Gillespie
LATEST NEWS
#1 Reason Back-to-School Season is the Best Time of Year in Illinois
There's nothing better than going to the store on a Tuesday, in the middle of the day, and not seeing a single child in sight. Maybe that's just me, but boy is it nice!. It honestly feels like summer just started, but now we're headed into the new school year. Oh, how time passes us by!
GRAPHIC: Nearly one-third of Midwest ag exports sent to Asian markets
The majority of Midwest-produced agriculture exports remain in North America, but nearly one-third are sent to Asia. The Midwest exported $13.28 billion in agricultural products in 2023, according to U.S. Census Bureau trade data, which categorizes the Midwest as 12 central states. Nearly two-thirds of those exports were destined for...
Illinois Braces for Strong Thunderstorms Near I-80 Friday Afternoon: Weekend Rain Expected
Chicago, IL — Thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon near and north of Interstate 80, potentially becoming severe with damaging winds and hail. According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, the most intense storms are likely between 4 and 10 p.m. today. Residents in affected areas should be prepared for wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail up to one inch in diameter.
This Bear Tried to Break into Scott Air Force Base in Illinois
I had no idea that black bears had military aspirations, but that's apparently the case for one of these creatures currently touring Illinois as he reportedly tried to break into Scott Air Force Base. It's no secret that bears have suddenly become a common sight in southern Illinois as there...
For the first time, all SLPS elementary schools are offering before- and after-school care
All elementary schools in the St. Louis Public Schools district will for the first time have before- and after-care programs for students beginning Monday on the first day of school. For the 42 elementary schools across the district, 1,694 slots are available for child care before school, and 3,061 slots...
Missouri woman sentenced for interfering with family housing rights
A Missouri woman has pleaded guilty to interfering with the housing rights of a St. Louis family. U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel sentenced Judy Kline, 55, to five years of probation, the maximum term available for this crime. During her probation, Kline must remain in the nursing home where she is currently living and receiving mental health treatment, or a similar facility. She is also prohibited from contacting the victims or approaching their residence.
L&C READ volunteer honored by state
It is safe to say that posting flyers in your community can truly make a difference, especially in the case of the Project READ program at Lewis & Clark Community College. Patrick Loftus signed up to volunteer for the program after seeing a flyer at Hayner Library, and has now collected the 2024 Spotlight on Service award from the Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias.
Edwardsville Rotary Criterium Festival this Saturday
The chance to feel the wind of high-speed cyclists is coming up this Saturday, when the 14th Edwardsville Rotary Criterium Festival will take over downtown as the final race in the Illinois Cup. Event director Brian Mulhall tells The Big Z what name of the event is all about. The...
Francis Howell Board of Education bans teachers from talking to students about gender identity
O'FALLON, Mo. — Teachers and staff in the Francis Howell School District are now banned from speaking with students about issues involving gender identity unless they have permission from the parents or guardians. The decision came during a heated Board of Education meeting Thursday night. School leaders were also...
WCOTA holds 47th annual Farm Heritage Days
The 47th annual Warren County Old Threshers Association’s (WCOTA) Farm Heritage Days was held August 9 through 11 at the Agricultural Heritage Museum near Warrenton. “We’re here for the county,” said Lori Hargis, representative for WCOTA. “We want to put a little sunlight on all the tractors each year and share their history.”
2 Popular Illinois Christmas Events Have Been Canceled For 2024
Some families in Illinois will be disappointed this Christmas because a pair of their annual traditions have been canceled for 2024. The majority of people who live in Illinois usually have holiday traditions with family and friends. It's something they do every year and of course, they look forward to it too. I would consider it an important part of their Christmas.
Illinois State Fair Sees Record-Breaking Crowd for Hip-Hop Icon
A Hip-Hop Icon electrified the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Wednesday night setting an all-time attendance record. Rapper Lil' Wayne performed for an impressive 15,427 fans which surpassed the previous record of 15,329 set by Jason Aldean in 2011. The rapper's performance not only captivated the crowd but also highlighted the fair's growing appeal.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.