News

GRAMMY-nominated The Avett Brothers bring folk rock to Illinois State Fair Grandstand on August 20

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Fair is bringing a night of heartfelt lyrics and high-energy folk rock to the Illinois Lottery Grandstand Stage, as four-time GRAMMY Award nominees The Avett Brothers perform on Thursday, August 20, 2026.   Known for their raw emotion, tight harmonies, and genre-blending sound, The Avett Brothers have built a loyal following across

GRAMMY-nominated The Avett Brothers bring folk rock to Illinois State Fair Grandstand on August 20 Read More »

Governor Pritzker announces $2.5 million in grant funding available for Economic Empowerment Centers across Illinois

CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has announced $2.5 million in funding is available for the second round of the Economic Empowerment Centers (EEC) Grant Program. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.    “As Governor, I’m committed to building a

Governor Pritzker announces $2.5 million in grant funding available for Economic Empowerment Centers across Illinois Read More »

Brittany Casarez receives DAISY Award at Memorial Hospital

CHESTER – Memorial Hospital’s DAISY Award Honoree for the first half of 2026 is Brittany Casarez. Brittany was recognized recently for saving a patients life.   After a year of unresolved headaches and nausea and multiple doctor visits with no answers, the family came to the ER expecting the same outcomes. Brittany advocated for the

Brittany Casarez receives DAISY Award at Memorial Hospital Read More »

SIU’s Paul Simon Institute awards four Simon Democracy Prizes

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute announced today (May 11) four recipients of the 2026 Paul Simon Democracy Prize. The institute is awarding four $5,000 prizes to current students at Illinois colleges and universities for designing and implementing projects aimed at revitalizing democracy in their communities. The winners are: Miguel Alvarez from

SIU’s Paul Simon Institute awards four Simon Democracy Prizes Read More »

SIU Craft shop offering creative summer adult craft workshops

by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. — Adults can get in on summer arts and crafts fun at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The Student Center Craft Shop is offering a full slate of adult craft workshops in addition to the full lineup of children and youth camps there and across campus. The shop, located in the lower level of the Student Center, will

SIU Craft shop offering creative summer adult craft workshops Read More »

SIU Carbondale to offer bachelor’s degree in AI+

by Brooke Keltner CARBONDALE, Ill. — Beginning with the fall 2026 semester, Southern Illinois University Carbondale will become the first public university in Illinois to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence Plus (AI+). “Artificial intelligence technology is advancing rapidly,” said Xiaoqing “Frank” Liu, dean of the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and

SIU Carbondale to offer bachelor’s degree in AI+ Read More »

SIU Alumni Association opens Saluki Market to new vendors

by Caleb Hale CARBONDALE, Ill. — The doors are wide open to the SIU Alumni Association’s online marketplace, Saluki Market, which is now taking applications for a wide variety of new vendors. Since it launched in December, the Saluki Market has welcomed thousands of online visitors.  The early cohort of pilot vendors has been instrumental in helping the SIU Alumni Association build a strong platform that creates opportunities

SIU Alumni Association opens Saluki Market to new vendors Read More »

Senator Schmitt defends First Amendment rights of UCLA law students

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, sent a letter to UCLA Chancellor Dr. Julio Frenk and UCLA Dean Michael Waterstone demanding answers following recent violations of students’ First Amendment and civil rights following the disruption of a student event hosted by the Federalist Society. On April

Senator Schmitt defends First Amendment rights of UCLA law students Read More »

Randolph County Sheriff’s office reports

CHESTER – The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office has released its latest reports.   Jason L. Merrell 47, Wright City MO, arrested May 4, 2026 by Randolph County Sheriff’s Office for Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Armed Violence, Home Invasion, Domestic Battery, Unlawful Possession of Weapon by Felon, and Criminal Damage to Property.  Is incarcerated.   Thomas

Randolph County Sheriff’s office reports Read More »