Todd Eschman is the Executive Editor of the Belleville News-Democrat. He was born and raised in Belleville, educated in Southern Illinois and joined the BND staff in 1998.
LATEST FROM TODD ESCHMAN

Metro-East News
Driver in fatal St. Clair County crash had blood alcohol five times legal limit
Updated April 15, 2025 at 5:34 PM

Crime
Major Case Squad releases photos of man suspected in fatal Collinsville shooting
Updated January 22, 2025 at 6:39 PM

Opinion Columns & Blogs
Together, we can ensure that journalism in the metro-east not only survives, but thrives
Updated November 30, 2024 at 5:45 PM

Opinion Columns & Blogs
BND Voter Guide available online now with high-nutrition fare for an informed electorate
Updated October 16, 2024 at 2:24 PM
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Metro-East News
Eastbound drivers on the Musial Bridge won’t be able to get on I-64 until next year
September 4, 2024 at 2:19 PM

Highland News Leader
Highland Garden Club creates a Zen destination at Glik Park
July 17, 2024 at 6:00 AM

Highland: Sports
Third inning rally puts Highland Legion baseball team back into the win column
Updated July 2, 2024 at 11:17 AM

Metro-East News
Who was ‘Bullet’ Bob Turley and why is he painted on the side of a metro-east building?
Updated June 20, 2024 at 10:13 AM

Metro-East News
Should Madison County secede from Illinois? Voters will express their opinion in November
Updated April 18, 2024 at 3:25 PM
St. Louis Cardinals
As one of our own, Whitey took us all from southern Illinois to Cooperstown
Updated April 16, 2024 at 2:09 PM

Highland: Sports
Hemmerle dominates to lead Belleville East to softball win over Highland
Updated March 26, 2024 at 12:55 PM