ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District is considering building a new building. Executive Director Mary Cordes gives an update. Earlier this year, the library announced that they were considering a new building to better serve the 46,000 community members living in Alton, Godfrey and Foster Township. In a recent interview on “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello , Cordes added that the library will continue to prioritize transparency throughout this process. “It’s
ALTON - Virginia Woulfe-Beile is a dedicated environmental advocate and community leader whose passion for sustainability and conservation has made a lasting impact in Illinois. Her journey began as a volunteer with the Sierra Club, where she quickly became an influential figure, leading coalitions and inspiring volunteers in efforts to protect natural resources and promote clean energy. In her 14-year role as the Three Rivers Project Co-coordinator, Virginia’s diverse background in horticulture
ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has a busy January ahead. Executive Director Mary Cordes stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello to talk through the month’s programs and events. She hopes patrons come to the library to engage with their materials and experience the “community” feel they want to cultivate. “When you're in there, the hope is you’ll take a look,” she explained. “While I’m here, let me browse.
JOHNSTON CITY - An accidental iLottery purchase paid off in a big way for Holly of Johnston City, who won a $250,000 FastPlay jackpot on the Illinois Lottery’s $20 Magnificent Multiplier. Holly revealed she bought the winning ticket by mistake. “I meant to buy the $2 Booming Bucks ,” she said with a laugh. “I was watching a movie and accidentally selected the $20 ticket.” She recalled thinking, “Oh shoot! I didn’t want to spend that much.” The
O’FALLON, Ill. – HSHS Medical Group welcomes Shaelin Heiman, PA-C, to HSHS Medical Group Orthopedic & Sports Medicine at 670 Pierce Blvd. in O’Fallon. Heiman brings a strong background in orthopedics. She holds a Master of Physician Assistant Science from the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana, and a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville. She is skilled in a wide range of orthopedic procedures, including joint
What if the changes we experienced in 2025 were not just moments in time, but markers of a profound shift in how society, technology, and the environment intersect? As we reflect on the milestones of this remarkable year, it becomes clear that 2025 was a pivotal chapter in shaping the future we are now navigating. Breakthroughs in Technology One of the most striking features of 2025 was the accelerated pace of technological innovation, especially in artificial intelligence. AI systems evolved
December 30 has witnessed a remarkable range of events throughout history, shaping the course of human civilization in diverse ways. One of the most transformative events associated with this date happened in 1990, when Tim Berners-Lee, a British scientist, completed the first successful communication between a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) client and server via the internet. This achievement effectively marked the birth of the World Wide Web, setting the foundation for the digital age
Illinois Department of Early Childhood Kathleen Carolyn "KC" Stralka will serve as the Assistant Secretary of Project Management & Operational Excellence of the Illinois Department of Early Childhood.* Stralka currently serves as Chief of Staff for the Illinois Department of Early Childhood (IDEC). At IDEC, Stralka has built a project management office and has managed communication and legislative affairs divisions, in addition to stepping in as interim CIO. Previously, Stralka served
SPRINGFIELD – Governor Pritzker has selected Illinois Air National Guard Director of Staff Colonel Steven B. Rice of Morrison, Illinois, as the next Assistant Adjutant General – Air of the Illinois National Guard. With the selection, Colonel Rice will be promoted to Brigadier General and will serve as one of two Governor-appointed deputies to Major General Rodney Boyd, the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard. The other deputy is Brigadier General
CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) released data highlighting record-breaking economic development milestones from 2025. Guided by Governor Pritzker’s strategic economic growth plan, Illinois reached a record $13 billion in incentivized investments, delivered record tourism accomplishments, and marked major milestones in key sectors, including quantum, while making continued investments in small businesses
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Vermont Attorney General Charity Clark in filing an amicus brief challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final standards on ballast water discharges from large vessels, which can carry harmful organisms from one port to another. In the brief filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, Raoul and the coalition argue that the standards unlawfully weaken long-standing
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Ronald Allred, 37, of the 8500 block of Jenny Drive in St. Louis, with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and two counts of animal abuse on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. Allred is accused of fatally stabbing his 81-year-old grandmother, Fannie Allred, and injuring her two French bulldogs during an incident at her home on Dec. 28, 2025. According to the probable cause statement, police responded
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As 2025 comes to a close, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) highlighted several key accomplishments she secured over the last year: “Whether helping nearly 2,900 Illinoisans recover more than $13 million the federal government owed them, passing a law making it easier for new parents to travel with critical breast milk supplies, pushing back against Trump and Republicans as they work to jack up costs for everything from groceries to health care, fighting Donald
CASEYVILLE — James A. McCain was charged with burglary following the theft of construction materials from a newly built home on Nicole Drive, the Caseyville Police Department announced. Officers responded to the residence on Dec. 18, 2025, after reports of a burglary. Upon arrival, they discovered that a large quantity of construction materials had been stolen during the early morning hours of the same day. An investigation by multiple officers led to the case being presented t
CASEYVILLE — Jason R. Dosch, 37, was charged with criminal sexual assault following an investigation by the Caseyville Police Department. The case was presented to the Saint Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office on December 17, 2025. Dosch, whose date of birth is May 4, 1988, faces charges related to the criminal sexual assault offense. Authorities have not released further details regarding the incident or the circumstances leading to the charges. The Caseyville Police
GODFREY – A recent house fire and domestic battery incident in Godfrey has resulted in felony charges filed against a Godfrey man with a criminal past. Jeremy A. Ward, 49, of the 900 block of Enos Lane in Godfrey, was charged on Dec. 29, 2025 with a Class 1 felony count of residential arson, a Class 2 felony count of arson, a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery, and a Class 4 felony for his second or subsequent offense of domestic battery. On Dec. 28, 2025, Ward allegedly
EDWARDSVILLE - SIUE Athletics mourns the loss of beloved staff member Lindsey Schmidt , who passed away on Tuesday, December 23. Lindsey has served as an Academic Advisor at SIUE since 2008. "This is heartbreaking for all who knew Lindsey," said Andrew Gavin , Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics. "She has long been a beloved member of our athletics family, because of her infectious energy, positive attitude, and incredibly helpful and loving heart. She has provided so much support
EDWARDSVILLE – A major improvement project to modernize and upgrade the infrastructure along a portion of North Main Street in downtown Edwardsville is scheduled to begin in January, the City of Edwardsville announced. The project will include the replacement of a more than 120-year-old water main, the addition of pedestrian-friendly safety and accessibility upgrades, enhanced streetscape features, road resurfacing and an overhaul of sewer lines in the area. The North Main Street Water
EAST ALTON — Officer Jack Stalcup Jr., a dedicated law enforcement professional who served the community for more than four decades, died suddenly on Dec. 25, 2025, at his residence. He was 69. The East Alton Police Department described Stalcup’s passing as sudden and said it will be deeply felt by all who knew him. "Heroes take on many forms, but someone who served their community with such pride and distinction is without a doubt a hero," the East Alton Police Department said in
ALTON - A local nonprofit is working to support survivors of human/sex trafficking. Tigerlili Resources offers a three-pronged approach to help survivors and their loved ones. Based in Alton, the nonprofit is asking community members to consider donating to their cause so they can fund their programs, including a new retreat center that will provide a safe space for families to heal together. “There’s just not enough services for these kids in the whole Midwest,” said
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