What if the Thanksgiving holiday we celebrate today was shaped by centuries of evolving customs rather than a single historic feast? The story of Thanksgiving in the U.S. is a fascinating tapestry of cultural influences, historical events, and regional practices that have transformed it from a simple harvest celebration into a national holiday symbolizing gratitude, community, and reflection. Origins of Thanksgiving: More Than One Story Contrary to popular belief, Thanksgiving does not originate
What if the secret to a memorable Thanksgiving wasn’t just the turkey or the stuffing, but the pie that concludes the feast? Consider this: according to a 2023 survey by the American Pie Council, 89% of Americans say pie is the essential dessert for holiday celebrations. Yet, many struggle to perfect that elusive flaky crust or the ideal filling consistency. Baking the perfect Thanksgiving pie is an art and a science, blending technique, timing, and quality ingredients to create something
Did you know that the average American household spends nearly 12 hours preparing food during the holiday season? This intense period of cooking can quickly overwhelm even the most seasoned home chefs if their kitchens are not adequately prepared. Setting up your kitchen thoughtfully before the rush can make holiday cooking more efficient, enjoyable, and less stressful. Assessing Your Kitchen Space and Equipment Before diving into recipes and shopping lists, take stock of your kitchen’s
November 24 has been a day marked by pivotal events across the globe, spanning centuries and touching on politics, science, culture, and more. In 1859, the publication of Charles Darwin’s 'On the Origin of Species' sparked widespread debate and fundamentally altered scientific and religious perspectives on evolution and natural history. It quickly became a focal point for discussions that continue to this day about the origin and development of life on Earth. In the realm of politics
Expect a mostly cloudy day with some showers mainly early on in. High temperatures will reach around 55 degrees with a low near 49 overnight. Winds will be out of the south-southeast at about 9 to 15 mph, making it feel a bit chilly. Morning hours bring some light drizzle and dense fog that could reduce visibility to a quarter mile or less, creating potentially hazardous driving conditions until 9 a.m. After mid-morning, showers will taper off but clouds will linger throughout the day. Expect
HAZELWOOD, Mo. — Clifton Miller, 85, who has dementia, went missing from his home on Georgetown Drive in Hazelwood, Mo., on November 1, 2025. Miller, a black male standing 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 240 pounds, has white and gray hair and is balding. He was last seen possibly wearing a suit coat, a light blue t-shirt, and black Stacey Adams dress shoes. Missouri Valley Search and Rescue, along with volunteers, conducted a search in the Hazelwood area on Saturday, but did not fin
CARLINVILLE - Frederic J. Skinner, 21, of Carlinville, was charged with Criminal Trespass to a Building. Skinner allegedly entered the Fast Stop gas station in Carlinville after he had been previously notified that he was not allowed at the location. Macoupin County court records indicate Skinner was released from custody and was given conditions for his pre-trial release. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
JERSEYVILLE — Kyle L. McBride, 38, of Jerseyville, was charged with domestic battery causing bodily harm following an incident on November 4, 2025. According to charging documents, McBride allegedly struck the victim in her head with his boots, causing knots on her head. The Macoupin County Sheriff's Department filed the charges. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
ALTON – An Alton resident accused of knowingly setting fire to a trash can near a Hit-N-Run convenience store faces multiple charges in Madison County. Elsaventer Branch, 44, of Alton, was charged on Nov. 17, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of arson and a Class C misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. On Nov. 16, 2025, Branch allegedly damaged a trash can by means of fire which was located in front of the Hit-N-Run convenience store at 1818 Washington Ave. in Alton. Charging documents
ALTON/GODFREY - A fire broke out Saturday evening, Nov. 22, 2025, at the State Farm Insurance agency operated by Dwight Tungett in Godfrey in the 30 block of Delmar Avenue with an Alton address location, prompting a response from two local fire departments. The fire agencies arrived around 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the business located near the border of the Godfrey Fire Protection District and Alton Fire Department territories. Alton firefighters arrived approximately one minute before Godfrey
November 22 and 23 have long been dates etched into global history, marked by events that have shaped politics, culture, and society in profound ways. Arguably the most impactful event on this day came in 1963, when the world was stunned by the assassination of United States President John F. Kennedy. On November 22, 1963, President Kennedy was fatally shot while riding in a motorcade through Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas. This tragic event not only shocked the American public but also sent
SPRINGFIELD – As the holiday season approaches, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging people to find memorable gifts, including a vintage Mickey Mouse wristwatch and a 14-karat yellow gold pendant with a small diamond, during an online ICash auction November 21-30. “Our online auction is a wonderful opportunity to discover rare and memorable finds, either for yourself or for that special someone who will appreciate them as gifts,” said State Treasurer Frerichs,
ST. LOUIS – Today, Mayor Cara Spencer issued Executive Order 93 , creating a Winter Weather Unified Command and departmental response activation protocols. “With many St. Louisans living in tents, cars and unheated homes because of the May 16 tornado, in addition to our existing unhoused neighbors, this winter is going to be extremely tough on our community,” said Mayor Spencer. “By creating a Winter Weather Unified Command and departmental activation protocols, w
EDWARDSVILLE — St. Boniface Catholic Church and the Edwardsville Knights of Columbus Council 1143 teamed up to conduct a Food and Household Items Drive on November 8 and 9, 2025, to support the Glen-Ed Pantry. The drive, held in Edwardsville, collected more than 1,160 pounds of food and household items, along with $4,000 in monetary donations. The contributions were presented during a check presentation on November 21, 2025. Representatives from St. Boniface Catholic Church, the Edwardsville
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) unveiled designs for a female crash test dummy—a safety reform Duckworth has been pushing for through her bipartisan She DRIVES Act , which she co-leads alongside U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE). The She DRIVES Act would help modernize vehicle safety tests by requiring the use of the most advanced testing devices available, including a female crash
EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Rotary Club selected Edwardsville High School student Margaret Stacy for the Student of the Month Award for November. Edwardsville High School teacher Keith Baker nominated Margaret. Margaret is the daughter of Michelle and Jason Stacy and is very involved in her school and community. She is an officer in the Broadcasting and French clubs as well as a member of the French and English Honor Societies at EHS. She is a member of the jazz band, flute choir,
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) is calling on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to open an investigation into whether the refund policy of infant formula manufacturer ByHeart is unfair and deceptive, advocating for families to get the full refund they deserve. Earlier this month, all ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula products were recalled due to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s ongoing outbreak investigation of infant botulism—a serious
JERSEYVILLE — The Dr. Silas Hamilton Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution has donated two trees to Jerseyville Rotary Park in honor of the upcoming America 250 celebration. The trees will be planted and dedicated during a ceremony scheduled for July 2026. The donation is part of the community’s efforts to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.
EAST ST. LOUIS – Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted a violent crime suppression detail on November 18 - 19, 2025, in St. Clair and Madison counties, focusing its efforts on East St. Louis and neighboring Metro East communities. ? The operation utilized intelligence and technology to focus enforcement efforts on known high crime areas, violent offenders, and structured criminal groups in the communities of the Metro East. Detail Results Arrests 25 Felony Charges
ALTON - A local nonprofit is hosting a “Christmas by the River” walk-through experience for community members to enjoy. From 5:30–8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, community members can stop by the Alton Amphitheater for the free Christmas by the River experience, complete with several holiday scenes, hot chocolate, and more. Created by Masterpiece Arts Sanctuary, the organization and the event aim to encourage young people to develop their performing arts talents. &ldquo
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