SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) announced $9.3 million in Innovative Bridge and Transition (IBT) Grants to support initiatives that help Illinois residents transition more effectively into postsecondary education, job training, and high-demand careers. These grants, awarded to community colleges and partner organizations across the state, expand access to bridge programming, adult education pathways, wrap-around supports, and disability transition services designed
GLEN CARBON – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) has released the below statement following the signing of Senate Bill 2111 on Tuesday: “Taxpayers were promised Rebuild Illinois dollars would fix roads, bridges, and water systems- not bail out Chicago. Today’s transit bill breaks that promise. “Metro East families sit in traffic on crumbling roads while Springfield raids funds to cover Chicago’s financial failures. That’s not responsible governing.
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants now through Feb. 16, 2026. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service VFA federal grant program provides matching funds to aid fire departments in the purchase of new equipment and helps fund training. Funding is passed through IDNR to local fire departments and fire training academies. The VFA grant program reimburses 50% of the recipients’
CHICAGO — Throughout 2025, the State of Illinois faced new challenges. The federal government created chaos and uncertainty for the national economy, stripped away healthcare and food assistance from seniors and children, and attacked fundamental American rights and freedoms — but Illinois stayed focused on making progress and delivering real results for working families. Despite this year’s challenges, Governor JB Pritzker continued to step up and fight for working families
WOOD RIVER – Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Shell of the Month” program at Roxana High School. Students from each grade level are selected each month by members of RHS faculty. Each student is awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. The Seniors selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a “Shell of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. November & December Shell of the Month winners are: Senior &ndash
Did you know that travelers who plan their winter vacations at least three months in advance save an average of 20% on accommodations and flights? This statistic highlights an often-overlooked aspect of travel: timing and preparation can transform a simple trip into an unforgettable escape. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, a well-planned winter getaway can rejuvenate your mind and body, offering a fresh perspective during a time when many feel confined by routine.
December 19 has witnessed a tapestry of significant events throughout history, each contributing uniquely to the global narrative. In 1777, during the American Revolutionary War, the Continental Army, led by General George Washington, endured the harsh winter at Valley Forge. Though not a single day's event, the encampment had reached a critical phase by mid-December, with soldiers facing severe shortages and extreme cold. The resilience and training during this period would prove crucial to th
Friday morning starts off chilly with temperatures around 30 degrees and mostly sunny skies. The day will be colder than usual, with a high of 37 degrees. Breezy winds at 11 to 25 mph from the west-southwest will be noticeable in the morning. Through the afternoon, expect mostly sunny conditions with the cold continuing. By evening, it turns partly cloudy and remains breezy with south-southeast winds around 16 mph gusting to 23 mph. Overnight lows will dip to about 30 degrees, keeping the chill
ST. LOUIS – With temperatures expected to hit 25°F tonight, the City of St. Louis Department of Human Services and its partners are activating emergency shelters between Thursday at 6 p.m. and Friday at 9 a.m. Currently, 304 emergency shelter beds are available, in addition to 400 year-round shelter beds. Walk-up shelter remains available at the following locations: Central City Zone: Biddle Housing Opportunities Center (single men only) 1212 N. 13th St. South City Zone: Peter
ALTON - Raiyn Toney, a daughter, was born at 7:51 p.m. on November 24, 2025, at Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton, Illinois. She is the daughter of Rico Toney and Joslyn Kimbrow of Alton. Raiyn weighed 5 pounds, 2 ounces at birth. Raiyn is welcomed home by her siblings: Jashawn (20), Jalen (15), Tyler (14), Rylie (10), and Raven (10). Her grandparents are Alecia Newby of Alton, Cean Toney of Alton, Crystal Collins of Alton, and Joshua and Tracy Kimbrow of Collinsville. Her great-grandparents
ALTON – The Alton City Council passed an increased tax levy ordinance in a split vote this week, with two aldermen consistently voting against the item since it was first introduced. City Council members voted 5-2 to pass the ordinance, with Aldermen Michael Velloff and Christopher Bohn voting against the item and all other aldermen voting in favor. The new tax levy of just over $8.7 million is $393,7 55.84 higher than last year’s levy , representing a
ST. LOUIS - On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges against suspect Cortez Cooper, 45 years of age, of the 5400 block of College Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri, 63136, for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Tampering with Physical Evidence in Felony Prosecution. Cooper is being held on a $150,000 cash-only, no 10% bond. The probable cause statement reads: While investigating a homicide, detectives observed and seized multiple
EDWARDSVILLE - Main Street Community Center (MSCC) invites the community to join the third installment of its Global Talks series, featuring an exciting journey into the culture and traditions of Spain. The event will take place on Thursday, January 15, from 1:30 to 2:30 PM at MSCC and is completely free and open to participants age 50 and older. Led by Dr. Bezhanova, a professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), the presentation promises a fascinating exploration of Spain’s
ST. LOUIS - On Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 17, 2025, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen convened a special meeting to allocate $350,000.00 to help low-income residents stay current on their utility bills this winter. Heat Up St. Louis will receive funding from the City’s Equitable Relief from Tax Utility fund to support at-risk households by paying overdue utility bills and keeping gas and electric services on line. “Today the Board of Aldermen took another step to help people facing
EDWARDSVILLE - Defender Thea Dimitroff signed recently to play soccer with Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo. Thea is also Spencer Homes Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. Dimitroff had a strong year for Edwardsville's girls' soccer team in 2025 and plays an important role in the back line. She will play a pivotal role in the 2026 Tigers' girls soccer success this upcoming spring. New Edwardsville girls soccer coach Justin Bernaix, who will take the helm from Abby Federmann,
COTTAGE HILLS – A Cottage Hills man accused of recklessly fleeing from a police traffic stop at high speeds remains in custody pending felony charges. Joseph A. Pate, 43, of Cottage Hills, was charged on Dec. 9, 2025, with two Class 4 felony counts of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer and a Class A misdemeanor count of driving while license is revoked. Pate allegedly knowingly attempted to flee from a Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy on Dec. 8, 2025, reachin
CHICAGO — The Powerball® jackpot has surged to an estimated $1.5 billion for Saturday night’s drawing, continuing the game’s holiday jackpot streak. If won, the prize would rank as the fifth-largest Powerball jackpot and the seventh-largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history. ??While no ticket matched all six numbers in Wednesday night’s drawing, Illinois players still celebrated significant wins. Two Illinois players each won $200,000 by matching four numbers plus
Stars: They’re just like us. Actress January Jones recently took to Instagram to talk about her struggles with misophonia, specifically a family member’s loud chewing. Severe misophonia (pronounced mee-soh-PHONE-ee-ah) isn’t common, says Cassie Elliott, APRN , a psychiatric nurse practitioner at OSF HealthCare. She says less than 5% of the population suffers significant symptoms from it. But, it’s still worth knowing about, especially with loud holiday gatherings
Diaper changes. They’re something new parents can have a love-hate relationship with. Your baby’s health is a top priority, but the late-night interactions with urine and feces might tempt you to put off the task. That’s not the approach to take, says Awad Alyami, MD , an OSF HealthCare pediatrician. He says having an ample supply of diapers and knowing how to use them are critical to your child’s well-being. “Diapers take care of the skin. The skin is the body’s
ALTON - A local woman recently embarked on the trip of a lifetime when she helped decorate the White House for Christmas. Christy Schaper, hailing from Alton, was invited to decorate the White House in Washington, D.C., for the Christmas holiday. Schaper expressed her appreciation for the opportunity and noted that the experience reminded her of “the enduring American spirit.” “You have a greater chance of getting into Harvard than you do decorating the White House
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