Did you know that the ugly sweater trend, once a niche joke, has grown into a billion-dollar industry? According to market research, holiday-themed sweaters now generate hundreds of millions in sales annually, with ugly sweaters making up a significant portion. But beyond commerce, the ugly sweater holiday party has become a cultural phenomenon—an event where fun, creativity, and a touch of kitsch come together to create memorable experiences. Hosting such a party is more than just asking
Imagine this: a well-designed holiday table setting can enhance the dining experience so profoundly that guests remember it long after the last bite. Studies show that ambiance and visual appeal influence not only appetite but also the mood and social interactions during a meal. A festive tablescape is more than just decoration; it’s a subtle orchestrator of memories and emotions. But how do you craft a tablescape that balances beauty, function, and festivity without feeling overwhelming
December 15 has long been a day marked by monumental events that have shaped the course of history across the globe. Looking back, December 15, 1791, is a cornerstone day in the history of democratic governance — the ratification of the United States Bill of Rights. This foundational document, comprising the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, enshrined fundamental freedoms such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as protections against governmental abuses.
You can expect a sunny, breezy day in area with a high near 42 and a low around 25. Winds will come from the south-southwest at 14 mph with gusts up to 27 mph. This morning will start clear and bright with a cold but gradually warming trend. By afternoon, sunshine continues with a steady breeze making it feel chilly but not as cold as before. Evening looks mostly clear with lighter winds. Overnight, skies stay mostly clear with temperatures dropping back to the mid-20s. Tomorrow's forecast calls
ALTON — Holly Kim, Lake County Treasurer and candidate for Illinois Comptroller, will host a Meet and Greet from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, at the Alton Sports Tap, 3812 College Avenue. The event will include free light bites and offers an opportunity for voters to engage directly with Kim. Kim currently manages Lake County’s finances and performs duties akin to those of a comptroller, including issuing checks and overseeing fiscal accountability. She is running t
ST. CLAIR COUNTY — On Thursday evening, December 4, 2025, at 7:49 p.m., the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department responded to a 911 call reporting an active disturbance and potential robbery aboard an eastbound train near the Memorial Hospital Metrolink station. Two deputies on safety patrol at the Fairview Heights Metrolink Station encountered the victim, a 37-year-old man, who reported being physically assaulted by two male suspects and one female suspect. The victim sustained
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — Investigators with the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis found the body of a woman during the execution of a search warrant connected to a shooting incident in the 3900 block of Walnut Street on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, authorities said. The woman, identified as 44-year-old Laniya Joyce White of East St. Louis, was discovered inside the residence with apparent gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Major Case Squad. The initial shooting
ALTON – Alton Police have charged a local resident in his sixth case of domestic battery involving an illegally possessed firearm. Bura L. Robinson III, 54, of Alton, was charged on Dec. 8, 2025 with his sixth or subsequent offense of domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, and felon in possession of a weapon, a Class 3 felony. On Dec. 6, 2025, Robinson allegedly made physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature against a household or family member on Dec. 6, 2025. He was also
ALTON — Heather Brown, a woman in her mid-40s, is reported missing, prompting concern from her family and friends. She was last seen wearing jeans, grey shoes, a tan sweater, a zipper grey vest, and a black jacket, carrying a pink backpack. Heather is in her mid-40s with brown hair when last seen. She is 5-foot-7, 120 pounds. She was wearing jeans, grey shoes, a tan sweater, a zipper vest, and a black jacket when last seen. She also had a pink backpack. Her car is a mid-2000s Silver/Goldis
December 13 and 14 stand out in history as days marked by groundbreaking achievements and significant events that have shaped various facets of global society. In 1545, the Council of Trent, a major Roman Catholic ecumenical council, convened its first session on December 13. This council played a critical role in the Counter-Reformation, addressing doctrinal issues and initiating reforms that shaped the course of the Catholic Church for centuries. The decisions made during the council influenced
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that total nonfarm payrolls were nearly unchanged over-the-month in September, down -2,200 (0.0%) to 6,162,600. The August monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from -13,300 to -2,200. The industry sectors with the largest over-the-month jobs increases included: Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+1,200), Information (+1,200), Leisure and Hospitality (+900), and Other Service
ALTON - Community members are invited to the Alton Eagle Ice Festival in January, where you can meet live eagles, watch fire performers, enjoy an ice-carving competition, and more. From 5–10 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, various locations across Alton will host Eagle Ice Fest events and fun. The main base is at FLOCK Food Truck Park, the National Great Rivers Museum and the Audubon Center at Riverlands. Many downtown small businesses will als
WOOD RIVER – Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Eagles of the Month” program at Civic Memorial High School. Senior students are selected each month by members of the Civic Memorial faculty to represent each department. All students are awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. Two Seniors (1 female student and 1 male student) that were selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $500.00 “Eagles of the Year” scholarship eac
SPRINGFIELD – Southern Illinois University Medicine has launched a national search for its next dean, provost and CEO. The search will be conducted in partnership with Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm specializing in academic medicine and higher education leadership. Isaacson, Miller was selected after a competitive process for its depth of experience placing health care leaders, strong record with comparable roles and high-touch, tailored approach to executive recruitment.
SPRINGFIELD – Struggling to find the right holiday gift for a child? Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has one. Invest in a young person’s future by contributing to their Bright Start 529 college savings account. “Every time you make a Bright Start contribution, that kid sees that you believe in them. That’s a powerful message to hear from a loved one – you know that they have what it takes to pursue higher education when they finish high school,”
ST. LOUIS — Home fires increase significantly during the holiday months, often sparked by cooking accidents, unattended candles or unsafe decorations. The American Red Cross of Greater St. Louis urges everyone to take simple steps to stay safe while celebrating – from keeping a close eye on what’s cooking to checking holiday lights and decorations for hazards. By taking precautions now, families can help prevent tragedies and enjoy a safer, happier holiday season. “One
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Friday evening on Walnut Street. At approximately 9:11 p.m. on December 12, 2025, officers from the Cahokia Heights Police Department responded to the 3900 block of Walnut Street in Cahokia Heights, St. Clair County, Illinois, after reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found a 67-year-old white male with an apparent gunshot wound. The man was transported to a local hospital,
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a bipartisan letter, signed by 44 states, to congressional leaders requesting additional funding for the security of federal judges, who are increasingly facing threats and hostile incidents targeting them, their families and courthouse staff. “The safety and independence of our judiciary is vital to democracy,” Raoul said. “Threats against federal judges have more than doubled in recent years. Judges and their families should
MADISON COUNTY — Several children will officially join their forever families on Friday, December 19, during a joyful adoption day ceremony at the Madison County Courthouse. Among the most meaningful moments of the day will be the adoption of four brothers who will remain together, joining a relative who stepped forward to keep the siblings united. This year’s celebration also serves as a significant milestone for Attorney Tom Benedick, who will participate in his final adoption docke
GLEN CARBON — Students at Father McGivney Catholic High School are spreading holiday cheer by providing Christmas gifts for local families in need through the schoolwide “Change a Child’s Christmas” project. Led by McGivney’s Chapter of the National Honor Society, the initiative partnered with Brightpoint, a community organization in Granite City, Illinois. Each of the school’s 16 Houses sponsored a local family, raising a total of $9,000 to purchase gifts an
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