EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 is pleased to announce that Rachel Harris, an eighth-grade social studies teacher at Liberty Middle School has been selected as a delegate to the We the Teachers: Preparing the Next Generation Through History and Civics national fellowship program at William & Mary. Led by W&M’s Strategic Cultural Partnerships division and undertaken in partnership with the National Council for History Education (NCHE), the program
ALTON — A person of interest is in custody following a fatal shooting investigation in the 3400 block of Milton Drive, where Alton police said an adult woman was killed and an adult man was critically injured early Monday morning, June 1, 2026. The Alton Police Department said on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, that the case is expected to be presented to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office for formal charges on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. “Regarding the shooting incident
SPRINGFIELD, IL. - Illinois lawmakers have sent two measures to Gov. JB Pritzker that would create a voluntary “Blue Envelope Program” for drivers with autism and update emergency medical services licensing and disciplinary standards, with one bill already awaiting action from the governor and a 60-day constitutional window for a decision. The Blue Envelope measure, House Bill 4472, would establish the program statewide in Illinois. Under the proposal, individuals with autism
GLEN CARBON – Plans are officially finalized for a milestone celebration as the Village of Glen Carbon prepares to host its 100th Homecoming celebration on Main Street. This year’s “Glentennial” theme promises two days of carnival rides, live entertainment, great food and family-friendly fun during Father’s Day Weekend on Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20, 2026. Celebrating a century of tradition, the event is expected to draw residents and visitors from across
WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke against the nomination of Katie Lane, President Trump’s nominee to serve as a judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana and the first judicial nominee to receive a “Not Qualified” rating from the American Bar Association (ABA) during Trump’s second term. “There are more than 3,000 licensed
CHICAGO – On the first day of Pride Month, Governor JB Pritzker and lieutenant governor candidate Christian Mitchell reaffirmed their commitment to Illinois’ LGBTQ+ community. While Darren Bailey and MAGA extremists nationwide push hateful rhetoric and support efforts to strip LGBTQ+ rights and protections, Illinois remains a welcoming state for all under Gov. Pritzker’s leadership. “Fighting for LGBTQ+ rights is in my DNA, and I’m so proud of the progress
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs thanked members of the General Assembly today for passing Senate Bill 2968 and expressed gratitude to Governor JB Pritzker’s office for its collaboration in advancing legislation that expands investment opportunities for non-profit organizations across Illinois. The legislation creates the Non-Profit Investment Pool, a safe and efficient investment option allowing eligible nonprofits to make the most of available funds while
SPRINGFIELD – Did you know that in a recent survey of pet owners who had to evacuate their homes in a disaster, nearly half left at least one pet behind? And 83 percent of those pet owners reported living in a community that faces a natural disaster? These statistics from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ACPCA) show how important it is to include your pets in your evacuation plan and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security
SPRINGFIELD – June is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month, when we raise awareness, provide resources, and offer support to those challenged with the symptoms of PTSD. Currently, 12 million people in the United States are diagnosed with PTSD. Veterans are more likely to experience PTSD, particularly those who have been deployed to a war zone or are struggling with their transition to civilian life. To protect our veterans, we must raise awareness and engagement in recovery.
CARLINVILLE - Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 20733 North Broad, inside Donor Bus. What: Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics Community Blood Drive When: Monday, June 15, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Where: ImpactLife Donor Bus, 20733 North Broad, Carlinville, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact Vicki
IFT and CTU President Stacy Davis Gates: Lawmakers Have One More Day to Make Education in Illinois the Megaproject it Ought to Be “Today’s budget proposal reflects not enough compliance with Illinois' own evidence-based formula, not enough revenue for schools and services, and not enough courage from Governor Pritzker and lawmakers at a time when it is needed more than ever. “There’s already significant pain in our school communities. Governor Pritzker’s underfunding
Summer vacation feels ancient, but in its modern form, it is surprisingly recent—and it was not simply invented so children could “help on the farm.” That familiar explanation is one of the most repeated stories about school calendars. It sounds reasonable, especially in places with a strong farming history. But the real origins of summer vacation are more mixed, and far more interesting. The long break from school grew out of changing city life, older private-school habits,
On June 2, one of the most significant events in global history is the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Held at Westminster Abbey in London, the ceremony formally marked the beginning of a reign that would become the longest in British history. At the time, the event mattered not only to the United Kingdom but also to many countries linked to the British Commonwealth, because it represented continuity after the disruption of World War II and the early Cold War years. It still matters
WOOD RIVER – More funding has been approved for additional sidewalk repairs throughout Wood River. City Council members unanimously approved a change order to expand the scope of an existing contract between the city and Kamadulski Excavating & Grading Co. Inc. to replace concrete sidewalks at various city-wide locations. The expanded project scope includes the removal and replacement of an additional sidewalk as needed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It also
ALTON - The Alton Police Department said it issued seat belt and other traffic citations during its Memorial Day 2026 “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign in Alton, Illinois, as part of an effort to increase seat belt use and improve roadway safety during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The department announced the results of the campaign and said the enforcement effort was aimed at reminding drivers and passengers to buckle up. “Thanks to
EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Sheriff’s Office announced the addition of two new employees to its Jail Division, welcoming Olivia Storey as a deputy jailer and Chandler Hulvey as a jail technician. Storey will head to the corrections academy next week, while Hulvey has started field training. Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor said, “We’re proud to have them on board and look forward to the dedication and service they’ll bring to our facility and community.”
EDWARDSVILLE - About 550 Edwardsville High School graduates received their diplomas at a well-attended ceremony in Edwardsville, where school leaders and student speakers highlighted the Class of 2026’s achievements and their transition to life after high school. Edwardsville High School Principal Alex Fox said the class stood out for how it handled change during its time at the school, including leadership transitions, and said students rose to all expectations. “It is a group
WHAT: The Route 66 Jeep Run will bring Jeep enthusiasts from across the Midwest together on Saturday, June 6, 2026, for a one-of-a-kind driving experience celebrating the 100th Anniversary of historic Route 66. Participants will travel one of seven themed routes covering the final 100 miles of Illinois Route 66, stopping at iconic attractions, restaurants, historic sites, and photo locations before ending in Downtown Granite City, Illinois, for a public Grand Finale Celebration featuring
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on Monday charged Christian Watkins, 23, of the 9700 block of Winkler Drive in St. Louis, in connection with a May 31, 2026, shooting on Sapphire Avenue that authorities said involved gunfire at a car and left a woman with a graze wound to the forehead while she was in bed. Watkins was charged June 1, 2026, with first-degree assault or attempt, unlawful use of a weapon — shoot at/from motor vehicle,
EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis School District 189 announced late last week that the Class of 2026, made up of 275 seniors, has earned an astonishing $20 million in college scholarships because of the class's academic and career achievements. The East St. Louis School District said the class’s accomplishments include college, trade and technical school, military service, and career pathways as graduates prepare for their next steps. The announcement was made in a district
stLouIST