Spotlight & Giveaway: A Very Cozy Cat Lady Christmas by Amy Bizzarri

Today, HJ is pleased to share with you Amy Bizzarri’s new release: A Very Cozy Cat Lady Christmas. Between mischievous cats and a Christmas theft, the Bocchetta family winery is anything but quiet. When Chicago elementary school teacher Chiara Bocchetta heads home to Carlinville, Illinois, for Christmas at her...

Pet of the Week- Meet Starr!

Thank you to Doit's Village Inn for sponsoring The Granite City Daily News adoptable pet from Metro East Humane Society. Meet Starr! This spunky girl is full of personality and guaranteed to keep you smiling! She's playful, fun, and has just the right amount of sass, but once the excitement settles down, Starr turns into an absolute cuddle bug who loves being close to her people. She's ready to trade shelter life for a cozy bed, a loving family, and someone she can call her very own. Starr has so much love to give and is just waiting for someone to give her a chance. Don't let this sweet girl wait any longer come meet Starr. Hi I am new to Metro East Humane Society and I am very excited to meet you!! If you are interested in adopting me, please fill out an application on our website at https://www.mehs.org/adoptables If you are interested in learning more about all of our adoptables or the adoption process at MEHS, please email info@mehs.org All of our dogs and cats will be microchipped, spayed or neutered, and up-to-date on vaccinations at the time of adoption. MEHS Adoption Fees: Dogs under 6 months: $250

Head over heels: LCCC learns what's next at National Tourney

Lewis and Clark men's soccer is headed to the NJCAA Division I national tourney in Wichita to face Northwest and Barton in pool play.

Madison County approves zoning variances near Troy

By Randy Pierce • Two requests for variances from property owners near Troy have been approved unanimously by the Madison County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) as the first step in a three-part process. The results of the public hearings conducted by the ZBA concerning these matters have been...

Montgomery County EMA Winter Weather Preparedness

Winter weather preparedness week has begun. Residents are urged to prepare for the usual snow, and cold temperatures that come with a midwestern winter here in Illinois. Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency Director, Dan Hough, mentions that emergency management planning consists of multiple different categories. The main category is planning ahead.

Read with a dog or have a playdate in a forest this week

What's your favorite nature spot in Madison County?

Libby Koonce Resigns as Edwardsville High School Girls Golf Coach

EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville High School girls golf coach Libby Koonce has resigned from her position after 13 years with the program, including the last eight years as head coach. Koonce most recently guided the Tigers to a sixth-place finish at the IHSA Girls State Finals, the program’s best finish...

Edwardsville Police Will Employ Drone for Veterans Day Parade

The Edwardsville Police Department will use remotely piloted aircraft at the Edwardsville Veterans Day Parade on November 11, 2026. The Police Department drones, operated by trained and certified personnel, will provide an added vantage point to help monitor the event and support personnel on the ground. This allows our officers to respond quickly to any concerns and helps ensure a safe environment for all in attendance.

OSF Cardiologists on Heart Health and Safety During Hunting Season

Silver Creek replaces Marine on the construction update list; THS, TMS remain

After site grading and earthmoving, lime stabilization happened, followed by site drainage during the week of Oct. 16 and concrete preparation during the week of Oct. 23. At Triad High School, the mezzanine took shape as structural steel has been installed; same with the lobby. Concrete slabs and steps have been poured in both areas and steel has formed the catwalk section within the theater.

Alton Main Street’s Fall 2026 What’s Up Downtown: New Businesses, Events and Student Research

Alton Main Street’s fall edition of What’s Up Downtown covers new and upcoming businesses, holiday events and student projects focused on Alton’s cultural and business assets. Executive Director Sara McGibany also shares details about the tree lighting, downtown shopping events and the final First Fridays of the year.

Alton Adds Metal Detectors to City Hall Meetings After Threat Arrest

Starting Thursday, anyone walking into Alton City Hall for a Committee of the Whole, City Council or Plan Commission meeting will have to pass through metal detector screening, follow a new limited-bag policy, and stay in their seat once the meeting gets underway. The city says the changes take effect November 12, 2026, and apply to people entering the building after normal business hours on meeting nights.

Missouri-Illinois Weather Alert: St. Louis Freeze Friday, Nov 11-15

St. Louis faces a dramatic temperature plunge as 69-degree warmth gives way to freezing nights

Comets Football Season Ends in Playoff Loss to Mt. Carmel

After an Opening Round victory in the IHSA 3A football playoffs, the Greenville Comets saw their season come to a close with a 44-22 loss to the undefeated Mt. Carmel Golden Aces on October 31. The Comets made the trek toward the Illinois-Indiana border for their afternoon matchup with the...

Glen Carbon committee approves prairie restoration

The village approved a three-year, $37,450 agreement with Native Plant STL to restore about 1.5 acres of prairie at Green Space East.

Panther Mens Basketball Loses Two On Friday

After losing at midnight last Friday in their season opener, the Greenville University mens basketball team fell Friday night in their second game of the day. Grinnell beat the Panthers by three points in the midnight game, then GU was downed by Covenant, 145-123. Covenant led by 10 points at...

Emma Jackson Leads By Example at Highland High School

HIGHLAND – Emma Jackson knows the value of hard work. For her achievements, Emma Jackson is a Platinum Transportation Student of the Month for Highland High School. Jackson, a senior, is an avid member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization at her school. She works hard to support her peers as well as farmers throughout the region. She understands the importance of agriculture and always tries to educate others about this, too.

Alton Lays Over Data Center Consulting Agreement

ALTON – Alton officials are holding off on an agreement with a consulting firm to study the potential economic and environmental impacts of a proposed data center. Committee of the Whole members laid over a resolution authorizing a professional services agreement between the City of Alton and Stantec Consulting Services Inc. at their Nov. 9, 2026 meeting.

SIUE art auction benefit to raise funds for students, visiting artists

“Every bid is an investment in the next generation of artists,” said co-chair Dionna Raedeke. The event also features refreshments and a cash-only bar.

Reagan Dortch is Impressive Student Athlete at Highland High School

HIGHLAND – Reagan Dortch is dedicated to everything she does. For her hard work, Reagan Dortch is a Platinum Transportation Student of the Month for Highland High School. Dortch, a senior, has played ice hockey for nine years. She loves the sport and has worked hard to receive some well-deserved recognition. She is also a member of the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes program, through which she has received a leadership award.