GRAFTON - On a recent appearance on “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello , Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow expressed his excitement for the year ahead, including the fulfillment of multiple campaign promises. “2026 is going to be huge,” he said. Morrow is especially excited to complete Phase One of the National Memorial of Military Ascent. The community is also in its final stages of securing a ferry. On Jan. 20, 2026, the City of Grafton finalized its purchase
Let’s open with a joke: Mr. Bovino said Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and Border Patrol agents were probably more experienced at handling young people than “any domestic law enforcement agency.” “I will say unequivocally that we are experts in dealing with children,” he said. “Not because we want to be, but because we have […]
GRANITE CITY – A woman from Granite City accused of striking a 17-year-old and an adult with a loaded firearm faces multiple charges in Madison County. Connie R. Wells, 36, of Granite City, was charged on Jan. 20, 2026 with two counts of aggravated battery (both Class 3 felonies) and one count each of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon (a Class 4 felony) and aggravated assault (a Class A misdemeanor). Wells allegedly pointed a handgun while making threatening statements towards
Mötley Crüe was granted a "decisive victory" in the band's legal battle with former guitarist Mick Mars, their lawyer says in a press release.According to the press release, the arbitrator's ruling…
GRAFTON - As Grafton gears up to complete Phase One of the National Memorial of Military Ascent later this year, Mayor Mike Morrow couldn’t be more excited. Morrow shared that Phase One of the project will be unveiled on June 6, 2026, the anniversary of D-Day. The National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) will be a unique addition to Grafton that, Morrow hopes, will bring in tourists to appreciate military history and honor Grafton’s veteran population. “This is goin
Ronnie Wood has booked a new live gig.The Rolling Stones rocker and his band have been announced as a special guest for Eric Clapton's Aug. 23 concert at the royal family’s Sandringham estate in…
Join world-renowned saxophonist, vocalist, and composer Grace Kelly as she marks 20 incredible years of music-making. In this special anniversary celebration, Grace takes you on a spirited journey through her […]
For Helmkamp Construction, giving back is closely tied to place. The communities supported through the Helmkamp Cares Foundation are the same ones where employees live, raise families, volunteer, and build long-term roots. That connection shapes how the Foundation operates — measured, intentional, and grounded in everyday experience. The 2025 Helmkamp Cares Foundation Annual Report reflects […]
JERSEY - Jersey wrestler Nick Hartley accomplished something few wrestlers ever reach this week at East Alton-Wood River High School when he captured his 100th victory on the mats on Wednesday night, Jan. 28, 2026. Hartley is a Sparklight Male Athlete of the Month for Jersey. Jersey Community High School’s wrestling team showcased a commanding performance on the road at East Alton-Wood River, defeating Litchfield 62-24 and East Alton-Wood River 72-12. The victories marked a dominant
ALTON - Hayner Public Library District recently honored a local teenager for her participation in a yearlong reading challenge. Kiera Edwards, age 16, read a book in a different genre every month throughout 2025 and wrote a report about each one. Kiera and her mother, Ashley, expressed their appreciation for Hayner’s TeenSpace programming, which is targeted toward local teenagers. The mother-daughter duo noted that the library has provided them with great opportunities to connect with
On This Day, Jan. 29, 2010…Neil Young was honored as the Recording Academy's MusiCares Person of the Year at the music charity's 20th anniversary gala.Young was celebrated for his philanthropic work…