GLEN CARBON - Marquette Catholic's girls track and field squad tallied 98 points and placed third in the recent Gateway Conference Meet. The girls are now primed for the IHSA Sectional Meet at Springfield Southeast on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Marquette Catholic track and field girls are Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athletes of the Month. Eliza Boatman was a star of the day for the Explorers with a first place in the 100-meter hurdles (17.16), the 300 hurdles (50.90), and the lon
SPRINGFIELD — Environmental advocates, faith leaders, and community members from across Illinois gathered at the Illinois State Capitol today to demand immediate action from the Governor and Illinois lawmakers on the POWER Act (SB4016/HB5513). “Illinois is at a turning point, and right now, we are heading in the wrong direction,” said Illinois Environmental Council Executive Director Jen Walling. “In just the last three months, Illinois communities have approved thousands
WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) called on his colleagues to pass his American Cures Act , legislation that restores the United States’ commitment to breakthrough scientific and biomedical research. Yesterday, Durbin reintroduced the legislation, which would create mandatory funds to provide steady, predictable funding for breakthrough research at America’s top research agencies, allowing the U.S. to remain
CHICAGO – In its ongoing effort to strengthen the state’s health care workforce, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) today announced the addition of two new license types onto its modernized licensing platform, CORE (Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment). This update marks the completion of Phase 3.4 in the system’s implementation. The latest added license types expand the range of health care professionals who can apply and
GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College students, faculty and community members gathered online and in-person Tuesday, May 6, for a dynamic panel discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping learning, teaching and the modern workplace. Faculty and student panelists spoke candidly, sharing both enthusiasm and caution about AI’s growing influence in daily life. Former Student Trustee Jim Eck, who helped organize the event, commended the students and faculty who made
GLEN CARBON - The Metro East High Lutheran School track and field boys captured the team title at the recent Gateway Conference Meet at Father McGivney Catholic High School. MELHS won the meet with 133 points, followed by McGivney with 121 points, Althoff Catholic with 84 points, and Marquette Catholic with 78 points. The MELHS boys are BJ's Printables Male Athletes of the Month. Jack Shank blazed the trail in the 1,600 with a first-place time of 4:43.38, followed by teammate Dean Hemmer (4:50.01).
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today secured a commitment from U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll for more advance warning and communication going forward for any additional workforce changes at Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) in her home state of Illinois. During today’s U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Duckworth highlighted the chaos and confusion experienced earlier this year when as many as 155 RIA employees were originally
GODFREY – Students from Wolf Ridge Education Center in Bunker Hill recently participated in a hands-on Burn N Learn: Firefighting & STEM Day coordinated through a partnership between Lewis and Clark Community College and the Illinois Regional Office of Education #40. LC Fire Science Coordinator Ed Burnley collaborated with ROE 40 Director of STEM Initiatives Kelly Remijan to organize the April event with support from Bunker Hill Fire Protection District Firefighter Boe Yeager, Edwardsville
SPRINGFIELD - Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele L. Pankow and members from the Illinois Fire Service gathered today to honor and remember a fallen Chicago Fire Department Captain and recognize those who went above and beyond their duties at the 33rd Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Medal of Honor Ceremony. “It is my honor to recognize our state’s courageous firefighters and the sacrifices they make every day to protect their fellow Illinoisans,” said Governor JB
CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker urged U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick to promptly approve Illinois’ Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Final Proposal, which would deliver $1.04 billion in federal funding to expand broadband access to more than 383,000 Illinois residents, the vast majority living in rural communities. Illinois and California are the only two states awaiting approval. “Service providers are ready to get shovels in the ground
EAST ALTON – The Lewis and Clark Community College Foundation has been awarded a $17,850 Water and Environment grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation to support Waterschool Summer Programs at the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC). The grant will help NGRREC provide 27 free youth program days from May through August 2026, reaching approximately 130 students from Illinois American Water communities in the Metro East and Mississippi River confluence
SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to address a nationwide shortage of people entering the profession and attract young talent, the Illinois Department of Transportation today announced a hiring initiative that will pay $15,000 of eligible student loan debt annually for up to 50 new civil engineers who graduated from Illinois schools. Payments will be capped at a total of $60,000 and begin once the engineer has worked at IDOT at least four years. “Engineers at IDOT make a positive
GLEN CARBON - Metro East Lutheran's track and field girls posted 69 points as a team in the recent Gateway Conference Meet at Father McGivney Catholic. McGivney won the girls' meet with 181 points, followed by Althoff Catholic (120) and Marquette with 98 points. Maryville Christian had 19 points behind MELHS, and Christ Our Rock had 1 point in the girls' meet. The MELHS track and field girls are BJ's Printables Female Athletes of the Month. Zoe Gray of MELHS was eighth in the 100 meters (14.28).
ALTON - The ninth annual Trinity Fest promises 12 hours of music and a new after-hours experience. On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the organization Trinity’s Way will host Trinity Fest at Milton Schoolhouse in Alton. Local bands will play music from noon to midnight. Twenty spots are also available for those who would like to spend the night at Milton Schoolhouse and enjoy an after-hours haunted tour. Chris, one of the organizers, is eager to welcome the community for a fun day. “I
CHICAGO — A quick stop at a local retailer turned into a million-dollar moment for Jerry of Island Lake, Illinois. Jerry won the $1,000,000 grand prize playing the Illinois Lottery’s Millionaire Club scratch-off ticket. “I initially bought a different $50 ticket, but that one didn’t hit,” said Jerry. “So I grabbed another one—it was the last in that batch.” The winning ticket was purchased at Kelley’s Market, located at 3401 South River
TROY - The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce will host their first workshop to help people boost their presentation, networking, and facilitation skills. Titled “Business Builder Series: Presenting, Networking and Leading with Impact Workshop,” The event is planned for 8:30–10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Tri-Township Public Library. Community members are invited to learn from six subject experts in an interactive workshop that is designed to boost
JERSEYVILLE – Diane Fessler walked into a complete surprise on Tuesday afternoon. Fessler, a second grade teacher at East Elementary in Jerseyville, was presented with the Homegrown Hero Award from the St. Louis District Dairy Council on May 12, 2026. Family, faculty, and staff piled into the school’s cafeteria to show their support just before 3 p.m. The award presentation came as a shock to Fessler, who thought everyone had gathered to celebrate her retirement from Jersey Communit
ALTON — A rising star at Alton High School is making her presence felt in more ways than one. Sophomore Claire Delehanty, recently recognized as a Remarkable Redbird , is earning praise for her achievements in athletics and academics while emerging as one of the school’s most dynamic student-athletes. Claire has become a key contributor to the Alton High School girls' basketball program over the past two seasons, gaining valuable experience at both the varsity and junior varsity
GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College’s Avionics program will offer three courses in Fall 2026. Designed to expand opportunities and provide hands-on experience, the courses will prepare students interested in careers in aviation and aircraft maintenance. Intro to Aircraft Systems (AVIO-131) 9 – 10:50 A.M. Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug. 25 – Oct. 15 Introduces the basics of flight, aircraft systems, FAA regulations, and foundational aircraft electrical knowledge.
MILLSSTADT - State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) recognized Good Morning Cafe as his ‘Business of The Month’ for April. Rep. Schmidt visited with the owners Chelsea Vogel Martinez and Irepan Martinez to present them with an official certificate from the Illinois House of Representatives. “It was a pleasure to meet Chelsea Vogel Martinez and Irepan Martinez to learn more about the family-owned business here in Millstadt,” said Schmidt. “Chelsea buil
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