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Did you know that people who regularly practice gratitude report up to 25% higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction? This statistic is more than just a number; it hints at the transformative power of a simple yet profound human experience—gratitude. World Gratitude Day, observed annually on September 21, invites individuals and communities around the globe to pause and reflect on the importance of thankfulness. But beyond its surface celebration, what deeper significance does this day hold in our personal lives and society at large? The Origins and Purpose of World Gratitude Day World Gratitude Day was established in 1965 by the United Nations to promote the recognition and practice of gratitude worldwide. The day was inspired by the idea that expressing thanks is a universal value that transcends cultures, languages, and religions. It aims to foster a spirit of appreciation not only toward other people but also toward life’s circumstances, nature, and the world

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SPRINGFIELD — Just this year, Illinois has already seen 115 tornadoes touch down in the state, which is the highest number of twisters in the nation for 2025. On top of that, communities have faced repeated rounds of severe storms, unleashing destructive straight-line winds and flooding across the state. With September recognized as National Preparedness Month, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is urging all residents to take this moment to review and strengthen their disaster preparedness plans. “Severe weather can strike with little warning, and the best defense is being ready before it happens," said IEMA-OHS Acting Director Theodore (Ted) Berger. “The national ‘preparedness starts at home’ campaign reminds us that we each have a role to play by mapping out a plan and reviewing insurance coverage” IEMA-OHS offers several blueprints to help residents prepare for an emergency. Emergency kits

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SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Arts Council (IAC) announce awards totaling $16.2 million in grants to 1,123 artists, arts organizations, and communities throughout Illinois. This year's funding empowers the creative sector, bolsters youth employment in the arts, and enhances regional arts initiatives across the state. “The arts enrich our lives, our communities, and our culture,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With key arts funding under attack at the federal level, I’m proud that Illinois is continuously investing in our state’s talented artists, encouraging young people to pursue their passions in the arts sector, and enhancing communitywide access to arts initiatives.” Grant programs funded in the first quarter of FY26 include the Creative Accelerator Fund (CAF), General Operating Support (GOS) with Youth Employment in the Arts (YEA) and Regional Arts Partner (RAP) grants. These programs fortify the state's vibrant cultural

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ALTON, IL – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project and The National Great Rivers Museum is thrilled to announce the return of their signature Halloween event, Haunted Night at the NGRM, set to take place on Friday, October 3rd, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Nestled in America’s most haunted small town, Alton, Illinois, this festive fall event promises a night filled with thrills, chills, and family-friendly fun! The public is invited to visit the National Great Rivers Museum for a wide array of family-friendly yet spooky activities to kick off the Halloween season. Visitors can enjoy child-friendly ‘Sunset Dam Tours’ from 6:00-7:30PM offering families the chance to travel 80 feet to the top of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam above the Mississippi River for the evening sunset. ‘Dam after Dark Tours’ run from 7:30-9:00PM where guests can plan for a spookier experience. “We encourage guests to join us for the Dam after Dark Tours, an intriguin

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GRANITE CITY – A Collinsville man accused of deceptively obtaining $900 from an elderly victim faces multiple felony charges in a case of home repair fraud. Marlon A. Taylor, 41, of Collinsville, was charged on Sept. 17, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated home repair fraud in an amount over $500 against an elderly victim. He was additionally charged with a Class 3 felony count of theft. According to charging documents, Taylor entered into a written agreement in the amount of $1,900 with a victim who was 60 years of age or older at the time of the offense. The agreement was reportedly for “tree topping and hauling services,” which Taylor allegedly knew would not be performed. Taylor was additionally accused of stealing $900 from the same victim, which he reportedly obtained by means of deception. The case against Taylor was presented by the Granite City Police Department, and he was granted pretrial release from custody. A ll individuals charged

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ILLINOIS - Ted Dabrowski, a Republican from Wilmette, Illinois, has announced his bid for governor. Dabrowski recently appeared on “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello to talk about his main concerns for the State of Illinois as he prepares for the primary in March 2026. Hoping to secure the Republican nomination, Dabrowski spoke about taxes, immigration, the SAFE-T Act, education, and more. “Politics are a really big deal in Illinois because we’ve got a state that’s sort of struggling in so many ways. Some of us want to promote new ideas, good ideas, and get the state out of the mess it's in,” Dabrowski said. “I saw that the politicians weren’t picking up the right ideas. We kept doing the same wrong things. Taxes keep going up. We’re not getting new jobs. The crime continues. So I said, I can’t keep writing about it. I know the problems now. I know how to solve them. It was either keep complaining or get in the

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SPRINGFIELD – A set of 1989 Chicago Bears pins, baseball cards of Hall of Famers Jackie Robinson and Hank Aaron, collectibles from the U.S. bicentennial celebration, and a 14-karat yellow gold Omega woman’s watch are just a few of the unclaimed property items being auctioned online from September 19 to September 28, 2025. “Our online auction is a great opportunity for everyone to explore and find distinctive items to keep or to give as gifts,” said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose office oversees unclaimed property in Illinois. “If you’re a sports fan, we have some great baseball, basketball and hockey cards, or if you like unique jewelry, the auction features pocket watches, pins, and other treasures.” The online auction also features sports collectible cards of iconic baseball, basketball, and hockey players, including Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr., Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Wayne Gretzky, and Brett Hull. Some of the other

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SPRINGFIELD – National Seat Check Saturday is Saturday, Sept. 27, with the Illinois Department of Transportation reminding parents and caregivers to take advantage of free car seat checking stations throughout the state. Technicians will be available to determine if your child is in the right car seat, provide instruction on how to install it correctly and explain the importance of registering with manufacturers in case of a recall. “Unfortunately, many parents are not well-informed about car seats,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “They believe they’re protecting their kids, but nearly half of car seats are either the wrong type for the child’s age and size or are installed incorrectly, which significantly increases the risk of injury in a crash. We know parents love their kids, so they’ll do everything in their power to protect them. A simple but crucial step is to double check

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced a bipartisan calling for the release of Azerbaijani economist and academic Dr. Gubad Ibadoghlu. The resolution urges the Department of State to prioritize Dr. Ibadoghlu’s well-being and release; denounces the suppression of academic freedom and peaceful expression in Azerbaijan; and supports efforts at a lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It also notes that Azerbaijan’s attempt to improve its international image, including by hosting the upcoming Grand Prix auto race, will not succeed without easing its political repression. “Despite America’s dangerous and troubling retreat from the global stage at the behest of the Trump Administration, the United States remains a beacon of hope by those trapped under brutal regimes and for all who seek to enjoy the freedoms of democracy,” said Durbin. “As a U.S. Senator, I have used

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Fairview Heights, Illinois man for allegedly disseminating child sexual abuse material and failing to register as a sex offender. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office charged Donald L. Green, 56, in St. Clair County Circuit Court with three counts of dissemination of child pornography, Class X felonies punishable up to 30 years in prison and three counts of failure to register as a sex offender-subsequent, Class 2 felonies punishable up to seven years. Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. Green is currently detained at the St. Clair County Jail, and his next court appearance is Sept. 26. “Survivors of child exploitation and their families deserve the justice

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement after joining her Democratic colleagues in voting against the Republican Continuing Resolution. “From the start, Democrats have been clear about what we’re fighting for on behalf of the American people. If Republicans wanted Democrats to join them in passing a government funding package, they needed to put forward measures that would stop their manufactured healthcare crisis. “They had a chance to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits that save families thousands of dollars a year on their care. They had the chance to prevent devastating Medicaid cuts that would strip coverage from low-income families and threaten nursing home closures across Illinois. “But Republicans refused. So today, my Democratic colleagues and I refused to back legislation that ignores this crisis, slashes healthcare, drives up costs, and leaves working families behind.”

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GODFREY - The Great Godfrey Maze opens this weekend, promising fun for families across the Riverbend region. From 6–10 p.m. on Sept. 19, 2025, community members can enjoy the Great Godfrey Maze at Glazebook Park, complete with activities, inflatables and more fun. The maze and its activities will be open from 6–10 p.m. on Fridays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12–6 p.m. on Sundays through Nov. 2, 2025. “ I know people really enjoy it. I love seeing the smiles on their faces,” said Chris Logan, director of Godfrey’s Parks and Recreation Department. “We’re really proud to be able to offer this to the community. It's a great opportunity for families, at a reasonable price, to come out as a family and enjoy themselves.” This year’s maze has a “Minions” theme. The corn was planted in the shape of a minion from the movie “Despicable Me.” Attendees can traverse the maze and navigate their wa

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ST. LOUIS - Striking Boeing union members have approved a new union proposal offer on Friday morning, Sept. 19, 2025, via a vote that could potentially end their walkout. The offer, approved by 90% of union voters, now heads to Boeing’s company leadership for review. Some of the 3,200 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM District 837) have been on strike since August 4, 2025. Following the union-proposed offer ratified by union members, Boeing shared this statement: “It’s unfortunate that union leadership led its members to vote on something that isn’t real. Our previous offer is real and would make our team among the highest-paid manufacturing employees in the St. Louis area. Most people would not consider a 45% average wage increase, free primary care, and more vacation time unfair or disrespectful. We want all 3,200 of our teammates back at work, but that has to happen with a contract that makes sense in the Midwest

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ALTON - Alton’s Fall City-Wide Litter Clean-Up will be held on Saturday, October 4th, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., rain or shine. The community is invited to pitch in by picking up bags, gloves, a free donut, and directions to areas that need cleaning. Registration stations are open from 9am- 11am and are located Downtown at the corner of 3rd & Belle St., in Middletown at Fast Eddies Chicken at 7th and Central Ave. At 9:00 a.m., groups are departing in Upper Alton, across the street from Taqueria Maya on College Ave and in North Alton from Joe K’s Restaurant, located at 2530 State St where additional supplies will be stocked if needed. Groups can pick up supplies at Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Center at 200 Piasa St, at the Pride, Inc office located within the Benjamin Godfrey mansion, and at Flock Food Truck Court two weeks prior. Alternatively, volunteers can simply pick up litter in their neighborhood and deposit it in their own trash & recycle bins. The

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ALTON — A rally in memory of late conservative activist Charlie Kirk is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Alton Visitor’s Center, organizers said. Kirk, an American conservative political activist, was fatally shot while addressing an audience on the campus of Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025. Michelle Nitzsche, who helped organize the event alongside Matthew Morales, said the rally is not political. “We went back and forth and started putting it together, and it just took off,” Nitzsche said. "Attendance estimates range from about 300 to 400 people." The event is intended as a call for peace and a celebration of Kirk’s life. “The rally is all about freedom of speech and being able to come together for a gathering and celebrate his life and mourn his death and keep his voice alive,” she said. Nitzsche hopes attendees will be motivated to continue speaking out and to overcome mourning. “I hope people take away

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EDWARDSVILLE — Edwardsville High School will host its annual “Tiger Ambush” marching band competition Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, and will draw a large crowd and feature bands from across Illinois and the St. Louis region. The event will take place at the Edwardsville High School sports complex, where students, faculty, parents and friends will gather throughout the day to support participating schools and enjoy a variety of performances. The Edwardsville High School Marching Band will perform an exhibition at the end of the competition. The event serves as a major fundraiser for the Edwardsville Marching Band Boosters, with admission prices set at $10 for adults and $5 for children. According to Stephanie Batson, publicity chair for the boosters, the Tiger Ambush and a holiday craft fair typically generate the majority of the boosters' revenue for the band. The Tiger Ambush day is always marked by a strong sense of community involvement, with students and parents

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GRANITE CITY — U.S. Steel announced Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, that its Granite City Works steel plant will continue processing steel slabs, reversing a previous plan to halt slab deliveries by the end of October 2025. The decision came just 10 days after workers were instructed to stop working at the facility. The company confirmed that it will maintain slab deliveries to the Granite City plant, emphasizing its goal to preserve operational flexibility. U.S. Steel also had previously stated that no layoffs are expected at the company over the next two years. State Representative Amy Elik, R-Alton, and State Senator Erica Harriss, R-Glen Carbon, expressed support for the decision in a joint statement. “We are elated with U.S. Steel’s decision to continue Granite City Works’ steel slab processing. This is a win,” the lawmakers said. They also thanked the Trump administration and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick for responding to their advocacy efforts.

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EAST ST. LOUIS — A few favorite numbers – and one winning ticket – have turned an Illinois Lottery player into a multimillionaire overnight. “I started playing Lotto in January last year, and it quickly became my favorite game,” said the winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous under the name ‘East St. Louis Lotto Winner.’ When asked about the winning numbers, the winner simply stated, “They’re my favorite numbers.” It wasn’t until the morning after the draw that the news really sunk in. “I checked the Illinois Lottery’s website to see who won—and realized it was me. Of all of the people, it was me! I cried because I was too shocked.” The winning Lotto ticket was purchased at Crown Mart, located at 306 E Broadway in East Saint Louis, Illinois. It matched all six numbers — 5-9-14-18-22-23 — in the August 25 Lotto drawing to secure the $14,600,000 jackpot. As a reward for

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COLLINSVILLE– Sara McChristian, a Collinsville High School senior, was selected to serve on the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Student Advisory Council (SAC) for the 2025-26 school year. The Student Advisory Council provides a meaningful forum for students to share their experiences and personal perspectives on education in Illinois and to help shape policies that directly affect themselves and their peers. Throughout the year, SAC members will meet virtually with ISBE staff and stakeholders to lend their voices to policy development in education. SAC members will also participate in activities such as the Student Summit and present a research project to the State Board of Education. Twenty-one high school students from across Illinois were chosen to participate this year. Council members are selected through a rigorous process that includes a written application and video interview, in which students demonstrate their communication skills, leadership potential and

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ALTON - The Marquette Catholic High School Mega Raffle promises to distribute $62,000 in cash prizes over the next few weeks, including a $50K grand prize. The Mega Raffle raises money to support students at Marquette Catholic High School. Tickets cost $50 for one or three for $100. On Sept. 19, 2025, an Early Bird drawing winner will walk away with $1,000. The big drawing will be held at the Marquette Homecoming Block Party on Oct. 25, 2025. “Everybody has the chance to win the big pot,” said Director of Development Mary Hough. “You have until now until somewhere around 9 o’clock on Oct. 25 to get those tickets in.” Early Bird drawings are slated to take place on Sept. 19, Oct. 3, Oct. 17, and Oct. 24. These winners will receive $1,000. On the night of the Block Party, a few other lucky community members will walk away with $5,000, $500, and $250. If your ticket is drawn as an Early Bird winner, it will go back into the drawing for the chance

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