WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06), Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, introduced the 2026 Water Resources Development Act, which addresses important water resources infrastructure needs in Missouri and across the country. The bipartisan bill will be marked up in the Transportation Committee on Wednesday. Since 2014, Congress has enacted a WRDA every two years to help improve the nation’s ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation system, flood and storm risk management, environment, and other aspects of our water resources infrastructure. “WRDA 2026 helps build and maintain safe and reliable waterways, flood protection, and other water infrastructure throughout…

As technology evolves, so do scammers — and now, AI-generated voices are making it harder to tell whether a phone call is real or a scam. The FBI reported that Americans lost more than $893 million to AI-related scams last year, including voice cloning attacks, phishing emails and other hoaxes. Voice cloning is a technique in which scammers use artificial intelligence to replicate a person’s voice. Scammers need only a few seconds of audio to create AI-generated calls, voicemails or voice messages, usually with the goal of stealing money. The fake messages often rely on urgency or distress to manipulate…

Man, it was a very extremely hot week this past week. Temps were in the upper 90’s and heat index was in the 100’s. Very unbearable for most. Hopefully this upcoming week will be cooler. I did not think I would be saying this but, we could use some rain. It is crazy how the corn has shot up and some of it is already tasseling. Most of the farmers have their wheat out, yields were pretty good, and there has been a bunch of straw baled in the local area. It was so exciting to hear that the Taste…

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Marion County officials have approved new traffic restrictions for Paris Gravel Road after GPS navigation systems began routing more drivers through the area. Western District Commissioner Lacey Miller said navigation providers, including Garmin and Google, have increasingly shown Marion County Road 422, commonly known as Paris Gravel Road, as a main route through Hannibal. County officials said the increased traffic has created safety concerns for residents and drivers along the road. The Marion County Commission approved an ordinance reducing the speed limit on Paris Gravel Road to 35 mph. The ordinance also prohibits commercial motor vehicles licensed…

QUINCY, Ill. — Six Hannibal students were named to the Quincy University Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester. Local honorees are Konnor Asbury, Riyenn Brown, Matthew Clatt, Ashley Davis, Mackenzie Moss and Brock Wiley. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must earn a semester grade-point average of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. Quincy University said 402 students received the honor for the spring semester. Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is a Catholic university offering undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs. The university is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics

HANNIBAL – Weather permitting, pavement repairs are scheduled to begin on eastbound U.S. Route 36 in Shelby and Marion counties, as early as July 13. Contractor crews will be working between 0.5 mile east of North Fork Salt River near Hunnewell in Shelby County and 0.4 mile east of CR 381 near Monroe City in Marion County. During this time, motorists can expect the following traffic impacts where crews are actively working: •Lane reductions with a 11-foot width restriction •Speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph •Periodic overnight lane reductions throughout the project •Work hours may vary as the…

HANNIBAL – The Northeast Coalition for Roadway Safety is offering a grant opportunity to local EMS/Law Enforcement agencies beginning July 1. Regional funding will be used to cover the cost of requested equipment that supports efforts to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on Missouri’s roadways. Agencies must demonstrate how the requested equipment will improve roadway safety. This grant typically awards out road flare kits, safety vests and gloves, Stalker radars and more. Application submissions will be accepted July 1 – August 15, 2026. Grant applications are scored in part based on the following: • Active participation with the Northeast Coalition…

By Ella Aguilar Construction continues to make steady progress on JT Thomas’ new home thanks to the support of volunteers, local businesses and community members. Throughout June, volunteers completed several major milestones, including pouring concrete for the patio and basement while preparing the new home to be fully ADA accessible for JT. As work continued into July, crews began framing the garage walls, bracing the attic rafters in the existing house and removing the old roof to make way for the next phase of construction. The project also has been supported by families and community members who have donated meals…

A daughter, Dustie Jo VanSickle, was born June 23rd,2026 @ 10:07am. She weighed 6lbs 3oz and was 20 inches long. Her parents are Marni and Dustin Van Sickle of Palmyra, MO. A daughter, Isla June Martin, was born June 23rd,2026 @ 12:32pm. She weighed 8lbs 9oz and was 20 ½ inches long. Her parents are…

The weather was hot and humid this week, and the rain predicted for this afternoon never appeared. Blackberries are ripening, and the Black-Eyed Susans look so pretty in the fields! South Union Baptist Church met for worship today, and Brother Dan’s message was entitled “Proud to be an American” from Psalm 33:12. Carl “Boo” Williams…