Community Corner
🌱 When should Madison County residents text 911 instead of calling?
Coming up on the Madison Patch calendar: Wonder Lights Christmas
Coffee in hand, Madison? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- When should Madison County residents text 911 instead of calling?
- Why is Madison County back on the ‘Judicial Hellholes’ list?
Also on today's calendar: The Dave Mendoza Band: Dave Mendoza Band Christmas Party @ Neighborhood Social Club (Pontoon Beach, IL) and 5 more events.
Find out what's happening in Madisonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Madisonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: A couple of afternoon showers, with a high of 39 and low of 32 degrees.
- Friday: Mostly cloudy and chilly, temps: high: 37, low: 20.
- Saturday: Very cold with low clouds, with a high of 24 and low of 3 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
📰 News we're reading
• Madison County, Illinois, launches Text-to-911 for emergencies (thetelegraph.com) — If you live in Madison County, you can now text 911 in an emergency when calling isn’t safe or possible, including situations involving domestic violence or hearing and speech challenges. Officials still urge residents to call when they can, since voice calls provide better location accuracy and more information for dispatchers. Clear texting guidelines aim to keep responses fast and effective. 
• Three Illinois Counties Mentioned in the 2025/2026 'Judicial Hellholes' Report (nfib.com) — Madison County is again spotlighted nationally as a “Judicial Hellhole,” with a new report criticizing the county’s courts as magnets for asbestos and no-injury lawsuits. Business advocates argue recent Illinois laws could further increase litigation, potentially affecting local employers and the broader Madison-area economy. State leaders are being urged to reconsider provisions that expand who can sue small businesses.
📸 Around Madison
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Madison
★ Featured events ★
- Wonder Lights Christmas
World Wide Technology Raceway, 700 Raceway Blvd, Madison
5:00 pm
Friday December 12
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Play & Learn For Babies & Toddlers
Six Mile Regional Library District , 2001 Delmar Ave , Granite City
10:00 am - The Dave Mendoza Band: Dave Mendoza Band Christmas Party @ Neighborhood Social Club (Pontoon Beach, IL)
Neighborhood Social Club Reception Hall , 4168 IL-162 , Pontoon Beach
7:00 pm - Winter Craft Series
Six Mile Regional Library District , 2001 Delmar Avenue , Granite City
2:00 pm - Wonder Lights Christmas
World Wide Technology Raceway , 700 Raceway Blvd , Madison
5:00 pm - MNT Holiday Improv Night
Alfresco Performing Arts Center , 2041 Delmar Ave , Granite City
9:00 pm - New Horizons Band - Music for the Holidays
Knights of Columbus , 1713 Stamper Ln , Godfrey
2:00 pm - Wonder Lights Christmas
World Wide Technology Raceway , 700 Raceway Blvd , Madison
5:00 pm
Friday December 12
Saturday December 13
Sunday December 14
📣 Madison Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Bowling: Girls Varsity Match vs Columbia (Home)
Airport Plaza Bowl ,
3:00 pm - Bowling: Boys Varsity Match vs Columbia (Home)
Airport Plaza Bowl ,
3:00 pm - Basketball: Boys 7th Game vs Trimpe Middle vs. Roxana Junior High School (Away)
Trimpe Middle School
3:30 pm - Basketball: Girls JV Game vs Breese Central (Home)
Roxana High School , Larry Milazzo Gymnasium
4:30 pm
Thursday December 11
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Illinois Association Of School posted a job opening for Middle School English Teacher 5-8 in Madison. Apply here.
- Hut American Group, LLC posted a job opening for Team Member in Granite City. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Madison here.
🗞 Nearby News
Granite City
- Where the Mother Road Meets the Great River Road (leisuregrouptravel.com)
- How U.S. Steel's move to restart blast furnace in Granite City impacts the Pittsburgh region (wpxi.com)
- Retired Chief: Illinois' SAFE-T Act ‘Emboldens' Anti-Police Attackers (noqreport.com)
Lakeview
- Travel the world with these 15 international restaurants during Chicago Restaurant Week 2026 (choosechicago.com)
Collinsville
Ok Madison! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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