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ALTON - AP Cigar will continue to host their monthly AP Cigar After Hours events in 2025. Mike Weller, owner of AP Cigar, shared that the shop advocates for the community and promotes downtown Alton. Confluence Barber recently opened above the shop at 202 State Street, and Weller is excited to continue sharing Alton’s charm with tourists and cigar brand representatives who visit AP Cigar and the barbershop. “It’s amazing when people come in because most of the time they’re not even from this state, this region, this time zone sometimes,” Weller said. “It’s become its own thing. The reviews are good. Everything has been very good about this location, this town and what we’re doing.” Weller noted that many people have started coming to Confluence Barber and stopping by AP Cigar for a cigar to elevate the experience. He said that he recently had his first haircut from the barbershop and it was “amazing.” &ldquo

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WOOD RIVER - Unhoused community members and local agencies united at Project Homeless Connect. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, community members could stop by Riverbend Family Ministries in Wood River to connect with nonprofits and organizations, take showers, receive haircuts and learn about local services. Representatives from different organizations were also encouraged to engage with each other’s resources. “The hope is to just get people connected to services,” said David Kerr, Madison County’s Homeless Program Coordinator. “And then a goal was also just to have the different agencies get to know each other.” Attendees could receive wellness and vision exams, vaccines, bus tokens and showers while learning more about local assistance available to them, such as legal assistance, veteran services, and career and housing resources. Thirty-five organizations were represented at the event, including Oasis Women’s Center

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EDWARDSVILLE/ALTON - Learn about the people who made an impact on the nation’s most famous highway – Route 66 – during two speaker series events planned for Edwardsville’s iconic West End Service Station in February and March. Black History on Route 66 and Women’s History on Route 66 will be explored with guest speakers at two separate events at the refurbished Route 66 gas station that now serves as a welcome center and Route 66 museum. The West End Service Station is located at 620 St. Louis St., in Edwardsville. Both events are free and open to the public although advance registration is requested due to limited seating. Registration is available by emailing: cmatteson@riversandroutes.com Both events are sponsored by the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. Join Dr. Gina Lathan on Thursday, Feb. 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. as she takes attendees on Route 66 experience focused on Black History along the Mother Road. Dr. Lathan will showcase th

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is marking a milestone year for the Illinois Child Support Services program, celebrating 50 years of helping children in the state get the financial and family support they need to thrive. The Illinois program enters its next decade with a mission that has evolved since its inception to focus more holistically and comprehensively on the families it serves, with additional supports for parents and a new payment pass-through policy. “The Child Support Program has been a key part of promoting the wellbeing of Illinois’s youngest residents over the past five decades,” said Acting HFS Director Elizabeth Whitehorn. “We’re incredibly proud of the advancements that have been made to not only provide for these children, but to support their entire families and help them to thrive. These personalized solutions will continue to promote better outcomes so our youth can look forward to brighter

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CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement concerning the tragic aviation crash that occurred in Washington, D.C. last night: “MK and I are keeping the families and friends of the victims of the American Airlines Flight 5342 tragedy in our thoughts and prayers. We are also sending our gratitude to the first responders who rushed to the scene last night and remain on the ground providing assistance. Moments like this are where it’s important we come together as Americans and offer our support. Over 1,200 flights depart each day from Chicago’s Midway and O’Hare Airports alone. The thousands of people who fly in and out Illinois every day deserve to travel without fear of preventable disaster and danger. I have been in contact with Illinois aviation officials and our safety processes remain strong and consistent. The Trump Administration must respond to this tragedy with information and facts to instill confidence in our nation’s

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EDWARDSVILLE - Revity Credit Union has launched its 2025 Jeans Program, “Threads of Kindness,” with a donation of $1,515 to the Edwardsville Arts Center. This program, funded by employees, allows Revity Credit Union staff to embody the credit union's philosophy of people helping people. By contributing a monthly monetary donation to a local organization, employees can enjoy wearing jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays throughout that month. In 2025, Revity Credit Union is committed to impactful giving and community support, weaving kindness into the fabric of our daily lives and ensuring that every jeans day makes a difference. The Edwardsville Arts Center was nominated as the recipient of our January Threads of Kindness donation, receiving $1,515. As a 501(c)3 non-profit community visual arts organization, the Edwardsville Arts center aims to inspire the lives of youth and the creative spirit of adults through classes, exhibits and cultural events. With a

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Did you know that Americans spent an estimated $21.8 billion on Valentine’s Day in 2022? While the flowers, chocolates, and fancy dinners are lovely gestures of affection, they often come with a hefty price tag. But what if you could create a memorable Valentine’s Day without emptying your wallet? With a little creativity and thoughtful planning, you can celebrate love in a way that is both meaningful and budget-friendly. The Importance of Thoughtfulness Over Expense Valentine’s Day is often marketed as an occasion for extravagant gifts and luxurious experiences. However, the essence of the day lies in the thoughtfulness behind your gestures. A heartfelt note, a shared experience, or a simple home-cooked meal can convey love more effectively than any pricey gift. When planning your day, focus on personal touches that resonate with your partner, rather than the cost. Creating a Romantic Atmosphere at Home Instead of dining out at an upscale restaurant, consider

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January 31st has witnessed a myriad of significant events spanning various categories including politics, science, culture, and more. 1889: The Birth of the Modern Hydraulic Crane On January 31, 1889, a significant advancement in engineering was realized with the invention of the hydraulic crane. This innovation revolutionized construction and heavy lifting industries, allowing for more efficient and safer movement of heavy materials. The hydraulic crane utilized fluid mechanics to lift weights, making construction sites more productive and reducing manual labor. Over the years, this invention has evolved into various forms, becoming a staple in modern construction and engineering projects worldwide. 2008: The Launch of the First Human-Powered Helicopter Another remarkable event on January 31, 2008, was the successful flight of the Gamera, the first human-powered helicopter. Developed by a team of engineers and students at the University of Maryland, the Gamera achieve

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ALTON - Hank McClaine, a middle distances to distance runner at Alton High School, secured first place in the 5K Alton Great River Road Run, hosted by the Alton Road Runners Club, on a cold and snowy day just after Thanksgiving. McClaine completed the course with a time of 16:02.0, showcasing his strong performance in challenging conditions. Reflecting on his race, McClaine stated, “I felt good. Running in the snow is just mental, I was pleased with my performance." McClaine posted a P.R. of 15:47.0 for three miles in the Granite City Invite in September. He was seventh in the Southwestern Conference Championship Meet on Oct. 15 with a time of 16:01.9 and he recorded a ninth-place regional time of 16:06.3 and 15:51.2 in the sectional. His successful run comes on the heels of a promising cross-country season, where he expressed satisfaction with his performance. As he looks ahead, McClaine aims to excel in the upcoming indoor and outdoor track and field seasons. McClaine is a

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ALTON - The East End Improvement Association is set to host candidate forums for Alton and Godfrey aldermanic, trustee, and mayoral candidates. On February 4, 2025, at the Great Rivers Hotel in Alton, the Alton candidates will introduce themselves and speak on their platforms. On February 11, 2025, at the Trimpe Building at Lewis and Clark Community College, the Godfrey candidates will speak on their platforms. These candidate forums will be done in advance of the consolidated election scheduled for April 1, 2025. The forums aim to increase voter engagement and provide a platform for candidates to present their views to the community. Steve Schwartz and John Keller, both members of the East End Improvement Association, spoke this week on Our Daily Show! with host C.J. Nasello. Schwartz, who will moderate the events, and Keller discussed their plans. The forums will begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday and attendees are encouraged to arrive early. "We want the community to get to know the candidate

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ALTON – Caleb Lewis with Alton Odyssey Tours gave an update on exciting new tour plans for 2025 and more at the Hayner Library’s recent History and Hauntings event. Lewis said that while they’re best known for their Haunted Trolley Tours during the fall, they also offer private tours throughout the year. Largely a family operation, his mother and founder of the company still acts as executive director, though Lewis has ushered it into a new era with expanded programming. For newcomers to the city, they offer a Welcome to Alton walking tour consisting of a 90-minute downtown stroll starting at The Conservatory, with stops at the Grand Theater and Stratford Hotel. These run one Saturday each month from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Working with Vintage Voices, some tours feature reenactments from local historical figures. One such tour in the works for this year is the Godfrey Legacy Tour starring John Meehan as Benjamin Godfrey, making stops at St. Paul Episcopal Church,

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GODFREY - Students and community members gathered at Lewis and Clark Community College for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. On Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, LCCC hosted the program with keynote speaker Debra Pitts. Students, faculty, staff and community leaders came together to honor King and hear Pitts’s speech, in which she urged listeners to take action and do more for their community. “In times such as these, what would Dr. Martin Luther King do?” she asked. “And my question, what are we doing?” This year’s celebration marked the 10th anniversary of the Dr. King event. Dr. Mumba Mumba welcomed the community to LCCC. Organizer Jared Hennings emceed the afternoon and provided music alongside pianist Ralph Monroe. Mya Lawrence, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusive Excellence, thanked attendees for their presence and recognized event organizers. Three students — Charles Ervin, Vondasia Pittman and Montrez West

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ALTON – Sharyn Luedke, owner of the McPike Mansion, recently shared the fascinating history of the home and its inhabitants as the unmistakable Alton landmark has stood on storied grounds for over 150 years. “My husband and I bought the house back in 1994, when we were both young … I thought we could just about do anything,” Luedke said. “We’re real proud of what has been accomplished so far. McPike Mansion is a part of the past and it is working towards the future.” The impressive brick estate on Alby Street, built in 1869, has long been rumored to be haunted by its original inhabitants – the building’s namesake, Henry Guest McPike, and his family. “We do believe that of course, Henry is one of the spirits of the house,” Luedke said. “It is his house, he wants to be there … Mary is one of the spirits, she’s a very, very gentle spirit of the house, even though she didn’t live there. “I

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PONTOON BEACH - This winter, local girls can learn how to play flag football. The free Open Field program will run from Feb. 20 to March 27, 2025, at the Field Sports Complex in Pontoon Beach. Every Thursday from 6–7:30 p.m., girls ages 5–7 and 8–12 can participate in a flag football training program that will teach the basics of the sport, encourage friendships and build athletic ability. Coach Andre Collins noted that he has enjoyed coaching girls flag football, and he hopes more new athletes will come out and learn to love the sport. “This is the most fun I’ve ever had,” said Collins, who coaches through Champions Sports Academy. “This program will be at no cost at all, and it’s just open field. So girls will come, there will be a little bit of instruction, but then we’ll just play the game. I want them to just have fun playing flag football.” Collins started teaching flag football in spring 2024, after he learned

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EDWARDSVILLE - Mia Semith, who emerged as an important player for Edwardsville's girls basketball team last season, is proving to be a key player for the Tigers this season as well. Semith hit for 11 points in Edwardsville's big 50-46 win over O'Fallon on Jan. 28, 2025, at Lucco-Jackson Gym, and has been up among the leading scorers in recent games as well. She currently averages a team-leading 11.8 points-per-game, and also averages 6.5 rebounds-per-game, also having 20 assists, 25 steals, and 14 blocked shots. Mia is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete Of The Month for the Tigers. In her postgame interview, Semith felt she had a good game, and was happy to help the Tigers overcome O'Fallon on the night. She said: "I felt like we worked really hard this week in practice, and we performed really well tonight. Alandyn (Simmons) had a big night, with 20 (points). I really helped; I think I played solid defense, Layne (Logan) did a great job guarding Josie (Christopher), and I feel

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI), and Get Covered Illinois announced a record high 17% jump in enrollment numbers for the 2025 Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment Period. Nearly 466,000 Illinoisans enrolled in Get Covered Illinois Marketplace plans since November 1st. Nationally, the total number of people who signed up for Marketplace coverage reached more than 24 million . “For the second year in a row, we are seeing more working families accessing affordable, high-quality health insurance plans made available through the Get Covered Illinois Marketplace,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “On average, Illinois residents saved $540 a month on health insurance costs through enhanced subsidies offered on the marketplace, underscoring both my administration’s commitment to lowering the cost of health care and the incredible value the Affordable Care Act brings to our residents.” Earlier this

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding the public that a full closure of Interstate 255 in both directions between Illinois 157 to Illinois 15 goes into effect early Saturday, weather permitting, as part of an accelerated $65.4 million rehabilitation and resurfacing. Made possible by the historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, the project is the second of five phases to repair and improve I-255 in Illinois, an effort being done faster, cheaper and safer by closing the work zone to traffic when possible. “The reputation of I-255 as one of the roughest stretches of road in the state is well-known, but that’s about to change,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “By strategically closing the work zone, we are delivering these much-needed improvements quicker and at a reduced cost. We look forward to providing safer, more reliable travel throughout the region for you and your families

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SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE - Team Scott is excited for its annual Open House and STEM EXPO From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 14, 2025. This event is free and open to the public, no base access required. There will be static aircraft displays, STEM Exhibits and a Career Field Village. Anticipated Static Aircraft Displays B-25 GA-8 PT-17 C-172 PT-19 C-182 PT-26 HE-1 P-51 C130J DH-115 TMB Avenger C-21 Please visit https://www.scott.af.mil/Open-House-STEM-Expo-2025/ for the latest updates on displays and exhibits. If you have any questions, please email 2nd Lieutenant Faith Powers 375amw.pa.org@us.af.mil.

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O’FALLON — HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital announces a year filled with significant achievements in quality care and a commitment to excellence. With numerous recognitions and accreditations earned over the past year, the hospital has exhibited its dedication to delivering exceptional care that consistently meets or exceeds national standards and more importantly ensures patients have access to quality care services. These accomplishments reflect the hard work, dedication and expertise of staff, providers and other partners, who each play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of every patient, underscoring St. Elizabeth’s colleagues’ dedication to quality, innovation and industry leadership. Some of the accreditations and recognitions received in the past year include: The radiation oncology team was awarded a three-year term of accreditation after a review by the American College of Radiology (ACR). The ACR is the nation’s oldest and most widel

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ALTON - Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford has announced that a suspect is in custody after the shooting in the 2100 block of State Street in Alton on Tuesday night, Jan. 28, 2025. The Alton Police were notified that a person had been shot at 8:11 p.m. on Tuesday night. Chief Ford said physical evidence was also recovered. "Charges are pending review by the State's Attorney's Office at some point this week," Ford said. Officers immediately responded to the 911 call and located a 16-year-old male who suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. The male was treated on scene by members of the Alton Fire Department and transported to an area hospital where he was later transferred to a St. Louis area hospital for further treatment. Ford said preliminary investigation revealed the two involved individuals, both known to law enforcement, are familiar with each other and this was not a random act. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Alton Police

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