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A New Chapter Begins at the Ralph Building
GraniteCityGazette.com, September 2, 2026

There is something appealing about living where the city is happening just outside your front door. That is the idea beginning to take shape inside Granite City’s historic Ralph Building, where renovations are transforming the upper floor of one of downtown’s familiar buildings into just nine loft style studio apartments.
Located at 19th Street and Niedringhaus Avenue, the apartments will offer something relatively uncommon in Granite City: modern, market rate downtown living inside a …Tap the link for more images and to read the full article.
The “Ber” Months Have Arrived in Granite City
GraniteCityGazette.com, September 1, 2026


September has arrived, and with it comes the beginning of what many people consider the best stretch of the year. The “Ber” months, September, October, November and December, seem to have a personality all their own. Pumpkin spice begins appearing just about everywhere, fall decorations start sneaking onto front porches, and even though Granite City may still be waiting for …Tap to read the full article.








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Senator Harriss Secures State Dollars for Pontoon Beach Road Improvements
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 31, 2026

PONTOON BEACH, Ill. – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) announced $40,000 in state funding for the Village of Pontoon Beach to support improvements along Engineers Road.
“Good roads are something our communities depend on every day,” said Senator Harriss. “I’m glad we were able to bring this funding back to Pontoon Beach and help with improvements along Engineers Road.”
The funding will help the village complete needed road work while reducing the amount local taxpayers have to cover.
“We appreciate Senator Harriss working with us to bring these dollars back to Pontoon Beach,” said Mayor Mike Pagano. “Engineers Road sees a lot of traffic, and this funding will help us make needed improvements for our residents and everyone who travels through our community.”
Senator Harriss said she will continue working with local leaders to identify projects and priorities throughout the 56th Senate District.
Heated and Growing, Four More Candidates Enter Granite City’s 2027 Council Race
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 31, 2026




Granite City’s 2027 City Council race continues to grow at an extraordinary pace, with four more residents announcing their intention to run for alderman. Although the election is still months away, and candidates only became eligible to begin gathering petition signatures on August 25, 2026, the number of early declarations is unusually high for this stage of the process. Tap to read full article and to share.
Granite City Township Seniors Enjoy a Day of Discovery at the St. Louis Aquarium
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 30, 2026


Granite City Township seniors spent Thursday, August 27, enjoying a full day at the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station, an outing that blended learning, relaxation, and community connection. The trip, open to Granite City Township residents aged 55 and older, offered participants a chance to explore the Aquarium’s exhibits, take in the sights of Union Station, and…tap to read full article, for additional photos and to share.
A Colorful Start to the Year as GCHS Seniors Paint Their Parking Spots
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 29, 2026


Granite City High School kicked off the school year with a burst of color and creativity as seniors gathered for the first ever Senior Parking Lot Painting Event, hosted by GCHS Renaissance in partnership with Sherwin‑Williams Granite City.
By early morning, the lot was buzzing with students transforming their spaces into …Tap the link to read the full article and for more images.
163 Children Recovered in Florida Operation,
So Why Isn’t This National News?
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 28, 2026


Florida authorities recently completed what they describe as the largest child‑recovery operation in the state’s history. Over five days, agencies across multiple counties located 163 missing children, from infants just two months old to teenagers nearing adulthood. Every one of them is now safe. The details were confirmed directly by the Florida Attorney General’s Office and reported by …Tap the link to read the full article.
Madison County Clerk’s Office Clarifies Vote-by-Mail Procedures
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 27, 2026

EDWARDSVILLE, IL — August 27, 2026 — The Madison County Clerk’s Office is responding to recent public questions and social-media claims concerning vote-by-mail ballots for the November 3, 2026 General Election.
There has been no change to Madison County’s current vote-by-mail procedures, and the Clerk’s Office is not holding back vote-by-mail ballots.
Under Illinois law, election authorities may begin mailing regular vote-by-mail ballots…tap to read full press release and to share.
Dr. Christy Darin Continues Her Strong Support for Oakbridge Development Center
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 26, 2026

The Oakbridge Development Center received another meaningful boost this week thanks to the continued generosity of Dr. Christy Darin and Regenerative Health & Chiropractic. Dr. Darin shared that all new‑patient fees at her practice are donated to local causes, charities, and community events and over the past year, she has made Oakbridge her primary mission.
That commitment culminated in a major contribution this week. After accounting for smaller donations and community expenditures throughout the year, Dr. Darin presented Oakbridge with a check totaling $15,267.98, reflecting the collective support generated through her practice’s new‑patient program.
Dr. Darin’s dedication underscores…tap too read full article and to share.
Near Total Lunar Eclipse Will Be Visible Over Granite City Thursday Night
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 25, 2026

Sky watchers in Granite City will have a remarkable view Thursday night as a deep partial lunar eclipse unfolds across the entire Metro East. Although dramatic in appearance, this event is not considered a true Blood Moon because the Moon never becomes fully immersed in Earth’s shadow. Even so, the deep red coloring near maximum eclipse will make for a beautiful and unusual sight that residents can enjoy without any special equipment.
The eclipse begins quietly at 8:23 PM Thursday when the penumbral phase starts. This early shading is subtle and may be difficult to notice at first. By 9:33 PM, ...tap to read entire article and to share.
Juneau Associates Marks New Chapter With Move to Pontoon Road Headquarters
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 23, 2026

Juneau Associates, Inc., P.C., one of Granite City’s most enduring and influential engineering firms, has entered a new era with the opening of its corporate headquarters at 2450 Pontoon Road.
Founded in 1980 by Ed and Charlie Juneau, the company began as a small, locally rooted engineering and land surveying firm. Over the decades, it grew into a regional leader whose work can be found in nearly every corner of Madison County and the Metro East. Tap to read full article, for additional photos and to share.
Granite City’s 2027 City Council Race Opens with a Surge of Candidate Announcements Across Multiple Wards
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 20, 2026




Granite City’s 2027 City Council race is off to an unusually active start, with a wave of residents announcing their candidacies almost simultaneously for the upcoming Consolidated General Election on Tuesday, April 6, 2027. What is typically a quiet early season has quickly become one of the most dynamic and fluid election cycles in recent memory.
Ward 4 has seen the most movement…tap to read full article and to share.
When Journalism Becomes a Campaign: How Many Times
Must Readers Hear the Same Story?
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 20, 2026


One Facebook comment. Eleven separate articles and editorials. Twenty-one verified placements across two sister publications. At what point does repeated coverage stop informing the public and begin shaping the political narrative?
Earlier this month, the Granite City Gazette raised a question about the line between persistent political reporting and political advocacy. At the time, repeated coverage of one controversial Facebook comment made by Madison County Board Chairman Chris Slusser had already become difficult to ignore. More than two weeks later, the story is still being revisited. Our review of the published record has now identified at least …Tap the link to read the full article and to share.

Madison County Fallen Officers Memorial Begins New Chapter,
A Community’s Promise to Never Forget
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 18, 2026


Madison County is preparing to take a meaningful step toward honoring the men and women in blue who gave their lives protecting our communities. Sheriff Jeff Connor shared an important update announcing that construction on the newly designed Madison County Fallen Officers Memorial will begin on September 8, 2026. The announcement reflects years of planning, collaboration, and dedication from the Memorial Fund board, local law enforcement leaders, and community supporters.
Late last week, the Memorial Fund board met with Sheriff Connor…tap to read full article, for additional photo and to share.
GCHS Hosts On‑Site Immunization Clinic for Students
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 18, 2026

Granite City High School families who still need to complete required student immunizations will have an opportunity to do so next week. CVS Pharmacy will be on‑site at GCHS on Wednesday, September 9, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. to administer vaccines to students.
Appointments can be scheduled using the QR code provided.
Immunizations are free with Medicaid, and select vaccines are offered at no cost with most other insurance plans. Eligibility varies depending on the patient and their insurance coverage.
The clinic will be held in the GCHS Cafeteria, 3148 Fehling Road.
Families are encouraged to take advantage of this event to ensure students meet all required immunization guidelines before the school year progresses.
Illinois American Water Begins Annual Maintenance,
Affecting all Illinois American, Pontoon Beach Public Water and Mitchell Public Water Customers
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 14, 2026


This is an important message from Illinois American Water. We are beginning our annual maintenance program, which includes testing and flushing fire hydrants in addition to a temporary change in water treatment.
This work is expected to begin Monday, August 17 and will occur across the water system for up to 6 weeks. Tap to read full article and to share.
Pandemic Audit Shows Millions in Massive Waste as
Essential Workers Went Unrecognized
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 14, 2026


Illinois taxpayers have every reason to be outraged after the latest findings from the Auditor General. During the pandemic, while essential workers were out in the world every day keeping the state functioning, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency paid a …Tap the link to read the entire article and to share.
Madison County Awards $5,000 Scholarships to Three Students
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, August 13, 2026

EDWARDSVILLE — Three Madison County students will receive help pursuing their educational and career goals after earning $5,000 scholarships through Madison County Community Development (MCCD).
The scholarships are funded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program. Each recipient will receive $5,000 to help cover tuition, fees and program-specific supplies. Tap here to read full article.
Community Beyond Borders, Lines on a Map,
Neighbors When It Matters Most
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 11, 2026


Granite City, Pontoon Beach, Mitchell and Madison may have their own boundaries, governments and identities, but together they make up something much larger, a community.
On a map, lines tell us where Granite City ends, where the Village of Pontoon Beach begins, and …Tap the link to read the full article.
EXCLUSIVE: Former Gateway CEO Michelle Waller
Speaks About Hospital’s Financial Struggles, Leadership and Her Decision to Resign
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 10, 2026


For more than a decade, Michelle Waller’s career was closely connected to Gateway Regional Medical Center.
Waller spent 13 years with the Granite City hospital, working her way from bedside nursing through the ranks of hospital leadership before eventually accepting its highest local position as chief executive officer.
It was a position that represented years of professional growth, but according to Waller, becoming CEO also gave her a much clearer view of financial …Tap the link to read the full article.
Madison County Clerk Seeks Election Judges for November 3rd General Election
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, August 10, 2026

In recognition of National Poll Worker Recruitment Day on August 11, Madison County Clerk Linda Andreas is encouraging residents to consider serving their community as Election Judges for the upcoming November General Election.
Madison County currently has approximately 700 Election Judges in its pool, but additional judges are needed—particularly individuals who can serve as Republican Election Judges.
Illinois election law provides for bipartisan staffing of polling places…tap to read full article and to share.

Crow’s feet? Scowl lines? Frown line or forehead wrinkles?
Look no further than Regenerative Health and Chiropractic, LTD, right here in Granite City. Schedule a visit with Mariah today at 618-931-2050
The Truth About AI: We Use It Every Day, Whether We
Realize It or Not
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 9, 2026


Artificial intelligence has become one of the most hot‑button topics in local conversations — especially online. In Facebook groups, comment sections, and community pages, people often criticize AI‑generated graphics, enhanced photos, or even the idea of data centers being built in our …Tap the link to read the full article.
When Reporting Begins to Resemble a Political Campaign
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 5, 2026


There comes a point when readers must ask whether a newspaper is still reporting a controversy or deliberately working to keep it alive. Over the course of approximately one week, a regional publication produced at least seven separate news stories, related reports and opinion columns centered on one social media comment made by …Tap the link to read the full article.
Gateway Administration Confirms Payroll Delay, Says Checks
May Be Cashed Monday
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 2, 2026

Gateway Regional Medical Center has acknowledged that a temporary cash-flow problem caused a delay in employee payroll and says workers should be able to cash their checks by the end of the business day Monday, August 3.
In a mass email sent to hospital employees, Gateway administration apologized for the …Tap the link to read the full article and to share.
Gateway Employees Report Paycheck Delay as
Hospital Leadership Remains Silent
GraniteCityGazette.com, July 31, 2026


Employees of Gateway Regional Medical Center have contacted the Granite City Gazette with concerns about the hospital’s current payroll situation, as questions continue to circulate regarding the financial condition of the hospital and its parent company.
According to multiple Gateway employees who spoke with the Gazette, workers were instructed to pick up paper paychecks rather than …Tap the link to read the full article.
Illinois to Issue Cash to Households That Lost SNAP for Not Meeting Work Rules, Prompting Public Backlash
GraniteCityGazette.com, July 31, 2026


Illinois residents are reacting strongly to a new state policy that provides a $400 cash payment to individuals who lost their SNAP benefits because they did not meet federal work requirements. The payment, issued through the FRESH Program beginning in July 2026, is given to every eligible household member, meaning some families will receive …Tap the link to read the full article.
When Does a Minor’s Medical Privacy Become a
Question of Parental Rights?
GraniteCityGazette.com, July 28, 2026


With minimal public attention surrounding the decision, the governor has signed the measure into law that is certain to ignite debate among parents, health-care professionals and advocates for minors’ privacy.
Gov. JB Pritzker approved Senate Bill 3341 on July 10. The measure becomes effective January 1, 2027, as Public Act 104-0570. It states that any minor may consent to …Tap the link to read the full article.
Pritzker Signs Statewide School Cellphone Restrictions
GraniteCityGazette.com, July 28, 2026


Illinois is moving toward more distraction free classrooms after Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation requiring public and charter schools to establish policies limiting student cellphone and other wireless device use during …Tap the link to read the full article.

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