State News
Former Carlyle Police Chief accused of embezzling more than $100,000
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – The former police chief of the Carlyle Police Department is facing several federal charges for allegedly embezzling more than $100,000 for his personal benefit. A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Mark A. Pingsterhaus, 52, of Carlyle, with two counts of wire fraud and two counts of theft…
Read MoreAG Raoul demands proof from GoFundMe of plagiarized charities’ web pages removal
On March 3, 2026, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with 21 attorneys general and charitable regulators, sent a letter to GoFundMe after reports the company plagiarized donation web pages for charities nationwide without those charities’ prior knowledge or consent. In the letter, Raoul and the coalition share concerns about GoFundMe’s misconduct and call for immediate…
Read MoreIDOT: Illinois 159 lane closures in St. Clair County begin March 9
The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that repairs on northbound and southbound Illinois 159 between Washington Street and the junction of Illinois 13/Illinois 158 in St. Clair County will require intermittent lane closures beginning Monday, March 9, weather permitting. All lanes will remain open in both directions on weekdays from 6 to 9 a.m.…
Read MoreIllinois WIC expands: Adds ethnic foods, updates nutrition standards, increases flexibility
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Illinois has expanded its food package offerings, allowing families to choose from a broader range of culturally-responsive foods aligned with the latest nutrition science. The changes took effect Feb. 25, 2026, and provide greater flexibility at the grocery store. Expanded options include: Additional…
Read MoreIllinois farmers consider expanding cut flower operations
By HANNAH SPANGLER FarmWeek When warmer weather returns, people will start heading back to outdoor farmers markets. In addition to fresh meat and produce, bright, colorful cut flowers bundled in unique bouquets or available for custom arrangements are becoming an eye‑catching addition to the market experience. As interest in cut flowers grows, farmers and…
Read MorePublic comment sought on proposed Illinois 177 improvements in St. Clair County
The Illinois Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting to discuss a study for the proposed improvements on Illinois 177 in Mascoutah, Ill. The meeting will be held: Wednesday, March 18 4 to 7 p.m. Mascoutah High School 1313 W. Main St., Mascoutah The project involves replacing the existing pavement on Illinois 177 in…
Read MoreHoffman District Office relocates to Old Main Hall
State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) has moved into a new office on the former Belleville West High School and Lindenwood University-Belleville Campus in the Old Main Hall. The campus houses various local government organizations and educational institutions. “We’re so excited to be in an easy to access space along with other public entities,” Hoffman said.…
Read MoreHouse Ag Committee chair talks farm bill timeline
By TAMMIE SLOUP FarmWeek House Ag Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson is optimistic farm bill legislation will get to the full House floor this year, with committee markup beginning March 3. Illinois Farm Bureau members have been an integral piece of moving the legislation forward, Thompson said. “Thank you for your early investment, coming…
Read MoreBelt announces release of $4M grant for new Shiloh police station
State Senator Christopher Belt announced the release of a $4 million state grant for the Village of Shiloh to construct a new police station. The funding, previously announced as part of a $4.75 million allocation secured alongside State Representative Jay Hoffman, is now available to move the project toward a projected June or July groundbreaking.…
Read MoreACEC Illinois announces ‘best’ state infrastructure projects at 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards
In recognition of their innovation, complexity, overall design and economic impact, the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC Illinois) has announced awards to the state’s best infrastructure projects and design teams during its 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards. The top construction projects honored are transformative projects completed for the Village of Antioch, Flyover Attractions by…
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