Memorial Day didn’t start as a long weekend for barbecues—it started as people walking into cemeteries with flowers, trying to make sense of loss on a scale the country had never seen. The holiday’s roots are tied to grief, local tradition, and a national debate over how to remember the dead. Understanding where Memorial Day came from changes how you hear its familiar phrases, see its rituals, and even notice the quiet moments tucked inside a busy weekend. A nation learning
On May 15, 1940, the first McDonald’s restaurant opened in San Bernardino, California, started by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald. At the time, it was a local business built around a simple idea: serve a small menu quickly, consistently, and at a price ordinary families could afford. That approach mattered because it helped shape a new model of food service that spread far beyond one city. It still matters today because the “fast, standardized, scalable” system pioneered
BETHALTO - A woman was taken into custody after a crash involving a Bethalto Police officer around 1 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2026, on Erwin Plegge Boulevard in Bethalto, authorities said. The officer was injured and taken to a hospital, then later released, law enforcement officials said. Police said the patrol car sustained moderate damage, while the woman’s vehicle had minor damage. Officials did not provide additional details about the circumstances of the crash or the woman’s identity
ALTON – An Alton resident facing his fourth domestic battery charge in Madison County has been released from custody. Helois M. Foster, 40, of Alton, was charged on May 5, 2026 with a Class 3 felony count of domestic battery, his fourth or subsequent such offense. Foster is accused of knowingly making physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature against a household or family member without legal justification on April 8, 2026. Charging documents note Foster had previously been
EDWARDSVILLE — State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is inviting students across the 56th Senate District to participate in her district-wide art contest celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States of America. The contest is open to students in 1st through 8th grade and encourages young artists to showcase their creativity while reflecting on what makes America and their communities special. “This contest is a fun way for students to share their creativity and celebrat
LITCHFIELD - Julie Tieman is the first to tell you she is not a perfect mom. But after raising three kids and preparing to foster teenagers, her community agrees she is more than worthy of the Super Mom title. Tieman, a Litchfield resident, is competing in the Colossal Super Mom contest to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network . As voting continues, Tieman hopes to hold her own in the competition. But she is mostly proud of the kids she has raised, the opportunity she has
GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College announced the winners of the 21st Annual Student Art Exhibition. This year’s exhibit, which comprised 52 original pieces, brought together a curated selection of students’ artwork from the college’s Fine Art and Graphic Design programs. Fine Art Program Coordinator Angela Hung was pleased with the quality of work in this year’s exhibit, which was featured in the Hatheway Gallery in April. “The exhibition
BROOKLYN, Ill. — Illinois State Police arrested 46-year-old Demario A. Ursery of East St. Louis on Thursday, May 14, 2026, in connection with the death of a 37-year-old woman found during a welfare check at an apartment in Brooklyn, authorities said. Ursery was arrested by Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 special agents and charged with first-degree murder, a Class M felony, police said in a release dated May 14, 2026. The investigation began May 12, 2026,
GODFREY – Building stronger connections between local employers, community partners and workforce education programs is the primary focus of new Workforce Training Coordinator Beth Arrowsmith at Lewis and Clark Community College. Arrowsmith joined the college in Spring 2026 and now works collaboratively with faculty, staff and area employers to help develop short-term training and certification programs designed to meet regional workforce demands. “My job is really just to assist
EDWARDSVILLE - A Madison County jury on Thursday, May 14, 2026, convicted Tara A. Anderson of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of her ex-boyfriend, Phillip Armstrong, after prosecutors said she fired a .45-caliber handgun toward him outside her home in Granite City, and jurors rejected her claim that she intended only a “warning shot.” Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced the verdict in Edwardsville, following a trial that began Tuesday, May 12, 2026,
JERSEYVILLE – The Jersey County Sheriff’s Department is set to replace a totaled squad car using a combination of insurance money and county funds. On May 12, 2026, Jersey County Board members unanimously approved a recommendation from the Public Safety Committee to purchase a replacement Sheriff’s Squad Car from the Public Safety Fund. “We had a sheriff’s deputy’s car that was totaled that we need to replace,” Chairman Mark Wagner said. “We go
ALTON — A water main break prompted Illinois American Water to close westbound Landmarks Boulevard at the Clark Bridge on Thursday afternoon, May 14, 2026, forcing traffic entering Alton from Missouri to reroute, Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said. Ford said all traffic coming into Alton from Missouri must turn eastbound from the Clark Bridge and access Broadway from either the Cpl. Belchik Memorial Expressway or the Broadway Connector. “To access the Clark Bridge from Alton, drivers
GODFREY - A local pastor is sharing his story in support of Vitality Women’s Clinic. Vitality Women’s Clinic is a faith-based, pro-life organization that provides free pregnancy and STI testing and ultrasounds. They do not refer for or perform abortions. They offer parenting classes and resources to pregnant individuals. In a recent episode of “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello , Vitality’s executive director Jackie Duty and local Pastor Steve Pace shared
ALTON - The City of Alton Parks & Recreation Department is thrilled to announce that registration is officially open for its highly anticipated Summer 2026 season. Featuring a diverse range of activities from youth sports and day camps to wellness programs for adults, the city is prepared to offer residents an active and engaging summer. Youth Summer Day Camp Running from June 8 through July 17, the Summer Day Camp at Gordon Moore Park offers children entering 1st through 6th grade
BELLEVILLE – A woman from Belleville accused of injuring an Illinois State Police officer on the same day as an alleged DUI offense faces felony and misdemeanor charges in Madison County. Latoya C. Brown, 48, of Belleville, was charged on May 8, 2026 with one count each of aggravated battery (a Class 2 felony), resisting or obstructing a peace officer (a Class 4 felony), and driving while under the influence (a Class A misdemeanor). Brown allegedly drove a motor vehicle on I-55 at Illinois
ALTON — Effective May 14, 2026 , the public boat launch ramps at Alton Marina are officially open. As of today, the river level at Alton Marina stands at 416 feet above sea level , providing approximately 5-6 feet of water within the harbor . According to the latest forecast from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) , water levels are expected to remain steady at 416 - 417 feet for the next seven days. During this period, the public launch ramps will remain open. Vessels over
OSF HealthCare proudly announces the recipients of its 2026 Innovator of the Year Awards , recognizing exceptional leaders who are transforming care delivery, advancing research, and driving operational excellence across the Ministry. This year’s honorees include Colleen Klein, Nichole Esterdahl and Tiffany Magallanes. They have each demonstrated extraordinary vision, creativity, and measurable impact in their respective areas. The awards were announced during the OSF Innovation Showcase
ALTON – Alton officials have taken the first step toward negotiating a new city-wide trash contract. A resolution approved this week by the Alton Committee of the Whole and City Council authorizes Mayor David Goins and authorized city officials to negotiate with Republic Services to look into entering into a municipal waste contract. The resolution, presented by Alderwoman Martha Pfister, states the city “desires to provide a cost-effective, continuous municipal waste service
EDWARDSVILLE - To some, the National FFA Organization (FFA) may not stand out, but to Edwardsville High School seniors Brady Maher, Ellie Dungan and Kolson Bruhn, has meant a lot to their confidence and leadership skills. FFA, formerly known as the “Future Farmers of America,” is an organization for middle and high school students interested in leadership and agriculture, according to FFA’s website. Their name was officially changed from “Future Farmers of America”
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13 PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS ROUNDUP BASEBALL ROXANA 8, TRENTON WESCLIN 0: Roxana scored once in the first, four times in the fourth, and three more times in the sixth to shut out Wesclin at Roxana City Park. Nick Miles had three hits and an RBI for the Shells, while Dalton Carriker struck out nine on the mound. Roxana is now 18-6, while the Warriors go to 11-15, TRIAD 11, MASCOUTAH 1: Triad scored four runs in the first, one run in the third and six runs in the fifth to
stLouIST