6+ day, 20+ hour ago   (427+ words) As a child, Linda Mitchell witnessed an unusual ritual between her mother and maternal grandmother. During visits to Mitchell’s childhood home, her grandmother would bring her mail. “I didn’t learn that [my grandmother] was illiterate until I was an adult,…...

1+ week, 1+ day ago   (511+ words) Two-year-old Ta’Naja Barnes’ 2019 death was so horrific that legislators passed a law in her honor to ensure the Department of Children and Family Services would provide abused and neglected kids with continued support services once they’re returned to their parents....

1+ week, 4+ day ago   (254+ words) An adjunct instructor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is facing federal charges for allegedly using his university-issued credit card to pay for tens of thousands of dollars in personal expenses, including rent, athletic fees, marijuana and high-end kitchen knives. On…...

2+ week, 4+ day ago   (1111+ words) Gov. JB Pritzker said during Illinois State Fair festivities this month that he agrees public schools need more funding. But he also boasted about the additional funding his administration has already provided, and he said that has led to improved…...

2+ week, 6+ day ago   (763+ words) A new education center in Shiloh provides opportunities for children ages 5 to 14 to develop skills such as problem-solving, creativity, collaboration and confidence through technology and hands-on activities. Code Ninjas teaches coding, robotics, game development and other STEM-related activities while providing…...

3+ week, 3+ day ago   (564+ words) In the wake of the sudden death of a Catholic nun and former metro-east school teacher, many are remembering her — including her former students. Sister Barbara Geers, formerly Marie Rosaire, 88, died after a vehicle crash Monday morning in Belleville. She…...

3+ week, 3+ day ago   (1025+ words) Doug Schieppe is building something in his basement that would make most hardcore Disney and Lego fans envious — the Most Magical Place on Earth. The husband, father of two, and Belleville West biology teacher has spent the past six years…...

3+ week, 3+ day ago   (428+ words) A recent analysis from financial company WalletHub found Illinois was above-average overall for the best states to live in, while Missouri didn’t perform as well. The Aug. 10 WalletHub report, “Best States to Live in (2026),” put Illinois in 18th place, with Missouri…...

3+ week, 4+ day ago   (325+ words) Repairs are expected to begin next week on the O’Fallon Township High School gym floor, which was damaged during a mishap involving the installation of a new videoboard. “Nevco is coordinating the replacement and repairs with our athletic department. We…...

4+ week, 1+ day ago   (308+ words) Every year, Illinois tells us exactly how much money our public schools need. And every year, the state falls further short of delivering it. New data released last week by the Illinois State Board of Education confirms this isn’t a…...