Area News
Homeland Security charges made in local pharmacies’ burglary, drug trafficking conspiracy
Defendants are accused of committing burglaries at southern Illinois pharmacies in July 2024 EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Four individuals from California are facing charges in a multi-defendant conspiracy accused of burglarizing pharmacies and distributing multiple controlled substances throughout southern Illinois and across the country. As of May 4, 2026, three of the four Defendants…
Read MoreLane and ramp closures on eastbound I-270 in Madison County to begin May 8
The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that the outside lane of eastbound Interstate 270 from Illinois 203 to Illinois 111 will be closed beginning at 6 a.m. Friday, May 8, weather permitting, for pavement repairs. In addition, the ramp from eastbound I-270 to Illinois 111 also will be closed. Work is expected to be…
Read MoreWomen’s pro baseball league unveils inaugural 2026 season schedule
The Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL) has officially unveiled its schedule for its historic, inaugural 2026 season. Starting Aug. 1, 2026, at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Ill., the league’s four teams – New York, Boston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles – will take the field. The 30-game, regular-season will kick-off on Saturday, Aug. 1 and…
Read MoreLC highlights role in statewide $27.2B economic impact, support of 324K+ jobs
New study reinforces value of Illinois community colleges Illinois Community College Board data shows that Illinois’ community colleges are a powerful driver of the state’s economy, generating $27.2 billion in total economic impact and supporting 324,273 jobs statewide, according to a newly released economic impact study. The report, The Economic Value of the Community Colleges of Illinois,…
Read MoreStuart ‘impressed’ with Collinsville Area Vocational Center expansion progress
State Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville), who serves as Assistant Majority Leader and Floor Whip, recently toured the Collinsville Area Vocational Center expansion to see how construction is progressing. Her last look at the facility had been on Jan. 8, 2026, when snow was on the ground and most of the building’s steel structure was…
Read MoreCommunity invited to celebrate loved ones at memorial butterfly release ceremonies
Ceremonies to be held in Greenville, O’Fallon, Highland and Breese, hosted by HSHS Home Care HSHS Home Care invites community members to join them for butterfly release ceremonies at locations throughout southern Illinois at these Hospital Sisters Health System hospitals: HSHS Holy Family Hospital, Greenville Wednesday, May 13 at 4 p.m. in the fountain area…
Read MoreSierra Club Illinois hosting Wadlow Creek Restoration Area workdays May 8-9
The Three Rivers Project of Sierra Club Illinois is calling for volunteers to support its two upcoming workdays at the Wadlow Creek Restoration Area (formerly the Robert P. Wadlow Municipal Golf Course) in front of the Alton Regional Multimodal Transportation Center that houses Amtrak. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, but parental supervision is needed…
Read MoreIllinois American Water recognizes 2026 Foundation water, environmental grantees
Recipients include 14 nonprofit organizations across Illinois The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and Illinois American Water, recently announced that 14 organizations were awarded a 2026 Foundation Water and Environment grant, supporting communities served throughout…
Read MoreSam Roberts selected as grand marshal for Alton’s May 25 Memorial Day Parade
The Alton Memorial Day Parade Committee, comprised of members from the East End Improvement Association, Alton Area Optimist Club and RiverBend Growth Association, recently announced the selection of Sam Roberts as grand marshal for this year’s Memorial Day Parade. The Parade will step off at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 25, 2026, from Alton Middle…
Read MoreNew 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…
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