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HIGHLAND - If you’re considering switching to solar for your home or business, the time to act may be sooner rather than later. As solar energy billing changes take effect in 2025, new solar customers stand to benefit less than those whose systems are installed and approved by December 13, 2024. According to Ameren Illinois , a state law will bring changes to a practice known as “net metering.” Currently, solar customers who generate excess electricity, which gets sent back to the energy grid, receive credit towards their energy bill. As of now, those credits are applied to their entire energy bill - but after Dec. 31, 2024, those credits will only be applied to the “supply and transmission” portions of their bill. While the changes themselves take place after Dec. 31, 2024, the actual deadline for new installations is weeks earlier; Ameren states that “all required documentation, including Witness Testing, must be received by Ameren Illinois

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, during the 116th anniversary of the Springfield Race Riot, which occurred August 14-16, 1908, President Joe Biden signed a proclamation designating the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument. In December, Congresswoman Budzinski led a letter with U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin and 12 Illinois colleagues calling for President Biden to take today’s action. The new national monument will tell the story of a horrific attack by a white mob on a Black community that was representative of the racism, intimidation and violence that Black Americans experienced across the country. National outrage at the attack – which occurred just blocks away from President Abraham Lincoln’s home – spurred action on civil rights, including the creation of the organization now known as the NAACP. “It was an honor to join President Biden in the Oval Office as he designated the 1908 Springfield Race Riot site as

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– U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today joined President Joe Biden in the Oval Office for the President’s signing ceremony to officially declare the 1908 Springfield Race Riot Site as a national monument to be managed by the U.S. National Park Service through an Antiquities Act proclamation. Duckworth has been a steadfast leader in securing national monument recognition for the 1908 Springfield Race Riot Site, a critical event in American history that spurred the creation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). With less than a quarter of National Parks devoted to recognizing the histories of diverse peoples and cultures, designating the 1908 Race Riot Site a national monument will help guarantee that public lands reflect the diversity of our country. “The 1908 Springfield Race Riot site is of extraordinary cultural and historical importance to our state and to this country—a searing, horrific incident that galvanized

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SPRINGFIELD — Leaders from Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), a Springfield, Ill.-based nonprofit network of Catholic community hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin, applaud President Biden for signing a proclamation today establishing the archeological site associated with the 1908 Springfield Race Riot as a National Monument. The new monument, managed by the National Park Service (NPS) and located near Madison Street and the 10th Street Rail Corridor, commemorates one of the most violent racial incidents in United States history. HSHS had partnered with the Park Service, Springfield NAACP and City of Springfield in support of a site study and plan that took multiple years. “This monument memorializes a tragic event that is an unfortunate part of our nation’s history,” said Damond W. Boatwright, President and CEO of HSHS. “Our founding Hospital Sisters, in the aftermath of the riot, cared for the injured at St. John’s while homes and businesses

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BELLEVILLE — Edward Burris, a distinguished athlete, World War II veteran, and dedicated community servant, died on Aug. 2, 2024, at 99 years old. Burris, who would have turned 100 in July 2025, leaves behind a legacy as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, along with his military service and commitment to education and sports in Belleville. Burris's early years were marked by athletic excellence at Belleville Township High School, where he advanced to the state finals in tennis in 1943. Shortly after, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Italian campaign during World War II, earning two Purple Hearts for his bravery. After returning from the war, Burris worked as a chemical engineer at Monsanto Chemical Company for over 30 years. His commitment to the community was evident through his 35 years of service with the Harmony-Emge-Ellis School District 175 Board and Belleville Township Board of Education District 201. He played a crucial role in the founding

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ALTON - After a successful opening act at Scotty McCreery’s Alton Amphitheater concert on Aug. 9, 2024, the Riverbend region’s own Matt Jordan shared his thoughts on the show with more performances - and new music - coming up next. “It’s awesome,” Jordan said of opening for McCreery. “I’ve listened to him for a long time and we get to play a lot of cool shows.” Jordan said he grew up just outside of St. Louis and in high school, started playing guitar and writing songs. After high school, he briefly moved to Nashville before graduating from Belmont University and moving back home, where he found his current bandmates - two of whom live in Alton. He credits the country music of the 1990’s with being the basis of his musical inspiration, from artists like George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, Toby Keith, and Garth Brooks, as well as “Heartland Rock” sensations like Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Bob Seger, and The Eagles

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O’FALLON - Students and faculty members at O’Fallon Township High School have had an exciting few days as they returned to classes. O’Fallon Township High School (OTHS) Principal Dan Howe noted that the first day of school was filled with “lots of excitement” and “lots of nervousness.” He expressed his eagerness to have students back at school after summer break. “It just brings a great energy to the buildings,” he said. “Anytime the school year starts, there’s just always excitement in the air.” Howe added that there are a lot of happenings at OTHS. With impressive athletic programs and over 60 clubs, including a new e-sports club that will start this year, students have many opportunities to get involved and engage with the school community. “At OTHS, we always have new things going on, but also, we have the same great education that we’ve always had here at OTHS that will continue,”

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has issued a charge against Danelle Woodard, 34, of Florissant, Missouri, for Endangering the Welfare of a Child. Woodard, who resides in the 2300 block of Battlefield Drive, is currently being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond. The charge stems from an incident that occurred on August 13, 2024, when police responded to a call regarding a possible child overdose at the Woodard residence. Upon arrival at 8:00 p.m., officers found a 1-year-old child showing signs of an overdose. The child was subsequently admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl. In post-Miranda interviews, both Danelle Woodard and her husband, Christopher Woodard, admitted to using methamphetamine in their bedroom before placing the child in bed. Further investigation revealed a jar containing a crystal-like substance identified by Christopher Woodard as methamphetamine.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — Charles Thomas, 25, of the 6600 block of Hazen Avenue in St. Louis, Mo., has been charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. Thomas is currently held on a $30,000 cash-only bond. According to the probable cause statement, the incident occurred on the evening of August 13, 2024. At approximately 8:41 p.m., Metro Security called 911 to report a group of individuals causing a disturbance and consuming alcohol at the Metro Link staircase exit on Hanley Road. Two officers responded initially and detained around 8-10 individuals for open container violations and causing a disturbance. Additional officers arrived at the scene, and Thomas, identified as one of the subjects, walked away and entered a BP gas station across the road. Two officers followed him into the gas station, where they observed him walking away from a backpack left on the ground. Surveillance

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Some walked down the long red carpet with much excitement and flair. Others cruised along quickly, hoping to pass by without much attention. But that didn’t happen, because the order of the day was for the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) to give their students a rousing welcome on the first day of classes, Monday, Aug. 12. Faculty and staff from the CHS and Edwardsville campus lined the red carpet and boisterously greeted each high school student as they entered Building D on the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus. “I am joyful and grateful this morning to see our scholars, their parents and their families,” said CHS Interim Director Natasha Flowers, PhD, associate professor, and assistant dean for anti-racism, equity and inclusion in the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB). “It is important that these young scholars know there are faculty and staff systemwide

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Office of Tourism announced Illinois welcomed 112 million domestic and international visitors who spent $47 billion in 2023 – an increase of 1 million visitors and $3 billion in spending from 2022, according to data provided by Tourism Economics. This surge in tourism also led to a new all-time high in hotel tax revenue figures in FY24, totaling $322 million —a 4.5% increase over the previous record set in FY23. "I’m proud to announce that Illinois had a record-breaking year for visitor and hotel tax revenue, which is a testament to our state’s thriving tourism industry," said Governor JB Pritzker. "This impressive growth is a reflection of the millions of visitors who are eager to experience the incredible attractions that make our state a world-class destination—all while providing a significant boost to small businesses and local communities.”

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate increased +0.2 percentage point to 5.2 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased +12,900 in July, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The June revised unemployment rate was 5.0 percent, unchanged from the preliminary June unemployment rate. The June monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +10,400 to -4,300 jobs. The July unemployment rate and payroll jobs estimate reflect activity for the week including the 12th. In July, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Government (+11,400), Private Education and Health Services (+3,400), and Other Services (+2,300). The industry sectors with monthly payroll job declines included Manufacturing (-2,500), Leisure and Hospitality (-1,500), and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (-800). “Steady jo

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GODFREY - Calling all Swifties! You’re invited to enter for a chance to win four tickets to “Taylor Made: A Tribute to Taylor Swift.” Scheduled for Sept. 13, 2024, at Lewis and Clark Community College’s Hatheway Hall, the tribute concert will feature songs from across Swift’s 11 albums. Taylor Made, a six-piece tribute band from Edwardsville, Highland and Alton, will provide a high-energy performance of Swift’s greatest hits. All proceeds from the concert will benefit the Alton Youth Symphony and Alton Symphony Orchestras. “This tribute concert is not just about celebrating music — it’s also about supporting the arts in our community,” the Alton Youth Symphony and Alton Symphony Orchestras said in a press release. “Proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Alton Youth Symphony and Alton Symphony Orchestras, ensuring these vital organizations can continue to provide exceptional musical experiences and educational

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August 16th is a date marked by a rich tapestry of historical events, spanning centuries and continents. The Death of Elvis Presley (1977) It’s hard to imagine the world of music without the influence of Elvis Presley, often referred to as the 'King of Rock and Roll.' On August 16, 1977, the world was left in shock when Elvis was found dead at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee. His passing marked the end of an era but also cemented his legacy as an enduring icon. Fans around the world continue to celebrate his life and music, making his death one of the most significant and impactful events on this date. Madonna's Birth (1958) Switching to a more upbeat note, August 16, 1958, saw the birth of Madonna, one of the most influential and best-selling musical artists of all time. Known as the 'Queen of Pop,' Madonna has continually reinvented herself and her music, significantly shaping the landscape of modern pop culture. Her contributions to music, fashion, and

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ALTON - The tenth edition of the Alton Food Truck Festival presented by Sauce Magazine will return to the Alton Amphitheater on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. This year’s festival will feature new and returning favorites offering a wide variety of enticing food options as well as musical entertainment by the upbeat Rock Mafia. Food trucks scheduled thus far to participate in the 2024 Alton Food Truck Festival are: Beast Craft BBQ Cajun Seduction Doughboy’s Wood Fired Pizza Duchess Royal Fire & Ice G Burrito Go Gyro Go Grace Chicken & Fish Jive Turkey The Moobile Mr. Noodle Pig On A Wing Scoops of Joy The Sweet Side Takozz Treaux’s Cajun BBQ Tuk Tuk Thai “This year’s Alton Food Truck Festival is shaping up to be the best one yet,” said Dan Herkert, Amphitheater Commission Chair. “This is one of the most popular events each season at the Alton Amphitheater, and we expect another great crowd this year.”

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ALTON - As of Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, Gordon Moore Park is officially reopened. Following the sinkhole that occurred in the park on June 26, 2024, the park was closed so that mining company New Frontier Materials and the Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) could conduct an investigation. The park has since been deemed safe, and it has completely reopened except for Ballfield #1 and the soccer field where the sinkhole occurred. Alton Mayor David Goins unlocked the gates at 7 a.m. on Friday morning. “This has been such a long time coming,” Goins said. “It’s just a sense of relief knowing that the park is open and that people can come back and start enjoying the park." New Frontier Materials has been drilling near the sinkhole and bolting the mine ceiling to verify the thickness of the rock. New Frontier Materials, MSHA and the City’s civil and geotechnical engineers agree that there are sufficient rock ceilings in place to reopen the park

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SWANSEA - On Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, the Swansea Police Department announced a traffic safety campaign aimed at reducing impaired driving and other hazardous driving behaviors in its own “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It Or Ticket” campaign. Swansea Police Chief Matthew Blomberg announced the campaign will run from Aug. 16 through the early morning hours of Sept. 3, encompassing Labor Day weekend. “We want our community to understand the importance of making smart decisions behind the wheel and on Labor Day and every day,” the chief said. “While our goal is voluntary compliance, drivers should expect strict enforcement of all Swansea roads every day.” In addition to targeting impaired drivers, the campaign will emphasized the “Click It Or Ticket” initiative underscoring the importance of wearing seat belts. Chief Blomberg also urged residents to designate a sober driver when they celebrate. “Do not le

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GRAFTON — Families and children gathered at Red Hawk Park on Saturday, August 10, 2024, for Grafton's Family Fun Day, a final celebration before the school year begins. The event, organized by the Family Fun Day Committee, offered a variety of activities and refreshments that delighted attendees. The festivities kicked off with Kylie Muntz, Little Miss Jersey County 2024, who participated in the evening's activities, including sitting behind the wheel of a fire truck and getting her face painted by local resident Magge Tarr Soer. Soer's unique face-painting designs were a highlight of the event. Families enjoyed free hot dogs, chips, and water provided by Got Faith Church. Children had the opportunity to explore a fire engine with the knowledgeable crew from QEM and get a firsthand look at one of Grafton's police cars with retired Sergeant Peggy O'Neil. The park buzzed with excitement as children slid, ran, and played, while families relaxed and engaged in games like pickleball.

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GRANITE CITY - Isaiah Ford in a senior returning defensive back for the Granite City football team, and is anxious and determined to help the Warriors come back from the 2023 season, where the Warriors had a difficult time in a 0-9 campaign. The Warriors open up the 2024 season on Aug. 30, 2024, against Triad at Memorial Stadium/Kevin Greene Field, and there's already a renewed sense of optimism and happiness around the club. Ford has noticed it, and is very happy with the early change. Ford is a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month. "For me, things have been going well," Ford said in an interview conducted during a break in practice on Aug. 13. "I've been in the weight room as much as I can, I've been trying to better myself, and make sure I have an overall better performance for myself." There's also a much more sense of calm and serenity over the team as well, and Ford couldn't help but notice that, also. "The team, the overall morale is a lot better than last

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – An Effingham County man is facing multiple federal charges for accusations of defrauding and stealing more than $330,000 from an elderly individual. A federal grand jury charged Edward L. Stief, Jr., 41, with five counts of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud and one count of monetary transaction in criminally derived property. “Financial exploitation of vulnerable populations is deplorable, and the Department of Justice is committed to supporting victims and combatting elder abuse in its many forms against offenders intent on enriching themselves at another’s expense,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. According to the charging document, Stief convinced the victim to appoint him as his Financial and Healthcare Power of Attorney in May 2023. In October 2023, Stief persuaded the victim to leave a nursing home facility and move into his full-time care. Stief was a signatory on the victim’s bank accounts, talked the victim into

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