EDWARDSVILLE – A traffic stop by state police has yielded major felony charges against a California woman who allegedly transported over 25,000 grams of fentanyl across state lines into Madison County. Erendira I. Tinajero-Hernandez, 45, of Hungtington Park, Calif., was charged on March 23, 2026 with one count each of controlled substance trafficking and unlawful possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, both enhanced Class X felonies. Tinajero-Hernandez is accused o
ALTON – Alton City Council members have been accused of discriminating against the city’s first Black mayor, prompting a request for state agencies to investigate. Leon Smallwood-Bey, president of the Alton branch of the NAACP, accused City Council members of unfairly targeting Mayor David Goins with certain oversight-related actions at their last meeting on March 25, 2026 . “We are compelled to speak because a troubling pattern has emerged – one that raises serious
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged two Affton women after authorities said they fabricated a report that a child was abducted in a stolen vehicle, prompting an Amber Alert and a large-scale search. Ashley Collins, 29, and Kayla Williams, 31, both of the 8900 block of New Hampshire Avenue in Affton, were charged Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in St. Louis County, Mo. Collins is charged with misusing 911 and making a false report. Williams is
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement as steel production resumes at Granite City Works for the first time in two years. “After more than two years of relentless advocacy, Granite City Works is coming back to life. Blast Furnace B has officially restarted, and 500 workers have returned to the mill – once again producing the steel helps power our nation. “Throughout this process, I was proud to stand shoulder t
EDWARDSVILLE – Dozens of high school students from across the 55th Senate District recently traveled to the Illinois State Capitol to participate in State Senator Jason Plummer’s (R-Edwardsville) Youth Advisory Council (YAC), an interactive program designed to give students a firsthand look at state government and the legislative process. “I host this program every year because I believe we should be doing more to engage the younger generation in the governmental process
MADISON – A local sex offender has been charged once again with failing to register and retail theft months after allegedly committing the same offenses in a prior case. Esmond L. Sanford, 51, listed as homeless out of Madison, Ill., was charged on March 26, 2026 with one count each of unlawful failure to register as a sex offender (a Class 3 felony), his second or subsequent offense of retail theft under $300 (a Class 4 felony), and criminal trespass to real property (a Class B misdemeanor).
EDWARDSVILLE - Students from across Madison County came together for Unified Field Day at Edwardsville High School. On Friday, March 27, 2026, students who participate in Special Olympics enjoyed a morning of activities and sports. Kayla Magruder, who helps oversee Special Olympics at Edwardsville, explained that the event was a fun experience for students and teachers alike, all of whom were able to learn more about Unified sports and the opportunities available. “The purpose is
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police have identified an 18-year-old St. Louis man as the victim in a fatal shooting Sunday afternoon, March 29, 2026, in the 11800 block of Kingsfont Place, and detectives are asking the public for information as the homicide investigation continues. The deceased was identified as Joshua Sutton, 18, of the 7200 block of Burwood Drive, St. Louis, MO 63121. Officers from the St. Louis County Police North County Precinct responded at 4:18 p.m. Sunday, March
ST. LOUIS - Be part of one of the largest volunteer clean-up events in the metro area and help beautify the Mississippi and Missouri River watersheds. Open Space STL and its partners invite the public to be part of the 2026 Confluence Trash Bash, happening April 11th in the St. Louis area. Confluence Trash Bash partners for 2026 include; Great Rivers Greenway , MSD Project Clear , the Earthways Center , Saint Louis County Parks and Recreation Department , Missouri Department of
BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School will install a new elevator this year. During the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 Board of Education’s regular meeting on March 26, 2026, the Board voted unanimously to release up to $80,000 in Operation and Maintenance Funds for the project. Christopher Schomber, Bethalto’s business manager/chief school business officer, noted that the project is ready to begin. “We finally have all the pieces of the financial puzzle together,”
ALTON - A retirement party is set for Dena Grubb, a beloved longtime employee at Johnson’s Corner, ahead of her final day on the job. The party is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Johnson’s Corner. Johnson's Corner owner Cathy Johnson said Friday, April 3, 2026, will be Grubb’s last day, and that Grubb will work all day for those who want to see her and say goodbye. “Everyone loves Dena,” Johnson said in a post announcing the event. "Sh
ALTON - Marquette Catholic High School students and staff presented a memorial plaque on Friday, March 27, 2026, to Cynthia Down, the widow of SSgt. and Capt. William R. Down, in partnership with the Til Valhalla Project. Marquette Catholic students James Sehorn, Carson Jones, Noah Menke, Melanie Marshall, Kaylin St. Peters, Juliana Urhahn, and Dakota Nelson took part in the presentation, along with staff members Mike Roberts and Jon Podner, according to information provided by Podner, who i
ALTON - Alton Area Community Organizations and community leaders will hold their 5th Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt and Family Fun Day from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Rock Spring Park, offering free activities and resources for families. The event, which is free and open to the public, is being coordinated in part by Kim Brice-Hollis of the CLB Foundation, along with a committee that includes Leon Smallwood-Bey of the 100 Men Movement, James Hickman of Mr. Everything, Alderwoman
EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville High School Tiger Talk Podcast Network recently visited Shock City Studios in St. Louis for a personal tour of their professional recording studio, along with an informational session led by Studio Manager Jonathan Shaver. For students who spend hours behind the microphone, this was a chance to see what storytelling looks like at the highest level. Artists like SZA, Future, Yung Gravy, and bbno$ have all recorded at Shock City Studios, a highly reputable St. Loui
A new year once began with a lamb. Not on January 1, and not with fireworks. In parts of the ancient Near East, people marked the turning of the year when fresh grass returned and herds started giving birth. That timing shaped calendars, taxes, and temple rituals. It also shaped something more personal: the way communities welcomed the return of growth after a hard stretch. Ancient spring celebrations were not just parties. They were practical, emotional, and deeply symbolic. People used them
ALTON – An Alton man accused of using a knife to illegally detain two people, including a domestic battery victim, is currently in custody pending his latest criminal charges. Sean M. Scroggins, 44, of Alton, was charged on March 25, 2026 with two Class 3 felony counts of aggravated unlawful restraint and one Class 4 felony count of domestic battery, his second or subsequent such offense. Scroggins allegedly knowingly detained two people without legal authority while using a carpenter's
On March 31, 1889, the Eiffel Tower was formally completed in Paris, giving the world one of the most recognizable structures ever built. At the time, it was a bold experiment in engineering and a centerpiece for the 1889 World’s Fair, meant to showcase industrial skill and modern design. Many people admired it, while others criticized it as an eyesore that did not fit the city’s older architecture. What made the tower important then was its proof that iron construction could reach
ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has an exciting spring ahead. As April begins, Executive Director Mary Cordes noted that the spring newsletter hit mailboxes last week and features several upcoming events for families, teens, kids and adults to enjoy. She hopes the activities and programs — all of which are free — encourage people to utilize the library, enjoy the outdoors, and engage with the community. “A lot of the programs are geared towards getting people
COLLINSVILLE – A cannabis dispensary in Collinsville is at the center of a federal lawsuit alleging male staff members, including the facility manager, participated in continuous sexual harassment of female employees. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced its lawsuit against Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. on Monday, March 30, 2026. The EEOC claims in a press release that the company “violated federal law when it subjected female employees at the company’s
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County prosecutors have charged Connor Will, a 30-year-old Eureka, Mo., man, in connection with an officer-involved shooting during a reported home break-in and hostage situation early Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Shrewsbury, Missouri, authorities said. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges Sunday, March 29, against Will, of the 600 block of Butler Drive in Eureka, for first-degree burglary, two counts of armed criminal action,
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