COLLINSVILLE – A Centralia man accused of attempting to rob a Collinsville liquor store remains in custody pending a felony charge. Jesse L. Kempfer, 45, of Centralia, Ill. was charged on Dec. 9, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of attempted aggravated robbery. Kempfer allegedly entered the Sav-On Liquor at 809 St. Louis Road in Collinsville with the intent to commit an aggravated robbery on Dec. 5, 2025. Charging documents state Kempfer wore a ski mask during the offense and ordered
EDWARDSVILLE — Edwardsville police officers, retirees and family members joined about 28 children Saturday morning, Dec. 13, 2025, for the 16th annual Christmas with a Cop program, aiming to brighten the holiday season for local families. The event began with breakfast at Chick-fil-A before participants shopped together at the Edwardsville Target store. The program pairs current and former members of the Edwardsville Police Department with children selected in coordination with Edwardsvill
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Two Fairview firefighters have completed the Basic Operations Firefighter Academy, a weekend training program that began in July 2025. Firefighters Jacob Damen and Chase Green graduated from the academy, which was conducted by the University of Illinois Fire Service Institute. The training aimed to enhance the skills and knowledge necessary for effective firefighting operations. The Fairview Fire Department recognized the achievement with a photo featuring Chief Winters,
GRANITE CITY — The Granite City Police Officers PBPA Unit 15 hosted the annual Shop with a Hero event on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at the Granite City Township Building, providing support and holiday cheer to 29 children from the community. Since its inception in 2017, the Shop with a Hero program in Granite City has assisted more than 150 children, typically serving between 18 and 25 kids each year. This year’s event expanded to include 29 participants, each receiving a $250 Walmart
CARLINVILLE - There’s a new vodka soda brand on the market, and its founders are proud to start up in their local hometown. Greenhead, a premium vodka soda brand, got its start in Carlinville with business partner Josh Carnduff and Alec Benting. The drinks have a “clean, crisp taste” with no artificial sweeteners, and they’re inspired by Carnduff and Benting’s shared love for the outdoors. As the brand gains popularity, Carnduff said they hope to give back and
EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane restrictions will be encountered on the mainline eastbound I-55/64 between the Poplar Street Bridge and Barack Obama Blvd beginning Tuesday, December 16 at 7 a.m., weather permitting. These two left lanes on the Poplar Street Bridge entering Illinois will be closed. The collector distributor lanes with access to exit ramps will remain open. Keeley and Sons along with IDOT District 8 Operations crews
Gary and Christine Huelsmann are pleased to announce the engagement of their Daughter, Mariah, to Sean Miller. Mariah is a AHS 2013 grad with a BA in Anthropology from SIUE, an M.A. in History from UMSL and is an Archives Technician. Sean is the son of Gloria Weeces Miller of Jefferson City, MO., and Danny Miller of Washington, MO. Sean is a 2004 JCHS Grad, and an IT Systems Engineer. The two will be married at St.s Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Jan. 10, 2026, and will reside in St. Louis,
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued its first-ever comprehensive report on how alcohol is used, and sometimes misused, by Illinois residents. The report, entitled “Alcohol Use in Illinois ,” collects and analyzes data from multiple sources, including IDPH’s own Illinois Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) and Illinois Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (YBRS). Data from the report can be used by state and local healt
ALTON — At 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, Wreaths Across America held its 19th annual ceremony at Alton National Cemetery, 600 Pearl Street, to remember fallen veterans, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom (Photos by Mike Cruz ). The event centers on laying Veteran Balsam wreaths on 560 graves, an effort carried out by children and veterans alike. The temps were low 12-13 degrees at 11 a.m. but that didn't stop the young or older adults from carrying o
EDWARDSVILLE - Thanks to the incredible generosity of residents across the 56th District, State Senator Erica Harriss’ annual Share the Warmth Drive has wrapped up and was a great success! Donations collected over the month were delivered this week to Riverbend Family Ministries, helping local families stay cozy and cared for this winter. “This year’s Share the Warmth Drive truly showed the heart of our community,” said Senator Harriss. “Every hat, glove, pair o
SPRINGFIELD – As part of his broader modernization push, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced that the Illinois Court of Claims will now offer electronic filing options and conduct remote hearings – a major step forward in how the court serves the public. The transition replaces a slow, paper-based system that depended on mail delivery, cumbersome copies and in-person proceedings, often delaying case processing and complicating access for claimants. “For
SPRINGFIELD – Starting Jan. 1, 2026, a new law supported by State Senator Christopher Belt will allow smaller poultry producers increased access to the poultry market while still upholding basic food safety measures. “Farmers markets are popping up all over Illinois. They are a great way to grow local businesses, and now we will allow smaller poultry producers in on that growth,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This is a big win for family farms and local chicken producers.”
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today led a coalition of 20 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) strongly opposing the CFPB’s proposed changes to regulations implementing the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA). According to the coalition, the proposed changes violate the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and weaken the ECOA’s protections against discriminatory and unfair treatment in credit markets. Raou
COLUMBUS, Ohio — White Castle Frozen Food Division has initiated a recall of 1,021 cases of its retail frozen 4-count cartons of Original Sliders due to undeclared milk and soy. The carton may contain Jalapeño Cheese Sliders. Jalapeño Cheese Sliders contain milk and soy, allergens that are not on the Original Slider carton label. Consumers with an allergy or sensitivity to milk or soy run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product.
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in suing the Trump administration over its unlawful policy imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions for highly-skilled foreign national workers. In the lawsuit that will be filed, Raoul and the coalition allege the policy implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) violates the law because it charges an additional, unwarranted fee that is contrary to Congress’ intent in
Did you know that nearly 60% of people report feeling more stressed during the holiday season than at any other time of year? Despite the joy and celebration, the holidays often bring an undercurrent of anxiety, overwhelm, and emotional fatigue. What if the key to navigating this tumultuous period isn’t found in external changes but rather in cultivating a mindful inner presence? Mindfulness—the practice of intentionally focusing on the present moment with openness and non-judgment—can
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
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