Did you know that people who regularly engage in reflective journaling report a 23% increase in emotional clarity and goal achievement? This surprising statistic highlights the power of reflection as a tool for personal growth. As the year draws to a close, many seek ways to process their experiences, learn from challenges, and set intentions for the future. A structured, reflective journaling session can provide a meaningful opportunity to achieve these outcomes, but it requires thoughtful plannin
Imagine if a simple creative exercise could boost your motivation, clarify your goals, and strengthen your social bonds all at once. Vision boards, collages of images and words representing personal aspirations, have been shown to enhance goal-setting success by making ambitions tangible and visually stimulating. Hosting a vision board party takes this concept further by turning it into a shared, interactive experience that can inspire collective momentum for the new year. Why Host a Vision
December 29 has long been a day marked by significant moments that have shaped the course of history around the globe. One of the most notable events associated with December 29 took place in 1890, with the tragic and pivotal Wounded Knee Massacre. On this day, the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment confronted a band of Lakota Sioux near Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota. The confrontation escalated into a violent clash resulting in the deaths of approximately 150 to 300 Native American men, women,
GODFREY - Madison County Sheriff’s Deputies are investigating a residential arson and domestic incident that unfolded Sunday afternoon near Godfrey Road and Enos Lane. At approximately 4:50 p.m., deputies were dispatched to a report of a single-vehicle crash in the area of Godfrey Road and Enos Lane. Upon arrival, they found the vehicle unoccupied with several shattered windows and deployed airbags. Around the same time, authorities received a report of a domestic battery at a nearby residence.
GODFREY — The Godfrey Fire Department responded to a structure fire Sunday evening on the 900 block of Enos Lane. Godfrey Assistant Fire Chief Tom Wills said firefighters were able to extinguish the fire using minimal water. Multiple deputies from the Madison County Sheriff’s Department were also on the scene. “No one was injured,” Wills said. The Illinois State Fire Marshal was called in to investigate the cause of the fire. More information to come.
SPRINGFIELD - As the year draws to a close, Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza is highlighting some of the top moments in her office over the past year. “2025 was a year of uncertainty and confusion at the federal level, but here in Illinois, my office continued to work hard to bring stability to our service providers, transparency to the public, and financial responsibility to state government finances,” said Comptroller Mendoza. #10: Bills paid: For the fourth year in a row, th
December 27 and 28 stand as remarkable dates in history, marked by significant events that have shaped the course of nations, science, and culture across the globe. Moving back in time, December 27, 1831, saw Charles Darwin embark on the HMS Beagle's expedition, a pivotal moment in the history of science. This voyage would provide Darwin with the observations and insights that later culminated in his groundbreaking theory of evolution by natural selection. The journey was not just a scientific
EDWARDSVILLE – As 2025 comes to a close, I want to pause and say thank you. Thank you for trusting me to be your voice in Springfield and for sharing your stories, concerns, and hopes for our community. Serving you has been a great honor, and this past year has reminded me why our work matters so deeply. I am proud of the progress we’ve made, but I know there is still much work to be done. This year, we stopped harmful legislation that would have made life more expensive for families
CARLINVILLE – Carlinville will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Wednesday, January 7 at 201 West Main Street, inside Elks Lodge. What: Carlinville Community Blood Drive When: Wednesday, January 7, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm Where: Elks Lodge, 201 West Main Street, Carlinville, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact ImpactLife Springfield at (800) 747-5401 or visit
O'FALLON, IL. - O’Fallon Police Department welcomed its newest officer, Aden Davis, during a ceremony held recently. Commissioner Ed Martinez administered the Oath of Office to Davis, marking the official start of her law enforcement career. Davis, designated as Officer O-146, will begin training this January at the Southwestern Illinois Police Academy, a 16-week program. Upon graduation, she will return to the O’Fallon Police Department (OPD) to complete a 14-week Field Training
O'FALLON, IL. - O’Fallon Police Department welcomed its newest officer, Aden Davis, during a ceremony held recently. Commissioner Ed Martinez administered the Oath of Office to Davis, marking the official start of her law enforcement career. Davis, designated as Officer O-146, will begin training this January at the Southwestern Illinois Police Academy, a 16-week program. Upon graduation, she will return to the O’Fallon Police Department (OPD) to complete a 14-week Field Training
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined 22 attorneys general in filing a multistate amicus brief opposing the Trump administration’s unlawful policy imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa petitions for highly-skilled foreign national workers. Raoul and the coalition’s brief , which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, supports Global Nurse Force in its lawsuit against the Trump administration over the $100,000 H-1B visa
SPRINGFIELD – Under the leadership of Gov. JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Transportation continued to revitalize and modernize transportation and mobility across the state in 2025. Made possible by the governor’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, projects transformed highways, transit, railroads, airports, waterways and active transportation everywhere Illinois residents call home, creating safer and more reliable travel options while boosting economic
PONTOON BEACH – As part of its regular January Service Change, Madison County Transit (MCT) will implement a series of service adjustments as well as a fare reduction for trips to and from St. Clair County. These changes are designed to match service with ridership patterns, expand flexible MicroTransit options, and simplify fares. Service changes will take effect on Sunday, January 11, 2026, while a new $1.00 fare for St. Clair County trips will begin on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
ILLINOIS – Direct Source Seafood LLC announced a recall of approximately 83,800 bags of frozen raw shrimp imported from Indonesia due to possible contamination with cesium-137, a man-made radioactive isotope. The shrimp, sold under the Market 32 and Waterfront Bistro brands, may have been prepared, packed, or held under conditions that exposed the product to low levels of cesium-137. Two-pound bags under the Waterfront Bistro brand were sold at Jewel-Osco, Albertsons, Safeway, and Lucky
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has revised the South Zone waterfowl season dates for the 2026-2030 seasons based on input from waterfowl hunters. Under the revised plan, the South Zone season will start in mid-November, run for 23 days, then have a 12-day break, or “split.” The season will restart in mid-December and run for an additional 37 days. The revised split will accommodate South Zone hunters’ stated concerns about families
SPRINGFIELD — After serving the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) as Deputy Director for five years, Kristi Jones has been appointed acting Assistant Director by Governor JB Pritzker. This new position will require confirmation by the Illinois Senate. “Kristi’s policy knowledge is second to none,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “I have relied on her leadership and experience as Deputy Director, and without a doubt, she will continue to excel as Assistant
ALTON – Two alleged incidents of battery in public places have resulted in felony charges against Madison County residents. Tremayne L. Brown, 31, of Alton, was charged on Dec. 22, 2025 with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery and a Class A misdemeanor count of resisting a peace officer. Brown allegedly caused bodily harm to an individual at the Argosy Casino in Alton by head-butting the victim in the face on Dec. 21, 2025. He is additionally accused of resisting arrest by attempting
EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Sheriff’s Office announced the addition of Deputy Parker Waters to its Patrol Division on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. Deputy Waters will begin his service with several months of training at the police academy, followed by a 12-week Field Training Program. The Sheriff's Office stated it looks forward to the contributions Deputy Waters will make in the future. This step marks the start of his official duties within the department.
CHICAGO – A mortgage loan originator (“MLO”) has received serious sanctions and fines from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and 20 additional state financial regulatory agencies that accused him of directing another person to take required education on his behalf and taking the credit for himself. Under the settlement, Patrick Terrance Donlon (NMLS ID 785311), who worked for Trusted American Mortgage LLC (NMLS ID 1329867), is barred fro
stLouIST