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Welcome to March 31st, a day rich with historical significance and transformative events that have shaped our world. From groundbreaking treaties and scientific discoveries to cultural milestones, this day has witnessed a variety of noteworthy happenings across different eras and regions. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most impactful events that occurred on this date throughout history. The Formation of the Treaty of Paris (1856) One of the most significant events that occurred on March 31st was the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1856, which brought an end to the Crimean War. This conflict, fought primarily between the Russian Empire and an alliance of the Ottoman Empire, France, Britain, and Sardinia, was marked by its brutal battles and significant loss of life. The treaty not only marked the end of hostilities but also reshaped the balance of power in Europe, ensuring the independence of the Ottoman Empire and limiting Russian expansion. This event is crucial

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Dear Editor, As the Fire Chief of the Godfrey Fire Protection District, I am concerned about the current Village of Godfrey Trustees' decision to dismiss the proposal for expanding ambulance services. In September 2023, I suggested leasing the old fire station on Godfrey Road to enhance our emergency response, but this was ignored. Relocating the proposed service to Roxana contradicts the trustees' vision for our village. Reliable emergency services are vital, and opposing this expansion undermines our residents' safety. Currently, Alton Memorial is our only ambulance service, and while they perform admirably, our growing community needs more support. Expanding services would, in periods of increased demand, ensure quicker response times and better care during emergencies. To the voters: As you make decisions in upcoming elections, please consider the importance of reliable emergency services. Thoughtful voting can ensure that our community's needs are met and

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WOOD RIVER – An Alton man charged with breaking into a Wood River home and stealing a firearm from inside has been ordered to remain in custody. Aaron S. Basham, 33, of Alton, was charged on March 24, 2025 with residential burglary (a Class 1 felony) and possession of a weapon by a felon (a Class 3 felony). Basham allegedly broke into a Wood River residence on March 22, 2025 and stole a Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm firearm from the home. The weapon was unlawful for him to possess as a felon previously convicted of Residential Burglary in a 2015 Madison County case. A petition was filed to deny Basham’s pretrial release, stating the victim told authorities they believed Basham was the one who broke into their home after capturing him on surveillance video. After searching Basham’s residence, authorities recovered clothing seen in the surveillance video and the victim’s stolen firearm. “ was interviewed and admitted to entering the victim’s residence

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EDWARDSVILLE - The reading voices ran the scale from sounding strong to resolute, excited to pensive, and were punctuated with masterful and melodious tunes along the way. They relayed an old, important American story with a new twist, as told through the words of a fictious child and her grandmother. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Communications Director Nicole Franklin and her mother, SIUE alumna Irene Franklin , captivated an audience with the reading of their book, “ Ella’s Sunday Song ,” on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in the University’s Lovejoy Library. Earlier that morning, the Franklins visited the SIUE Early Childhood Center to share their story. “Ella’s Sunday Song” is a children’s picture book introducing the Spiritual, a musical artform that emerged from centuries of slavery in the United States,” informed Franklin. Accompanying the Franklins, by singing the Black spiritual, “Steal Away (Steal Away

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate fell -0.1 percentage point to 4.8 percent in February, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised January unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.9 percent. The Illinois unemployment rate was down -0.1 percentage point from a year ago when it was 4.9 percent. The national unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in February, up +0.1 percentage point from the previous month, making the state’s unemployment +0.7 percentage point higher than the national unemployment rate. Illinois nonfarm payrolls remained nearly unchanged in February at -6,500 (-0.1%), while the January monthly change in payrolls was revised from -1,100 to -4,400. The industry sectors with over-the-month job increases included: Construction (+2,900), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+2,300), and Professional and Business Services (+1,900). The industry

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City High School's Drama Series One-Act Play cast and crew have achieved a significant milestone, winning first place at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Sectional for their performance of the stage play "Almost, Maine." The team is set to advance to the State Final, which will take place in Oak Lawn, on March 28, 2025. This opportunity marks an important moment for the students involved, showcasing their dedication and talent in the performing arts. The success at the sectional level highlights the commitment of the Granite City School District #9 to fostering artistic expression and providing students with a platform to showcase their skills.

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SPRINGFIELD - An 1881 U.S. $10 gold coin, an 18-karat yellow gold chain link bracelet, and a baseball card with a piece of Joe DiMaggio’s bat are among the unclaimed property items being auctioned online from March 28 through April 6, 2025. The spring online auction also includes vintage pocket watches, currency notes from various countries, and 25 1 oz. 999 fine silver rounds. “Our online auction is open to everyone --- not just collectors. It’s a convenient way for people to shop for their personal collection or find a one-of-a-kind gift, like a piece of a Joe DiMaggio baseball bat,” said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose office oversees unclaimed property in Illinois. A total of 100 lots will be auctioned, some featuring multiple items. To view auction items, go to the catalog on the HiBid website. Prospective bidders first must sign up on HiBid and create an account. There are a couple of ways to do this. One is to go to hibid.com

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COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department in Illinois has recognized two officers for their exemplary service through the Officer of the Month award. Officer Trent Ross received the honor for January 2025, while Officer Brian Joy was acknowledged for February 2025. Both officers were commended for their commitment to proactive policing, a key principle of the department's approach to law enforcement. The department highlighted the collaborative efforts of Officer Ross and his K9 partner, who contributed significantly to his success in the field. The Collinsville Police Department expressed gratitude for the dedication shown by both officers in serving the community. The recognition serves to emphasize the importance of teamwork and community-oriented policing within the department.

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , Dave Wilson encouraged people to realize that God’s blessing is right in front of them. Wilson noted that God is present in everyone’s life. He believes that God is with us even — or especially — during difficult times, and every challenge is a blessing in disguise. God has a plan for all of us, and Wilson encourages people to trust in Him. “None of this takes away from my blessings. My blessings are for me and in front of me at all times,” he said. “God wants nothing more from each and every one of us but to take a step in the right direction and show up. Every moment that we show up, our blessing lies directly in front of us.” Wilson, who owns Wilson Tree Service in Godfrey, shared that he recently spent $11,000 repairing a chipper that then completely broke down three months later. Instead of getting frustrated or upset, Wilson turne

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Spring into Healthy Habits with Dairy Spring is an inspiring time of rebirth and renewal. As nature wakes up from winter, St. Louis District Dairy Council encourages you to take a fresh look at your self-care routine. With the colder months behind us, it makes sense to explore new ways to improve your health and wellness. It may be as easy as adding outdoor physical activity to enjoy the warmer weather or adjusting your afternoon snack choices. So, celebrate the change of seasons and spring into health this month with simple changes. Rethink your diet Spring is all about new beginnings, fresh starts and hope for new opportunities. It is also the perfect time to take a closer look at eating habits to improve health. Focus on foods that nourish your body like yogurt parfaits with berries, omelets with vegetables and cheese, and salads with fresh produce. As you welcome the new season, take an inventory of food shopping habits as well. Spend more time in the produce section and select

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March 30th has witnessed numerous significant events throughout history, spanning various fields including politics, science, culture, and more. As we delve into the annals of history, let’s explore some of the notable occurrences that took place on this day, showcasing the rich tapestry of human achievements and challenges. The Global Impact of the 1979 Three Mile Island Incident One of the most pivotal events in the history of energy production and nuclear safety occurred on March 30, 1979, when the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania experienced a partial meltdown. This incident marked the most serious accident in U.S. commercial nuclear power plant history and raised significant concerns about the safety of nuclear energy. The reactor's cooling system failed, leading to a release of radioactive gases, though no injuries or deaths were reported. The aftermath of the incident led to widespread public fear about nuclear energy and spurred significant regulatory

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Did you know that engaging in creative hobbies can significantly boost your mental health, increasing feelings of happiness and even reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression? According to various studies, creative expression can lead to higher levels of dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter, enhancing our overall well-being. As we seek ways to enrich our lives, why not dive into a creative hobby that not only cultivates joy but also fosters personal growth? Here are some unique hobbies to consider this spring that promise to ignite your passion and enhance your creativity. 1. Upcycling: Transforming Trash into Treasure Upcycling is a brilliant way to tap into your creativity while being environmentally conscious. This hobby involves taking discarded items and repurposing them into something functional or beautiful. For instance, old furniture can be given new life with a fresh coat of paint, or glass jars can be turned into stylish candle holders. Practical Tips: Start

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GODFREY - Village Dispensary will celebrate its one-year anniversary with great deals and a fun event. On Saturday, April 19, 2025, community members are invited to Village Dispensary at 110 Northport Drive in Godfrey for a vendor fair to commemorate their first anniversary and 4/20. Alli and Allison, representatives with Village Dispensary, expressed their eagerness to welcome new and familiar faces to the dispensary to celebrate. “We’re excited. Our inventory is loaded right now in preparation for the big 4/20 event, which is on the 19th,” Allison said. “You’ll see some deep discounts, up to 40% off, and then a lot of freebies that we have to give away.” From 12–5 p.m. on April 19, community members can enjoy a vendor fair, complete with businesses like Pearson’s Produce, Green Treats Hemp Co. and more. Alli compared it to the Alton Farmer’s Market and added that Gumbo 2 Geaux and Dorothy’s Tea Room will be providin

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – At today’s committee hearing on the horrific DCA aircraft collision, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Ranking Member of the CST Aviation Subcommittee—secured a commitment from Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Chris Rocheleau to report back to her on how many certified air traffic controllers around the country are waiting for medical clearances to return to work and to help ensure these medical reviews are happening in a timely manner. Duckworth is hearing air traffic controllers in the Chicagoland area have been caught up in this backlog that is keeping them from getting back on the job to help keep our aviation system safe for the flying public. Duckworth’s exchange with Acting Administrator Rocheleau can be found on the Senator’s YouTube . “I’m being told there are certified controllers in Chicag

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EDWARDSVILLE - On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will host its first in a series of high-profile speakers on the Edwardsville campus. The inaugural keynote features author Amanda Ripley. Ripley will present her topic, “Breaking the Spell of High Conflict” on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Meridian Ballroom at the Morris University Center (MUC). Ripley is the author of the titles “High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out,” “The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes—and Why” and the New York Times bestseller “The Smartest Kids in the World.” Her book “High Conflict” chronicles the journey of people who were trapped in very different kinds of conflict, from the personal to the political, and then found their way out. "High Conflict” won the 2022 Christopher Award for “lighting a candle instead of cursing the darkness.” The distinguished speaker,

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CARLINVILLE - Blackburn College has announced its Dean’s List for the Fall 2024 semester. Students named to the Dean’s List must earn a grade point average of 3.6 or higher for the semester. Area students include: Alton Justin Atkinson Brighton Cassidy Gaither Erika Pfitzner Carrollton Diana Varble Godfrey Megan Van Deusen Granite City Bryan Chrisos Ashley Schardan Jerseyville Clayton Brunaugh Abigail Droege Caroline Gibson Shelby Koenig Founded in 1837, Blackburn College is a four-year, Presbyterian-related, co-educational liberal arts college located in Carlinville, IL. One of only ten federally recognized Work Colleges, Blackburn is the only Work Program in the nation managed by students. Balancing academic rigor and experiential learning, each student at Blackburn gains tangible experience and develops critical skills by contributing to their community, all while building a resume and earning their degree. U.S. News & World Report

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EDWARDSVILLE - Blakely Hockett is a senior striker, and one of the three captains for the Edwardsville girls soccer team this season, who scored her first goal of the season from the penalty spot in a 2-1 loss to O'Fallon on March 27 at Tiger Stadium. Hockett scored the goal off a rebound after the Panther goalie saved the original penalty, where she had an easy tap-in for the goal. Last season, Hockett scored twice, and also had four assists for eight points on the season, and is always around the goal, either setting up teammates or putting the ball in the back of the net herself. After the loss to the Panthers, she expressed confidence that the Tigers will bounce back from the loss. Blakely is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. The match was a typical Southwestern Conference match, where there were plenty of ups-and-downs for both sides, and tough play from both teams. "It's always a really rough game with them," Hockett said. "It's super competitive.

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COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department is inviting local youth to participate in its annual Youth Academy, designed to give children a firsthand look at various aspects of law enforcement. The Youth Academy dates are July 14-18 and July 21-25, 2025. The program will include activities such as K-9 demonstrations, tours of the police department and jail, and a demonstration from the Illinois State Police Crime Scene/Lab. Scheduled for this summer, the Youth Academy aims to engage children in community safety and police work while fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and youth. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour a SWAT vehicle, experience a medical helicopter and fire department demonstration, and undergo physical training, among other activities. Registration for the Youth Academy is now open and can be completed through the Collinsville city website. Parents interested in enrolling their children are encouraged to sign up early

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PONTOON BEACH - After more than 20 years of Friday night service, Madison County Transit (MCT) is moving the MCT Muny Express to Saturday nights for the 2025 season! This exciting change means theatergoers can say goodbye to Friday night traffic jams and hello to stress-free Saturday nights at the Muny. For just $5, passengers can sit back, relax, and enjoy a round-trip journey to the Muny in Forest Park from 13 locations in Madison County. Children 5 and under ride free, and Madison County students in grades K-12 can hop aboard for free with an MCT Summer Youth Pass. MCT Muny Express riders avoid the hassles of finding a parking spot and get dropped off and picked up directly in front of the Muny. This season’s lineup promises to be nothing short of spectacular, featuring a mix of beloved classics and modern hits. This year’s Muny season includes: the high energy of Bring It On: The Musical, the heartwarming story of Come From Away, D isney’s enchanting

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Students at Bush Alternative School in the East St. Louis School District 189 are taking action to support their community through a monthly mobile food pantry. The students recently assisted 71 needy families by partnering with the St. Louis Area Foodbank. The initiative aims to address food insecurity in the local area, demonstrating the commitment of students to help their neighbors. "When we come together, we make a stronger community," a representative from the alternative school said in a statement. The food pantry has become a vital resource for families facing challenges in accessing nutritious meals. This effort highlights the role of educational institutions in fostering community engagement and support. The next pantry date for the students is April 23, 2025.

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