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Did you know that the ancient Mayans were among the first to enjoy a beverage made from cacao beans, but it was nothing like the sweet hot chocolate we savor today? Instead, their drink was bitter, spiced, and served cold. Fast forward thousands of years, and hot chocolate has evolved into a comforting, sweet indulgence enjoyed worldwide. Making hot chocolate at home allows you to control the ingredients, tailor flavors to your preference, and create a truly personalized treat. Whether you prefer

December 11 has been a date marked by significant milestones across the globe. One of the most impactful events occurred on December 11, 1997, when the Kyoto Protocol was adopted in Kyoto, Japan. This international treaty was a landmark step in global environmental diplomacy, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. The agreement set binding targets for industrialized countries, reflecting a growing global awareness of environmental issues. It marked the first major

Expect a cold day with a high near 35 and a low around 29 degrees. Winds will be light but noticeable, coming from the south at about 7 mph with gusts up to 17 mph. Temperatures will feel a bit colder, dipping into the low 20s in the shade. There is a 65% chance of light snow this afternoon, so keep that in mind if you have outdoor plans. This morning will start mostly clear with temperatures in the upper 20s. As we move into the afternoon, clouds will thicken and intermittent snow showers and

ALTON – Alton city officials narrowly voted on Wednesday to force Ameren Illinois to relocate powerlines a local business owner has consistently called a public safety hazard . City Council members voted 4-3 to pass a resolution invoking Section 4.2 of the city’s Franchise Agreement with Ameren to “relocate Electric Facilities for Public Safety.” Aldermen Chris Bohn, Martha Pfister, Michael Velloff, and John Meehan voted in favor of the item, while Aldermen Rosetta

Key Takeaways Studies show that early menopause can increase the risk of heart disease in women. When estrogen levels drop during menopause, it can lead to higher cholesterol, blood pressure and body fat levels. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among women of all ages. Hormone replacement therapy is an option to discuss with your health care provider. Early menopause (menopause that occurs before age 45) has been found to increase the risk of heart disease.

Key takeaways: People with diabetes should plan their lunches to keep their blood sugar in check. Generally, choose food high in protein, fiber and healthy fats. Avoid processed meat and fried food. At restaurants, ask to substitute ingredients. Dessert is OK as long as you don't overindulge. Know the signs of low blood sugar, like feeling shaky, anxious, having blurred vision and even passing out. Have a plan. It's something any health care provider will tell a person wit

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today denounced the low hiring standards of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recruits amid a surge in hiring. The Trump Administration announced their goal of onboarding 10,000 new agents by the end of the year—which would double the number of deportation officers, from roughly 6,000 to 16,000. Durbin also spoke out on the Administration’s so-called

CHIGAGO – Deputy Governor of Health and Human Services (HHS), Grace Hou, and Director of Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR), Jim Bennett, today presented IDHR’s annual Human Rights Awards to Youth Outlook and Mano a Mano Family Resource Center in recognition of International Human Rights Day, December 10, during a ceremony at 555 W. Monroe St., Chicago. Youth Outlook’s and Mano a Mano Family Resource Center’s work embodies the fundamental principle that huma

SPRINGFIELD – State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) has been ranked one of the most effective lawmakers in the General Assembly by the Center for Effective Lawmaking. “It is an honor to be recognized as one of the most effective legislators in Illinois,” said Rep. Elik. “The people I represent do not care about political theater - they care about results. I always fight to deliver.” The Center for Effective Lawmaking, a nonpartisan research group made up

ALTON - Mrs. Stacie Franke is pleased to announce that 22 students from the Alton High School graduating class of 2026 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars. Nearly every high school in Illinois participates in the Illinois State Scholars program, which identifies and honors the highest academically performing seniors across the state. This year, 22 outstanding students from Alton High School earned this prestigious recognition; their names are listed below. “Alton High School

HIGHLAND - Layna Powers is a well-rounded student. For her accomplishments, Layna Powers is a Platinum Transportation Student of the Month for Highland High School. Powers, a senior, has competed on the cross country and track and field teams for three years. She loves running and has completed multiple full and half marathons. This year, she aimed to run a half marathon every month, and she just finished this goal a few days ago. She also participates in Spanish Club and Media Production.

JERSEYVILLE – At Jersey Community High School, students in the Welding and Electricity programs are getting hands-on experience to meet a rising demand for skilled tradespeople. The work of students in these programs were highlighted in a social media post last week from Jersey Community Unit School District (CUSD) 100. The teachers leading these programs recently shared more insights behind the photos and highlighted the benefits their courses have to offer. Electricity Students

ILLINOIS - Republican Don Tracy is running for the U.S. Senate seat in Illinois, and he recently shared more about his platform, his major concerns, and his plan if he takes office. Tracy previously ran for state senator as a Democrat before he realized his values aligned more closely with the Republican party. He also made a bid for lieutenant governor as a Republican in 2010. Now, he’s encouraging people to vote for him in the March 17, 2026, Republican primary. “If

BETHALTO - The Bethalto Police Department is investigating a break-in involving three females who tampered with Christmas donation boxes in a local park at 5:19 p.m. on Dec. 8, 2025. The incident was captured on video surveillance, and authorities are urging the individuals to come forward voluntarily. Bethalto Police Chief Jason Lamb said the case is likely related to juveniles and that the department expects to resolve the matter shortly after reviewing the footage. "We have all those volunteers

EDWARDSVILLE — Dr. Pamela Denise Long, a former Newsweek columnist and conservative political commentator, officially filed her nominating papers recently to run for U.S. Senate in Illinois. Long aims to become the first Republican to win statewide office in Illinois since 2014 and, if successful, would be the first legacy Black American Republican woman elected to the Senate from the state. Long, a downstate resident and occupational therapist, launched her campaign in May and has since

COLLINSVILLE - Starting Dec. 3, 2025, Collinsville Police began issuing citations to drivers who line up more than 15 minutes before dismissal at three local schools if they are blocking the roadway, the Collinsville Police Department announced. The policy applies to drivers at Collinsville Upper Elementary, Collinsville Herald Elementary, and Collinsville Early Childhood Center. The department said the measure aims to prevent safety hazards caused by blocked traffic during school dismissal

EDWARDSVILLE - District #7 Board of Education Student Representatives senior Josie Proctor and junior Claire Johnson recently attended the Illinois Association of School Boards Joint Annual Conference, where they joined student board members from across the state to share ideas, learn from peers, and reflect on how student voice shapes school communities. Both Josie and Claire participated in the Student Representative session, which offered a deeper look into how Boards of Education operate.

ALTON – Two Alton residents have been charged with aggravated battery in separate felony cases, with one involving a 10-year-old victim and the other involving a glass jar used as a weapon. Janet M. Harrison, 48, of Alton, was charged on Dec. 4, 2025 with one count of aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony. On Sept. 4, 2025, Harrison allegedly knowingly caused bodily harm to a 10-year-old female child by punching the victim in the face and leaving marks. Another Alton resident also face

EAST ST. LOUIS - Brady Niemi, a sharpshooter senior point guard who plays on the boys basketball team for Edwardsville High School, is probably one of the Tigers' most improved players this season, and showed why during a 68-60 loss at East St. Louis on Dec. 5, 2025. Niemi hit five threes during the first half as the Tigers broke out to a 31-21 lead in the second quarter, but the Flyers fought back in the second half to take the win in the Southwestern Conference opener for both teams. Three

EAST ST. LOUIS — A federal judge sentenced Ligneshkumar H. Patel, a 38-year-old Indian national, to 90 months in prison on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, for his role in an imposter scheme that defrauded 11 identified victims, including elderly residents in Edwardsville and St. Louis. Patel pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and financial institution fraud, as well as two counts of wire fraud, and was ordered to pay more than $2 million in restitution. The investigation was