ALTON - Nathan Joehl, head coach of the Marquette Boys Tennis team, praised seniors Adam Richards and Luke Steyer for their contributions during the 2025 spring season. Richards, the lone senior in the varsity lineup, has provided valuable experience and leadership to the young team, helping to keep younger players focused, the boys tennis coach said. Richards and Steyer are Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athletes of the Month. Steyer, who joined the team this year, has shown significant improvement and brings a positive attitude that enhances the team’s atmosphere. Joehl expressed pride in both players for their development and impact on the team.
SWANSEA — The Swansea Police Department welcomed two new officers, George Atanasov and Jackson Belt, during a swearing-in ceremony held Monday evening, April 21, 2025, at the Village Board meeting. Swansea Mayor Michael Leopold officiated the event, marking the official start of their service with the department. Following the ceremony, Atanasov and Belt will undergo preliminary training at the police department before beginning the formal police academy in May 2025. Chief Matthew Blomberg was also present for the ceremony. The addition of Officers Atanasov and Belt reflects the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its team and maintain public safety in the community.
Shake Shack, a popular fast-casual burger chain, is preparing to open another St. Louis-area location. This time at the site of a former Fuddruckers in St. Louis County.
While in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a man from Colombia passed away after being found unresponsive at the Phelps County Jail in Rolla.
Gloria Ward's testimony was instrumental in the case against Anthony "TT" Jordan, who was found guilty of killing nine people as part of a drug trafficking operation.
St. Louis-based Stifel Financial Corp. on Wednesday reported net income available to shareholders of $43.6 million for the first quarter – a 72% drop compared with the same period in 2024.
SPRINGFIELD - In a video message shared with Illinois voters today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced that he will not seek re-election in 2026. Durbin is an East St. Louis native. “The decision of whether to run for re-election has not been easy. I truly love the job of being a United States Senator. But in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch. So, I am announcing today that I will not be seeking re-election at the end of my term,” Durbin said in the video. “The people of Illinois have honored me with this responsibility longer than anyone elected to the Senate in our state’s history. I am truly grateful,” Durbin said. “Right now, the challenges facing our country are historic and unprecedented. The threats to our democracy and way of life are very real, and I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to fight for Illinois and the future of our country every day of my remaining time in the Senate.”
The Beach Boys join a crowded list of artists booked to play the 2025 Riot Fest, taking place Sept. 19-21 in Chicago.The annual festival will be headlined by Green Day, blink-182 and…
SPRINGFIELD - At the invitation of the Illinois House Ethics and Elections Committee, the League of Women Voters of Illinois (LWVIL) gave expert testimony at the committee’s subject matter hearing in Springfield on Tuesday, April 22 to explain the potential implications that the federal SAVE Act could have on Illinois elections and ballot access. LWVIL Vice President for Issues and Advocacy Kathy Cortez testified that, “We believe every citizen should be protected in the right to vote, and that electoral systems should encourage participation and enhance representation for all voters. The League of Women Voters opposes the SAVE Act because, by imposing inequitable economic and administrative requirements, the bill would create unnecessary barriers to voting participation and disenfranchise large numbers of eligible voters.” The SAVE Act places a burden on women that is not equally placed on men. Because many Illinois women opted to change their names when they
A Missouri middle school student and his family are suing their school district after the student was suspended for sharing a photo of a homemade art project on Snapchat. The project, made from glued-together Dr. Pepper cans, appeared to resemble a rifle.
The fate of Arizona’s proposed Resolution Copper mine rested with the federal courts, but the administration announced last week it would move to approve the project before their rulings.
CHICAGO – Illinois has faced an alarming surge in hate and extremism, following national trends. Hate crimes have skyrocketed 125% statewide since 2021, with bias based on race, religion, sexual orientation, and gender identity driving over 95% of incidents. Now, the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) and Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes (CDHC) urgently call on all residents to report acts of hate through the Help Stop Hate initiative—a safe, confidential service that provides support and resources. “At this moment in time, when some are influencing or condoning hateful violence and rhetoric, we are encouraging Illinoisans to take action by reporting all acts of hate,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Help Stop Hate not only empowers impacted individuals to break the cycle of silence and seek specialized support, but it also helps us foster a safer, more inclusive Illinois.” “The surge in vitriol, violence and hate-fueled
When a federal judge starts calling out government lawyers for “willful and bad faith” behavior and “deliberate evasion of fundamental discovery obligations,” you know things have gotten serious. But in the case of Abrego Garcia — the man who the DOJ admitted they accidentally sent to a Salvadoran gulag without due process — the DOJ […]
SPRINGFIELD – State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) welcomed two local women to Springfield to be recognized at ‘Women to Watch,’ the House Republicans’ annual conference that highlights rising stars from around Illinois. Rep. Elik chose Kristen Burns and Amber Scott to be her guests at this year’s conference. Kristen Burns is the Executive Director of the Wood River Business Alliance, a group focused on revitalizing Wood River and bringing new development to the area. Burns has also volunteered with organizations throughout the region, including Habitat for Humanity, Wood River Library Foundation, Mustache March 4PD, Illinois COPS, Arthritis Foundation, Alton Main Street, and serves as a member of the East Alton-Wood River School Board. Amber Scott is the Chief Experience Officer at 1st Mid America Credit Union. She serves the board at Senior Services Plus, the Southwest Illinois District Auxiliary Board of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, and
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