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
JERSEYVILLE – A suspect is now in custody facing major felony charges in the case of an occupied vehicle shooting in Jerseyville. Casey C. McGee Jr., 27, of Jerseyville, was charged on Sept. 23, 2026 with four Class X felony counts of attempted first degree murder, a Class 1 felony count of aggravated discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle and four Class 4 felony counts of aggravated assault/discharge firearm. On Sept. 21, 2026, McGee allegedly fired a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic
GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College will host its annual Resource & Wellness Fair, Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, in The Commons, offering a variety of health, wellness and community resource activities for students, employees and the general public. The fair is designed to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being while connecting attendees with valuable health resources and support services available throughout the community. Activities scheduled throughout the day include:
WOOD RIVER – A Wood River woman who has allegedly stolen almost $30,000 in SNAP benefits since 2022 now faces felony charges. Allison M. Schardan, 27, of Wood River, was charged on Sept. 16, 2026 with one count each of theft of government property (a Class 1 felony) and state benefits fraud (a Class 2 felony). From May 9, 2022 to Jan. 31, 2026, Schardan allegedly knowingly obtained $29,506 in Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from the State of Illinois by means
ALTON/GODFREY - Students in the Alton Community Unit School District #11 enjoyed a special visit from Fredbird and former Cardinals pitcher Al Hrabosky. On Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, North Elementary School students gathered in the gym for a presentation about taking care of themselves and others. Principal Lisa Harris noted that the Cardinals assembly was a fun way to share the school’s goals with students. “One of our messages here at North is, we say, ‘One school, one
Vaccines are something many people associate with childhood: a series of shots following a schedule that gradually becomes less demanding. But adulthood comes with its own list of recommended immunizations, and keeping track of them can be surprisingly difficult. That is why doctors often use annual physicals and preventive visits to review a person’s vaccination history and determine what vaccines are due. Vaccine schedules can be pretty confusing. Talha Khan, MD, a family medicine physician
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. - An adult man died in a single-vehicle crash near Hunters Ford Road and Rock Tree Drive in St. Louis County on Tuesday night, Sept. 22, 2026, police said. The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Officers from the St. Louis County Police Department’s West County Precinct responded to the crash at 9:57 p.m. on Tuesday. St. Louis County Police said they found the driver in an overturned vehicle with injuries sustained in the crash. He was pronounced dead
BETHALTO/EAST ALTON - The St. Louis Regional Airport has an exciting weekend ahead, and you’re invited as they mark their 30th annual Wings-n-Wheels Fly-In. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, community members can tour planes, enjoy the Speed Demons Car Show, and check out food trucks, vendors and kids’ activities. More fun is planned from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, with free Young Eagles Flights available for kids ages 8–17, the Bethalto
WOOD RIVER — The Madison County Board approved a $387,375 appropriation to support breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services for eligible women. The funding supports the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP), which provides free screenings, diagnostic testing and care coordination through the Madison County Health Department. The program serves more than 500 local women annually. “Early detection of breast and cervical cancer saves lives,”
TROY, Ill. — A 48-year-old Troy woman died Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, after a truck she was using on her property apparently rolled down an incline and struck her, according to Madison County authorities. Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich identified the woman as Justina M. Wilbur. A family member found Wilbur unresponsive near a garden at her home, and 911 was notified at approximately 4:57 p.m. on Friday. She was taken by ambulance to Anderson Hospital, where medical staff pronounced
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