ALTON – Simmons Hanly Conroy, a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, is pleased to announce that John A. Barnerd, firm partner and management committee member, was named to St. Louis Small Business Monthly magazine’s “Top People To Know in Southern Illinois” list for 2025. Published every December, the list recognizes and celebrates Southern Illinois influencers who are helping to drive the success of regional businesses.
COLLINSVILLE – Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 Commander, Captain Casey Faro, announces the ISP will conduct Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols in Madison and St. Clair counties during December. ACE patrols allow the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to violations associated with impaired driving and illegal transportation or consumption of alcohol or drugs. The ISP has zero tolerance for impaired driving in Illinois. Officers
Did you know that St. Nicholas Day is celebrated in over 20 countries with distinct customs that range from gift-giving to elaborate parades? This lesser-known holiday, observed on December 6th, honors the historical figure of St. Nicholas—an early Christian bishop famed for his generosity and kindness. While many associate the holiday with children receiving small gifts in their shoes, there are numerous inventive ways to celebrate that can bring communities and families together, deepen
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On CNN’s AC360 with Anderson Cooper, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) sharply criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s unlawful, unauthorized military strikes in the Southern Hemisphere. Duckworth also slammed the Department of Defense for misleading the public and putting our servicemembers in legal jeopardy and at greater risk of retaliation from our enemies. Video of the full interview can be found on the Senator’s YouTube. Key Quotes: &ldquo
BUZZ MAGAZINE – Cammie Corlas Quinn has been writing uplifting stories about small-town life for over twenty-five years. Now, those stories are part of a heartfelt collection. Going Home: Stories of Small-Town Central Illinois is a charming, nostalgic book about the joys, struggles, and love that Quinn experienced while growing up in rural Illinois in the 1960s and 1970s. “I enjoy sharing stories of hope whenever possible,” said Quinn. “The book offers a positive lens
BUZZ MAGAZINE – Think Rudolph is a funny name for a reindeer? It could have been Reginald, Rollo, or Rodney. Over eight decades ago, those were a few of the names considered for the red-nosed reindeer by Robert May, an Illinois copywriter whose creativity brought Rudolph to life in a 1939 storybook for Chicago-based department store giant Montgomery Ward. Today, the hit song and iconic television special, which premiered sixty years ago this December 6, overshadow the original, as the firs
GRANITE CITY — After a several-hour manhunt, authorities apprehended DJ Marshall at approximately 3 a.m. Saturday in connection with a shooting involving a Granite City police officer. Earlier that day, police responded to the 2000 block of Johnson Road, where Marshall allegedly fired multiple shots at an officer, striking him. The injured officer was promptly transported to a hospital in the St. Louis area for medical treatment. Following the arrest, Granite City Police expressed gratitude
GRANITE CITY — The Illinois State Police are assisting in the search for 26-year-old DJ Marshall of Granite City, who is suspected of shooting a Granite City Police officer on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. At approximately 2:19 p.m. Friday, officers from the Granite City Police Department responded to a call in the 2000 block of Johnson Road. Upon arrival, officers encountered Marshall, who reportedly pulled out a firearm and fired multiple shots, striking one officer before fleeing on foot. T
GRANITE CITY — Granite City Police released photos of a potential person of interest in the shooting of an officer that occurred around 2:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in the vicinity of the Pizza World parking lot. Following the incident, officers established a perimeter on Madison Avenue in Granite City, where they believe the person of interest is either under a deck or inside a nearby house. A large number of law enforcement personnel have surrounded the residence as they continue
GRANITE CITY — An officer was shot Friday afternoon, Dec. 5, 2025, in the parking lot of Pizza World on Johnson Road, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred around 2:20 p.m., according to Granite City Police Chief Gary Brooks. Police responded to the 2000 block of Johnson Road when a suspect fired multiple shots at an officer, striking him. The injured officer was immediately transported to a hospital in the St. Louis area for treatment. Chief Brooks said he spoke with the officer
GRANITE CITY — Officials delayed dismissal at Frohardt Elementary School on Friday afternoon, Dec. 5, 2025, due to a large police presence in the area, the Granite City School District said. Chris Mitchell, spokesperson for the district, said the school on Johnson Road is holding students and staff inside “out of an abundance of caution” until authorities give an official all-clear. Mitchell confirmed that all students and staff are safe. The police presence was reported around
GLEN CARBON - You can help spread Christmas joy with a toy and food drive this weekend. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, you can drop off toys and nonperishable food items at Kellerman Investigations in Glen Carbon. Attendees can enjoy cookies, cocoa, photo opportunities and raffles while donating to Toys for Tots and St. Cecilia Food Pantry. “Anything that somebody can do, whether it's canned goods or a couple of toys, that collectiveness is community,” said
GRAFTON - The annual Grafton Winter Lights Parade promises a gorgeous view on the Mississippi River. At 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, the parade will start at Hawg Pit BBQ and travel down Water Street towards The Loading Dock. Community members are invited to line up or park their cars along Water Street to enjoy the fun. “It’s a highlight of the community,” said organizer Paula Jameson. “I love bringing people to Grafton in what other people think is th
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Museum (ISM) has been reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, governments, funders, outside agencies and the museum-going public. The Illinois State Museum has been accredited since 1972. “ISM has a long history of being an AAM-accredited institution, and we are excited to continue to showcase our
ALTON - If you are looking for a smiling face along with energy, enthusiasm, and a great attitude, look no further than the most recent Art Fahrner-Edward Jones Remarkable Redbird, Sebastian Rezabek. Sebastian is one of the main students coming off the bus and in the hallway each morning, encouraging fellow students to get to classes on time and to keep everyone's spirits up throughout the day. He is also works at the Redbird Store selling cookies and other food and drinks. Sebastian has
GRAFTON - There’s a fun weekend to be had in Grafton, and it all starts with Grafton’s Holiday Treat Trail. Starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, you can stop by The Loading Dock to snag a free ticket, punch card and goodie bag. Only the first 300 people will receive these items, so you're encouraged to come early. Then, you can spend the afternoon walking along Grafton’s streets, enjoying free goodies at participating businesses and completing your holiday shopping.
COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department recognized Officer Brian Joy this week as its 2025 Officer of the Year during the annual C3 awards dinner. Joy, who has served with the department for four years, was recognized for his consistent contributions and dedication to proactive policing. In addition to his patrol duties, Joy is a member of the Madison County Cross River Task Force and serves as a Field Training Officer for the department. The Collinsville Police Department
GRANITE CITY – A man from Granite City faces felony and misdemeanor charges after reportedly driving under the influence and pulling a fire alarm at his local police station. Brandon O. Williams, 31, of Granite City, was charged on Nov. 20, 2025 with one count each of disorderly conduct, a Class 4 felony, and driving while under the influence, a Class A misdemeanor. Williams allegedly drove a Chevrolet Traverse on East 23rd Street in Granite City on Oct. 10, 2025 while under the influence
ALTON - The Salvation Army has officially started its Red Kettle campaign to raise money for local programs. From now until Christmas Eve, you have the opportunity to donate at the red kettles in local stores, or you can donate online . All of the money donated locally stays in Madison County to fund Salvation Army programs. Majors Sean and Cassy Grey noted the importance of helping this campaign during the holiday season so families can have year-round support. “I think we
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The two men who were fatally shot Wednesday night, Dec. 3, 2025, in the 12400 block of Horizon Village Drive have been identified by the St. Louis County Police Department. The St. Louis County Police identified the victims as 23-year-old Damarius Bolden of the 7200 block of Teal Avenue in St. Louis and 24-year-old Tajean Johnson of the 3200 block of Greenway Chase Drive in Florissant. Police responded at approximately 10:25 p.m. Wednesday to a ShotSpotter activation
stLouIST