Freedom can feel as simple as leaving the house without checking a schedule. That feeling helps explain why summer often seems more open, lighter, and easier to breathe in. People talk about it as if it were obvious: school is out, vacations happen, daylight stretches longer, and moods lift. But the deeper reason is not just heat or holidays. Summer feels freeing because it changes how we use time, how we move through public space, and how much permission we give ourselves to relax. Even when
On June 1, one of the most far-reaching events in world history took place in 1792, when Kentucky became the 15th state of the United States. At the time, this was more than a local political change. It showed how quickly the young republic was expanding westward across the Appalachian Mountains and how new systems of government were being extended into frontier regions. That expansion shaped trade, settlement, relations with Native peoples, and the future balance of power within the United States
SPRINGFIELD – After meeting with a local student who can no longer take her service animal to school due to claims of harassment from other students, State Senator Doris Turner led a resolution to encourage the review of school policies, ensuring they align with laws regarding service animal access. “Service animals offer critical assistance for individuals – helping to enhance independence and safety – and when students are in need of this specific accommodation
SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon) and State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) jointly passed five bills through the House and Senate. The various bills now head to the Governor’s desk for his signature. The Metro East legislative duo worked together to pass legislation to cut red tape for local government, make fire hydrants more accessible, support sickle cell disease awareness, clarify reporting requirements in nursing homes and improve visibility
CHICAGO – Today, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) released its 2024 & 2025 Biennial Report , providing a comprehensive overview of the agency’s investments and impact throughout Illinois. Titled “Building Together,” the report highlights IHDA’s role as one of the state’s leading drivers of economic and community development during a period marked by rising housing costs and increasing demand for affordable homes. “Illinois is proudly
SINGAPORE – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—and U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) are leading a bipartisan Congressional Delegation to Singapore to the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Shangri-La Dialogue for the second year to reaffirm the United States’ strong bipartisan commitment to our partners
A large audience attended the Alton Y.W.C.A.’s May Frolic performance at Spaulding Auditorium on May 21, 1926. The Y.W.C.A.’s Physical and Health Education Department staged the program, with Miss Harriet Hyndman, head of the department, serving as director. The May Frolic began at 8:15 p.m. Miss Flora Damas made a beautiful appearance as May Queen. The first half of the program, described as natural rhythm and dances, featured children aged three to six. An article in the Alto
ST. LOUIS – Did you know that in the time it takes to sing the chorus of Take Me Out to the Ball Game, 13 units of blood will be transfused to patients in need. For over 20 years, the St. Louis Cardinals have partnered with the American Red Cross, helping to collect over 20,000 units of lifesaving blood. This year, the community will once again have the chance to step up to the plate and help save lives. “20 years of teamwork. Over 20,000 units of blood. This partnership with the
ALTON - Marquette Catholic High School’s baseball team won its 19th regional championship in program history Saturday, May 30, 2026, defeating Gillespie 6-4 in the IHSA 2A Gillespie Regional to advance to the sectional round next week. The Explorers will play sectional host Pleasant Plains at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Eli Rodgers led Marquette with two hits and two RBIs. Keller Jacobs, Jack Pea, Joe Stephan, Kooper Morrissey, Carson Bauer, Chris Hankins, and Toby Matthews
CHARLESTON — Civic Memorial’s Max Weber created even more of a legacy in Bethalto on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Class 2A IHSA Boys State Track and Field Meet by winning the 3,200-meter race championship at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. Weber, who won a state cross-country title in the fall for Civic Memorial, finished first in the 3,200 in 9:05.86. Everett Swanson of Morris was second in 9:06.68, Gabriel Greer of Marion was third in 9:12.18, Quaid Berger of Richland
CHARLESTON — Jersey’s Bradley Tueth delivered a career-best performance Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Charleston, breaking the 49-second barrier in the 400 meters and finishing third at the IHSA Class 2A state track and field meet in 48.80 seconds. Tueth said afterward he was ecstatic about the result, which also earned him recognition as a Sparklight Male Athlete of the Month for his state performance. “I was third place last year. I had a down year and didn’t make state.
CHARLESTON — Edwardsville sophomore Parker Owens won the IHSA State Class 3A championship on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in the pole vault, clearing 4.95 meters (16 feet, 2.75 inches) to give the Tigers a state title performance. William Mercure of Lake Villa finished second at 4.85 meters in the pole vault, so Parker Owens had strong competition in his event. Owens is a sophomore at Edwardsville High School. The win came after he fell short a year ago, and he worked back from an early-season
MADISON COUNTY - Authorities in Madison County have charged a 22-year-old man in connection with an April house fire and explosions in Troy, IL., that left three people dead, officials said after what they described as an extensive investigation involving local, state, and federal agencies. Colton K. Cissell, 22, of Troy, is charged with: • One count of Unlawful Possession/Storage/Transfer of Explosive Material with Intent to Commit Another Offense (class 1 felony) • Two counts of
TROY – The Tri-Township Public Library District successfully launched its 2026 Summer Reading Challenge this past Saturday, May 23, with a morning of prehistoric excitement at Tri-Township Park. Families from across the community gathered at Pavilion #10 to "Unearth a Story," marking the official start of what promises to be the library's most adventurous season yet. The park was transformed into a prehistoric playground, featuring bounce houses, an interactive bubble station, and loca
GODFREY – Fran Scheurer, President, introduced Ginger Woodman and her therapy dog, Koda as Godfrey Women’s Club 2026 recipient of the Golden Leaf Award. "Ginger and Koda are well known in the Riverbend area," Scheurer said. "They have logged many hours visiting area senior living homes, memory care homes, hospitals, cancer centers, schools and churches, several times per week. "It is an honor to present one of our past members with our Golden Leaf Award. Thank you for your continued
ALTON – An Alton man accused of fleeing police at high speeds in a residential neighborhood and nearly striking an officer’s car has been detained on felony and misdemeanor charges. Kenneth E. Douglas, 37, of Alton, was charged on May 19, 2026 with two Class 4 felony counts of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer, one Class 4 felony count of aggravated assault of a peace officer, and one count each of resisting a peace officer and driving while license is revoked,
ALTON - The Old Bakery Beer Company has a special deal for community members who want to use their event space, plus plenty of fun events and specials coming up in the next few weeks. From now until June 15, 2026, anyone who rents the event space for a 2026 event will not pay the typical room fee. Owner Lauren Pattan hopes this deal allows more people to utilize the space. “I think people who like the general vibe of our restaurant will enjoy the vibe of the space as well. We’ve
ALTON - A local Alton High School student is making waves at Alton Little Theater as their youngest cast member for the past two productions. Ella Beauchamp, 16, enjoyed performing at ALT as a member of the ensemble of “Godspell.” She was also recently cast in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” As Beauchamp prepares for her junior year, she hopes to continue performing in community theater as well as with AHS’s theater department. “I feel
COLLINSVILLE – Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 Commander, Captain Casey Faro, announces the ISP will conduct Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols in Madison and St. Clair counties during June. ACE patrols allow the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to violations associated with impaired driving and illegal transportation or consumption of alcohol or drugs. The ISP has zero tolerance for impaired driving in Illinois. Officers
GODFREY - Vitality Women’s Clinic is a faith-based, pro-life pregnancy center in Godfrey. Representatives from the clinic shared more about their work in the community. Vitality provides free pregnancy and STI testing and ultrasounds. They also offer parenting classes and resources. They do not provide or refer for abortions. Executive Director Jackie Duty believes the center is a great support for new and expecting parents. “Women walking into our clinic know that they’re
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