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O’FALLON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane closures on West Highway 50 at Interstate 64 beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 9, weather permitting. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction to allow for bridge construction. The lane closures are expected to remain in place through early summer 2026. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert

COLLINSVILLE – A Collinsville man accused of sharing a victim’s private photo without their consent faces a felony charge in Madison County. David B. Wheeler, 45, of the 2000 block of Raintree Trail in Collinsville, was charged on Feb. 6, 2026 with one count of non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images, a Class 4 felony. Wheeler is accused of intentionally disseminating a sexually explicit image of another person who is reportedly identifiable from the image without

This morning starts clear and chilly with temperatures near 28 degrees. The sun shines brightly through the day with a high reaching 59 degrees. Winds pick up in the afternoon from the west-northwest at about 9 mph, gusting up to 26 mph. Evening brings partly cloudy skies and temperatures dipping to the low 40s with a light northwest breeze slowing to around 8 mph. Overnight will be partly cloudy and cooler, with lows around 38 degrees. Tomorrow will be mostly sunny and cooler, with a high near

ALTON – The Godfrey Timberwolves are one step closer to having a new place to play and practice. At Monday’s meeting, Alton Committee of the Whole members unanimously approved a five-year agreement between Parks and Recreation Director Lyndsey Younger and the Godfrey Timberwolves Baseball Organization for the use of Diamond #8 at Gordon Moore Park. Nick Pichee with the Godfrey Timberwolves shared more about the organization and their intentions to revitalize Gordon Moore with

MADISON COUNTY - Illinois State Police said a truck-tractor semi-trailer overturned Monday afternoon, Feb. 9, 2026, on Interstate 255 near the Seminary Road exit in Alton, blocking all northbound lanes and forcing traffic to divert. The crash was reported about 1:35 p.m. Feb. 9, near milepost 16 in Madison County, according to Trooper Ryan Wagand of Illinois State Police Troop 8. Wagand said there were no reports of injuries in the accident. Wagand also explained after the accident that “all

ALTON - Marquan Knight of Alton, 22, faces multiple charges after authorities alleged he shot a man during an incident Feb. 7, 2026, at a residence in Alton in the 1300 block of Lawn Street in the Alton Acres Housing Project. Knight is charged with aggravated battery with a firearm (a Class X felony), home invasion (Class X felony), aggravated discharge of a firearm (Class 1 felony), and felon in possession of a weapon (a Class 3 felony) charges, according to charging documents signed by Madiso

RIVERBEND - Super Bowl LX is in the books, and the Seattle Seahawks emerged victorious over the New England Patriots. But what does this mean for local fans of the sport and watchers of the game? Locally, people rooted for both teams. The Riverbend celebrated and mourned in equal measure when the Seahawks won. Who were you rooting for? The food is part of the game’s fun. Chicken wings, nachos, dips and more dominated the table. What are your go-to Super Bowl snacks? Bad Bunn

ST. CLAIR COUNTY - Illinois State Police investigators have arrested a Kansas man accused of firing at multiple vehicles during a pursuit in St. Clair County, authorities said. Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 special agents arrested 33-year-old Drew D. Smading of Wichita, Kansas, after Marissa Police pursued a Volkswagen SUV on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, following a 9-1-1 call reporting that a suspect had fired at another vehicle on Illinois 13 near Lenzburg, police

EDWARDSVILLE - Local LEGO amateurs and enthusiasts can come together for a day of brick-building fun that supports access to clean drinking water. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at the Edwardsville American Legion, Danielle and Brandon Adair will host Bricks for Water. This annual event encourages people to play and create with LEGOs, view LEGO displays, and chat with finalists from “LEGO Masters.” Tickets to the event cost $10 and all proceeds go to World Visio

For many adults, measles was once considered a normal part of childhood. Before vaccines, nearly every child in the United States caught the virus. Today, however, public health experts emphasize that while natural immunity does occur after infection, the risks of measles are far too high when compared to the protection offered by the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Early 2025 data show rising cases in the U.S., a reminder that measles still spreads quickly wherever vaccination

Losing weight is hard. It can be a long process. But when you meet your weight loss goals, the feeling is euphoric. That is until you gain some or all of it back. That’s where a concept called reverse dieting – a way to teach your metabolism by gradually adding calories back after a weight-loss journey – can help. “Reverse dieting is used when you've been on an actual calorie-deficit diet for a while, and you're trying to get to middle ground, where you're no longer

You’re cleaning your house, and you spot it: black spots that could be mold. Uh oh. Do you need to make an appointment with your primary care provider? Do you need to call a professional to remove the substance? They’re questions worth asking to make sure you, your loved ones and your home stay in top shape. What is mold, anyway? Andrew Zasada, MD, an emergency medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, says mold is a fungal growth. Fungi are everywhere, he says, and most don’t

– U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today hosted local, state and regional leaders to discuss ongoing water infrastructure challenges throughout Madison County. As PFAS contamination in drinking water supply has become more prevalent throughout the county, compounded with aging water infrastructure, Duckworth and leaders discussed the need for more funding for the region, an issue Duckworth has been a leader on. Photos from today’s meeting are available on the Senator’s

O’FALLON, Ill. — In recognition of February being National Canned Food Month, HSHS Home Care is holding its annual “Cram the Car” food drive this month for local organizations to help those struggling with food insecurity. “Cram the Car inspires me every year when I see how our neighbors, friends and colleagues come together to care for the community,” said Valerie Engelbart, Volunteer/Bereavement Services Supervisor for HSHS Home Care. “It’s

ALTON - Alton Area Church Women United will host their annual community Lenten services while giving back to local nonprofits. Starting on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, and continuing through Good Friday on April 3, 2026, community members are invited to attend 30-minute Lenten services every Wednesday afternoon. All offerings that are collected during services will be given to Oasis Women’s Center and Crisis Food Center. “We want to have a big crowd, because all the money that’

ST. LOUIS COUNTY - A 17-year-old male was arrested Sunday and remanded to the custody of the St. Louis County Family Court in connection with the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Shannon O’Brien, whose death is under investigation after officers responded to reports of shots fired in Ferguson, Missouri, police said. O'Brien had family ties to Edwardsville and also previously attended EHS. The 17-year-old suspect was arrested Feb. 1, 2026, on allegations of second-degree murder, armed criminal

O’FALLON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane closures on eastbound and westbound Interstate 64 between Illinois 157 and Highway 50 beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9. Traffic will be reduced to two lanes in each direction. If required, nighttime lane closures will occur during the following times: Eastbound I-64 : 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Westbound I-64 : 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. The closures are necessary to perform pavement and bridge work and are expected t

ALTON — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with local housing authorities, municipal leaders and service providers to discuss the ongoing housing affordability crisis and how to expand stable, affordable housing opportunities. As the cost of housing continues to consistently faster than the rate of wages, Duckworth underscored the urgent need to address issues preventing homes from being built and ensuring the homes we do build meet the needs of Veterans, the disability community

BELLEVILLE – Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR), and local leaders to highlight the expansion of the Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bond program to communities statewide. The program is designed to support economic growth with financing options to develop and revitalize communities through major tourism, entertainment, retail, and destination-based projects in STAR bond districts.

ROXANA - The Riverbend East Rotary Club has recognized Roxana High School students Trenton Hollaway and Ava Cherry as its January Service Above Self award winners, highlighting their service. The recognition took place in connection with the Riverbend East Rotary Club. Club President Mark Smith presented certificates to Hollaway and Cherry.