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RIVERBEND - A local author is celebrating the launch of her latest book. DF Kennedy recently published “Empire of Silver and Gold,” the first in a fantasy trilogy that follows twin sisters as they navigate a new world and try to stop an emperor’s quest to take over the three realms. Described as a mix between “Harry Potter” and “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” the book promises to be a fun combination of fae, dragons, and slow-burn romance. “When

ALTON - I, Lashod O. Robinson, announce to you, the citizens of Alton, that I will be filing to become Mayor of the City of Alton for the April 2029 election. What the city and its government have shown with their efforts to stall city development has been deeply concerning to me, and I know for certain it is something that my neighbors are worried about. Our city and its resources need immediate, grave attention to their problems — not grandstanding. We see enough of that on the federal

BELLEVILLE – Illinois American Water celebrated the one-year anniversary of the expansion of its Income-Based Discount Program, which has helped more than 4,000Illinois households lower their monthly water and/or wastewater bills while continuing access to affordable water and/or wastewater services. Since the expansion, participating customers have saved an average of $40.00 monthly on their water and/or wastewater bills. The program, expanded on July 1, 2025, increased eligibility

CHICAGO – Former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson was denied medical release Friday, July 31, 2026, by the Illinois Prisoner Review Board and will remain in prison serving his sentence for the 2024 killing of Sonya Massey, according to the board’s decision following a hearing in Chicago. Grayson had petitioned for release under Illinois’ Medical Release Act after being diagnosed with cancer. He was convicted of second-degree murder in October 2025 in Massey’s

EDWARDSVILLE – The City of Edwardsville’s 2026 oil and chip road maintenance program is scheduled to get underway the first week of August on select portions of about 40 roads. The work is weather dependent, but expected to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, August 4-5. Affected streets will have temporary closures, and motorists should expect delays. “No parking” signs will be placed before the work begins so residents can make arrangements for parking and travel.

GRANITE CITY – A domestic battery suspect from Granite City previously convicted of the same offense remains in Madison County custody on his latest felony charges. Zackery L. Stumbaugh, 35, of Granite City, was charged on July 29, 2026 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery and a Class 4 felony count of domestic battery, his second or subsequent offense. Two days prior on July 27, Stumbaugh allegedly committed multiple acts of domestic battery against a family or household

ALTON - Community members can help Alton athletes while enjoying a pancake breakfast and a car wash. Starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, the Alton High School football players will host a “Pancakes with Players” breakfast at the Alton High School Athletic Field. You can purchase either a short stack for $2 or a pancakes-with-breakfast-scramble combo for $12. There are also juices and homemade sweet tea available for purchase. All proceeds go to the high school football

TROY - The Troy-Edwardsville Shrine Club will once again host their Smoke N for the Kids barbecue competition and festival to raise money for Shriners Children’s Hospital. On Aug. 15–16, 2026, at Tri-Township Park in Troy, community members can enjoy a cornhole tournament, live music, food and craft vendors and more fun. Shrine Club members John and Gary partnered with Matt of the Southern Illinois Street Rod Association to share more about the festival and its mission. “We

EDWARDSVILLE/GLEN CARBON - One in six people over age 65 will be diagnosed with dementia in their lifetimes, and you can take a step to find a cure. The Alzheimer’s Association will host their “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” in Edwardsville on Oct. 17, 2026. Community members are invited to participate, volunteer or sponsor, and all donations will go toward The Alzheimer’s Association programs and research to cure the disease. “It’s not a solemn event.

SPRINGFIELD - Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday signed a broad package of Illinois bills covering consumer payments, health care, public safety, education, environmental regulation and court procedures, with most of the measures taking effect in 2027 and several becoming law immediately. Among the measures signed were HB 4592, which prohibits retailers from refusing cash payments of up to $500 or posting signs that cash is not accepted, with reasonable exceptions, effective Jan. 1, 2028; HB 4612, which

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to prohibit retailers from refusing cash payments up to $500 was signed into law. “Cash is still necessary for many working people and seniors across our state,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This law ensures no one is turned away from making a purchase because they choose to pay with the money they have in their pocket.” Belt’s law will prohibit retailers from refusing cash payments up to $500 or postin

GLEN CARBON – The Glen Carbon Heritage Museum will start closing on Saturdays after this weekend, citing low attendance numbers, though the museum will still host weekend events and Saturday tours by request. Mayor Bob Marcus announced at the July 28, 2026 Village Board meeting that the museum’s hours are changing, but that accommodations are available for those unable to attend during the updated hours. “Saturday, Aug. 1 will be the last Saturday the museum is open. Starting

SHIPMAN – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that a bridge improvement project on Shipman Blacktop over Macoupin Creek south of Beaver Dam State Park in Macoupin County begins Monday, August 3, 2026. This project includes the deck being resurfaced, painting and other repairs. ? Lane closures will be required for the completion of this project. ? Advance signs and traffic signals will be in place to direct vehicles over the bridge. As vehicles approach the signals,

EDWARDSVILLE – A man from Dupo faces felony and misdemeanor charges in Madison County after allegedly damaging mailboxes and fleeing police while driving under the influence. Aron M. Rodgers, 38, of Dupo, Ill., faces one count each of the following offenses in a Madison County case from July 17, 2026: Aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer (Class 4 felony) Driving while under the influence (Class A misdemeanor) Criminal damage to property (Class A misdemeanor)

EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County Board Chairman Chris Slusser said on Friday, July 31, 2026, that a Facebook comment from his personal account suggesting Dr. Anthony Fauci needed a “public hanging” was “obvious rhetorical hyperbole,” after the remark drew controversy and prompted calls for his resignation from the Madison County Democratic Party and created some criticism. The comment was posted Wednesday, July 29, 2026, on an original Facebook post by Hartford resident

ST. LOUIS - A 19-year-old St. Louis man was found dead on Thursday morning, July 30, 2026, in the O’Fallon neighborhood, and homicide detectives are investigating, authorities said. St. Louis Metropolitan Police officers were called just before 8:30 a.m. July 30, 2026, to the 4400 block of Red Bud for a report of police help. When they arrived, they found the 19-year-old on the ground in the rear of the 4400 block of Red Bud, according to the information provided. The victim, identified

EDWARDSVILLE - Construction on Edwardsville’s North Main Street water main replacement and streetscape project will shift to the west side of the road started early Thursday, July 30, 2026, the City of Edwardsville said, moving the two alternating traffic lanes to the east side as crews continue work. The City of Edwardsville said construction barrels and barricades will mark the new work zone and shifted traffic lanes. Drivers were asked to use caution. The change affects North

EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville will host a summertime “Saturday with Santa” on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, with Santa Claus scheduled to make appearances downtown beginning about 11 a.m. at the Land of Goshen Community Market and later along North Main Street near the Wildey Theatre. The event will also feature “Jingle Stops” at participating shops, restaurants and organizations throughout the day, along with a temporary exhibit at the future home of the Edwardsville Arts Center

ALTON - Heavy rain made for a difficult Friday morning, July 31, 2026, commute in the region as the first of two storm systems moved through the St. Louis area, according to the National Weather Service in St. Louis, which said additional storms later in the day could become strong to severe. The weather service said Friday morning storms were moving through the region, with heavy rainfall reported, which made commuting difficult, and some vehicles hydroplaned while “moving too fast.”

ALTON – An Alton 18-year-old faces felony weapon charges after allegedly possessing a handgun modified to fire automatically. Donovin J. Moore, 18, of Alton was charged on July 20, 2026 with one count each of unlawful use of weapons – possession of a machine gun (a Class X felony) and aggravated unlawful possession of weapons (a Class 4 felony). Moore was allegedly knowingly in possession of a Glock 19 handgun which was “modified with a switch to make the weapon automatically