On December 6, local law enforcement responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence on Security Drive, resulting in the arrest of a 33-year-old man. Upon their arrival, officers discovered that Matthew L. Owens had allegedly punched the victim in both the face and chest. The victim's injuries were consistent with t...

On December 6, a Metropolis police officer initiated a traffic stop due to a vehicle following too closely. The driver complied and pulled into the Thrive parking lot for the officer to conduct further checks. During the investigation, it was discovered that the vehicle's registration was suspended for failing to maint...

Our focus shifts to senior living and healthcare standards with a new law strengthening protections for individuals with cognitive decline. House Bill 3328, effective January 1, 2026, amends the Assisted Living and Shared Housing Act to mandate that all prospective residents undergo a specific cognitive assessment prio...

A routine traffic stop turned into a legal matter for a LaVerne, TN resident on December 6. A Metropolis Police Officer pulled over a vehicle traveling at 44 mph in a 30 mph zone on 5th Street at Girard. The driver, identified as 42-year-old Mehdad Bir of LaVerne, TN, was subjected to a computer check, which revealed t...

Illinois has mandated a major expansion of healthcare services on its public college and university campuses. House Bill 3709 (Public Act 104-0433) requires public institutions with student health services to provide access to a full range of reproductive healthcare, starting with the 2025-2026 school year. This ground...

We continue our focus on educational policy with a critical piece of legislation known as the Safe Schools for All Act (HB 3247). Effective January 1, 2026, this law firmly codifies and expands protections to ensure that every child in Illinois has the right to a free public education and a secure learning environment,...

Metropolis-Police responded to a call on December 3 regarding a trespassing incident at a residence located in the 400 block of W. 6th. Officers arrived at the scene to find 19-year-old Jaylyn N. Lang, a resident of Metropolis, on the front porch of the property. Lang had previously been issued a trespass warning for t...

The Massac County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with the Vienna IL Police Department and Vienna School Resource Officers (SRO's), conducted a random drug dog search on the Vienna High School campus. The search included vehicles in the school parking lot and student lockers inside the building. Deputy Ryan White of t...