Category Archives: Local News
Salem Police Make Arrest in Home Invasion with Injuries
A 34-year-old Salem man has been arrested for home invasion with injuries following a Tuesday afternoon incident in Salem where he allegedly entered another man's house before shoving and slapping him...
Mar 18, 2026
Brenda Mathis Holds 25 Vote Lead Over Wes Gozia in Circuit Court Judge Race
Fayette County State's Attorney Brenda Mathis currently holds a 25-vote lead over Judge Wesley Gozia in the race for circuit-wide judge. Voters in nine counties, including Marion, Clinton, Clay, Fayet...
Mar 18, 2026 Current leader in Circuit Judge Race Brenda Mathis.
Zach Rose Wins Republican Primary for County Clerk (updated 9 am 2/18/26)
Zach Rose will be the Republican candidate for Marion County Clerk in the November election. He defeated Greg Wright 2,876 votes to 1,448 in Tuesday's primary election. This is Rose's first run for po...
Mar 17, 2026 Zach Rose speaking at the Republican Lincoln Day Dinner. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
State Representative Charlie Meier Wins Primary Challenge
State Representative Charlie Meier held off a primary challenger in Tuesday's election. With 87-percent of the vote tabulated, Charlie Meier had 6,268 votes to Zachary Meyer's 3,992 votes. "I'm happy ...
Mar 17, 2026
Jefferson County Fire District Passes Bond Referendum to Build New Firehouse
The Jefferson County Fire Protection District passed an $8.9-million bond issue in Tuesday's election, clearing the way for construction of a new fire station near their current location on the south ...
Mar 17, 2026 Architect drawing of new Jefferson Fire station on the southside of Mt. Vernon.
Illinois governor's race will be a rematch in 2026
by Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois March 17, 2026 Article Summary Darren Bailey's performance downstate helped him beat conservative researcher Ted Dabrowski for the GOP nomination for governor. ...
Mar 17, 2026 Darren Bailey celebrates with running mate Aaron Del Mar after securing the Republican nomination for governor in the 2026 general election. He will once again face Gov. JB Pritzker after losing by over 12 points in 2022. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Peter Hancock)
Stratton defeats Krishnamoorthi with help from Chicago, downstate voters
Former Illinois GOP Chair Don Tracy set to face Stratton in November By BEN SZALINSKI, BRENDEN MOORE & JENNA SCHWEIKERT Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com Article Summary Lt. Gov. ...
Mar 17, 2026 Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton delivers a victory speech Tuesday night, shortly after 10 p.m., after securing the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in 2026. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Maggie Dougherty)
Croke leads Democratic comptroller race as downstate voters dominate GOP primaries
by Nikoel Hytrek and UIS Public Affairs Reporting (PAR), Capitol News Illinois March 17, 2026 Article Summary Margaret Croke - Gov. JB Pritzker's hand-picked candidate for comptroller - held an electi...
Mar 17, 2026 State Rep. Margaret Croke, pictured on the House floor, held a lead in the race to replace Susana Mendoza as comptroller on Tuesday night. The Associated Press had not called the race as of 10 p.m. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Jerry Nowicki)
Marion and Clinton County Election Results as Votes Are Counted
Link directly to the vote counting computers in Marion and Clinton Counties for the latest results and watch for other election night stories in the news section of SouthernIllinoisNow.com. &nb...
Mar 17, 2026
Salem man to attend West Point Academy
Luke William Hahs of Salem received his appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point for Class of 2030. He is the son of locals Dr. Seth and Leslie (Marsh) Hahs and graduated in 202...
Mar 17, 2026 Luke Hahs with his certificate of appointment to West Point Academy.
