GODFREY – Building stronger connections between local employers, community partners and workforce education programs is the primary focus of new Workforce Training Coordinator Beth Arrowsmith at Lewis and Clark Community College. Arrowsmith joined the college in Spring 2026 and now works collaboratively with faculty, staff and area employers to help develop short-term training and certification programs designed to meet regional workforce demands. “My job is really just to assist
EDWARDSVILLE - A Madison County jury on Thursday, May 14, 2026, convicted Tara A. Anderson of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of her ex-boyfriend, Phillip Armstrong, after prosecutors said she fired a .45-caliber handgun toward him outside her home in Granite City, and jurors rejected her claim that she intended only a “warning shot.” Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced the verdict in Edwardsville, following a trial that began Tuesday, May 12, 2026,
JERSEYVILLE – The Jersey County Sheriff’s Department is set to replace a totaled squad car using a combination of insurance money and county funds. On May 12, 2026, Jersey County Board members unanimously approved a recommendation from the Public Safety Committee to purchase a replacement Sheriff’s Squad Car from the Public Safety Fund. “We had a sheriff’s deputy’s car that was totaled that we need to replace,” Chairman Mark Wagner said. “We go
ALTON — A water main break prompted Illinois American Water to close westbound Landmarks Boulevard at the Clark Bridge on Thursday afternoon, May 14, 2026, forcing traffic entering Alton from Missouri to reroute, Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said. Ford said all traffic coming into Alton from Missouri must turn eastbound from the Clark Bridge and access Broadway from either the Cpl. Belchik Memorial Expressway or the Broadway Connector. “To access the Clark Bridge from Alton, drivers
GODFREY - A local pastor is sharing his story in support of Vitality Women’s Clinic. Vitality Women’s Clinic is a faith-based, pro-life organization that provides free pregnancy and STI testing and ultrasounds. They do not refer for or perform abortions. They offer parenting classes and resources to pregnant individuals. In a recent episode of “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello , Vitality’s executive director Jackie Duty and local Pastor Steve Pace shared
ALTON - The City of Alton Parks & Recreation Department is thrilled to announce that registration is officially open for its highly anticipated Summer 2026 season. Featuring a diverse range of activities from youth sports and day camps to wellness programs for adults, the city is prepared to offer residents an active and engaging summer. Youth Summer Day Camp Running from June 8 through July 17, the Summer Day Camp at Gordon Moore Park offers children entering 1st through 6th grade
BELLEVILLE – A woman from Belleville accused of injuring an Illinois State Police officer on the same day as an alleged DUI offense faces felony and misdemeanor charges in Madison County. Latoya C. Brown, 48, of Belleville, was charged on May 8, 2026 with one count each of aggravated battery (a Class 2 felony), resisting or obstructing a peace officer (a Class 4 felony), and driving while under the influence (a Class A misdemeanor). Brown allegedly drove a motor vehicle on I-55 at Illinois
ALTON — Effective May 14, 2026 , the public boat launch ramps at Alton Marina are officially open. As of today, the river level at Alton Marina stands at 416 feet above sea level , providing approximately 5-6 feet of water within the harbor . According to the latest forecast from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) , water levels are expected to remain steady at 416 - 417 feet for the next seven days. During this period, the public launch ramps will remain open. Vessels over
OSF HealthCare proudly announces the recipients of its 2026 Innovator of the Year Awards , recognizing exceptional leaders who are transforming care delivery, advancing research, and driving operational excellence across the Ministry. This year’s honorees include Colleen Klein, Nichole Esterdahl and Tiffany Magallanes. They have each demonstrated extraordinary vision, creativity, and measurable impact in their respective areas. The awards were announced during the OSF Innovation Showcase
ALTON – Alton officials have taken the first step toward negotiating a new city-wide trash contract. A resolution approved this week by the Alton Committee of the Whole and City Council authorizes Mayor David Goins and authorized city officials to negotiate with Republic Services to look into entering into a municipal waste contract. The resolution, presented by Alderwoman Martha Pfister, states the city “desires to provide a cost-effective, continuous municipal waste service
EDWARDSVILLE - To some, the National FFA Organization (FFA) may not stand out, but to Edwardsville High School seniors Brady Maher, Ellie Dungan and Kolson Bruhn, has meant a lot to their confidence and leadership skills. FFA, formerly known as the “Future Farmers of America,” is an organization for middle and high school students interested in leadership and agriculture, according to FFA’s website. Their name was officially changed from “Future Farmers of America”
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS ROUNDUP BASEBALL ROXANA 8, TRENTON WESCLIN 0: Roxana scored once in the first, four times in the fourth, and three more times in the sixth to shut out Wesclin at Roxana City Park. Nick Miles had three hits and an RBI for the Shells, while Dalton Carriker struck out nine on the mound. Roxana is now 18-6, while the Warriors go to 11-15, TRIAD 11, MASCOUTAH 1: Triad scored four runs in the first, one run in the third and six runs in the fifth to
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) introduced the House companion bill to Senator Josh Hawley’s (R-MO) In God We Trust Act, which requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to display or inscribe the national motto of the United States on all federal buildings. The legislation comes ahead of Rededicate 250 : A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving, taking place on May 17, 2026. “For nearly 70 years, our national motto, ‘In
EDWARDSVILLE — The Madison County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is completing its transition to a new emergency notification platform and will officially discontinue use of the CodeRED system on Friday. Residents previously signed up for CodeRED were transferred into the new Everbridge alert platform. However, EMA officials encourage residents to create an account through Everbridge if they would like to review or update their information over time, including addresses and notification
BETHALTO – Beer and wine sales are now allowed at a Bethalto restaurant following the Village Board’s recent addition and approval of a liquor license. At their May 11, 2026 meeting, trustees unanimously approved an ordinance increasing the number of Class B liquor licenses allowed in the village to seven. Under the Bethalto Village Code , Class B or “Beer Parlor” licenses allow for sales of beer and light wines with a maximum alcohol content of 12% for consumption
HARDIN - The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office said a reported “swatting” call prompted a lockdown at Calhoun High School on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, after an unknown individual contacted the school around 12:11 p.m. and claimed he was en route armed with an AR-15 and explosive devices. The Calhoun Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the school in response to the report. School officials “immediately implemented lockdown procedures to ensure the safety of students
SWANSEA – State Senator Christopher Belt announced Belleville will receive a total of $250,000 through Illinois’ Safe Routes to School program to improve pedestrian safety and expand opportunities for children and families to safely walk and bike in their community. “Keeping children safe on their way to school should always be a top priority,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I am happy to help secure this funding so students and families can have greater peace of
EDWARDSVILLE - Jax Andreas is a senior pitcher who has emerged as an important addition to the pitching staff for Edwardsville’s baseball team and has contributed mightily to the Tigers' success this season. As of May 9, Andreas was 2-0 in two starts and nine overall appearances for the Tigers, sporting a 3.43 ERA and allowing eight runs, all earned, on 15 hits in 16.3 innings pitched, walking eight and striking out 12. In a game played on May 9, 2026, against Highland at Tom Pile Field,
Budzinski Celebrates House Passage of Permanent Year-Round E15 WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement following the passage of H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, of which Budzinski is a Democratic lead. The bill would eliminate an outdated regulation restricting year-round sales of E15 and would ultimately expand consumer fuel choices, strengthen domestic energy production, and provide greater
ALTON - The Alton Police Department has added three new officers to its ranks, swearing them in as they begin work in the City of Alton. Officers Oster, Ringling, and Hoefert “officially took the oath of office,” administered by Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Officer Oster “will soon attend the police academy to begin certification training,” Ford said. Ringling and Hoefert, who “are already certified officers,” will begin field