WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned nominees at a Senate Judiciary Committee nominations hearing. Durbin first questioned Justin Ross Olson, nominated to the U.S District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Mr. Olson previously worked pro bono to assist two individuals seeking status under DACA. “What was your impression
GRAFTON — The City of Grafton is moving forward with plans to operate a new ferry service connecting Missouri and Illinois, with payments coming from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) in a grant. Godfrey Mayor Mike Morrow described IDOT District 8 as a “fantastic partner” in the project, which is also receiving support from federal funding sources. The ferry service aims to serve not only Grafton but the entire region, including Missouri. “The entire region
EDWARDSVILLE — Edwardsville High School’s Performing Arts Department raised $1,944.22 during its Dec. 3, 2025, holiday concert, marking the largest donation collection in the event’s history. The funds will be split evenly between the Main Street Community Center and the performing arts department at Edwardsville High School. The concert, held in the EHS gymnasium, featured performances by approximately 450 students. Victoria Voumard, orchestra director and fine arts department
Chicago – Attorney General Raoul today announced a $4.25 million multistate settlement with home improvement retail chain Menard Inc. (Menards). The bipartisan settlement resolves claims that the company deceptively marketed its merchandise credit check program, commonly known as the Menards 11% Rebate Program. Raoul co-led a coalition of attorneys general in investigating a number of problems with Menards’ sales practices, including allegations that the company’s prolific
GRANITE CITY — In a strategic move to bolster grid resilience and reduce storm-related outages, Ameren Illinois and Ameren Missouri are installing composite utility poles manufactured by Trident Industries at their Granite City facility. These fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) poles, branded as TridentStrong™, are engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions while offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional wooden poles. The initiative comes amid growing concern
ALTON – Two men from Alton face felony charges after reportedly burglarizing a home and vehicle in separate cases. James A. Charles, 50, of Alton, was charged on Dec. 11, 2025 with one count each of burglary (a Class 3 felony) and possession of another’s credit, debit, or identification card (a Class 4 felony). Charles allegedly knowingly entered a Ford SUV parked at the Alton Square Mall without authority and with the intent to commit a theft on July 22, 2025. Charles is also accuse
MADISON COUNTY — A vehicle traveling northbound on Montclair Avenue swerved into the southbound lanes and struck a ditch Tuesday evening, Dec. 16, 2025, causing the vehicle to roll over, Madison County Chief Deputy Sheriff Marcos Pulido reported on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. The incident occurred around 5:49 p.m. Dec. 16 at the intersection of Montclair Avenue and Ebbeler Lane. According to Pulido, the reason for the driver’s sudden swerve remains unknown. Witnesses at the scene
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — One adult and one child were shot Wednesday morning, Dec. 17, 2025, at an apartment complex in Cahokia Heights, authorities said. The shooting occurred around 10:15 a.m. Dec. 17 at a complex in the 200 block of Miller Court in Cahokia Heights. Preliminary findings from police indicate that both an adult and a child were injured in the incident. Officials have not released details about the victims’ conditions or whether a suspect has been apprehended. Several polic
EDWARDSVILLE – A new officer has officially joined the Edwardsville Police Department. At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Officer Tony Bartolomucci was given the Oath of Office by City Clerk Michelle Boyer to applause from meeting attendees before being congratulated and shaking hands with Mayor Art Risavy and each alderman. The City of Edwardsville added in a social media announcement the following morning that Bartolomucci comes to the department as a lateral hire who worked
ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 has raised over $11,000 to help local kids battling childhood cancer. During the Board of Education’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Rene Hart commended elementary school students and families for their efforts. Over the weeklong Sock It to Cancer campaign, students raised $11,683.22 for Kellsie’s Hope Foundation. “Every Redbird, every coin makes a difference,”
EAST ALTON - With more than two decades of service dedicated to a single school community, Kelli Decker has built her career on relationships, trust, and a heartfelt belief that education can change the trajectory of students' lives. Decker has been named the new superintendent of schools for East Alton School District 13 schools for the 2026-2027 school year. Her commitment to students, staff, and families in the East Alton School District has been shaped by firsthand experience in classrooms,
GODFREY – After much discussion and debate, Godfrey officials voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, to pass a lower tax levy than last year, leading to slight savings for homeowners at the cost of village tax revenue. Village Board members were originally set to approve a “flat” tax levy, marking neither an increase or decrease over last year’s levy. Trustee Mike Fisher proposed reducing the levy by 0.5% to lower taxes for homeowners, which was ultimately
EDWARDSVILLE - Chief Judge Christopher P. Threlkeld is pleased to announce that the Illinois Supreme Court has authorized the Third Judicial Circuit Court to post a notice of vacancy for an associate judge. This vacancy is based on the impending resignation of Hon. Janet R. Heflin, effective January 31, 2026. Applications shall be taken from any United States citizen who is an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois, and a resident of the Third Judicial Circuit. Applicants
CARLINVILLE — Talon J. Gosnell, 24, of Carlinville, was charged with criminal damage to government property, theft, and resisting a police officer. According to court documents, Gosnell allegedly jumped on the hood of a Carlinville Police car, causing damage to the vehicle. He is also accused of stealing cooked food valued at less than $500 from a patron at a cafe. Additionally, authorities say Gosnell fled on foot when a Carlinville Police officer ordered him to stop. All individuals
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — Authorities have taken a person of interest into custody in connection with two homicides that occurred on the 3900 block of Walnut Street in Cahokia Heights. The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis announced the arrest on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, as part of an ongoing investigation into the incidents. No charges have been filed at this time. Investigators with the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis discovered the body of a woman during the execution of a search
COLLINSVILLE – The Collinsville Community Unit School District 10 Board of Education has approved Tara Glynn as the district’s director of student services, effective July 1, 2026. Tara currently serves as special education supervisor and principal of Hollywood Heights School. The student services director role will be vacant at the end of the 2025-26 school year due to the retirement of current assistant superintendent and director of student services, Bradley Hyre. The student service
CHICAGO — The Powerball® jackpot for tonight’s drawing has climbed to $1.25 billion, offering Illinois Lottery players another exciting opportunity to dream big this holiday season. Wednesday’s drawing marks the second-largest Powerball jackpot of the year, trailing only the record-setting $1.787 billion prize won on September 6 in Missouri and Texas. It is just the second time in Powerball history that back-to-back jackpots have reached the billion-dollar mark. Holiday
VIRDEN — Jacob Monty, 28, of Virden, has been charged with two counts of child pornography, according to court documents. Monty faces Class X felony charges for allegedly collecting and disseminating videos depicting children under the age of 13 engaging in sexual conduct with other individuals. The offenses reportedly occurred on May 9, 2025. The arrest comes after investigators from the attorney general's office and Virden Police searched Monty’s residence in the 300 block of
ALTOn - Laila Davis, a senior at Marquette Catholic High School, is being recognized for her achievements in basketball and her leadership with the 2025-2026 girls' group. Davis is a Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athlete of the Month for the Explorers. Over the course of her high school career, Davis has earned several accolades, including the Gallatin Awards 110%, Defensive Player of the Year Award, and the Coach’s Award. She has also been named Athlete of the Month previously
ALTON, IL — Glisson Law is proud to announce that its 5th Annual 12 Days of Glissmas Giveaway is underway, continuing a multi-day social media tradition that has become a holiday favorite throughout the Metro East. Now in its fifth year, the Glissmas Giveaway continues Glisson Law’s mission of spreading holiday cheer while supporting the outstanding local businesses that help make the Alton and nearby areas thrive. Each year, the Glissmas Giveaway offers the community multiple chances
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