Interstate shootings decrease for fourth consecutive year with zero fatal shootings in 2025
Interstate shootings statewide down 80% compared to 2021 By Tribune Staff • SPRINGFIELD – For the fourth year in a row, the number of shootings on Illinois interstates has dropped. The Illinois State Police (ISP) is reporting interstate shootings statewide decreased 31% in 2025, compared to 2024, with zero fatal interstate shooting in Illinois. This…
Read MoreSenator Erica Harriss to host more January Listening Sessions
By Tribune Staff • EDWARDSVILLE – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) will host two more Listening Sessions in January to provide residents of the 56th District an opportunity to meet one-on-one with the Senator and share their concerns, ideas, and feedback. “Meeting directly with the people I serve is the best way to understand…
Read MoreIllinois Press Association’s Kline promoted to vice president
By Tribune Staff • The board of the Illinois Press Association (IPA) is proud to announce that Ron Kline, chief technology officer and director of technology for the IPA, has been promoted to vice president of the association. Kline has been with the IPA since November of 2010. Newspapers run deep in Kline’s blood. He…
Read MoreIllinois unemployment rate stable, payrolls nearly unchanged in November
By Tribune Staff • SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate was 4.4 percent in November, unchanged from September, and down -0.5 percentage point from the same month, one year ago, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised September unemployment…
Read MoreFirst Mid Bank & Trust highlights business fraud protection solutions, strategies for 2026
ST. LOUIS – With approximately 79% of organizations reporting attempted or actual payment fraud activity in 2024, business fraud schemes are becoming more frequent and increasingly sophisticated. First Mid Bank & Trust (First Mid) is urging business leaders to take proactive steps to protect their assets and safeguard their accounts from unauthorized activity. “Fraud is…
Read MoreNew Year Relief: new funds available for Ameren customers
By Tribune Staff • ST. LOUIS – Ameren is reminding residential customers across Missouri and Illinois that a wide range of resources remain available to support qualifying households with their energy bills in 2026. In addition to programs funded by the company, Ameren partners with United Way of Greater St. Louis, the Energy Assistance Foundation…
Read MoreKahok girls beat Belleville West, Pattonville
By Mark Jurgena Collinsville put in a solid effort and beat Belleville West 50-42 in a Southwestern Conference battle on Jan. 6 at Fletcher Gym The Kahoks used some hot shooting in the opening quarter, then some hot defense in the third to take an 11-point lead before settling for the eight-point win. West had…
Read MoreGet Covered Illinois gives residents until Jan. 31 to enroll in health insurance
CHICAGO — Get Covered Illinois announced today that it is giving residents an additional 16 days to enroll in health insurance through the state’s official marketplace. Customers now have until Jan. 31 to apply for and enroll in coverage. “We are seeing record numbers of customers finding more affordable coverage by taking the time to…
Read MoreKahok grapplers have tourney, dual match success
By Mark Jurgena Collinsville continues its up-and-down boys’ wrestling season with some individual and team success. Fred Ross Three Kahoks finished in the top eight at the Fred Ross Invitational at Lafayette High School in Wildwood, Mo., on Jan. 10. At 157, Anthony Brown took second place. He beat Tyson Forbes of Hazelwood, Mo. (West)…
Read MoreUniversity of Illinois Extension announces 2026 paid summer internship program
By Tribune Staff • Illinois Extension is now accepting applications for its 2026 Extension Internship Program, a paid, 10-week summer opportunity designed to provide college and community college students with hands-on experience while making a positive impact in local communities. The internship program runs from June 1 through Aug. 7, and offers participants $17 per…
Read More