SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is partnering with the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) at its Springfield Flagship Center to make it easier for Illinoisans to pay required taxes after purchasing a vehicle. IDOR will now have a permanent office located inside the Springfield Flagship Center, 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway, to process vehicle tax payments tied to a range of title and registration services. This marks Giannoulias’ latest effort to modernize
SPRINGFIELD — A convenience store in Springfield has sold a $550,000 winning Lucky Day Lotto® ticket after a lucky player matched all five numbers in the Monday, August 17 midday drawing. The winning ticket was purchased at Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh, located at 1025 Outer Park Dr. in Springfield. The winning numbers were 2-7-10-33-41. The big win marks the second major lottery prize sold by the retail chain in just one week, following the $1.04 billion Powerball® jackpot-winning ticket
Food Trucks, Music and Community Gatherings Fill Aug. 21-23 Calendar From food trucks and farmers market finds to live music, family activities, opera and community fundraisers, the upcoming calendar offers plenty of ways to get out across the area. Find even more listings anytime at RiverBender.com Events . Calvary Men's Retreat invites participants to Calvary Baptist Church Gym in Alton beginning Friday, Aug. 21, with a 6:30 p.m. meal and fellowship, followed by a message from Evangelist
On August 19, 14 CE, Augustus, the first Roman emperor, died and brought an end to one of the most important political lives in ancient history. His death mattered because he had transformed Rome from a republic shaken by civil war into an empire with a more stable central government. That change affected law, military organization, taxation, public building, and the way power was passed on. It still matters today because the Roman Empire shaped later ideas about citizenship, state authority, infrastructure
The shift back into routine often feels personal, but it is also deeply social. A single week can bring fuller calendars, earlier alarms, packed lunchboxes, crowded roads, and inboxes that suddenly demand answers. Even people without children or school ties often feel it. Somehow, life seems to tighten its schedule all at once. That return to routine in late summer is not just a habit. It grows out of school systems, work culture, family patterns, and the way people use free time. For many, it
GILLESPIE — A Gillespie man pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, in Macoupin County Circuit Court to possessing and disseminating child sexual abuse material, Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work with federal and local law enforcement agencies in Illinois to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. Robert L. Jones, 48, of Gillespie, pleaded guilty to one count of dissemination of child sexual abus
ALTON — Firefighters battled a serious house fire Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 18, 2026, in the 1000 block of Ninth Street in Alton after a blaze appeared to start inside the home and spread to the attic, Alton Fire Department Battalion Chief Bill Simon said. The call to the Alton Fire Department came in at 1:04 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026. Simon said no one was inside the house when the fire broke out. Firefighters remained at the scene for about four hours, battling the fire and extinguishing
WOOD RIVER — Downtown Wood River welcomed another local business to the neighborhood last Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, as The Cannaisseur celebrated its grand opening at 40 E. Ferguson Avenue. Thanks to the enthusiastic support of the Wood River community, The Cannaisseur opened its doors to a celebration that felt more like a miniature downtown festival than a traditional store opening. Residents, neighboring businesses and visitors gathered to meet the team, explore the new dispensary and
WELLSTON, MO. — St. Louis County Police Department detectives are investigating a homicide after a shooting Tuesday morning, Aug. 18, 2026, in the 6300 block of Ridge Avenue in Wellston left one adult male dead and three other adult males injured, authorities said. Officers from the North County Police Cooperative responded at approximately 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, to a call for a shooting. When they arrived, officers found four adult males suffering from apparent gunshot injuries.
EAST ST. LOUIS - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias today unveiled a newly renovated, state-of-the-art DMV facility in East St. Louis, designed to provide faster service, greater efficiency and a more convenient customer experience. Located at 1468 State St., Suite 200-300, the upgraded East St. Louis DMV is the 27th One-Stop-Shop DMV in Illinois and the second in the Metro East region. Under the One-Stop-Shop model, cross-trained employees can complete multiple transactions at a
EDWARDSVILLE — An East Alton man was found guilty Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, of felony home invasion after prosecutors said he kicked his way into a sleeping couple’s East Alton home on July 4, 2025, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced. Jesse E. Stewart, 42, was found guilty following a bench trial before Associate Judge Neil Schroeder, who issued the verdict. Stewart will be sentenced later. Home invasion, a Class X felony, is punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
JERSEYVILLE – The Jersey County State’s Attorney’s Office has charged another individual for their alleged involvement in the video-recorded public battery of an 18-year-old in Jerseyville . Lucas C. Roberts, 18, of Jerseyville, faces a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery/video/audio recording, a Class 4 felony count of mob action, and a Class C misdemeanor count of assault. On Aug. 9, 2026, Roberts allegedly filmed the victim as they were being attacked in the Jerseyville
(Video interview and photos by Charlie Schlueter). ALTON — Viral social media creator Professor Sendy met an assortment of fans Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, at a well-attended gathering at the Flock Food & Truck Park in Alton for a free public meet-and-greet offering photos, autographs, conversations, and opportunities to recreate his viral “Wombo” words and comedy videos. Professor Sendy is known for original comedy, inventive “Wombo” words, and rapid-fire, one-breath
WOOD RIVER – Following the detection of PFAS in Wood River’s drinking water, city officials say steps are being taken to address current levels and develop a long-term solution. City Manager Steve Palen informed residents last week of an incoming notice following testing by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) which detected PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in the city’s drinking water measured at 6.7 parts per trillion, higher than the state’s
JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey Community High School boys golf team opened its season Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, at the Hickory Stick Invite at Belk Park, where the Panthers placed third overall and freshman Adam Robinson led the team with a first-place round of 72. The Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100 team was paced by three top scores. Robinson finished first with a 72, Michael Roberts placed 12th with a 79, and Isaac Hackethal finished 19th with an 83. Jersey's boys golfers
EDWARDSVILLE — State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is pleased to announce she has helped secure $195,000 in state funding for the City of Edwardsville to support new EMS and public safety equipment for local first responders. “Our first responders are there when we need them most, and we need to make sure they have the equipment to do their jobs safely,” said Senator Harriss. “I’m proud to bring these dollars back to Edwardsville and support the people
EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is starting the fall semester with an events lineup for SIUE students to connect, get involved and make the most of campus life. From Welcome Weekend festivities to a full slate of Cougar Welcome Camp Cougar events, and exciting campus traditions like Late Night with Campus Recreation and Homecoming & Family Weekend, the first six weeks of the semester bring an abundance of exciting activities. Convocation On Friday, Aug. 21
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) recently hosted his annual Job Fair in East St. Louis, providing community members seeking employment with opportunities to learn more about interview guidance, creating a resume and to speak directly to employers. Schmidt said the event was successful and thanked the employers and everyone who attended. “Thank you to the local employers and community members for helping to make this event successful,” said
CHICAGO — As students across Illinois prepare to return to the classroom, Governor JB Pritzker today highlighted national rankings recognizing Illinois as one of the nation’s leaders in education, as well as the state’s continued efforts to invest in and make access to education more affordable for Illinois students and families. “From our earliest learners to students preparing for college and careers, Illinois is recognized as having one of best education systems
ALTON/GRAFTON – State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) announced the first two winning entries in his “America 250” Photo Contest to update the decor in his Capitol office in Springfield. “Each of these photographs showcase the patriotic spirit and natural beauty of the 100th District,” Rep. Davidsmeyer said. “I congratulate our first two winners and remind everyone that we still have another round of photographs to go. As part of America’s
stLouIST