PONTOON BEACH - The City of Pontoon Beach is home to an exciting new business. On Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, TIG: The Integration Group celebrated the opening of its new warehouse at 1401 Tradeport Parkway in Pontoon Beach. CEO Mike Schoenfeld expressed his excitement to move into the new facility and share their work with the city and beyond. “We desire to be a long-term partner in the local community, creating jobs, supporting the economy and contributing to regional success,” Schoenfel
Did you know that families who regularly engage in shared activities such as game nights report higher levels of communication and emotional bonding? In an age dominated by screens and digital distractions, carving out intentional time for face-to-face interaction can transform family dynamics. Hosting a family game night isn’t just about playing games—it’s about creating memorable experiences that foster connection, laughter, and even a little friendly competition. Planning
Did you know that the tradition of decorating homes with ornaments dates back over 400 years? Yet, despite the rich history, many holiday decorations available today are mass-produced and lack personal meaning. Imagine transforming your holiday décor into a collection of unique, handcrafted pieces that tell your family’s story and showcase your creativity. Making your own DIY holiday ornaments can be both a deeply satisfying artistic endeavor and a meaningful tradition to share wit
November 17 has long been a date marked by moments of significant transformation across the globe. November 17, 1869, saw the opening of the Suez Canal, a monumental engineering feat that transformed global trade and geopolitics. Connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, the canal dramatically shortened the maritime route between Europe and Asia, facilitating faster and more efficient trade. The canal's opening had profound economic and political consequences, influencing colonial ambitions
ALTON — Members of the Calvary Baptist Youth group, along with Pastor Jeff Davis, spent part of their day Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, assisting the Alton Police Department with fall landscaping cleanup around the department’s grounds. The volunteer effort took place at the police department’s location in Alton, with the group contributing their time and energy to help maintain the appearance of the facility. The Calvary Youth Group members are true Difference Makers in their
You can expect a mostly clear and cool morning with a low around 49 degrees. Winds will come from the southeast at 10 to 23 mph gusts, making it feel a bit cooler in spots. The high will reach near 59 degrees today, with a feels like temperature closer to 55 in the afternoon under partly sunny skies. During the morning hours, enjoy some sunshine, but clouds will increase by afternoon, leading to mostly cloudy skies. Tonight, conditions turn breezy with a chance of a thunderstorm after sunset, followe
ST. LOUIS, MO. – As the holiday season begins, many people are searching for hope in the midst of challenging times, and through the 100 Neediest Cases program, our community has the opportunity to create a better, brighter holiday season for our neighbors in need. 100 Neediest Cases gives people the opportunity to spread joy and generosity to thousands of individuals and families who are at or 125% below the poverty line. 100 Neediest Cases helps people get access to a warm
EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School Model UN students spent two days this week at McKendree University in Greenville, engaging in debates on global issues with 17 other area high schools. The event, held recently, had participants discuss topics ranging from cybersecurity to the ethical implications of human gene editing. During the conference, students represented the perspectives of assigned countries, fostering lively discussions on complex international matters. Among the participants,
BELLEVILLE — Investigators with the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department say a home invasion reported Saturday morning, Nov. 15, 2025, in the 7700 block of Woodcliffe Drive in unincorporated Belleville stemmed from a domestic violence incident. According to the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department, the male suspect, identified as the ex-boyfriend of a resident at the apartment, forcibly entered the home by kicking in the front door and door frame. The St. Clair County Sheriff's
November 15 and 16 have long held a special place in history, marking a variety of pivotal moments across science, politics, culture, and exploration. On November 15, 1920, the astronomical community received groundbreaking news that would alter humanity’s understanding of the universe. It was on this day that the American astronomer Edwin Hubble presented evidence that galaxies lie beyond the Milky Way, proving that the universe is far more vast than previously imagined. This revelation
HARDIN - The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office would like to announce the arrest of additional suspects following an extensive ongoing drug investigation and execution of court-authorized search warrants. On August 25th 2025, the Calhoun County States Attorney’s Office issued felony arrest warrants for the following subjects: Josie R. Prough, aged 25, of Carrollton, was charged with the following offenses: Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine (Less than 5 Grams), Unlawful
COLLINSVILLE – Two men with criminal histories of domestic violence face new charges after separate alleged incidents of domestic battery. Cory A. Gehrs, 34, of O’Fallon, Ill., was charged on Nov. 12, 2025 with his second or subsequent offense of domestic battery, a Class 4 felony. Gehrs allegedly intentionally caused bodily harm to a family or household member without legal justification on Nov. 11, 2025 by striking the victim in the face, causing bruising. Charging documents not
ALTON – A sex offender with an Alton address faces a felony charge after reportedly failing to register with the local Chief of Police. Terrance T. Holmes, 32, of Alton, was charged on Nov. 10, 2025 with one count of violating the Sex Offender Registration Act, a Class 3 felony. On Oct. 7, 2025, Holmes allegedly failed to register as a sex offender with the Chief of the Alton Police Department, the municipality in which he resides or is temporarily domiciled for a period of three or mor
ALTON — The Great Rivers Choral Society will present “A Silver Glow,” the second concert series of its 25th anniversary year, offering a selection of holiday music under the direction of Music Director Raynard Brown. The non-profit chorus, dedicated to fostering music appreciation, will perform three concerts in December to celebrate the festive season. The performances are scheduled for Friday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. at Upper Alton Baptist Church; Saturday, Dec. 13, at 3 p.m. a
What if the greatest barrier to peace and progress in our world is not a lack of resources or technology, but simply our inability to accept and respect differences? Tolerance—often taken for granted—is a vital social glue that holds diverse societies together. The International Day for Tolerance, observed annually on November 16, serves as a powerful reminder of this truth, encouraging individuals and communities worldwide to embrace understanding over division. Understanding Tolerance:
SPRINGFIELD – As hunters across Illinois prepare for the upcoming firearm deer season, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) urges them to use safety harnesses when hunting from tree stands in the field. Tree stands are the No. 1 source of hunting-related accidents and fatalities in Illinois. In 2024, 70% of hunting incidents reported to IDNR were the result of tree stand-related accidents, including failure to use a fall arrest system. One fall resulted in a fatality
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) is proud to announce that 21 Illinois community colleges have been named among the nation’s top 200 two-year institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The prestigious award recognizes outstanding student outcomes, including retention, program completion, transfer and bachelor’s-degree attainment. The inclusion of nearly half the community colleges in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today that Illinois’ Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan has earned its 7th Gold rating from independent analyst Morningstar, firmly placing the plan among the best in the nation. “To be touted as one of the nation’s best by Morningstar for the seventh time under my watch confirms from an independent source that Illinois’ 529 College Savings plans are a great investment for Illinois families,”
SPRINGFIELD – As winter weather approaches, Illinois residents are reminded to prepare for the possibility of snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures. This week marks National Winter Weather Preparedness Week, a timely opportunity for individuals, families, and communities to plan ahead for the challenges the season can bring. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is partnering with the National Weather Service (NWS) to urge everyone t
BELLEVILLE — Two people were shot Saturday morning, Nov. 15, 2025, at an apartment building on Woodcliffe Drive in unincorporated St. Clair County, the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office said. At approximately 11:57 a.m. on Nov. 15, the St. Clair County CENCOM emergency operations center received a 911 call reporting a disturbance at an apartment complex in the 7700 block of Woodcliffe Drive. Dispatchers learned that several shots had been fired, resulting in two victims suffering