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SPRINGFIELD — Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), a leading Catholic health ministry with operations in Illinois and Wisconsin, announced today that Charmaine Weis, MSML, has been named System Vice President. Marketing and Communications. Weis joined HSHS in February 2024 as the System Director of Marketing and Brand Experience and has been serving as Interim Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer since August. She has nearly 30 years of experience

WOOD RIVER — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine will be the featured speaker at the Wood River Veterans Day celebration at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, at the East Alton-Wood River Community High School gymnasium. Haine, a former active-duty United States Army officer, served for four years primarily as a Judge Advocate General's Corps prosecutor and command legal adviser. The event will honor veterans for their service and sacrifice. “I’m incredibly honored tha

Jack Holmes, a native of Villa Grove, served in the Naval Reserve for six years, including two years of active duty during the Vietnam War. His service took place within the Pacific Fleet, where he supported command operations for cruisers and destroyers. Holmes’ tenure in the Naval Reserve involved contributions to the support command, a critical component of naval operations during the conflict. The information was submitted by Paul G. Hardin. Jack was a one-time athletic director at

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—Ranking Member of the Senate’s Aviation Subcommittee—issued the following statement after Donald Trump threatened our nation’s Air Traffic Controllers and encouraged them to leave their jobs with our nation already facing a substantial controller shortage: “Our nation’s chronically overworked and understaffed air traffic controllers are absolutely critical to keeping flyers safe. These dedicated

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The recent shutdown has lasted 40 days, making it the longest in U.S. history. Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin noted the toll on federal employees, including air traffic controllers working extended hours under stressful conditions to maintain air safety. He also criticized the administration for resisting payments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) while pursuing other priorities. “At Democrats’ urging, today’s bill is not the same one

ALTON - At 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, Wreaths Across America will remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom at the Alton National Cemetery at 600 Pearl Street, Alton. This mission is accomplished by the laying of Veteran Balsam wreaths on the 560 graves by children and Veterans. This year will be the 19th annual event. This year's theme for WAA is “KEEP MOVING FORWARD”. The thought behind this message is this...There will always

ALTON – Alton officials are set to vote tonight on whether or not to eliminate late night liquor licenses. Appearing on Monday’s Committee of the Whole agenda is a tabled resolution to introduce an ordinance amending Alton’s Liquor License Ordinance by deleting an entire section which allows for late night liquor licenses. If passed, the resolution would go next to the City Council for approval this Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 . Under the current Alton City Code , a late

ST. LOUIS COUNTY — Michael Belleville, 51, of the 900 block of Regina Avenue in St. Louis, was charged Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death and resisting arrest in connection with a fatal crash that occurred on June 26, 2025. According to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Belleville was driving a 2010 gold Nissan Altima northbound on South Broadway Avenue early that morning when he turned into a convenience store parkin

SIKESTON, MO. — Global nonprofit Point 27 recently honored fallen Sikeston, Missouri Department of Public Safety Police Officer Henry Franklin, a U.S. National Guard Iraq War veteran who was shot and killed Oct. 6 while serving a warrant with his tactical team. Point 27, based in Atlanta, sent Thin Blue Line Shields of Strength dog-tag necklaces inscribed with Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God,” to the Missouri DPS office for

EDWARDSVILLE — The Annual Edwardsville Veterans Day Parade will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, in downtown Edwardsville, honoring military veterans in the community. Hosted by American Legion Post 199 with assistance from the Metro East Community Rotary Club, the parade will begin on North Main Street near the Eden Church parking lot. Participants will proceed south on North Main before turning west onto Vandalia and St. Louis streets. The parade concludes at West Street near

ALTON — Veterans and community members will gather at VFW Post 1308 for a Veterans Day event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. The event, held at 4445 Alby St., will feature a presentation of the National Colors by local Scouts, a flag raising ceremony, the laying of wreaths, and the playing of taps, followed by food service. Commander Chris Miller, who oversees the post’s operations, including food preparation. The annual event aims to honor veterans positively and

COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville will honor military veterans and active service members with a special Veterans Day program at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025 at the American Legion Post 365, 1022 Vandalia Street. The event, titled "Honoring Our Heroes," will feature remarks from Retired Major General William Enyart, whose military career and community service are highlighted as reasons for his selection as guest speaker. The program follows a Veterans Parade sponsored by the American Legion and

CHICAGO – Ahead of Veteran’s Day, Attorney General Kwame Raoul highlighted updates to the Illinois Service Member Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (ISERRA), which safeguards Illinois service member’s military service and minimizes its impact on their civilian careers. ISERRA was implemented in 2019 to reflect the reality of the military’s operational reserve force for service members and employers. The act was amended and passed by the Illinois General Assembly

GRANITE CITY – A local sex offender remains in custody after reportedly violating the Sex Offender Registration Act and committing multiple retail thefts in the area. Esmond L. Sanford, 51, listed as homeless out of Granite City, was charged on Nov. 5, 2025 with one count each of failure to register (a Class 3 felony) and his second or subsequent offense of retail theft under $300 (a Class 4 felony). On Nov. 4, 2025, Sanford allegedly failed to report weekly and in person to the chief

CHICAGO - Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth sent another letter to the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Friday, saying there is not enough urgency in honoring her request for an investigation into use of force by federal immigration agents in Chicago. Duckworth sent her initial letter on Oct 17 , calling for federal government watchdogs to launch an investigation into immigration agents’ tactics in the Chicago area as part of Operation Midway Blitz. In

GRAFTON — Mike Boschert, a Vietnam War veteran who served in the U.S. Army, was recently honored in a community salute recognizing his service to the country and his family. Boschert’s years of service and his contribution during the Vietnam War remain a significant part of his legacy. “Thank you for your service to country and family,” Sally, who nominated Boschert, wrote in the tribute. The salute serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans like Boschert

BELLEVILLE - Caritas Family Solutions is excited to announce that it has been chosen by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to help develop a new online payment portal designed to improve payment processes for nonprofit agencies and providers across the state. Leading this initiative is Abigail York, Billing Operations Manager at Caritas, who was chosen for her extensive experience with the foster care system and her success in creating an internal communication process

SAINT LOUIS - The St. Louis region is one of the top in the country for aerospace, avionics, and aviation. Mary Lamie recently stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello to talk about bi-state development and the St. Louis Regional Freightway, including growing opportunities in several fields. She noted that St. Louis has “three main anchor aerospace companies” in Boeing, Gulfstream and West Star. As a result, there are thousands of jobs available in these

MADISON COUNTY. — The Madison County Sheriff's Office announced promotions within its Jail Division, elevating three members to new leadership roles. Blake Sellers has been promoted to captain and will serve as the Jail Superintendent. Ryan Dawdy was promoted to lieutenant and will oversee the Classification Office. Brandon Reichardt earned a promotion to sergeant and will act as a shift supervisor. The Sheriff's Office extended congratulations to the newly promoted officials

COLLINSVILLE – Webster Elementary School teacher Susanna Benson has been selected for a 2025 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. Benson, who teaches fourth grade at Webster, is a 30-year veteran of Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 (CUSD 10). She was nominated by the principal of Webster Elementary, Alison Schumacher. “With unwavering passion, a heart for her students, and a mind deeply rooted in scientific curiosity, Susanna Benson is the embodiment of what it means