ALTON – An Alton man has been charged with firing a weapon from a neighborhood driveway, endangering nearby residents. Alexander D. Radcliff, 24, of Alton, was charged on Dec. 18, 2025, with one count each of reckless discharge of a firearm (a Class 4 felony) and possession of a firearm without a valid Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card (a Class A misdemeanor). Radcliff allegedly fired a weapon in a reckless manner on Oct. 2, 2025, and endangered the bodily safety of residents
BETHALTO - Civic Memorial head boys basketball coach Lee Green described Grady Farrell's half-court launch for the 57-55 win over Highland on Monday night, Dec. 22, 2025, as "a moment Grady and his family and teammates will remember for the rest of their lives." Grady's shot was from about 50 feet from the basket at the buzzer and was a literal buzzer-beater for CM. For his heroic effort, Grady is a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athlete of the Month. Coach Green knew his squad had one pla
CASEYVILLE, Ill. — A young boy, approximately 3 years old, was found wandering on the second floor of the Red Lion Inn early Tuesday morning, Dec. 23, 2025, according to the Caseyville Police Department. Officers responded to the motel at 8950 Tucker Drive after the Department of Children and Family Services requested assistance. Upon arrival, Caseyville Police knocked on every room and made contact with several individuals, but were unable to locate a parent or guardian for the child. Mot
ALTON - Emergency crews responded Monday afternoon, Dec. 22, 2025, to a report of a dog bite at 1013 Wallace in Alton, where a 64-year-old female bus driver was bitten on the arm by a mini Australian Cattle Dog. The incident occurred at approximately 3:31 p.m. on Monday, while the bus driver was assisting an elderly man from the bus to the front door of a residence. According to authorities, when the door was opened, the dog jumped up and bit the driver’s forearm. The woman was transported
Key Takeaways: An OSF HealthCare lactation counselor says a new law improves TSA screening for breast milk, formula, and pumping supplies. Becky Miller of OSF says updated rules aim to reduce stress and ensure safe handling for traveling parents. Some implementation challenges could occur as airports adjust to the changes which include new training and auditing of TSA agents' performance in handling breastmilk and related supplies. Traveling through an airport is stressful
CHICAGO - The Powerball® jackpot has soared to an incredible $1.7 billion for Wednesday night’s drawing, offering a potentially life-changing prize just in time for Christmas Eve. If won, this jackpot would become the fourth-largest lottery prize in U.S. history, making this holiday season even more exciting for Powerball players across Illinois. While no one matched all six numbers in Monday night’s drawing, Illinois players are celebrating some big wins. One lucky winner
GLEN CARBON — Bishop Thomas Paprocki officially blessed McGivney Commons, a new gathering space at Father McGivney Catholic High School, during a recent ceremony marking the completion of the $3 million project. Located on the school’s campus, McGivney Commons is designed to serve as a hub for fellowship, friendship, and faith growth among students, faculty, and supporters. The 9,500-square-foot facility will be open when students return to school in early January. The new common
JERSEYVILLE – Jerseyville Fire Chief Keith Norman recently gave an update on a devastating house fire that broke out on the morning of Monday, Dec. 22, 2025 in the 500 block of Pine Street in Jerseyville. Chief Norman confirmed that two occupants who were still trapped inside the home during the fire had been rescued. “Everyone did get out,” Norman said. “The Fire Department and Police Department worked together to get two people out of a second-story window.”
ALTON - A union carpenter is asking the City of Alton to allow him to rehab a few homes instead of demolishing them. Detraze McElroy owns 3 MC Construction. He shared that he wants the City of Alton to implement a “rehab-first policy” wherein homes are restored instead of demolished. He is interested in taking the steps to rehab these houses, but he feels the city “stands in the way” of doing so. “What is my mission? What can I do with my company to help my
EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville High School Marching Tigers will take the international stage on Jan. 1, 2026, as they perform in the 40th Anniversary London New Year’s Day Parade, one of the world’s largest and most celebrated New Year’s events. Viewers throughout the region can watch the Edwardsville students perform on Nine PBS (Channel 9) at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 1. In honor of the parade’s 40th anniversary, Nine PBS will also air “London Parade: A Tribute to 4
ALTON - A healthy lifestyle translates directly to a longer life. One local doctor breaks down how to take care of ourselves to maintain health and independence as we age. Dr. Christopher Green with Associated Physicians Group explained that longevity is a major concern for all of his patients. But while people want to live longer, they also want to stay independent and active. Taking care of yourself now will translate to a better life in the years to come. “I think longevity
ST. LOUIS — Homicide detectives are investigating a shooting and house fire in north St. Louis that resulted in the deaths of a mother and her daughter. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police and St. Louis Fire Departments responded to a house fire at about 12:10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in the 5700 block of Floy Avenue in the Walnut Park West neighborhood. Upon arrival, officers found 45-year-old LaTasha Brown and her 9-year-old daughter, Paige, inside the home with gunshot wounds. Both
What if the way you celebrate Christmas Eve could tell a story thousands of years old, woven from ancient customs, religious symbolism, and cultural exchanges? The traditions observed on this night are far more than festive rituals—they are living links to human history and identity across continents. Understanding their origins offers a fascinating glimpse into how people have expressed hope, community, and reverence through time. The Religious Roots: From Vigil to Celebration Christmas
December 23rd has witnessed a series of remarkable events throughout history that have shaped the world in profound ways. Going back to the 19th century, December 23rd, 1783, saw the first manned hot air balloon flight. French engineer Jean-Pierre Blanchard and American physician John Jeffries successfully crossed the English Channel in a hydrogen balloon, pioneering early aeronautical exploration that would inspire generations of inventors and aviators. In 1913, a different kind of innovation
This morning starts clear with a cool 44 degrees. The sun will make appearances through intermittent clouds as the day warms up to a high of 61 in the afternoon. Winds will come from the west-northwest at 7 to 15 mph gusts, adding a bit of briskness. Evening brings mostly cloudy skies with temperatures dropping toward the low 40s. Overnight, expect the clouds to stick around with lows near 40, and light winds from the east-northeast at around 7 to 10 mph. Tomorrow will see temperatures holding
ALTON — Officers Hayley Porter and Janelle Rose graduated Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, from the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center, the Alton Police Department announced Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. The two officers completed the Police Academy program and will now begin their Field Training Program, according to Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford. “It’s no secret that we are proud of their hard work and dedication, and we wish them continued success as they begin their
ALTON – An Alton man accused of battering two police officers and taking one’s taser as they attempted to arrest him remains in custody pending felony charges. Taron A. Steward, 25, of Alton, was charged on Dec. 19, 2025, with one count of disarming a peace officer (a Class 1 felony) and two counts of aggravated battery (both Class 2 felonies). The day prior on Dec. 18, 2025, Steward allegedly took a taser from a police officer without the officer’s consent and struck the
GRAFTON — The Grafton City Council honored the Grafton Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, for its ongoing efforts to promote local businesses and position the river town as a unique visitor destination. At the council meeting, Mayor Mike Morrow presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Chamber, whose theme encourages visitors to “Come visit, enjoy Grafton and plan a return adventure.” Dan Ebbing, president of the Chamber, accepted the certificate and
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of attorneys general in suing the Trump administration to stop the complete defunding of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which has returned more than $21 billion to defrauded consumers, slashed junk fees, and stopped predatory auto and mortgage lenders throughout its 14-year existence. The CFPB’s current acting director, Russel Vought, is attempting to completely defund the agency by refusing to request
ST. LOUIS – On Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, Mayor Cara Spencer announced two key appointments to her cabinet and staff, naming Brian Light as director of personnel and Holly Roberts as director of communications. Brian Light returns home to St. Louis after more than 24 years of public service in the Pacific Northwest, with a career rooted in leadership, organizational development and human resources. He began his career with the State of Oregon as a training and development specialist, where
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