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November 18th has been a date marked by remarkable events that have shaped the course of history around the world. Moving back in time, November 18, 1493, marked a key moment during Christopher Columbus’s voyages when he first sighted the island of Puerto Rico. This discovery was part of the broader European exploration and colonization of the Americas, which had profound and lasting effects on indigenous populations, global trade, and cultural exchanges. Columbus’s expeditions opene

FIELDON - Community members can join a community Thanksgiving meal in Fieldon. At 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, at Fieldon United Church of Christ, the Fanning family will serve a Thanksgiving dinner to everyone in attendance. No RSVPs are required, but Niki Egelhoff, who helps organize the event, encourages people to call by Nov. 19 if they would like a carry-out or delivered meal. Everyone is welcome to attend. “It looks just like Thanksgiving has looked at our house for a

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is encouraging public awareness of appropriate use of antibiotics and antifungals during U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week. The annual observance is held November 18-24. As part of this year’s observance, IDPH is recognizing nearly 90 Illinois hospitals who have taken extra measures to prevent antimicrobial resistance, where bacteria and other germs can develop a resistance to the drugs that were designed to fight them.

Did you know that reading not only stimulates the brain but also reduces stress levels by up to 68%, according to a 2009 study by the University of Sussex? Few experiences rival the simple pleasure of diving into a captivating book while nestled beside a crackling fire. The interplay of flickering flames and engrossing narratives creates an atmosphere uniquely suited to immersive reading. But what makes a book truly fireplace-worthy? This article explores the best books to read by the fireplace

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul co-led a coalition of 23 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) commissioner who is challenging President Trump’s illegal attempt to fire her without cause. For more than 100 years, the FTC has played an important role in protecting Americans against scams and fraud, recovering billions of dollars for consumers harmed by unfair and deceptive practices. The agency

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) in announcing that they will be introducing the No Torts for Trump Act, legislation to prohibit sitting presidents from seeking taxpayer-funded payouts under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). This follows recent reporting that President Trump is pressing the Justice Department to pay him roughly $230 million as a settlement for proper

CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today encouraged Illinoisans who have lost money to cryptocurrency fraud and scams to report the incident to law enforcement and be cautious of so-called “recovery” services. A recent change in Illinois law makes it easier for crypto kiosk or crypto ATM customers to get a refund if they have been scammed into sending money through a crypto ATM. To be eligible for a refund, consumers should file a police report. The law also requires victims

WASHINGTON – As utility rates continue to rise, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) in a bipartisan push for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to release funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) as swiftly and at the highest level possible. Currently, the Trump Administration is sitting on $4 billion in federa

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), along with U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Lateefah Simon (D-CA-12), led 56 members of Congress in pressing Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer about the Department of Labor’s (DOL) dismantling of key disability employment protections. In their letter, the lawmakers demand an explanation for Secretary DeRemer’s rollback of regulations that prohibit discrimination by federal

Expect a mild day today with a high near 65 and a low around 46. Winds will be light from the west-southwest at 8 to 15 mph. Early this morning, a stray thunderstorm could hit one or two spots, with a 55% chance of rain and 33% chance of a thunderstorm. Temperatures will feel pleasant in the afternoon near 63. This morning will feature scattered clouds with the chance of a brief thunderstorm, then partial sunshine and some low clouds moving in through the afternoon. Evening and overnight look mostl

Expect a mild day today with a high near 65 and a low around 46. Winds will be light from the west-southwest at 8 to 15 mph. Early this morning, a stray thunderstorm could hit one or two spots, with a 55% chance of rain and 33% chance of a thunderstorm. Temperatures will feel pleasant in the afternoon near 63. This morning will feature scattered clouds with the chance of a brief thunderstorm, then partial sunshine and some low clouds moving in through the afternoon. Evening and overnight look mostl

MARYVILLE — Multiple fire departments responded to a large structure fire in the 6700 block of Oxborough Court in Maryville on the evening of Monday, Nov. 17, 2025. The blaze, which began after 8:30 p.m., was reportedly caused by a lightning strike to the home. Maryville Fire Department was assisted by crews from Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Collinsville, and possibly other agencies. Two ladder trucks were deployed to combat the fire. At this time, further details about the extent

WOOD RIVER – Two holiday events coming to Wood River on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025 are moving forward with full City Council approval. Council members on Monday quickly and unanimously approved a series of three requests from the Wood River Business Alliance – two regarding the Holiday Tradition Night Market and another concerning the city's inaugural Santa Parade. The organization requested the closure of Ferguson Avenue between First and Second Street from 3 to 7 p.m. on the night

EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department is joining forces with the Illinois State Police and other local law enforcement agencies as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches. As part of a focused effort to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries, Edwardsville officers will participate in the statewide "Click It or Ticket" and "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" safety campaigns. The enforcement period will run from November 21 through December 2. During this time, in addition to

TROY — Downtown Troy will transform into a festive winter village on Saturday, November 29th, as the community comes together for the inaugural Hometown Holiday Market from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM in celebration of Small Business Saturday. The family-friendly event invites residents and visitors to stroll the heart of downtown while enjoying unique gifts, handmade goods, seasonal food and drinks, Christmas music, photo opportunities, and specials from local businesses. In true small-town

ALTON/COTTAGE HILLS - Community Hope Center has started a campaign to raise money for a major building project while finalizing their food and toy drives ahead of the holiday season. Christy, the executive director of Community Hope Center, said the center has just 44 days left to raise the $8,000 they need to reach their $100,000 goal. This money will go toward building repairs, including a new HVAC system, a new roof, and more. “It’s kind of one of those big projects that

GRANITE CITY - Junior Landon Harris qualified for the IHSA Class 3A Cross Country Sectional after finishing 10th at the Belleville West Regional on Oct. 15, 2025, with a time of 15:17.60. The event took place in Belleville. Harris is a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month for the Warriors. Harris’s cross country season concluded at the Normal Community Sectional, where he finished 64th with a time of 16:07.0. Earlier in the season, Harris secured a victory at the Triad Cross

ROXANA - Will Stevens of Roxana had several strong accomplishments for the boys' golf team in the 2025 season. He won the Cahokia Conference Tournament after a four-hole playoff at Governor’s Run in Carlyle, firing a one-over 73. The tournament concluded with Stevens securing the individual title. Myles Bertoletti also earned all-conference honors, carding a career-best 77 to finish seventh. Stevens and Bertoletti are Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athletes of the Month. Stevens,

WOOD RIVER – Local authorities have charged two area residents with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs in separate felony cases. Steven Kelley, 51, of East Alton, was charged with a Class 4 felony count of aggravated driving while under the influence. Kelley allegedly drove a 1999 Dodge Dakota on Illinois Route 143 at Illinois Route 3 in Wood River while under the influence of alcohol on Sept. 9, 2025. Charging documents also state the vehicle he was driving was not covere

GRANITE CITY — Morgan Hayes, a standout student and athlete at Granite City High School, has demonstrated dedication both on the golf course and in the classroom. Over the past two years, Hayes has been an active member of the school’s golf team, as well as participating in Renaissance, Spirit, and Varsity Club organizations. Hayes also earned an All Warrior Academic Award in recognition of her scholastic achievements. She is a Stillwater Senior Living Female Athlete of the Month.