Area News
‘Midnight Madness’ returns to World Wide Technology Raceway in 2026
After a record-setting 2025 Ranken Technical College Midnight Madness Fueled by NOS Energy Drink season, the popular Friday night event returns with nine events for the 2026 season at World Wide Technology Raceway. The street-legal car and motorcycle event will take place on the third Friday of each month beginning in March and concluding in…
Read MoreMolina Healthcare, Empyre Laundry, to provide free laundry day in East St. Louis
Molina Healthcare of Illinois (“Molina”) is continuing its partnership with Empyre Laundry to bring free laundry days to the East St. Louis community. Through the Clean Start Community Day Laundry Program, residents and local community members are invited to wash and dry up to three loads of laundry at no cost. Laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and support staff…
Read MoreThird Judicial Circuit Court announces associate judge vacancy
The Illinois Supreme Court has authorized the Third Judicial Circuit Court to post this notice of vacancy for an associate judge. Announced by Chief Judge Christopher P. Threlkeld on Dec. 17, 2025, this vacancy is based on the impending resignation of Hon. Janet R. Heflin, effective Jan. 31, 2026. Applications shall be taken from any…
Read MoreU.S. Attorney’s Office announces results of ‘Operation Safe Christmas’
The fugitive apprehension operation netted more than 60 arrests of criminal offenders, including Granite City man charged with shooting local police officer FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – On Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois announced the results of a fugitive roundup effort jointly handled by federal and state…
Read MoreIllinois Manufacturers’ Association hosts 2025 annual luncheon, honors Manufacturer of the Year
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) recently hosted its 132nd annual luncheon at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, bringing together business leaders, elected officials and other stakeholders to celebrate the state’s dynamic and diverse manufacturing industry, which contributes more than $580 billion to Illinois’ economy each year. During the luncheon, Ferrero, the fastest growing confectionery company…
Read MoreNew BBQ restaurant offering unique food additions at Fairmount Park Casino & Racing
Chicago ownership group opens country-western barbecue restaurant and bar As the St. Louis foodie scene continues to grow, one new Metro East restaurant is making a name for itself with its experienced ownership group and accomplished head chef. Longshots, a country-western barbecue restaurant and bar, opened at Fairmount Park Casino and Racing earlier this year,…
Read MoreDecember small business honoree: Rebranded, but still rooted in the Riverbend
Alton Elite Jiu-Jitsu has been chosen as the December 2025 Small Business of the Month by the RiverBend Growth Association. Owned by Adam Marburger, the honoree has undergone a recent rebranding, transitioning from its former identity as Alton Martial Arts & Fitness. Located at 2716 Corner Court in Alton, Marburger opened operations eight years ago…
Read MoreGovernor signs Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act
Includes $150M for downstate transit Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act, SB2111, into law, marking a landmark action in modernizing Illinois’ transit system. The law creates a new regional authority to oversee CTA, Metra, and Pace, while delivering significant investments in public transit, capital projects, and tollways across the…
Read MoreThe Salvation Army of Greater St. Louis distributes toys to over 8,200 children
More toys needed to meet increased demand at Angel Tree Toy Town Every holiday season, countless families face the heartbreaking reality of being unable to provide gifts for their children. For many parents and guardians, Christmas becomes a time of worry instead of joy. Yet this same season offers a powerful opportunity for community members…
Read MoreOSF Moeller Cancer Center distributed 25 Thanksgiving holiday dinners to patients, families
The Caring Pantry at OSF Moeller Cancer Center was responsible for the outreach “During cancer treatment, you shouldn’t have to worry about where you and your family’s next meal is coming from, and certainly not a Thanksgiving dinner,” said Jill Pruitt, OPN-CG, LPN, certified oncology navigator at OSF Moeller Cancer Center in Alton (2200 Central…
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