzker this week joined national and global leaders in New York City to highlight the state’s progress toward a cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable energy future. Throughout his time at Climate Week, the Governor participated in meetings and events focused on advancing climate action and growing a clean energy economy. At a tim
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) are encouraging eligible workers who were under the age of 16 when they worked at Hearthside Food Solutions LLC (Hearthside) to submit claims for compensation under the state’s $4.5 million settlement before the Nov. 20 deadline. Raoul and IDOL reached the settlement with Hearthside, one of the largest food manufacturers in the nation, in January 2025 to resolve allegations that the company violated
SPRINGFIELD – As Flock Safety and other AI surveillance companies face scrutiny before the U.S. Senate today, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has worked to hold the technology companies accountable for their unlawful use and sharing of license plate reader data. As a result of these efforts, the topic has gained national attention. Today, the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism is holding a bipartisan hearing titled “Always Watching: Flock’s
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)— led a bipartisan group of 30 Senate colleagues in calling on the Trump Administration to issue an 18-month extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukrainians living in the United States as Vladimir Putin continues his unjustified war of aggression against their homeland. In their letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin
LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (September 22, 2026) – The University of Saint Mary celebrates students that completed their education programs during the summer terms of 2026. These students traditionally walk during the late spring commencement ceremony, which was held May 9 in McGilley Field House on USM's Leavenworth Campus, 4100 South 4th Street. HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, DEGREE, MAJOR, HONORS (if listed) Bethalto, IL Chancey Parker, Master in Social Work The University of Saint Mary is a Catholic
WOOD RIVER — In the wake of a confirmed case of measles in Madison County the Health Department is releasing additional information about potential exposures to inform the public about what steps they should take. People who have been vaccinated against measles are considered immune to or protected from the illness, as vaccination is 97% effective against measles. Most Illinois residents have been vaccinated against measles, but people who are not immune may be at risk if they were in
ALTON - OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center, together with the Alton Fire Department and Survival Flight, will hold an emergency preparedness drill on the hospital campus Thursday, September 24, 2026. The exercise is designed to strengthen disaster response plans, enhance teamwork with local first responders and ensure hospital Mission Partners are prepared to care for the community during an emergency. Community members may notice a significant presence of fire and emergency
ALTON — The Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation is thrilled to announce that its annual "Duck Pluckers, Deer Skinners, and Fish Hookers Ball" successfully raised $216,000 during its high-energy event on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Held at the historic Nilo Farms, the community-driven fundraiser brought together outdoor enthusiasts and dedicated supporters to raise vital funds for local medical equipment, including the ongoing mission to secure a new, state-of-the-art ambulance
BELLEVILLE — Mark Heffernan will lead the Belleville Police Department after the City Council approved Mayor Jenny Gain Meyer’s appointment of him as police chief, according to an announcement citing his experience and commitment to serving the community. The council approved the appointment at a meeting this week. “We look forward to working with him as he leads the Belleville Police Department and continues his dedication to serving our citizens,” the departmen
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — A van carrying Belleville West students crashed near Pocket Road and Illinois Route 15 around 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, killing a 17-year-old student and sending multiple students to area hospitals. The cause of the crash is under investigation. The van apparently struck a light pole in the accident and also caught fire. First responders arrived quickly after being dispatched and transported some students to hospitals. A 17-year-old student was pronounced dead
GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey will host their annual Fall Festival this weekend, complete with kids’ activities, food trucks, Highland cows and more. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2026, community members can stop by Glazebrook Park to enjoy the festival and the Great Godfrey Maze. Director of Parks and Recreation Chris Logan and Economic Developer Jim Mager shared their excitement to bring people together and celebrate the community. “We’re really happy
ALTON - In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony's Health Center is encouraging women to prioritize their breast health through regular screenings, education and preventive care. Throughout October, OSF Saint Anthony's will offer opportunities for women to learn more about breast health and the importance of early detection, including Mocktails and Mammograms on Wednesday, October 14, an event designed to connect women with preventive health resources, screenings
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