Day: April 17, 2026

Summer Twilight Series Returns To Southern Illinois Farms

The University of Illinois Extension is bringing back its Summer Twilight Series, offering hands-on learning opportunities across southern Illinois. The program features four evening farm tours from May through August, where participants can explore topics ranging from flower production to cattle management and specialty crops. Organizers say the series is designed to connect farmers, educators, […]

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Rend Lake Water Festival Set For Late April In Benton

The annual Rend Lake Water Festival is returning to Benton this month with several days of events planned. Organizers say the festival will run April 29 through May 2, featuring a carnival throughout the week and a chili cook-off Friday night on North Main Street. Saturday’s schedule includes a parade starting just after 10:00 a-m, […]

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Carbondale To Celebrate Arbor Day With Tree Planting Event

The city of Carbondale is marking Arbor Day with a celebration honoring both local leadership and a national milestone. City crews will plant a Swamp White oak recognizing Mayor Carolin Harvey, while the Daughters of the American Revolution will plant a Jefferson elm to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. The event is set for April 24 […]

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Bald Knob Cross Awarded Grant For New Visitor Experience

A major tourism upgrade is coming to Bald Knob Cross after the landmark secured a state grant to improve visitor access. The project includes a new interior lift system that will carry guests to the top of the 111-foot monument, complete with a wheelchair-accessible observation deck. Officials say the $200,000 matching grant will help fund […]

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Deadly Home Explosion Under Investigation In Zeigler

A deadly explosion is under investigation in Zeigler after a home went up in flames early Thursday morning. Police and firefighters were called to North Pine Street just after 5:00 a-m, where they found the house fully engulfed, with flames spreading to nearby homes. One person was found dead inside, while another suffered burns and […]

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SIU Students Host Feeding Our Community Event In Carbondale

Students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are continuing Earth Month efforts by giving back to the community in Carbondale. The school hosted its “Feeding Our Community” event, providing hundreds of residents with free meals, household supplies, and support. Organizers say the event helps strengthen ties between students and local residents while addressing hunger and hardship. […]

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Illinois Unemployment Rate Rises In February As Payrolls Slip

Illinois saw its unemployment rate climb to 5 percent in February, up slightly from January and higher than a year ago. The Illinois Department of Employment Security says total nonfarm payrolls also dipped by POINT 3 percent, signaling a modest slowdown in the state’s job market.

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Former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Dead in Apparent Murder Suicide

Virginia’s former lieutenant governor is dead following an apparent murder-suicide…

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State Lawmaker Recognizes Illinois 4 H Youth Leaders at Capitol

State Representative Charlie Meier recognized a group of Illinois 4 H students visiting the Capitol during a busy legislative week…

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Sandoval Woman Charged With Felony Trespass And Battery

59 year old Gail Williams of Sandoval is facing felony criminal trespass charges after police say she entered a home with someone inside on Vine Street. Authorities also charged Williams with misdemeanor battery for allegedly striking the resident and criminal damage to property for breaking a window. She was arrested on Tuesday, and later was […]

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