The Office Urges Consumers to Report Scam Attempts to scamalert@ilsos.gov SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is warning motorists across the state about a growing wave of scam texts and phone calls impersonating the Secretary of State’s office and attempting to trick residents into sending money or sharing sensitive personal information. This week, the scammers have resorted to new text threats and even phone calls claiming to be from the Secretary o
EAST ALTON – The Environmental Education Department at the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) has been named the 2026 Organization of the Year by the Environmental Education Association of Illinois (EEAI). The honor recognizes the team’s outstanding and ongoing efforts to advance environmental education opportunities across the state of Illinois. “I am incredibly proud of our team and the work we do each day,” said Director of Environmental
CHICAGO — A set of numbers passed down from mother to daughter — and one lucky online Lotto® ticket — turned a Southern Illinois Lottery player into a millionaire overnight. The winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, played a combination of family birthdays and anniversaries — a tradition inherited from her mother. She revealed that her mother had played those same Lotto numbers years ago but missed out on a $6.4 million jackpot after forgetting to submit the playslip
ALTON - Alton Main Street is seeking community-minded volunteers to join its team for the 2026 season. As historic Downtown Alton continues to experience a surge in economic development and cultural activity, the organization is inviting residents to lend their time and talents to a diverse lineup of festivals, markets, and beautification projects. The 2026 calendar features a wide array of service opportunities catering to various interests, including: Community Events: Volunteers are needed
O’FALLON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that westbound Interstate 64 will be reduced to one lane between Illinois 159 and Illinois 157 in St. Clair County for pavement work. The lane closures will occur during the following weekends, weather permitting: April 10-13 Beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, April 10, westbound traffic will be reduced to one lane. All lanes are expected to reopen by 6 a.m. Monday, April 13. April 17-20 Beginning at 8 p.m. Friday
ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 will host a public meeting about special education services to help local kids with disabilities. At 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026, parents of homeschooled or private-schooled children who live within the district are invited to the in-person meeting at Alton High School. Charmain Downton, Director of Special Education, will explain the district’s resources and special education services that are available. The district
ROXANA - Roxana catcher Lilli Ray, a senior and one of two key team leaders alongside Ava Cherry, has emerged as a top contributor for the Shells’ highly successful 2026 girls softball team, according to coach Pat Brannon. Ray and Cherry are both signed to attend Lincoln Land Community College to play softball. Coach Brannon said Ray is a “great ball player” and "great person." He said Ray and Cherry are “two big leaders of this team.” He added, “Both
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul presented the proposed budget for the Attorney General’s office for the next fiscal year to a Senate legislative committee today in Chicago. Raoul announced to the committee that his office generated more than $1 billion in revenue on behalf of the state in 2025. Over the past seven years, his office has generated $21.45 in revenue for every taxpayer dollar the office received to fund its operations. “The Attorney General’s
ST. LOUIS — In April, the American Red Cross asks people to keep patients top of mind by making an appointment to give blood or platelets. The need for blood doesn’t take a spring break, and acting now can ensure blood is available in the coming weeks at medical centers. Regular donors of all blood types and those looking to give for the first time are encouraged to make days brighter this spring for those in need. April is National Volunteer Month, and the Red Cross
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 22 attorneys general, opposed a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that seeks to limit state bar disciplinary proceedings related to alleged ethical misconduct by DOJ attorneys. “The licensing and regulation of lawyers has been handled by the states since the nation’s founding,” Raoul said. “It is crucial that attorneys, especially those serving the public, are held to an unbiased
It’s a common experience for kids and young adults: getting nervous before the big test in school. After all, tests are the way we prove we know things. And the grades we get on them partly determine our life opportunities. Lisa Lawrence, MSW, a licensed clinical social worker at OSF HealthCare, says test anxiety can impact all ages. She’s sharing some ways to cope and walk away with that A+. Causes and symptoms First, Lawrence breaks down why test anxiety happens. “People
ALTON - Madison County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man after a standoff that followed a reported domestic disturbance Thursday morning, April 2, 2026, at a home in Alton, authorities said. Henson remains in custody at the Madison County Jail, the Madison County Sheriff's Office said. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office charged the suspect, Bilejo W. Henson, with: Home Invasion (Class X Felony) Aggravated Unlawful Restraint (Class 3 Felony) Aggravated
ALTON – The City of Alton is excited to announce the second phase of community engagement for its new 20-year Comprehensive Plan — an important milestone following the first round of workshops and outreach held in October 2025. This next phase will reconnect with residents, business owners, and stakeholders to confirm that the draft direction of the plan reflects community priorities and to gather additional feedback before recommendations are finalized. The Comprehensive Plan will
ALTON – A convicted felon from Alton has been charged with possessing a stun gun resembling an iPhone while he was being booked into jail. 45-year-old Joshua J. Butkovich of Alton was charged on April 1, 2026 with a Class 3 felony count of felon in possession of a weapon. Butkovich was allegedly in possession of a “stun gun designed to look like an iPhone” on Oct. 9, 2025, according to charging documents. His possession of the weapon was illegal as a felon previously convicted
ST. LOUIS - A new AAA survey highlights a growing concern among U.S. drivers: headlight glare after dark. AAA found that six in 10 drivers say glare is a problem, and nearly three-quarters of those affected believe it has worsened over the past decade, raising concerns about safety, headlight regulations, and modern lighting standards. “Headlight glare has become a major source of frustration and concern for millions of drivers,” said Greg Brannon, director of automotive engineering
ALTON - The Alton Police Department will assign officers throughout all operating hours at the Luehrs’ Ideal Rides Alton First Responders Springfest, scheduled for April 10 through April 19, 2026, at the Alton Amphitheater. Alton Police also announced on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, that it will enforce a parental escort policy on Fridays and Saturdays as part of its public safety measures. The annual event is intended to bring “families, residents, and visitors together for a week
BELLEVILLE - The National Weather Service has declared an elevated fire danger for a large portion of St. Clair County on Wednesday afternoon, April 8, 2026, citing gusty south winds and low relative humidity that could contribute to erratic fire behavior, according to the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency. The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency urged residents to “avoid outdoor burning" under these circumstances. “The combination of gusty south winds and low
WOOD RIVER - A special Made By Moms Vendor Fair will provide a space for people to shop mom-owned businesses. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Rustic Roots Event Space in Wood River, Samara Helton with Kory’s Konfections will host the Made By Moms Vendor Fair. This vendor fair features a space for kids to play while their parents browse businesses owned by local women. Helton hopes the event is a fun chance for mothers to connect. “I participate in a lot of
GIRARD – Illinois State Police special agents recently arrested a man from Girard, Ill. on felony charges of possessing and sharing child sexual abuse material. James M. Barnard, 48, of the 200 block of N. Harrison St. in Girard, Ill., was charged on April 2, 2026, with possession of child sexual abuse material depicting a child under the age of 13 and dissemination of child sexual abuse material, both Class X felonies. The investigation began after special agents with the Illinois State
Sunlight can lift your mood even when nothing else in your day has changed. The to-do list is the same. The inbox is still full. Yet a few minutes in bright sun can make your body feel more awake, your mind a little clearer, and your energy easier to access. That “charged up” feeling is not just imagination. It’s a mix of biology, brain chemistry, and learned associations that humans have built over a long time. The quick spark: light tells your brain to wake up Your body
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