CHICAGO – In recent weeks, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) celebrated with its partners the grand opening of three residential senior developments located in northern, central, and southern Illinois that received IHDA funding. These developments collectively supply more than 160 affordable housing units, enabling Illinoisians to remain within their communities they call home. The three developments will provide much-needed rental options in regions that have experienced
ST. LOUIS — A 24-year-old man identified as Taron Exum died after an early morning shooting on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, in the 4300 block of Cottage Ave., where District 5 officers found him wounded in a parking lot after responding to a shooting call. Officers responded at approximately 7:40 a.m. Sunday and located Exum on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound. He was not conscious and was struggling to breathe. EMS responded and took Exum to an area hospital, where he died
EAST ST. LOUIS - Bi-State Development and Metro Transit marked the completion of Metro Transit’s $62 million Secure Platform Plan at the Emerson Park MetroLink Station in East St. Louis this week. The project's key goal at all 38 MetroLink stations was safer stations and simpler ways for riders to pay. The Emerson Park MetroLink Station is located at 929 N. 15th St. in East St. Louis. The plan includes automated security gates, upgraded fencing and expanded closed-circuit television
CHICAGO — Chicago Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced an up to $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta Platforms Inc., which is among the largest state consumer protection settlements in history. In addition to the payment, Meta must implement significant safety features designed to protect children on Instagram and Facebook. The agreement, which is subject to court approval, resolves claims that the company designed its social media platforms with addictive features, knowingly
HARDIN – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place on Illinois 100 between Illinois 16 in Hardin and Illinois 96 in Kampsville beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, weather permitting, for pavement resurfacing. Flaggers will maintain two-way traffic. Work on the portion between Hardin and Kampsville is expected to be completed by the end of November. The remaining portion of the project is scheduled to begin and be completed
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) today announced its intent to phase out two work camps and two impact program facilities as part of its ongoing efforts to operate more efficiently, reduce costs, and better support its mission to promote public safety and rehabilitation. These facilities are the Clayton and Greene County Work Camps and Dixon Springs and DuQuoin Impact Programs. Of the four facilities identified for closure, only one – Clayton Work Camp – currentl
This Day in Music History: August 26 On Aug. 26, 1968, the Beatles released “Hey Jude” in the United States, backed with John Lennon’s hard-edged “Revolution.” It was the first single issued on the group’s own Apple label, a step that signaled the Beatles’ ambition to control more of their work as artists and entrepreneurs. The release also challenged pop-radio expectations: “Hey Jude” built from Paul McCartney’s intimate vocal and
On August 26, one of the most significant events in global history is the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in France in 1789. Written during the early months of the French Revolution, the document set out basic ideas about liberty, equality before the law, national sovereignty, and the rights of citizens. At the time, it challenged the old system of absolute monarchy and inherited privilege. Its influence spread far beyond France, shaping later constitutions,
Upcoming Events Bring Music, Markets and Community Fun The Riverbend area’s upcoming calendar offers community service, live music, outdoor programs, markets, festivals and family-friendly entertainment. For the complete calendar, visit RiverBender.com Events . Alton Block Party for Good returns Friday, Aug. 28, at Soulcial Square in Alton as Soulcial Kitchen continues its monthly community gathering. The free event offers access to the St. Louis Area Foodbank’s Food on the Mov
GLEN CARBON – A new restaurant is one step closer to being built in Glen Carbon. Trustees unanimously approved a final site plan for Longhorn Steakhouse in Orchard Town Center at their Aug. 25, 2026 Village Board meeting. This marks the latest dining option to be added to the development following Chick-fil-A , Olive Garden , Panda Express , Dutch Bros Coffee and Shake Shack . Village Administrator Jamie Bowden said the Longhorn site plan includes a full-service restaurant located
ALTON — Don Lovell, who served 30 years with the Alton Police Department as a chief and officer, died Aug. 20, 2026, in Jerseyville. He was 85. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said he had not had the pleasure of meeting Lovell personally, but shared comments from officers who worked with him. “In speaking with the police officers who worked for him, they all said he was a great man and did a good job as chief,” current Alton Police Chief Ford said. “The common theme
Richard and Wilma Stinnett of Alton are celebrating their 65th anniversary on Sept. 2, 2026. Richard Stinnett and Wilma Sauerwein were married Sept. 2, 1961, at Zion Lutheran Church in Bunker Hill. The Rev. Henry F. Peckman officiated their ceremony. Richard is engaged in farming and is retired from Laclede Steel Company. Wilma is a retired schoolteacher from the Alton School District. The couple has three children, Sean (Cheryl) Stinnett of Gillespie, Dan (Shelia) Marcrum of Alton and Seth
GRANITE CITY – State Senator Erica Harriss and State Representative Amy Elik are teaming up with over 50 local and state employers to host a free job fair in Granite City. Attendees are encouraged to bring plenty of resumes and dress for success. Friday, August 28 9:00AM – 1:00PM The Commons at SWIC (Sam Wolf Granite City Campus) 4950 Maryville Road, Granite City The event is free and open to the public. Employers include: 1st MidAmerica Credit Union Alton School District
CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced the State of Illinois has been approved to receive $1.04 billion in funding through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program to support high-speed internet access statewide. The funding will connect approximately 350,000 residents through homes, businesses, and community institutions across Illinois by 2031. Between private investment, prior public funding,
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs on Tuesday applauded a new law that will allow him to make investments to build more affordable housing. Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law Senate Bill 3086 , which passed with bipartisan support in late May. The bill allows Treasurer Frerichs to invest in the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust, which focuses on building and preserving affordable and workforce housing, creating union construction jobs, and generating returns for investors
CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed SB 3086, which enables the Illinois State Treasurer to invest in pooled investment trusts that meet certain requirements. ? Specifically, this will enable investment in funds such as the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust (HIT) Fund – which provides capital to developers, aligning with Governor Pritzker’s goals under the ambitious Building Up Illinois Developments (BUILD) plan. “Illinois is putting its money to work in a responsible
SPRINGFIELD – Today the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced two new conditions have been added to the list of debilitating medical issues that can qualify an Illinois resident for participation in the Medical Cannabis Patient Program. IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra approved the addition of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) with chronic pain and sickle cell disease after a thorough review by the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board (MCAB) and IDPH staff. Under
EAST ALTON – The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC), a division of Lewis and Clark Community College, is celebrating a successful 2026 Waterschool USA summer season that connected middle school, high school and young adult learners with water science, wildlife and outdoor exploration. From June through July, NGRREC educators partnered with Lewis and Clark Community College TRIO Upward Bound, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s East St. Louis Center
ALTON – Alton officials may update the process to request an abatement of trash fees at a vacant residence. Committee of the Whole members approved an item to amend a section of the City Code regarding garbage and refuse charges and abatement at their Aug. 24, 2026 meeting . Under the current City Code, once a residential unit has gone over 31 days without city-provided water service, the city stops charging for trash service at the residence. However, the abatement of trash fees only
ALTON - Community members have the chance to win big while fundraising for a new ambulance. The 17th annual Duck Pluckers, Deer Skinners & Fish Hookers Ball on Sept. 12, 2026, is sold out, but you can still help the cause and join the fun by purchasing a raffle ticket. Raffle items include a Tory Burch handbag, a bourbon collection, a wheelbarrow of booze, fresh meat, and a helicopter hog hunting trip. Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation Development Manager Shannon Fraley noted that
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