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ALTON — Schwegel's Grocery Store in Alton experienced a surge in customers seeking essential supplies Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, and Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, amid forecasts of heavy snow and severe winter weather for the weekend, according to co-owner Monica Schwegel on Friday. Located at 901 Alby St., Schwegel's reported steady inventory despite increased demand. Schwegel said the store has always maintained stock of milk, eggs, bread, and rock salt, which residents were preparing to buy

EDWARDSVILLE — Shoppers at most area grocery stores found themselves waiting in long lines on Friday morning, Jan. 23, 2026, as they stocked up on essentials ahead of a winter storm expected to hit the Metro East Illinois area this weekend. Justin Hawkins, owner of the Philly Pretzel Factory in Glen Carbon, described the scene Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at Schnucks after he snapped a photo used above, saying, “We saw people standing in the back of the store — in front of the meat

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) introduced the VET Connect Act. The bipartisan legislation would establish a secure database and messaging platform for veterans to reconnect with fellow servicemembers with whom they served, without requiring the disclosure of personal contact information. The bill requires the VA to create and maintain this system on an opt-in basis, allowing verified veterans to reconnect based on share

As a longtime health care provider, Amber Oberheim, APRN , always thought she was taking good care of her skin. She’s counseled patients on the topic and even spoke about it at a community forum. But a recent trip to the spa reminded her of what’s true for all our health care: there’s room to do better. “The worker asked what I used to wash my face. I said I use a bar of antibacterial Dial soap. She did not like that response,” Oberheim chuckles. “So I did

ST. LOUIS - A major winter storm is expected to impact the St. Louis metropolitan area and surrounding regions from Saturday morning through Sunday evening, bringing heavy snowfall and dangerously cold temperatures, according to the National Weather Service in St. Louis. National Weather Service in St. Louis Meteorologist Alex Elmore said the storm will arrive in two rounds, with the first occurring Saturday morning, Jan. 24, 2026, into the evening and the second from late Saturday night int

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Illinois – The Secretary of War praised the success of the permanent change of Station Joint Task Force and announced that Scott Air Force Base has been selected as the home for the new Personal Property Activity (PPA). The new command will consolidate all functions of the Defense Personal Property Program across the military departments into a single, accountable organization. Secretary Pete Hegseth has named Maj. Gen. Lance Curtis as the PPA's first commander. Followi

JERSEY COUNTY — Reid Taylor retired after 17 years as a telecommunicator and dispatcher with the Jersey County Sheriff's Office and 911, concluding a nearly 50-year career in law enforcement. Taylor's service includes 12 years with the Grafton Police Department and more than 30 years with the Jerseyville Police Department. The Jersey County Sheriff's Office recognized his commitment, professionalism, and dedication to public safety in a statement expressing gratitude for

RIVERBEND - As the winter weather continues, rates of flu, common cold, RSV, strep throat and COVID-19 are climbing. A local doctor shares how to take care of yourself and when to seek medical attention. Dr. Charlotte Albinson, BJC Medical Group Medical Director, Convenient Care and Virtual Care, explained that people are spending more time indoors, which makes it easier for these illnesses to spread. She noted that there are options like convenient care and virtual care, so patients can

WOOD RIVER - Unhoused community members are encouraged to attend Project Homeless Connect to engage with local services and resources. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at Riverbend Family Ministries in Wood River, community members can enjoy a hot meal, free showers, and conversations with service providers ranging from legal to housing to mental health experts. Melanie Georges, who helps oversee the Continuum of Care with Madison County Community Development, said this even

ALTON – A federal grand jury recently charged an Edwardsville man with setting fire to an insurance building in Alton. Jason Dawson, 38, has been charged with one count of arson; if convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. On Nov. 22, 2025, Dawson allegedly set fire to the State Farm Insurance office building on East Delmar Avenue in Alton. He was reportedly “upset about the amount for a life insurance policy cashout after a meeting with employees

Waking up at 3 a.m. because one foot slipped out from under the blanket feels oddly dramatic—like your body is sounding an alarm over something small. But that tiny chill can flip your sleep from deep and steady to light and restless in seconds. That’s not you being “sensitive.” It’s biology doing its job. Sleep isn’t just about being tired We often think sleep happens when the brain powers down. In reality, sleep is a full-body process. Your brain, hormones,

In 1579, this date connects to the long struggle for political and religious independence in the Low Countries. The Union of Utrecht was signed on January 23, bringing together several northern provinces of the Netherlands in a defensive alliance during the Eighty Years’ War against Spanish rule. The agreement helped lay the groundwork for the Dutch Republic by creating a shared framework for cooperation while allowing provinces to keep significant local authority. Over time, it would b

In 1579, this date connects to the long struggle for political and religious independence in the Low Countries. The Union of Utrecht was signed on January 23, bringing together several northern provinces of the Netherlands in a defensive alliance during the Eighty Years’ War against Spanish rule. The agreement helped lay the groundwork for the Dutch Republic by creating a shared framework for cooperation while allowing provinces to keep significant local authority. Over time, it would b

Friday morning starts off partly sunny with a bitterly cold temperature near 8 degrees and a north wind at 9 mph gusting as high as 17 mph. The cold continues through the day with mostly cloudy skies and a high only around 10 degrees. Winds pick up from the north at 15 mph with gusts near 30 mph, making it feel bitterly cold. By evening, expect frigid conditions with light snow flurries arriving toward dawn, dropping up to an inch of snow and continuing overnight. Temperatures will dip to a low

ALTON — Chris Kusnerick, athletic director at Alton High School, announced he will retire at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year, ending a 38-year career in education marked by leadership and service to students. Kusnerick’s tenure at Alton has been defined by his role as a teacher, coach, and athletic director, during which he has advocated for integrity, opportunity, and excellence in student programs. Under his guidance, the Alton School District has undergone significant

GODFREY – Godfrey trustees took action this week to place a temporary pause on applications to develop a data center within the village. At their Jan. 20, 2026 meeting , Village Board members unanimously approved a resolution placing a moratorium of up to 180 days on the acceptance of data center applications pending further study. “I don’t think anybody’s opposed to it, but we all realize we don’t know enough about the pros and cons of this thing,” Trustee

EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville High School has announced that 106 senior students have been recognized as Illinois State Scholars, representing nearly 20 percent of the class. Illinois State Scholars are selected based on the combination of the students’ exemplary college entrance exam scores (ACT/SAT) and class rank and GPA at the end of their junior year. The award is non-monetary; each student receives a congratulatory letter and a certificate of achievement from the Illinois

ST. LOUIS - A meteorologist with the National Weather Service in St. Louis on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 22, 2026, confirmed that a winter storm warning and cold weather advisory are both items that should be taken seriously over the next three days. Mark Fuchs, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in St. Louis, provided additional insight into the storm’s progression. He noted that the St. Louis Metro area could receive about 5 inches of snow, with some locations around St. Loui

ST. LOUIS — A winter storm shifting northward has increased the likelihood of snowfall in the St. Louis area this weekend, according to local officials and weather forecasts. The upcoming winter storm’s track has shifted in the past day, prompting heightened preparations by transportation and public safety agencies. Joe Monroe, operations engineer for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), provided insight into the department’s response on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026.

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office processed 1,123 REAL IDs and the Cook County Clerk’s office issued 412 vital records during the first Saturday of expanded hours at the REAL ID Supercenter and the Clerk’s downtown office. The expanded Saturday hours launched January 17 ahead of TSA’s new $45 REAL ID penalty, which takes effect on February 1. The effort is aimed at reducing wait times, minimizing hassle and ensuring Illinoisans can secure