Movies returning to Mt. Vernon in November; major renovations planned for 2027

MOUNT VERNON, Ill. (Heartland News) - On Tuesday, Golden Ticket Cinemas announced plans to reopen the Mount Vernon 8 this November, bringing movies back to the community just in time for the holiday season. Beginning in 2027, the company will begin to renovate the theater, with luxury recliner seating, self-serve...

10 Facts About Cahokia Mounds in Illinois

Stick around until the end—one overlooked detail reveals how archaeologists know exactly what these ancient builders were thinking.

Bobby Taylor, beloved rock drummer, dies at 58 after cancer battle

Bobby Taylor, the St. Louis drummer behind multiple local rock bands including Rebel Train, has died at 58 after a five-year cancer battle . Taylor's wife, Jami Taylor, announced his death in a Facebook post on Nov. 5. "Love is… knowing when to let go," she wrote. "Rest in peace, my sweet beautiful husband. You don't have to fight or suffer anymore. Fly high, my love. We WILL be together again one day." Bobby Taylor was the drummer behind many St. Louis groups, including the Whitesnake tribute band Slide It In, Ragdoll 2.0, Mean Street, Fallen Angel, Pyromaniacs and Foreplay, according to St. Louis Today . Taylor, who was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in 2021, detailed his stage four cancer diagnosis on the St. Louis podcast "The End is Near so, Let’s Drink Beer" in November 2025. Squamous cell carcinoma is commonly known as a type of skin cancer, but SCC can also form in the lung, mouth and throat, anus or other organs, according to the Cleveland Clinic . "I had a lump under my jaw. And then they turned into other lumps and then it got into the lungs. And then I've done radiation five times I've

Saint Louis Zoo welcomes first Przewalski horse foal

The Saint Louis Zoo Wildcare Park welcomed its first Przewalksi horse foal, Aylin, marking a significant milestone in the conservation of the species.

Saving the Spiral: the old Famous Barr parking garage

Though the garage, completed in 1962, is slated for demolition, one iconic portion of it may be worth saving, according to designers at the world-renowned, St. Louis-based, design and architectural firm HOK.

Meet the photographer who captured the human spirit after devastating St. Louis tornado

More than a year after the powerful tornado ripped through the area leaving destruction, heartbreak, and loss in its wake, Sprengeler is sharing the stories behind the images he captured that continue to move him deeply.

Kay Weber on Belleville’s 46th Annual Thanksgiving Art and Craft Fair

What it’s like living in a Charles E. King home

In this episode of House of Lou, host Veronica Theodoro talks with two Belleville-area homeowners about the joys of living in a midcentury modern house designed by architect Charles E. King. Who was King, and why do his houses inspire such passion that buyers fight over them when they hit the market? Margaret Meyer has lived in her King house for 52 years. Elijah Church moved from St. Louis to Belleville’s Signal Hill neighborhood two years ago, after a 29-month search for the right house. Floor-to-ceiling windows, treetop views and soaring ceilings are just part of the reason people love King’s work. Margaret and Elijah share what it’s like to live in a King house, from what’s changed over the years in the house to watching the four seasons change from their living rooms. Watch the episode on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Edwardsville Veterans Day Parade honors local veterans

A large crowd lines downtown Edwardsville for the annual Veterans Day Parade, led by Air Force veteran Kimberli Goodner as grand marshal.

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...

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...

Showtime Lanes Family Fun Center Bowling Scores

Place Points W-L 1. Kaylee’s Cafe 56-24 Read the full story in the November 12, 2026 issue of the Macoupin County Enquirer~Democrat.

Live Music, Veterans Tributes and Family Events Across the Region, Nov. 13-15

Live music, veterans tributes, holiday shopping and hands-on family activities offer plenty of ways to spend Nov. 13-15, 2026, around the region. Explore the highlights below and visit RiverBender.com Events for the complete calendar. Start the weekend with City Heat Live at VFW Post 1308 in Alton. The band will...

Edison’s Entertainment Complex, The Outlet sold to new owners

“Being able to be a part of delivering joy and enjoyment” has been one of the most satisfying parts of owning Edison’s, founder Matt McSparin said.

Edwardsville Hub Anchors Illinois Library Technology Lending Initiative

EDWARDSVILLE —America is online. Nine in ten US adults use the internet daily, and 41% report using it “almost constantly.” Nearly 80 percent of Americans have a high-speed internet (also called broadband) subscription at home. This isn’t just a consumer trend or screen addiction epidemic, though.

Micky Dolenz bringing 60 years of Monkees hits to St. Charles

Fans of classic pop music will get a nostalgic trip back to the 1960s when Micky Dolenz brings his "Celebrating 60 Years of The Monkees" tour to The Family Arena in St. Charles.

This Former Missouri Library Is Now A Record Shop Where You Can Flip Through The Albums You Grew Up With

The old library shelves are long gone, but the stacks are still here. Only now they hold LPs, 45s, 8-tracks, and cassettes instead of books. This 1961 mid-century modern building once served readers as a public library branch. Today it’s a used record store packed from floor to ceiling.

SLIFF documentary gives Black Vietnam veterans the chance to tell their own story

A conversation in the waiting area of a South County Costco laid the foundation for what became Brothers in Blood: Black in Vietnam. Filmmaker Joseph Puleo was waiting on repairs in September 2022. So was Vietnam veteran Edward Drew. They talked for more than an hour. Drew shared stories about serving in Vietnam as a Black soldier.

Flyover Comedy Festival begins Wednesday

Starting Wednesday, the Flyover Comedy Festival will take over St. Louis.

Your guide to holiday events around St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - With the start of winter and the excitement of multiple holidays approaching soon, here is where you can enjoy all that the St. Louis Metro has to offer. Cardinals. The St. Louis Cardinals are bringing back their Holiday Season Opener, where fans can...