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Have you ever noticed how the right space can transform an ordinary experience into something extraordinary? According to studies, our environment significantly influences our mood and productivity. This is especially true when it comes to reading, a pastime that’s both enriching and calming. Imagine curling up with a book that captivates your imagination in a space that enhances the experience, enveloping you in comfort and tranquility. Creating a cozy winter reading nook is not just about aesthetics; it’s an art form that can elevate your reading routine into an immersive experience. Defining Your Space Before diving into the aesthetics of your reading nook, it’s essential to define the space you want to transform. Consider the following: Location : Identify a spot in your home that feels inviting. This could be a corner of your living room, a spare bedroom, or even a section of your home office. Natural light is often desirable, so look for areas near windows

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Imagine a world where your wrist can tell you not just the time, but also how many calories you've burned, how well you slept, and even your current stress levels. As wearable technology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, this scenario is rapidly becoming a reality. In fact, a recent study revealed that the global wearable fitness technology market is expected to exceed $62 billion by 2025. This explosion in popularity speaks volumes about how wearable devices are reshaping fitness trends and the way we approach health. The Rise of Wearable Fitness Technology Wearable technology encompasses a broad range of devices that monitor various aspects of health and fitness. From smartwatches and fitness trackers to smart clothing and even advanced biometric sensors, these gadgets have revolutionized how individuals engage with their fitness regimes. The allure of real-time data has captivated millions, making fitness not just a goal, but a quantifiable journey. The increased

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February 3rd has witnessed a multitude of significant historical events that have shaped the course of nations and cultures. One of the most notable events occurred in the year 1959, known as 'The Day the Music Died.' On this fateful day, rock and roll icons Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. 'The Big Bopper' Richardson tragically lost their lives in a plane crash in Iowa. This event not only marked a significant loss in the music industry but also had a profound impact on the cultural landscape of America. The untimely deaths of these artists left a void in the hearts of fans and changed the trajectory of rock music forever. Fast forward to the year 1966, when the Soviet Union achieved an incredible milestone in space exploration. The Luna 9 spacecraft became the first to successfully land on the moon and transmit photographs back to Earth. This monumental accomplishment was a significant step in the space race, proving the capabilities of Soviet technology and marking a new

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BELLEVILLE - On Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, the St. Clair County Drug Tactical Unit, with support from the Belleville Police Code Enforcement Unit, executed multiple search warrants as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. The operation targeted a residence in Swansea and Twinzo’s Smoke Shop located at 6400 West Main St., Belleville. During the execution of the search warrants, authorities seized a substantial quantity of contraband, including 21 pounds of cannabis, 250 packages of THC edibles, 42 THC vape pens, and six digital scales. In addition, police recovered three firearms — one of which was reported stolen — along with 100 rounds of ammunition and $48,129 in cash. Tiyon T. Moore, a 26-year-old resident of Fairview Heights, was arrested in connection with the investigation. He faces multiple charges, including one count of unlawful possession with the intent to deliver cannabis, classified as a Class X felony, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm

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EAST ST. LOUIS – An 18-year-old from O’Fallon, Illinois, has been charged with First Degree Murder in connection with a homicide that took place in December 2024. Ricky T. Clayton was arrested by the Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation’s Public Safety Enforcement Group following an investigation into the death of 21-year-old Markela Howliet. The incident occurred on Dec. 22, 2024, outside the Samuel Gomper Homes in the 400 block of North 6th Street in East St. Louis, where Howliet was shot in a parking lot. She was later pronounced deceased at a local hospital. ISP agents were called in to assist the East St. Louis Police Department with the investigation, which culminated in the filing of charges against Clayton on Jan. 31, 2025. St. Clair County State’s Attorney James Gomric reviewed the case before the charges were formally issued. Clayton remains in custody, and no further information has been released regarding the case. T

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville hosts the debut screening of the documentary film “We Bear Witness: The African American Legacy of Hadley Township, MO” at Dunham Theater on Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. Veteran journalist and WSIE 88.7 The Sound’s Robin Boyce, associate director of underwriting, will moderate the esteemed panel. The film explores the now obsolete African American community of Hadley Township, which is now only known as a section of Richmond Heights, Mo. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion on disappearing African American communities dismantled across the country for economic purposes or gain. Guest panelists include the following: Dr. John A. Wright Sr., notable historian/Fulbright Scholar/author of “St. Louis: Disappearing Black Communities” Gwen Moore, historian/Curator of Urban Landscape and Community Identity of the Missouri History Museum Honorable Mayor Reginald Finney, first African

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February 1st has seen a myriad of significant events throughout history, spanning across politics, social movements, science, and culture. Let's look to February 1, 2003, when the Space Shuttle Columbia tragically disintegrated upon re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere, killing all seven astronauts on board. This catastrophic event served as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with space travel. The Columbia disaster brought about significant changes in NASA's safety protocols and led to a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the accident. It also sparked a national conversation about the future of human space exploration and the inherent risks involved. Another notable event occurred on February 1, 1960, when four African American college students initiated a sit-in at a segregated Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina. This courageous act of civil disobedience became a defining moment in the American civil rights movement. The students, known

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NEW ATHENS – State Representative Kevin Schmidt donated his pay raise for the month of January to Church Emergency Services New Athens (CESNA), in the form of a food donation. Schmidt has donated every month’s pay raise to a different local food pantry or charity organization throughout his district since voting against the pay raise for legislators. “Our local charities need our help,” said Schmidt. “When the legislature voted themselves a pay raise last General Assembly, I promised to give the amount of the raise each month to a local organization that’s trying to help feed the hungry. When I went to Springfield, I didn’t go to serve myself, I went to serve my community.” CESNA is an ecumenical organization made up of churches in New Athens that assists people in need. More information can be found on their Facebook . Local Scouts donated a birthday bag that will be used for one of the recipients who has a birthday in February

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ALTON/GODFREY – Several domestic battery cases have been filed in Madison County in recent weeks, with most involving prior domestic battery offenders. Travis L. Watley, 40, of Alton, was charged with his fourth offense of domestic battery, a Class 3 felony, on Jan. 22, 2025. The day prior on Jan. 21, Watley allegedly struck a household or family member “about the face with a closed fist,” according to court documents. He had previously been convicted of domestic battery on two prior occasions in 2009 and aggravated battery in another prior case from 2005, each in Madison County. The latest domestic battery case against Watley was presented by the Alton Police Department. While he was granted pretrial release from custody, a motion for additional conditions on his release has been filed, citing previous attempts to threaten or perpetrate physical abuse towards the victim from this case. Brandon E. Ford, 39, of Madison, was charged with a Class 2 felony count of

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will host storm spotter training on Tuesday, February 4th, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Morris University Center (MUC) Oak/Redbud Room. The event is free and open to the public, with free parking available in Lot B starting at 6 p.m. Led by SIUE’s extreme weather expert Alan W. Black, PhD, assistant professor and Graduate Program Director in the Department of Geography and Geographic Information Sciences (GIS), the training will give students the knowledge needed to identify and report severe weather events. “Spotters provide crucial, real-time information that helps the National Weather Service issue more accurate and timely warnings,” said Black. “Their reports can make the difference in saving lives when seconds count.” Participants will learn about thunderstorm development, storm structure, and how to safely observe and report severe weather. Volunteer storm spotters play a key role

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced it has awarded $4.5 million to 12 groups across the state-funded through Governor JB Pritzker’s 2024 Birth Equity Initiative. The grants, ranging from $100,000 to $700,000, were awarded through a competitive process and are designed to support innovative, community-based efforts that have the potential to reduce inequities in populations historically at higher risk for adverse birth outcomes. The Doula Lab: The Belleville-based, BIPOC-led, non-profit organization will receive $400,000 for improving maternal and reproductive health outcomes for communities in the Metro East area. The project focuses on addressing systemic disparities in maternal health by expanding the doula workforce. “Illinois has one of the most robust birth equity initiatives in the entire nation and today’s announcement brings us closer to a state where every mother – no matter her race, economic status, or ZIP

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SPRINGFIELD - Social Security rules for public safety retirees such as police officers and firefighters have been totally re-written as a result of federal legislation passed and signed on January 5, and a newly-updated guide offers the best way to navigate those changes. The Third Edition of the IPPFA Retirement Guide adds a new section regarding the 2025 Social Security Fairness Act, the latest updates on Illinois fire and police pensions, new savings limits in Section 457 deferred compensation plans, and retirement healthcare funding. “The Social Security Fairness Act increases benefits for fire and police personnel who have pensions from work that is not covered by Social Security, and this affects the majority of downstate Illinois fire and police personnel,” said James McNamee, president of the Illinois Public Pension Fund Association (IPPFA), the guide’s publisher. “The law also repealed the Government Pension Offset that reduced or eliminated

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QUINCY - Quincy University released its Dean's List for the Fall 2024 semester. Honorees must earn a semester grade point average of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) to be included in the biannual Dean's List. In total, 416 students received the honor during the Fall 2024 semester. Several area students listed below were named to the Quincy Dean's List. Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, please visit www.quincy.edu or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or communityrelations@quincy.edu.

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SAINT LOUIS - So Hospitality Group will host their Lunar New Year party this weekend. From 6 p.m. to midnight on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, community members can enjoy a night of all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink refreshments, a DJ, shot girls, a lion dance and more at 612 North in St. Louis. Meredith, events and catering director, explained that 612 North, Kimchi Guys and Drunken Fish are all under the So Hospitality Group brand, and all of the businesses are looking forward to celebrating. “Lunar New Year is exciting. We celebrate it every year, obviously, because of us wanting to honor the culture behind all of the brands,” she explained. “It’s really going to be kind of a cocktail bar-style event. Come and go as much as you need to to enjoy the night. We’ve got a cultural performance from a lion dance team coming in to really celebrate the culture behind it. And then we’ve got shot girls coming in from Jack Daniels, so we’re really

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced today that a Roxana man has been charged with felony theft for allegedly stealing funds from ticket sales for a charity event. Jacob A. Sanders, 27, is charged with theft (Class 3 felony) for allegedly stealing $4,185 from ticket sales for the 2024 Guns ’N Hoses charity boxing event. The theft is alleged to have happened during the period of Aug. 1, 2024, through Nov. 27, 2024. Haine said he expects evidence to show that the defendant, a paid-on-call firefighter, was provided with advance tickets to sell for the event held Nov. 27, 2024, but did not turn in the proceeds from the sales. “Allegations of theft from charitable organizations are always disappointing,” Haine said. “Contributions to this organization are made in good faith by members of our community to support a noble cause – aiding the families and children of first-responders who have made ultimate sacrifices. Firefighters

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Letter To The Editor: In our own wonderful town of Alton, Illinois, a family received a swatting call from Border Patrol this week. As my mother and grandmother immigrated to Alton in the early 1950's (they were sponsored by The Unitarian Church of Alton until they could get their legal naturalization papers), I would never have thought I would see the day that legal immigrants would be targeted in our community. We need to protect our immigrants and their families that make up our community from unfair harassment & prejudice that is being caused by ICE raids. Are we going to allow harm to come to our neighbors? Where is love thy neighbors? This family did not deserve this. All immigrant families need to keep their naturalization papers and birth certificates on them at all times. Sad times we live in when legal immigrants are being targeted. Elizabeth Schepers Alton

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GODFREY – After nearly four years of service to the residents of Godfrey, Rick Lauschke is seeking another term as a Village Trustee in the upcoming April 1st Consolidated Election. Trustee Lauschke believes that his diligent work effort and ability to have forward thinking were the keys to his first term. He believes that his work is not done yet, because Godfrey needs to tackle some long-term planning issues and modernize some of its internal procedures to ensure future growth. “It is my sincere hope that the residents of Godfrey continue to show their faith and trust in my efforts. I would like to humbly ask for Godfrey’s vote and support on April 1. I am proud of our accomplishments over the last four years as we have expanded our recreational capabilities and worked on qualify of life issues,” Lauschke said. “Park and biking path expansions, road maintenance, and even dealing with water drainage events are just a few examples of the smaller details

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GODFREY - Village Dispensary has daily deals, with a few special promotions planned for February. “We are growing every month,” said Allison, a representative with Village Dispensary. “We’ll be running promotions in February, but we’ve got a big restock coming next week, so get all the fresh, new strains next week.” Located at 110 Northport Drive in Godfrey, the dispensary offers daily discounts, starting with “Roll Into the Week Monday” — a deal on pre-rolls — and “Tasty Tuesday” edible deals. “Waxy Wednesday” offers sales on concentrates and vapes. “Thirsty Thursday” promises 30% off select cannabis-infused drinks, and “Flower Friday” offers flower for the low price of $25. Additional discounts are available throughout the week. There’s more in store for February, including deals on Valentine’s Day weekend. Customers can expect sales on “love-oriented

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MADISON COUNTY – A collision involving a student and a school bus occurred Thursday afternoon, Jan. 30, 2025, near the entrance of Alton High School. The incident occurred when a student driving an SUV pulled out in front of the bus. The student sustained minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. The driver of the school bus also reported injuries and was taken to a hospital, according to the Madison County Sheriff's Office. "There were no students on the bus," Madison County Chief Deputy Sheriff Marcos Pulido confirmed. The circumstances surrounding the accident are still under investigation.

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FREEBURG - A Freeburg man who was killed Tuesday night, Jan. 28, 2025, after stepping onto the roadway in the 4900 block of Illinois 13 and being struck by an oncoming vehicle has been identified. Illinois State Police identified the man as 35-year-old Dale Blanford. The incident occurred at approximately 10:29 p.m. on Tuesday. A 31-year-old Freeburg woman was the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident, but her identity has not been disclosed. Blanford was transported to Saint Louis University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation by State Police Troop 8.

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