Did you know that creating a dedicated reading nook can increase your reading time by up to 30%? The psychology of environment plays a crucial role in how we engage with leisure activities, and a thoughtfully designed reading corner can transform an ordinary space into a sanctuary of focus and relaxation. Whether you’re a casual reader or a book enthusiast, crafting a cozy corner tailored to your needs can enhance your enjoyment and make reading an immersive experience. Choosing the Perfect
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) introduced the bipartisan Fertilizer Research Act alongside Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), and Congressman Randy Feenstra (IA-04). By requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct a study of the market factors driving fertilizer costs, the bill would provide greater certainty and transparency for farmers navigating the high prices of these important inputs. This
November 21 is a date rich with pivotal moments that have shaped the course of history across the globe. Moving back to the 19th century, November 21, 1877, saw the first demonstrable use of a phonograph by Thomas Edison. This invention revolutionized the way people experienced music and information, introducing a new era of sound recording and playback that transformed entertainment and communication worldwide. Edison’s groundbreaking work paved the way for the audio technologies we us
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke on the Senate floor to call out the Trump Administration’s extreme and unlawful actions during the so-called “Operation Midway Blitz,” in which hundreds of residents of Illinois and immigrants without a criminal record have been detained. Today, Durbin shared the story of Rafael Veraza and his one-year-old daughter Arianna, who are both U.S. citizens, being
CHICAGO – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 21 attorneys general, sent a letter urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to correct errors in new federal instructions outlining who can receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Attorney General Raoul and the coalition warn that the USDA’s new guidance wrongly treats several groups of immigrants as ineligible for food assistance, contradicts long-standing federal law, an
CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced that the Illinois Medical Debt Relief Program has erased nearly $430 million in medical debt during its first year, benefitting 357,800 Illinoisans across all 102 counties. Illinoisans who have received relief saw, on average, over $1,100 in debt eliminated. “Too many working families are facing real financial uncertainty and higher healthcare costs at the hands of the Trump Administration. Illinois will keep stepping up to ensure th
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — An adult male was killed early Friday morning, Nov. 21, 2025, in an officer-involved shooting at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, authorities said. The incident occurred at approximately 1:05 a.m. in Terminal 1 when STL Airport Police officers conducting routine security checks encountered the man armed with a knife. According to the St. Louis County Police Department, the suspect refused to drop the weapon and was tased by one officer. St. Louis County
Friday will be a rainy and chilly day with a high near 53 and a low around 40. Winds will blow from the northeast at 7 to 12 mph with gusts up to 12 mph. Morning fog and steady rain will reduce visibility and could slow traffic on the morning commute. The rain will taper off by evening with just light showers overnight. It will feel a bit chilly, with temperatures dropping into the upper 30s in the early morning hours. Saturday starts cool with a low near 38, but the sun will make a good comeback
ALTON — A bicyclist was seriously injured Thursday evening, Nov. 20, 2025, after apparently striking the back of a parked vehicle in the 1200 block of Main Street, according to local authorities. The Alton Fire and Police Departments received a call about the incident at 5:31 p.m. on Nov. 20. The bicyclist was transported by ambulance to a hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries. Due to weather conditions, air transport was not possible. Officials have not released further information
CARLYLE - Carlyle Police Chief Mark Pingsterhaus has been placed on paid suspension amid an FBI investigation into the city’s police department, the City of Carlyle has announced on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025. The City of Carlyle confirmed it was notified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Nov. 19, 2025, that an inquiry was underway involving the police department. The following day, Chief Pingsterhaus was suspended until further notice. As of Thursday, no charges have been filed, the
COLLINSVILLE - State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) teamed up with Meridian of Illinois to support local residents this holiday season by distributing 100 free Thanksgiving turkeys to the Collinsville Food Pantry on Thursday. “Our goal is to make sure everyone in the 56th District has access to a nutritious meal this Thanksgiving,” said Senator Harriss. “Partnering with Meridian and the Collinsville Food Pantry allows us to provide support to our community members wh
COLLINSVILLE – Two women from Collinsville face felony charges after allegedly stealing a gold coin and gaming console in separate Madison County cases. Deleriana Z. McLemore, 19, of Collinsville, was charged with two counts of theft, both Class 3 felonies, on Nov. 13, 2025. McLemore is accused of knowingly exerting unauthorized control over a gold coin worth over $500 which was property of another individual, knowing the coin had been stolen, on Aug. 19, 2025. The Bethalto Police
KEY POINTS: The CDC website has been changed to add false linkages between vaccines and autism Numerous studies have shown there is no link between the two, and suggesting otherwise only creates unnecessary fear and mistrust Vaccines are safe and effective protection against serious, preventable illnesses SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today released the following statement from Director Dr. Sameer Vohra in response to changes made on the Centers
JERSEYVILLE - Community members are encouraged to enjoy “A Feast for the Ears” at Jersey Community High School’s upcoming Rocksgiving concert. At 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, community members can enjoy music by the high school’s guitar lab. Students will play music by AC/DC, Pink Floyd, Alice in Chains, and other famous bands, including the Riverbend’s own Judge Nothing. “These kids have got great taste in music,” said Nikki Mooney, a parent
EDWARDSVILLE – Tuesday marked an eventful evening for the Edwardsville Fire Department, with a new firefighter sworn in and a current firefighter promoted. At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, longtime Firefighter Joey Cruz was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, while Jacob Hatcher was officially sworn in as the department’s newest firefighter and paramedic. Cruz was honored at the last City Council meeting with an Employee Excellence Award for giving an educational fire
ALTON - The community is invited to Lincoln-Douglas Square for the 32nd annual Community Tree Lighting. Festivities kick off at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, with the arrival of Santa Claus. You can enjoy caroling, cookies, hot cocoa and speeches until 6:45 p.m., when Mayor David Goins turns on the lights on the tree. The free community event aims to bring people together, collect donations for The Salvation Army, and foster holiday spirit. “There’s all kinds of fun and
GRANITE CITY – Two area men were charged on the same day with knowingly possessing stolen vehicles, yielding felonies against both in Madison County. Jason R. Warden Sr., 45, of Granite City, was charged on. Nov. 13, 2025, with a Class 2 felony count of offenses related to motor vehicles. On Oct. 27, 2025, Warden allegedly possessed a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox bearing an Illinois vehicle registration number, which he was not entitled to possess, while knowing the vehicle to have been stolen.
ALTON - First Presbyterian Church will host the first concert in its “Music at the Riverbend” series this weekend. At 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, community members can gather at First Presbyterian for “An Autumn Serenade,” a free concert featuring musicians from across the region. The church will host several concerts throughout the next few months. Music Director Mark Brooks is looking forward to kicking off the experience on Sunday. “We’re really
O’FALLON, IL. — The hospice team of HSHS Home Care invites community members to join them at a candlelight memorial on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 5 p.m. in the HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Chapel, 1 St. Elizabeth's Blvd., O’Fallon. The service will be a time to honor and remember during the holiday season the memory of loved ones lost. Everyone attending is invited to bring a photo of their loved one for the memorial board during the event. Other candlelight memorials
JERSEYVILLE – Emergency agencies from Jersey and Calhoun Counties are inviting the public next week to share their concerns, learn about available assistance, and more following severe storms and flooding earlier this year. The City of Jerseyville announced Thursday morning that the Jersey and Calhoun County Emergency Management Agencies and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency have prepared a “Multiagency Resource Center” (MARC) which opens to the public on Tuesday,
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