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GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man accused of assaulting someone with a sword and battering a second victim who tried to intervene remains in custody pending felony and misdemeanor charges. Michael S. Lynch, 45, of Granite City, was charged on Dec. 29, 2025 with one count each of felon in possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of methamphetamine (both Class 3 felonies), aggravated assault, and battery (both Class A misdemeanors). On Dec. 26, 2025, Lynch allegedly knowingly possessed

SPRINGFIELD – As 2025 ends, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) is proud to share a year of impactful enforcement actions and successful resolutions that protected workers' rights and ensured fair compensation across the state. From recovering unpaid wages – approximately $2.7 million year-to-date – to enforcing child labor and paid leave laws, IDOL has remained steadfast in its mission to uphold labor standards and support workers. “The Illinois Department of Labor

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois has been awarded $193,418,216 million per year for five years through the $50 billion federal Rural Healthcare Transformation Program (RHTP) fund, which will be utilized to expand equitable access to healthcare and to eliminate barriers to care that many residents of rural communities face. All 50 states applied for the RHTP funding, and a total of $10 billion will be available each year over five years, beginning in fiscal year 2026. While this funding will provide

O’FALLON, Ill. — On Saturday, December 27, 2025, O’Fallon police officers responded to a residence in the 1300 block of Bossler Lane for a well-being check on 72-year-old Terrie Nguyen after family members were unable to reach her. Upon arrival at approximately 1:30 p.m., officers found Terrie Nguyen deceased inside the home. Authorities determined her death to be suspicious and the result of violence. Early in the investigation, 38-year-old David Nguyen, Terrie’s son,

ST. LOUIS - The upcoming peak of the 2026 Quadrantid meteor shower in St. Louis is expected to reach its maximum activity late on Saturday, January 3, 2026, through the early hours of Sunday, January 4, 2026. The shower, known for producing bright fireballs, can deliver between 40 and over 100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. Early Wednesday morning, Dec. 31, 2025, in St. Louis, a green glow briefly lit up the northern sky before fading near the Gateway Arch, a phenomenon identified

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), a leading Catholic health ministry with operations in Illinois and Wisconsin, announced today that Mark Thorn, MBA, FACHE, has been named Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for HSHS’ Southern Illinois Market. He begins his role Jan.26, 2026. In this role, Thorn is responsible for monitoring financial performance and maintaining appropriate financial plans and forecasts, serving as key financial liaisons to market executives

GRANITE CITY — Seven Granite City High School students earned Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) certifications through their Introduction to Cybersecurity course, the school district announced this week. The certifications, awarded by Cisco, a global leader in IT training and networking, recognize students’ job-ready skills in cybersecurity and IT support. Among the students, seven received the Cybersecurity certification, three earned the IT Support certification,

SWANSEA — The Swansea Police Department announced the passing of retired Sergeant Greg Woolery on Christmas Day, 2025, at the age of 70, following a prolonged battle with an aggressive illness. Woolery served a total of 36 years in law enforcement, beginning his career with the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department, where he worked for eight years. He then dedicated 28 years to the Swansea Police Department, retiring in 2013 as a sergeant. Throughout his tenure, Woolery was recognized

ALTON – A sex offender residing in Alton faces a new felony charge after repeatedly failing to register with local authorities. Terrance T. Holmes, of the 1900 block of N. Rodgers St. in Alton, was charged on Dec. 26, 2025 with a Class 3 felony count of violating the Sex Offender Registration Act. On Dec. 24, 2025, Holmes allegedly failed to register as a sex offender with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office in Madison County, where he resides, as required under the Sex Offender

ALTON - Community members have a unique opportunity to see award-winning photography at Elysian Gallery this weekend. Like many small businesses in the downtown Alton shopping district, Elysian Gallery has created a special experience for the 17th annual Alton Eagle Ice Festival . Throughout Friday, Jan. 2, and Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, community members can stop by the gallery located in Mineral Springs Mall to see photos by nature photographer Lonnie Gatlin. Gatlin has over 30 years

COLLINSVILLE/GRANITE CITY – Collinsville and Granite City Police have filed felony charges against two after separate incidents of stabbing on the same day. Audrie B. Lively, 19, listed as homeless out of Collinsville, was charged with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery on Dec. 29, 2025. She allegedly stabbed another individual in the chest with a knife on Dec. 25, 2025. A petition to deny her pretrial release from custody was filed by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s

RIVERBEND - RiverBender.com , Raging Rivers WaterPark and Shivers Frozen Custard thank all who participated in their annual Holiday Lights Contest and congratulate the three winners. “We’re so proud of our community for showing up and celebrating the holidays with us,” said RiverBender.com owner John Hentrich. “We wanted to spread holiday cheer, and our readers absolutely shared the spirit.” Throughout the month of December, Riverbend residents

What if the way we ring in the New Year is more than just a party? Every year, billions of people around the world participate in rituals that trace back thousands of years, embodying hopes, fears, and cultural identities. New Year's Eve traditions are not merely festive customs but living links to humanity’s shared history and diverse expressions of renewal. The Historical Roots of New Year's Celebrations The concept of marking the passage of time is as old as civilization itself. Ancient

December 31st has always been a day of reflection and anticipation, marking the close of one year and the dawn of another. Arguably the most significant event tied to December 31st in recent history is the official launch of the Euro currency in 1999. At midnight on this day, eleven European countries took a bold step towards economic integration by adopting the Euro as their official currency for electronic transactions. This monumental decision was not just about convenience or finance; i

This morning starts off with partly cloudy skies and a chilly temperature around 29 degrees. As the day moves into the afternoon, expect partly sunny conditions with highs reaching about 42 degrees. Winds will pick up from the west at around 9 miles per hour, gusting up to 21 mph. Evening brings partly cloudy skies again, perfect for any New Year's Eve plans, but make sure to bundle up as temperatures drop. Overnight, skies remain partly cloudy with lows near 26 degrees and lighter winds from the

ALTON - The Alton Eagle Ice Festival promises plenty of fun this weekend. 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. Grace Sakry with Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau encourages people to start at FLOCK Food Truck Park and then visit the National Great Rivers Museum and the Audubon Center at Riverlands. “It’s a full Alton celebration, which is so exciting,”

The purpose of this article is to help you think clearly about when to claim Social Security - whether that’s 62, your Full Retirement Age , or as late as 70. I’ll walk through the key considerations that usually matter most: the opportunity cost of delaying, taxes, survivor protection, work income, longevity, and how portfolio withdrawals can change the math. A practical way to think about the decision Delaying Social Security can be valuable—but only if it improves

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — Donntay Wallace, 35, of the 1900 block of Craig Road in St. Louis, was charged Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, with escape or attempted escape from custody while under arrest for a felony, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and second-degree trespassing, according to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The charges stem from an incident earlier that day when Wallace allegedly entered a backyard on the 1700 block of Shallowbrook Drive and lingered

ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Michael Dade, 34, of the 5700 block of Huntington Valley Court in St. Louis, died following a motorcycle crash on the 6300 block of Lemay Ferry Road near Meramec View Drive on Friday afternoon, Dec. 26, 2025, according to the St. Louis County Police Department. Officers from the South County Precinct responded at 1:28 p.m. Dec. 26, 2025, to reports of a motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle. St. Louis County Police said preliminary investigation

PEORIA – With the recent resignation of Lisa DeKezel, president of OSF HealthCare St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg and OSF HealthCare Holy Family Medical Center in Monmouth, OSF HealthCare is implementing an interim leadership plan during the search for her successor. Zach Yoder has been appointed interim president of both OSF St. Mary and OSF Holy Family. He will step away from his current role as president at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton for up to