CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — A Cahokia Heights Fire Department apparatus rolled over Saturday afternoon, Aug. 8, 2026, after it was struck in a three-vehicle crash on Illinois Route 3 while responding to another crash, injuring one firefighter and sending all parties involved to area hospitals, the department said. The crash occurred at 1:10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, as the fire apparatus was traveling southbound on Illinois Route 3. Based on preliminary information, two vehicles traveling northbound
On August 9, one of the most consequential events in modern history took place in 1945, when the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, during the final days of the Second World War. The bombing killed tens of thousands of people, many immediately and many more later from injuries and radiation exposure. At the time, it was part of a fast-moving effort to force Japan’s surrender and bring the war to an end. It still matters today because it shaped the close of World War
SPRINGFIELD – Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointment in his administration : Central Illinois Economic Development Authority Nicole Bateman will serve as a Member of the Central Illinois Economic Development Authority.* Bateman currently serves as President of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County as well as Chief Strategy Officer of the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has launched a pilot program to make disability parking placards easier to obtain as a newly signed law expands accessible parking relief for families caring for children and individuals with disabilities. The law allows the Secretary of State’s office to issue meter-exempt disability parking placards to legal guardians who transport individuals with disabilities who are incapable of driving. To support the new law and improve
SPRINGFIELD – Legislation championed by State Senator Christopher Belt to expand access to mental health resources and strengthen suicide prevention efforts has been signed into law. “Too many families have experienced the heartbreak of losing a loved one to suicide,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This will help ensure people know where to turn during a crisis and give our communities additional tools to bolster suicide prevention efforts.” The new law will increase awareness
EDWARDSVILLE — Glen-Ed Pantry has provided a record 11,350 meals to local children this summer through its Brown Bag Buddies program. This is its highest total yet as the organization also outfits students for the new school year and starts construction on a larger facility to keep pace with growing demand. Each Monday morning throughout the summer, volunteers distributed five breakfasts and five lunches to every participating child at Glen-Ed Pantry, Hamel Elementary School, Worden Elementary
GRANITE CITY – A man from Granite City faces felonies in Madison County after allegedly using an axe to threaten others before striking and damaging an occupied police vehicle. Patrick A. Holt, 21, of Granite City, was charged on Aug. 7, 2026 with one count each of criminal damage to government supported property (a Class 3 felony), aggravated assault of a peace officer, and criminal damage to property (both Class 4 felonies). Holt allegedly approached an occupied Granite City Police vehicle
BRIGHTON - Wedding dresses spanning from the 1930s to the 2010s will be on exhibit at St. John’s Church Museum and Family Heritage Center in Brighton on Saturday, August 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 23 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The public is invited to this free special exhibit where 11 wedding dresses representing more than 80 years will be on display. This special wedding dress exhibit will only be on display at the museum and family heritage center for the two days,
On August 8, 1945, the Soviet Union entered the war against Japan, opening a major new front in the final days of World War II. Late that day, Soviet forces launched a massive assault into Japanese-held Manchuria, striking the Kwantung Army, once one of Japan’s strongest military formations. At the time, the move mattered because it sharply reduced Japan’s remaining military options and changed the diplomatic balance in East Asia. It still matters today because it shaped the end o
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) reminds upland game hunters that applications are now being accepted for the 2026 free upland game hunting permit lottery and the controlled pheasant hunting program. These programs provide opportunities to hunt at select state sites across Illinois this fall. The free upland game hunting permit program offers lottery-assigned, no-cost hunting opportunities for wild upland game, including bobwhite quail, ring-necked pheasants
SHILOH - The Village of Shiloh said construction is continuing on its new Police Headquarters at 110 Oak St., a project intended to give officers a modern, efficient workspace and better serve residents for years to come. In a construction update, the village said there is “still plenty of work ahead” but that the project is taking shape. The update referenced a current construction photo and a rendering showing the planned appearance of the completed facility. If construction
CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed into law two pieces of legislation, championed by Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, that advance the health and safety of women and survivors of domestic violence in Illinois, ensuring that patients are treated by healthcare providers who are fully educated on perimenopause and menopause and domestic violence survivors are protected from emerging forms of technology-facilitated abuse. In doctors’ offices and within the justice system,
WOOD RIVER – Two parking-related ordinances received unanimous approval from the Wood River City Council at their Aug. 3, 2026 meeting. One ordinance designates an area near the Stevens Building at 118 N. Haller St. as a no-parking zone, while the other places new parking time limits on certain city-owned lots. Both ordinances take effect immediately. The first change was prompted by a request from the Wood River Fire Department and the Madison County Housing Authority on behalf of the
GODFREY - As much as Vitality Women’s Clinic hopes to support individuals experiencing unplanned pregnancies, they’re also determined to lift up the next generation of students. Vitality is a pro-life, faith-based pregnancy center in Godfrey. They recently welcomed a new high school-aged intern, and Executive Director Jackie Duty is excited to share more about the clinic’s internship program and support for local students. “They really are the future,” Duty said
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) in unveiling the For Our Republic Act , a comprehensive legislative package to fight back against President Trump’s aggressive authoritarian takeover of American democracy. Among many priorities, the new legislation includes Senator Duckworth’s Inspectors General Independence Act , which would prevent Donald Trump and future Presidents from appointing
WOOD RIVER – Monday marked a night of recognition and commendations for members of the Wood River Police and Fire Departments. Mayor Tom Stalcup read several letters of commendation addressed to the city’s police and fire personnel at the Aug. 3, 2026 City Council meeting. The first honored Captain Kristopher Ayers of the Wood River Fire Department for his retirement from the U.S. Army Reserve as a Sergeant First Class after 20 years of service. Ayers remains a member of the Fir
WOOD RIVER/GODFREY - Riverbend Family Ministries is preparing for its biggest fundraiser of the year, and you can help. From 5:30–7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, at The Commons at Lewis and Clark Community College, RFM will host their annual banquet. It’s completely free to attend, though donations are encouraged. Development Director Rachael Craddick hopes to welcome a huge crowd so they can do more to support their clients at RFM every day. “It’ll be great
(The following is a joint information from the SLMPD and U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Missouri) ST. LOUIS - Two 19-year-old men have been accused of shooting at St. Louis Metropolitan Police officers and ATF agents on July 28, 2026, while the officers and agents were conducting a traffic stop at Oriole and Thekla avenues in St. Louis, authorities said. Justin R. Price and Alexavier Bishop were charged by complaint Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, in U.S. District Court
JERSEYVILLE - Belle Peterbaugh turned her senior track season at Jersey Community High School in Jerseyville into a record-setting year in 2026, breaking varsity outdoor school records in the 100 meters, 200 meters and 4x200 relay after deciding not to play soccer so she could focus on track. Belle is a Sparklight Female Athlete Of The Month for Jersey. Peterbaugh, who played varsity soccer and ran varsity track from her freshman through junior years, had already broken the 200-meter record
ALTON - Alton Main Street’s quarterly information exchange, called “What’s Up Downtown”, will be held on Tuesday, August 11th at 5:30 p.m. at The Wedge, located at 620 E. Broadway in Classroom 402 in Alton, Illinois. The public is invited to learn the latest news regarding developments in Alton’s historic downtown district, including updates from new & existing businesses, news on real estate transactions and details of upcoming events and projects. You’ll
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