New data: Violent retail crime on the rise in Illinois
1 in 7 retail crime incidents involve violence; increase largely driven by repeat offenders Illinois retail workers are facing rising levels of in-store violence tied to repeat and organized offenders, according to new data from global retail crime intelligence company Auror. The data shows that one in seven retail crime incidents involve violence, weapons or…
Read MoreSt. Louis Battlehawks, United Way of Greater St. Louis partner for community impact
United Way of Greater St. Louis is teaming up once again with the St. Louis Battlehawks for a third year as the team’s Premier Community Partner. United Way provides vital funding and resources to 160 local nonprofits agencies across 16-counties in Missouri and Illinois, helping over 1 million people every year. The continued partnership reinforces…
Read MoreFollett Content strengthens adult offerings for public libraries, launches Street Date Program
Expanded catalog depth, free shipping, and street-date capabilities to help public libraries meet patron demand when it peaks Follett Content, a longtime partner to libraries nationwide, has announced a deepened commitment to public library collections by expanding its adult print catalog and launching the Follett Street Date Program to help libraries to deliver high-demand titles…
Read MoreCommentary: Rep. Schmidt says cutting funds to local municipalities, counties, is bad idea
State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) is raising concerns over a proposal from Governor JB Pritzker to keep the Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) share rate flat at 6.23 percent for FY27. Schmidt warns that the move could shift the burden onto local taxpayers and force communities to make difficult financial decisions. Schmidt argues that local…
Read MoreResidents encouraged to explore MetroBikeLink through SCCTD’s summerlong “GO TRAILing” program
Effort incentivizes participants of all ages to track miles, earn prizes St. Clair County Transit District is encouraging area residents to get out this summer and explore the MetroBikeLink system with its “GO TRAILing” program, being held in partnership with Citizens for Modern Transit. From May 9 to August 8, participants of all ages can…
Read MoreNational Memorial of Military Ascent will debut in Grafton with historic D-Day Commemoration
On June 6, a powerful vision years in the making will become reality as the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) officially opens with a full day of events honoring the anniversary of D-Day. Set along the limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River and the Great River Road, the memorial draws direct inspiration from the…
Read MoreSt. Clair County tax preparer pleads guilty to filing false tax returns
BENTON, Ill. – A tax return preparer who worked in St. Clair County recently appeared in district court to plead guilty to federal charges for making intentional false statements on tax return forms to defraud the Government. Dormeshia A. Haire, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of false statements on tax return, one count of…
Read MoreLane and ramp closures on I-55/70 in St. Clair County begin May 4
The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced upcoming lane closures on eastbound Interstate 55/70 in St. Clair County to allow for bridge maintenance. Beginning at 6 a.m. Monday, May 4, traffic will be reduced to two lanes on eastbound I-55/70 between Illinois 203 and Exchange Avenue. In addition, beginning at 6 a.m. Monday, May 4,…
Read MoreStormy stretch slows planting progress
By RHIANNON BRANCH FarmWeek Despite statewide planting progress being ahead of the average pace, weather and soil conditions kept many tractors on the sidelines in large portions of central and northern Illinois through mid-April. However, many finally got a chance to begin or resume fieldwork late last week. “Things are going pretty well, we’re…
Read MoreDuckworth, Durbin announce more than $22M for port infrastructure improvements
On April 29, 2026, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced a total of $22,470,985 in federal funding for port infrastructure development projects for the Kaskaskia Regional Port District and Seneca Regional Port District. This funding is provided through the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), a Maritime Administration…
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