Hospital staff, including nurses, therapists, technicians and other members, distributed candy to the children, some of whom have been at the facility for extended periods.
BOSTON (AP) — Two federal judges ruled nearly simultaneously on Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration must continue to pay for SNAP, the nation’s biggest food aid program, using emergency reserve funds during the government shutdown. The judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island gave the administration leeway on whether to fund the program partially or [...]
MICHAEL CASEY, GEOFF MULVIHILL and KIMBERLEE KRUESI, Associated Press
Most individual health insurance plans sold in Missouri will increase in price next year even as customers prepare to dig deeper into their own funds to replace costs previously covered by federal tax credits. The state Department of Commerce and Insurance on Friday released the approved rates for individual plans, most of which are sold […]
ALTON — Halloween festivities were in full swing Thursday evening, Oct. 30, 2025, as neighborhoods across Alton saw a significant amount of trick-or-treating. The community engaged in a variety of activities leading up to the city’s legendary Halloween Parade sponsored by the East End Improvement Association, scheduled for Friday night, Oct. 31, 2025. The parade will begin at 7 p.m., with live coverage starting at 6:50 p.m. on Riverbender.com. Viewers can watch the event online
GRANITE CITY – A man from Granite City faces felony charges of home invasion and domestic battery after an incident that allegedly occurred on Halloween. Jerry M. Watson Jr., 25, of Granite City, was charged on Oct. 31, 2025 with a Class X felony count of home invasion, a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery, and a Class A misdemeanor count of domestic battery. On Oct. 31, 2025, Watson allegedly entered a Granite City apartment unit without legal authority and intentionally
EAST ALTON — The East Alton Halloween Parade took place Thursday evening, Oct. 30, 2025, featuring a range of participants, including local fire and police departments, school bands, and community organizations. Sponsored by the Village’s American Legion, the parade began at Wilshire Plaza and concluded at the East Alton American Legion Post. Participants include the East Alton Fire Department, Survival Flight, ambulances, East Alton Police, and several school bands, including member
If your current 401(k) or SIMPLE/SEP feels too expensive, too confusing, or simply underused, this quick guide will help you decide whether to switch providers or start a new plan—and what to fix first for better outcomes. Note for Illinois employers: State law requires businesses with five or more Illinois employees and at least two years in operation to offer their own retirement plan or facilitate the Illinois Secure Choice program. If you’re currently on the state IRA, you
EDWARDSVILLE - The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce will host their annual Women’s Conference. On Nov. 5, 2025, entrepreneurs and professionals from across the region will gather at The Outlet at Edison’s for a day of panels, breakout sessions and featured speakers. Dawn Mushill, president of the chamber, encourages people to register now so they can enjoy the experience. “We have speakers on the stage,” Mushill said. “We have workshops.
MARYVILLE — Maryville Elementary School held its annual Pumpkin Drop event on a sunny day this week, drawing participation from students and local community members. The event took place on the school grounds, where pumpkins were dropped from a height as part of the festivities. Granite City Firefighters Local 253 assisted in ensuring the event ran smoothly, contributing to what organizers described as one of their favorite days of the year. The Granite City School District #9 shared photo
GRANITE CITY - Alexis Ruiz was a senior outside hitter for the girls' volleyball team at Granite City High School, and despite the Warriors ending the season with a 5-19-1 record, she was very proud of her team and how hard they worked over the season. The Warriors lost their final match of the year to Edwardsville in the IHSA Class 4A regional at Granite City Memorial Gym 25-14, 25-3, but Ruiz had a good year statistically. She ended up with 42 kills, served up 46 points with eight aces, 13