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ILLINOIS - Nikki Budzinski will face Jeff Wilson in the race to represent Illinois’s 13th Congressional District during the general election on Nov. 3, 2026. Incumbent Nikki Budzinski has held this office since 2023. Budzinski, a Democrat, was challenged by Democrat Dylan Blaha for the Democratic nomination in the March 17, 2026, primary. Budzinski received 77% of votes while Blaha received 23% of votes. Republicans Joshua Loyd and Jeff Wilson competed for the Republican nomination.

BELLEVILLE – The race for St. Clair County Sheriff marked the only county-level contest in the 2026 primary elections. Incumbent Sheriff Richard “Rick” Watson secured his nomination bid against challenger Edgar Ellis in the Democratic primary race for St. Clair County Sheriff. Watson received 65% of the vote, while Ellis received 34% of the vote, with 100% of precincts partially reporting, according to unofficial results from March 17, 2026 . Watson is set to run unopposed

JERSEYVILLE – Rebecca Strang has been named the Republican nominee for Jersey County Treasurer, according to unofficial primary election results released the night of Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Strang, who serves as the current County Treasurer, secured 71% of the vote against challenger Jonathan Goetten, who received 29% of the vote with 100% of precincts reporting. Strang will run unopposed in the race for Treasurer in the Nov. 3, 2026 general elections, as no Democrat candidate

EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County officials resumed meeting in the Board Room last week after months of renovation to improve the safety, accessibility and functionality of the 34-year-old space. Board members held their first committee meeting on March 11 in the updated room. They will hold their first County Board meeting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. “These upgrades allow us to better serve the public while ensuring the board room will continue to meet the county’s needs for years

ILLINOIS - As spring storms roll in, an Ameren spokesperson is clarifying how Ameren Illinois prepares and responds to storms, damage, and safety concerns. Brian Bretsch with Ameren Illinois noted that the company’s community liaison works closely with local city and county stakeholders as well as police and fire departments to ensure safety throughout a storm. This person will keep track of local outages and downed power lines so the crews can take care of these safety issues. W

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Fairview Heights police arrested a St. Louis man in the parking lot of a Lowe’s store after officers said they found him connected to a stolen U-Haul vehicle, authorities reported. Fairview Heights Police said the department was dispatched March 15, 2026, to the Lowe’s parking lot at 6211 North Illinois in Fairview Heights, Illinois, after a report of a stolen U-Haul vehicle possibly in the lot. Fairview Heights Police officers contacted the reporting

ALTON - Alton High’s girls track and field team won the overall title Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Jacksonville Indoor Invitational at Illinois College, highlighted by six-event victories and multiple school records. Alton finished the meet with 99.5 points. Mascoutah was next with 87.5 points and Civic Memorial recorded 39 and Roxana 32.5 points. Jersey was 14th with 12 points and Marquette Catholic tallied 8 points. Head Coach Chelsea Anderson said the Lady Redbirds “placed

WOOD RIVER - The Wood River Main Street organization is “very busy” as spring approaches, but that’s exactly how they like it. Executive Director Kristen Burns noted there are many upcoming events that community members can enjoy. She also shared that downtown Wood River is a flurry of construction as old buildings are rehabilitated. She looks forward to seeing the finished look. “This is progress. This is what progress and revitalization is all about,” she

GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College made history on Feb. 27–28, 2026, hosting the Illinois Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference for the first time —and delivering a standout performance in the process. LC’s eight competing students each placed in at least one event, securing every student a coveted invitation to the FBLA National Leadership Conference (NLC), to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada in early June 2026. Adding t

MASCOUTAH – The home of your dreams may just be a raffle ticket away! Make-A-Wish Illinois is once again partnering with The Home Builders and Remodelers Charitable and Educational Foundation and Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas for the 2026 Wish Home Raffle. Tickets are just $100 each, giving entrants the chance to win their choice of up to $300,000 cash or a beautiful new home in Mascoutah, Illinois, along with several other prizes. To purchase tickets, visit wish.org/illinois . Grand

EDWARDSVILLE – For several days beginning Monday, March 23, access to and from Main Street will be blocked at Vandalia Street as part of the ongoing water main replacement project. The closure is expected to last up to five days, weather permitting. However, while eastbound and westbound access will not be possible, drivers already on Main Street will be able to continue north or south through the intersection while this work is underway. Drivers will be able to bypass the East Vandalia

Health care providers will tell you your body functions as a whole. If you have heart issues, for example, other body parts can be impacted. That’s evident in our mouth, where poor oral health has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. Now, here’s another connection to add to your oral health checklist: issues with your teeth and gums could be a sign of osteoporosis . That’s a condition that weakens the bones and puts them at greater risk of breaking.

JERSEYVILLE — Jersey Community High School opened its softball season with an 11-0 home win over Collinsville, a result that also marked Head Coach Chelsey Crnokrak’s 100th career victory as a varsity head coach. Jersey scored three runs in the first inning, six in the second, and two more in the fourth to secure the season-opening triumph over the visiting Kahoks. The Jersey girls softball team members are Sparklight Female Athletes of the Month for the Panthers. Paxton

JERSEYVILLE — Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100 has recognized high school student Cloud Sutton, the district’s Illinois State Board of Education student advisory member, for representing the district at the Student Advisory Council’s Student Summit 2026 in Springfield. The Jersey Community School District said Sutton and his group presented on school culture and chronic absenteeism, sharing “important insights and ideas to help improve schools across

JERSEY - Jersey Community Middle School wrestling returned from Northern Illinois University after placing seventh as a team at the IESA State Tournament and setting a school record with six All-State medalists, according to Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100. The Jersey Community Middle School wrestlers are Sparklight Male Athletes of the Month for Jersey. The Panthers competed at Northern Illinois University in the state tournament, where Colton Mueller finished second at 275 pounds

SWANSEA – State Senator Christopher Belt will host a Women Veterans Appreciation Luncheon to recognize the invaluable contributions of women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. “Women veterans have played a vital role in our nation’s history, and this luncheon is a chance to celebrate their courage, dedication and achievements,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I encourage all women veterans in the area to join us for this special event.” The luncheon

Good Shepherd Lutheran School COLLINSVILLE - Good Shepherd Lutheran School in Collinsville, quarter three honor roll for 2025-2026. High Honor Roll with Distinction (Gr. 7&8 - GPA 4.00+) 8th Grade: Will B., Isabella B., Agnes H., Sydney H., Jacob K., Piper M., Livy P., Caroline S. 7th Grade: Alison B., Vivian C., Molly F., Lola F., Lena G., Connor J., Adelynn M., Bhavneet S., Lily W. High Honor Roll (Gr. 5&6 - GPA 3.51 to 4.0; Gr. 7&8 - GPA 3.51 to 3.99) 8th Grade: Ella F., Alexis K., Elise

ALTON - The Alton Police Department has awarded Telecommunicator Gina Fisher a Life Saving Award after officials said she guided a parent through CPR instructions during a 9-1-1 call that helped revive a 3-year-old child on Dec. 13, 2025, in Alton. According to the Alton Police Department, a distraught parent called 9-1-1 after finding their child unconscious and not breathing. Fisher answered the call and provided the department's description of calm, clear CPR instructions, guiding the parent

GREENE COUNTY - The National Teachers Hall of Fame in Emporia, Kan., has announced that a national memorial honoring educators who died in the line of duty has reached full capacity, leaving 12 newly identified names, including a Greene County, Illinois, teacher, Annie Louise Keller, awaiting inscription as the organization launches a monthlong fundraising campaign to build a new monument. The campaign, titled “$12 for 12,” runs through April 3, 2026, and seeks to raise $25,000 towar

O’FALLON, Ill. – HSHS Medical Group is pleased to announce that Dr. Aziz S. Alali, a board-certified neurosurgeon, has joined HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care at 3 St. Elizabeth’s Boulevard, Suite 5000 in O’Fallon. Dr. Alali will continue to see patients as a member of the team, providing advanced, compassionate care for brain and spine conditions. Dr. Alali specializes in the comprehensive care of brain and spinal disorders, with expertise in