Day: March 19, 2026

Two Tornadoes Confirmed In Jackson County With No Injuries Reported

The National Weather Service has now confirmed that two tornadoes touched down in Jackson County during Sunday evening storms. An EF1 tornado briefly hit Grand Tower with winds around 90 miles per hour, causing minor roof damage and downing several trees. A second, weaker EF0 tornado moved near Carbondale, damaging a fence and snapping tree […]

Read More

SIU To Host Math Field Day For Dozens Of Midwest High Schools

Hundreds of students are heading to Carbondale for a day focused on numbers and competition. Southern Illinois University will host its annual Math Field Day March 24 at the Banterra Center, bringing together students from more than 40 high schools across Illinois and Missouri. Participants will take part in a two-hour exam covering topics from […]

Read More

Fire And Death Investigation Underway After Benton House Fire

Authorities are investigating after a deadly house fire in southern Illinois. Emergency crews were called Monday morning to a home just outside Benton, where firefighters arrived to find the structure fully engulfed and partially collapsed. Crews were able to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to a nearby home. During the response, […]

Read More

Carbondale City Council To Consider Public Camping Regulations

Carbondale leaders are taking up a controversial issue tied to homelessness and public safety. The city council is set to meet Friday morning to discuss a proposed ordinance that would classify public camping as a nuisance and allow enforcement action against unsanctioned camps. The proposal also raises health and safety concerns and would give the […]

Read More

Southern Illinois Extends Football Coach Nick Hill Through 2029

Southern Illinois is locking in its football leadership for the long haul. The university has announced a four-year contract extension for head coach Nick Hill, keeping him in Carbondale through the 2029 season. Hill, who has led the program since 2016, is coming off a 7-and-5 season and has guided the Salukis to multiple playoff […]

Read More

Union County Women’s Conference Aims To Inspire Growth And Connection

Women across southern Illinois are being invited to step back and refocus at an upcoming conference this weekend. The fourth annual Union County Women in Business Conference is set for Saturday at Blue Sky Vineyard, featuring speakers, breakout sessions and networking opportunities. Organizers say the goal is to help women reconnect with their personal and […]

Read More

Illinois High School Coach Placed On Leave Amid Abuse Investigation

A longtime southern Illinois high school football coach is off the job as multiple investigations move forward. Carterville High School coach John J. Wakey, who led the program for two decades, has been placed on administrative leave after subpoenas were issued for records tied to him and several students. Authorities say the probe centers on […]

Read More

Longtime Semo Sports Information Director Ron Hines Dies At 82

A familiar name in Southeast Missouri State athletics has died after decades behind the scenes. 82 year old Ron Hines passed away Monday after serving 29 years the organization’s Sports Information Director, where he was a constant presence and worked more than 800 straight men’s basketball games. After retiring in 2009, he stayed connected to […]

Read More

Nominations Open For Manufacturing Excellence Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Manufacturing Excellence Awards in Illinois. IMEC, along with the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, is accepting entries in categories including Economic Development Partner of the Year and Educator of the Year. Submissions are open through April 9 at IMA dash net dot org. Finalists will be recognized June 25.

Read More

Mobile Home Destroyed In Early Morning Fire In Centralia

A mobile home was destroyed in an early Wednesday morning fire in Centralia. Firefighters were called to 808 East 15th just after 3:00 a-m and found the home fully engulfed in flames. Crews called in off-duty firefighters for assistance while neighboring departments provided support and station coverage. The fire was brought under control by around […]

Read More