SPRINGFIELD – June is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month, when we raise awareness, provide resources, and offer support to those challenged with the symptoms of PTSD. Currently, 12 million people in the United States are diagnosed with PTSD. Veterans are more likely to experience PTSD, particularly those who have been deployed to a war zone or are struggling with their transition to civilian life. To protect our veterans, we must raise awareness and engagement in recovery.
CARLINVILLE - Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 20733 North Broad, inside Donor Bus. What: Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics Community Blood Drive When: Monday, June 15, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Where: ImpactLife Donor Bus, 20733 North Broad, Carlinville, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact Vicki
IFT and CTU President Stacy Davis Gates: Lawmakers Have One More Day to Make Education in Illinois the Megaproject it Ought to Be “Today’s budget proposal reflects not enough compliance with Illinois' own evidence-based formula, not enough revenue for schools and services, and not enough courage from Governor Pritzker and lawmakers at a time when it is needed more than ever. “There’s already significant pain in our school communities. Governor Pritzker’s underfunding
Summer vacation feels ancient, but in its modern form, it is surprisingly recent—and it was not simply invented so children could “help on the farm.” That familiar explanation is one of the most repeated stories about school calendars. It sounds reasonable, especially in places with a strong farming history. But the real origins of summer vacation are more mixed, and far more interesting. The long break from school grew out of changing city life, older private-school habits,
On June 2, one of the most significant events in global history is the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Held at Westminster Abbey in London, the ceremony formally marked the beginning of a reign that would become the longest in British history. At the time, the event mattered not only to the United Kingdom but also to many countries linked to the British Commonwealth, because it represented continuity after the disruption of World War II and the early Cold War years. It still matters
WOOD RIVER – More funding has been approved for additional sidewalk repairs throughout Wood River. City Council members unanimously approved a change order to expand the scope of an existing contract between the city and Kamadulski Excavating & Grading Co. Inc. to replace concrete sidewalks at various city-wide locations. The expanded project scope includes the removal and replacement of an additional sidewalk as needed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It also
ALTON - The Alton Police Department said it issued seat belt and other traffic citations during its Memorial Day 2026 “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign in Alton, Illinois, as part of an effort to increase seat belt use and improve roadway safety during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The department announced the results of the campaign and said the enforcement effort was aimed at reminding drivers and passengers to buckle up. “Thanks to
EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Sheriff’s Office announced the addition of two new employees to its Jail Division, welcoming Olivia Storey as a deputy jailer and Chandler Hulvey as a jail technician. Storey will head to the corrections academy next week, while Hulvey has started field training. Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor said, “We’re proud to have them on board and look forward to the dedication and service they’ll bring to our facility and community.”
EDWARDSVILLE - About 550 Edwardsville High School graduates received their diplomas at a well-attended ceremony in Edwardsville, where school leaders and student speakers highlighted the Class of 2026’s achievements and their transition to life after high school. Edwardsville High School Principal Alex Fox said the class stood out for how it handled change during its time at the school, including leadership transitions, and said students rose to all expectations. “It is a group
WHAT: The Route 66 Jeep Run will bring Jeep enthusiasts from across the Midwest together on Saturday, June 6, 2026, for a one-of-a-kind driving experience celebrating the 100th Anniversary of historic Route 66. Participants will travel one of seven themed routes covering the final 100 miles of Illinois Route 66, stopping at iconic attractions, restaurants, historic sites, and photo locations before ending in Downtown Granite City, Illinois, for a public Grand Finale Celebration featuring
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on Monday charged Christian Watkins, 23, of the 9700 block of Winkler Drive in St. Louis, in connection with a May 31, 2026, shooting on Sapphire Avenue that authorities said involved gunfire at a car and left a woman with a graze wound to the forehead while she was in bed. Watkins was charged June 1, 2026, with first-degree assault or attempt, unlawful use of a weapon — shoot at/from motor vehicle,
EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis School District 189 announced late last week that the Class of 2026, made up of 275 seniors, has earned an astonishing $20 million in college scholarships because of the class's academic and career achievements. The East St. Louis School District said the class’s accomplishments include college, trade and technical school, military service, and career pathways as graduates prepare for their next steps. The announcement was made in a district
WOOD RIVER — Allison Layton of Wood River, a recent graduate of East Alton-Wood River High School, has enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard, according to her mother, Monica Layton. Layton holds the rank of E1, her mother said, as she begins her Army service time. Monica Layton said she was proud of her daughter’s decision. “I am proud and want to show her some love for her dedication to sacrifice and serve,” Monica Layton said. “I am so proud of her.”
BELLEVILLE/O'FALLON - Several students from western Illinois high schools have received the annual ImpactLife Student Impact Award in O’Fallon and Belleville, recognizing their support of the region’s blood supply as donors, advocates, volunteers and blood drive coordinators at the end of the school year, when blood supplies typically decline. The Student Impact Award Program honors students who have supported the blood supply in a variety of ways. Recipients completed at least on
FULTON, Mo. - Westminster College proudly announces those students named to the Spring 2026 Dean's List for exemplary academic performance. The list of 238 students includes 72 freshmen, 58 sophomores, 58 juniors and 50 seniors. Glen Carbon, Illinois - Meg Greer, Freshman Saint Louis, Missouri - Eliva Flowers, Sophomore The Dean's List recognizes Westminster students who excelled academically during the past semester. To be included on the Dean's List, a student must achieve a 3.60 semester
SPRINGFIELD – After 4 am on the final day of the spring session, Illinois Democrats passed a $56 billion Fiscal Year 2027 State Budget, which spends nearly a billion dollars more than last year. The Democratic majority’s budget is a record-high $55.9 billion and relies on $800 million in new revenue, including new taxes on social media platforms and digital ads, while raiding $150 million of revenue from the state sales tax on gasoline. Assistant Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois General Assembly passed a $55.9 billion state budget, making it the largest budget in state history, supplemented by hundreds of millions in new taxes. State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) voted against the budget package and says it does nothing to address the rising cost of living in Illinois. "People in my district are begging for relief from Illinois' sky-high taxes," said Schmidt. "This budget is full of higher taxes, broken promises, pork projects
GLEN CARBON - State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) has released the following statement following the passage of the 2027 State Budget: “Across our district, families are working hard to keep up with rising costs. Every month brings new challenges as people make careful decisions about how to stretch their paychecks. They deserve a state government that approaches their tax dollars with the same level of responsibility. “I had hoped this budget would reflect that disciplin
EAST ST. LOUIS - Community members in East St. Louis are invited to attend the Stronger Together: Juneteenth Wellness & Unity Fair on June 18, 2026, a free public event aimed at promoting healing, empowerment, wellness, and community connection. The fair will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 505 S. 8th Street in East St. Louis, Illinois. Organizers said the event will bring together more than 20 community organizations and resource partners offering services, education, and support to residents.
FLORISSANT, MO. — In recognition of Women Veterans Recognition Day, a transformative one-day gathering will bring women veterans together for reflection, healing, and community at the Pallottine Retreat & Conference Center. The “Women Veterans: Resilience Reimagined 1-Day Retreat,” taking place from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, is designed to honor and amplify the voices, service, and leadership of women who have served in the past and those who are currently serving. Fo
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