Marilyn Halstead

CARBONDALE — Carolin Harvey, mayor of Carbondale and city staff kicked off the Meet the Mayor series at 9 a.m. Monday in the Neighborhood Coop Grocery in Carbondale.

CARTERVILLE — State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) and State Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) announced Tuesday that two $150,000 member initiative grants from Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity were awarded to Sih Cancer Institute. The grants will be used to expand the current cafe area while modernizing the current space.

Shayna Hiltebeitel, a photographer with Shayna Michelle Photography, donates her time to do photoshoots with local animal rescues in Southern Illinois. She shares the photos on Facebook in hope some of the shelter residents will find new homes.

CARBONDALE — The African American Museum of Southern Illinois hosted a Young Authors Reading and Book Signing on Saturday afternoon at the museum.

One of the hottest primary races in this election season in Southern Illinois is the 12th Congressional District primary race. The incumbent, Rep. Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro), is being challenged by Darren Bailey, a former state representative, state senator and candidate for governor of Illinois.

After the first debate of presidential candidates on Thursday evening, opinions about the debate seemed to be everywhere. By 10 p.m. Thursday night, politicians, both Democratic and Republican party officials, the media and even your friends were offering opinions about who won the debate, which began at 8 p.m. Central time.

CHESTER — Last week, State Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) went to Menard Correctional Center after hearing about people at the prison being taken to the hospital after becoming ill. She posted a video to her Facebook Friday after being denied access to the prison.

MARION — If you've heard the cows whisper "eat more chicken," an event Thursday morning in Marion gives you the opportunity to do that with the opening of Chick-fil-A Marion.

MURPHYBORO — For the 37th year, 17th Street Barbecue will host the annual Praise the Lard Murphysboro Barbecue Cook-Off from Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 19 through 21 in the area surrounding the restaurant and warehouse.

of 3 DU QUOIN — On the day before the 20th anniversary of the death of LCpl. Drew M. Uhles, a section of U.S. 51 was officially named the LCpl.