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Madison County Battery Cases Include Domestic Strangulation, Brick Used As Weapon

2 months ago
GRANITE CITY – Cases of battery and domestic battery filed across Madison County involve two instances of domestic strangulation and an individual reportedly attacked with a brick. Alberto A. Araujo, 31, of St. Louis, was charged on Nov. 4, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery. Araujo allegedly intentionally strangled a family or household member on Sept. 28, 2025. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office filed petition to deny Araujo’s

Winter at Old Bakery Beer Company Brings Fresh Brews, Festive Markets, and Good Cheer

2 months ago
ALTON - Winter is officially on tap at Old Bakery Beer Company, and it is shaping up to be the coziest season yet. From festive markets and peppermint pints to cookie pairings and community gatherings, the Alton-based organic brewery is offering plenty of ways to sip, shop, and celebrate all things local this holiday season Harvest Market (Nov. 22, 11:30 AM–3:30 PM) Kick off the season with this Thanksgiving-themed market highlighting handmade home goods such as candles, cutting boards,

Winter at Old Bakery Beer Company Brings Fresh Brews, Festive Markets, and Good Cheer

2 months ago
ALTON- Winter is officially on tap at Old Bakery Beer Company, and it is shaping up to be the coziest season yet. From festive markets and peppermint pints to cookie pairings and community gatherings, the Alton-based organic brewery is offering plenty of ways to sip, shop, and celebrate all things local this holiday season. Harvest Market (Nov. 22, 11:30 AM–3:30 PM) Kick off the season with this Thanksgiving-themed market highlighting handmade home goods such as candles, cutting

Granite City Resident, Others, Witnesses Stunning Northern Lights Display

2 months ago
GRANITE CITY - Granite City resident Sheena Williamson described witnessing the Northern Lights from her home near Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) on Tuesday night as one of the “most beautiful experiences” of her life. Williamson, who lives on Morrison Road in Granite City, said she had been waiting her entire life to see the phenomenon. “I drove around Granite City looking for places to take a photo. I saw it when I got back here,” she said. “I didn’t

Granite City Resident, Others, Witnesses Stunning Northern Lights Display

2 months ago
GRANITE CITY - Granite City resident Sheena Williamson described witnessing the Northern Lights from her home near Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) on Tuesday night as one of the “most beautiful experiences” of her life. Williamson, who lives on Morrison Road in Granite City, said she had been waiting her entire life to see the phenomenon. “I drove around Granite City looking for places to take a photo. I saw it when I got back here,” she said. “I didn’t

Wood River Veterans Day Ceremony Brings Community Together

2 months ago
WOOD RIVER - Community members gathered at East Alton-Wood River High School for a special Veterans Day ceremony. On Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, local veterans were honored for their service. Featured speaker Thomas Haine, Madison County State’s Attorney and a U.S. Army veteran, shared a tribute to the veterans who have served. Mayor Tom Stalcup also expressed his appreciation for the community’s turnout and the veterans who live in Wood River and beyond. “We dedicate this

Wood River Veterans Day Ceremony Brings Community Together

2 months ago
WOOD RIVER - Community members gathered at East Alton-Wood River High School for a special Veterans Day ceremony. On Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, local veterans were honored for their service. Featured speaker Thomas Haine, Madison County State’s Attorney and a U.S. Army veteran, shared a tribute to the veterans who have served. Mayor Tom Stalcup also expressed his appreciation for the community’s turnout and the veterans who live in Wood River and beyond. “We dedicate this

Aurora Borealis Graces St. Louis/Metro East Illinois Region Skies

2 months ago
ALTON - The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch through Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, indicating heightened geomagnetic activity that may make the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) visible across parts of the United States, including the St. Louis region. The Northern Lights Phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with molecules in Earth’s atmosphere, producing light displays typically seen closer to the poles. An Earth-directed

Aurora Borealis Graces St. Louis/Metro East Illinois Region Skies

2 months ago
ALTON - The NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center has issued a severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch through Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, indicating heightened geomagnetic activity that may make the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) visible across parts of the United States, including the St. Louis region. The Northern Lights Phenomenon occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with molecules in Earth’s atmosphere, producing light displays typically seen closer to the poles. An Earth-directed

How to Create a Holiday Budget and Stick to It

2 months ago
Did you know that the average American overspends by nearly 20% during the holiday season, often plunging into debt that takes months to repay? This startling statistic highlights a common struggle: the challenge of managing holiday expenses without sacrificing financial stability. Crafting a realistic holiday budget—and adhering to it—can transform your festive experience from stressful overspending to mindful celebration. Understanding the Importance of a Holiday Budget Many peopl

How to Create a Holiday Budget and Stick to It

2 months ago
Did you know that the average American overspends by nearly 20% during the holiday season, often plunging into debt that takes months to repay? This startling statistic highlights a common struggle: the challenge of managing holiday expenses without sacrificing financial stability. Crafting a realistic holiday budget—and adhering to it—can transform your festive experience from stressful overspending to mindful celebration. Understanding the Importance of a Holiday Budget Many peopl

This Day in History on November 12: Algerian War of Independence Starts

2 months ago
November 12 has been a date marked by numerous significant events throughout history, spanning the realms of politics, science, culture, and global affairs. In the political arena, November 12, 1954, marks the beginning of the Algerian War of Independence. The National Liberation Front (FLN) launched a series of coordinated attacks against French colonial forces, igniting the struggle that would eventually lead to Algeria gaining independence in 1962. This conflict was one of the most significant

This Day in History on November 12: Algerian War of Independence Starts

2 months ago
November 12 has been a date marked by numerous significant events throughout history, spanning the realms of politics, science, culture, and global affairs. In the political arena, November 12, 1954, marks the beginning of the Algerian War of Independence. The National Liberation Front (FLN) launched a series of coordinated attacks against French colonial forces, igniting the struggle that would eventually lead to Algeria gaining independence in 1962. This conflict was one of the most significant

Today's Weather: Sunny and pleasant

2 months ago
Today expect a sunny and pleasant day with a high of 66 degrees and a low of 35 degrees. Winds will come from the west-northwest around 9 mph, with gusts up to 15 mph. The air will feel pretty close to actual temperatures topping out near 65 degrees feels like in the afternoon. This morning will start chilly but clear. Through the afternoon, sunshine will dominate with comfortable temperatures climbing into the mid-60s. Evening brings partly cloudy skies and lighter winds. Overnight will be mostly

Today's Weather: Sunny and pleasant

2 months ago
Today expect a sunny and pleasant day with a high of 66 degrees and a low of 35 degrees. Winds will come from the west-northwest around 9 mph, with gusts up to 15 mph. The air will feel pretty close to actual temperatures topping out near 65 degrees feels like in the afternoon. This morning will start chilly but clear. Through the afternoon, sunshine will dominate with comfortable temperatures climbing into the mid-60s. Evening brings partly cloudy skies and lighter winds. Overnight will be mostly

Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Event to be Held on November 18 ย 

2 months ago
ALTON – If you (or someone you know) is a smoker or a previous smoker, completing a low-dose CT screening could save your life. In recognition of November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the OSF Moeller Cancer Center (2200 Central Avenue, Alton) will be conducting a low-dose CT lung cancer screening event on Tuesday, November 18, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Low-dose CT lung cancer screenings are covered by most insurance programs. Event attendees can also register for a door prize

Low-Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening Event to be Held on November 18 ย 

2 months ago
ALTON – If you (or someone you know) is a smoker or a previous smoker, completing a low-dose CT screening could save your life. In recognition of November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the OSF Moeller Cancer Center (2200 Central Avenue, Alton) will be conducting a low-dose CT lung cancer screening event on Tuesday, November 18, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Low-dose CT lung cancer screenings are covered by most insurance programs. Event attendees can also register for a door prize

Spencer Administration Announces New Key Staff, Departure of CDA Director

2 months ago
ST. LOUIS – Mayor Cara Spencer announced the appointments of three key members of the administration, along with the upcoming departure of Community Development Administration Executive Director Nahuel Fefer. Mayor Spencer has appointed James Jackson to serve as Street Department director, putting him in charge of the City’s efforts to collect refuse, keep streets smooth and clear of snow and manage the tow lot. Jackson brings more than three decades of public works experience

Spencer Administration Announces New Key Staff, Departure of CDA Director

2 months ago
ST. LOUIS – Mayor Cara Spencer announced the appointments of three key members of the administration, along with the upcoming departure of Community Development Administration Executive Director Nahuel Fefer. Mayor Spencer has appointed James Jackson to serve as Street Department director, putting him in charge of the City’s efforts to collect refuse, keep streets smooth and clear of snow and manage the tow lot. Jackson brings more than three decades of public works experience

Alton Man Detained In Armed Assault Case

2 months ago
ALTON – A convicted felon from Alton man remains in custody after allegedly pointing an illegally possessed firearm at another individual. Byron T. Lacey, 33, of Alton, was charged on Nov. 3, 2025 with one count each of felon in possession of a weapon (a Class 3 felony) and aggravated assault (a Class A misdemeanor). On Nov. 1, 2025, Lacey allegedly possessed a Ruger .38 Special revolver which was unlawful for him to possess as a felon previously convicted of theft over $500 in a