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...

Comet Cheerleading Closes Out Football Season, Prepares for Competitions

With the conclusion of the football season, cheerleading head coach Amanda Goldsboro has transitioned her team to their preparation for cheer competitions and basketball games. Heading into her 12th year as coach of the Comets Cheer Program, Goldsboro is excited for the upcoming opportunities for her squad. “As we go...

Illinois health officials prep to transfer patients from metro-east hospital

Illinois regulators are preparing to potentially transfer patients out of Gateway Regional Medical Center in Granite City and ambulances are being sent to other hospitals. The hospital is still open, but the Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed Gateway and another medical center owned by the same company are on bypass status due to “staffing instability.” St. Louis-based KMOV first reported the development. The operators of the 278-bed safety net hospital have been late paying staff. An IDPH spokesman said that the agency had alerted the state’s labor and employment security departments about unmet payroll at Gateway and at Vista Medical Center in Waukegan, Illinois. Both hospitals are owned by California-based company American Healthcare Systems. “Gateway and Vista are private, for-profit hospitals whose operations and finances are managed by American Healthcare Systems. Their lack of communication, transparency, and responsible financial management and contingency planning is extremely concerning,” the spokesman for the IDPH said in an email. “The Illinois Department of Public Health’s highest immediate priority is the health and safety of the patients and has been working and communicating with hospital administrative leaders in this regard.” Representatives from Gateway Regional Medical Center and American Healthcare Systems did not respond to

Potters throw everything at Knights in second round

Only eight teams remain in each of the IHSA State Final football brackets and the Triad Knights are no longer one of them. Their matchup with the Morton Potters on Saturday, Nov. 7 proved to be too tall a task, as they were thrown into the kiln of a lopsided game.

Alton delays vote again on redevelopment deal for former Elijah P.'s site at 401 Piasa St.

Alton delays data center review after a speaker questions Stantec’s independence

11-year-old spots hole along Granite City street, leading crews to discover sinkhole beneath road

GRANITE CITY, Ill. (First Alert 4) - A contractor for Illinois American Water worked Monday on a sinkhole under Iowa Street in Granite City after an 11-year-old boy found a hole at the edge of the road Saturday. A.J. Buchen walked past the hole and looked into it with an...

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.

District 7 reviews 2027-28 calendar with earlier semester end, full spring break

“Our goal is for all of the students of District 7 to be performing at grade level,” Superintendent Allen Duncan said as the district reported plans to focus more heavily on math proficiency.

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.

Doc’s Smokehouse earns ‘Best of the Best’ barbecue honor

Doc’s Smokehouse and Catering earns its ninth “Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America” honor from Barbecue News in the past 10 years.

Old Herald Brewery & Distillery: A Spicy Stop on the Mother Road

Illinois Route 66: Where the Mother Road Begins

Lewis & Clark Community College breaks ground on $50 million renovation of three buildings

After years of delays, $50 million renovation begins at three historic Lewis & Clark buildings

OSF Cardiologists on Heart Health and Safety During Hunting Season

Audiences should “expect the unexpected” at fall SIUE dance concert

“Unlocked: A Dance Concert” features seven works by faculty and alumni choreographers, with dancers exploring modern, contemporary and theatrical movement.

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.

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

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.

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.

Edwardsville girls golf coach Libby Koonce resigns after 13 years

Libby Koonce steps down after 13 years with Edwardsville girls golf, ending an eight-year run as head coach highlighted by five regional titles and a sixth-place state finish.

Haine announces 35-year sentence for woman convicted of murder in killing of associate

• Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced on Nov. 3 that a St. Louis woman has been convicted and sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of a man in Granite City. Brittany D. Howard, 39, received the sentence Tuesday after pleading guilty to first-degree murder...