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EDWARDSVILLE - Community members gathered at Mt. Joy Church for a special service honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On MLK Day on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, Mt. Joy Church welcomed attendees to the 39th annual Martin Luther King celebration with music, speeches and prayers that recognized King’s legacy. Featured speaker Crystal Officer addressed this year’s theme, “Faith Over Fear: Courageous Leadership in Times of Change.” “I do thank you for being here today as we gather together in a moment that demands more than just remembrance, as we come together today not just to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s memory and legacy, but to reignite the living flame of his vision in our hearts and throughout our community,” Officer said. To kick off the service, Pastor Matthew Ware from Love Fellowship Outreach Ministries of Granite City led attendees in prayer. Otis Redditt, a renowned local musician, provided a rendition of “Lift Every Voice.&rdquo

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SWANSEA — Two in Swansea face multiple felony and misdemeanor charges following an investigation into alleged animal neglect that left several dogs in dire conditions. On Jan. 15, 2025, the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office received a case that led to 12 felony counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals and 12 misdemeanor counts of Cruelty to Animals against Paige N. Clubb, 24, and Dorian H. Pattumma, 25. The charges stemmed from an incident that began with a call to the Swansea Police Department at 4:19 a.m. on Jan. 2, 2025, regarding possible animal neglect in the 1500 block of North Belt West. According to the Swansea Police, the couple had vacated the residence just one week prior to the complaint, leaving behind nine malnourished and emaciated dogs confined to crates without food or water. Officers also discovered three deceased dogs in the garage during their inspection of the property. Following the initial complaint, police consulted with the St. Clai

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ALTON – According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, abundant evidence shows that medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone all reduce opioid use and opioid use disorder-related symptoms, and they reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission as well as criminal behavior associated with drug use. Additionally, these medications also increase the likelihood that a person will remain in treatment, which itself is associated with lower risk of overdose mortality, reduced risk of infectious disease transmission, reduced criminal justice involvement, and greater likelihood of employment. That’s why, the Psychological Services department at OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center (1 St. Anthony’s Way, Alton) is hosting an upcoming “lunch & learn” program exploring how Medications for Addiction Therapy (MAT) can assist in recovery when other options have not been successful. This “lunch & learn” program (ideal for

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ILLINOIS - Golden Apple, a non-profit committed to preparing, supporting and mentoring aspiring teachers, is accepting applications for both its Accelerators and Scholars programs. Through these programs, Golden Apple seeks to provide pathways for aspiring educators to enter the profession and fill crucial open teaching positions across the state. Illinois faces an ongoing teacher shortage crisis, leading to classrooms lacking the highly-effective, well-qualified educators our students deserve. A report earlier this year from the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents found that there were more than 4,000 teaching positions unfilled for the 2023-2024 school year, with 91% of school leaders indicating experiencing a teacher shortage. “Recruiting the new cohorts of our Scholars and Accelerators programs is always an exciting and meaningful opportunity for our team to engage with hundreds of aspiring educators who have the passion for shaping our next generation,”

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MARYVILLE - The Maryville Kiwanis Club is thriving as 2025 begins. Six new members were inducted at the club’s January 15th meeting. According to Wayne White, Membership Chair, the club members have been intentional in their invitations to prospective members and it has paid off. White said, “Our club is very active in the community and when prospective members learn about the service projects that our club provides in our community, it is easy for them to want to join.” The club has one of its service projects coming up in February. Kiwanians will staff the local laundry mat (Sudz Wash) the weekend following Valentine’s Day. “During those two days (February 15th & 16th), from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. we will conduct our annual Loads of Love project,” said Julie Clark, club president. “Kiwanians will greet those utilizing the laundry mat at the door and let them know that the club is paying for their laundry as a Valentine’s

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SPRINGFIELD – Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced $14.7 million in federal grant funding will be used to extend the state’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) beyond June 30, 2025. The funding will be awarded to the existing 15 providers announced in 2024. LFPA was launched as the Illinois – Equitable Access Towards Sustainable Systems (IL-EATS) program in 2022 by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) in a joint effort to transform the food system. Under the program, lead agencies such as food banks and non-profit organizations receive grant funds to purchase food from underserved farmers at a fair market value which is then provided at no cost to food-insecure communities. The program prioritizes ensuring culturally responsive fresh foods are available to Illinois’ most vulnerable families. “The continuation of this vital program ensures that those at bot

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today, as part of a coalition of 18 states, filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit defending a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule establishing the first nationwide drinking water standards for certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances “PFAS” under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The federal rule expands nationwide drinking water protections to add four PFAS analytes, known as “forever” chemicals, and sets enforceable standards for six PFAS chemicals found in drinking water across the country: PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, GenX, PFNA, and PFBS. The rule sets regulations for each chemical individually, and as mixtures, recognizing appropriately that these threats cannot be addressed in isolation. Under the rule, public water systems across the United States are required to test and, if necessary, treat drinking water for these contaminants. “As the name implies, forever chemicals

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GODFREY - Lewis and Clark Community College’s student news publication, The Bridge, took the top awards in general excellence at this fall’s Illinois Community College Journalism Association conference. “I am incredibly proud of our team,” Editor in Chief Jeannette Carrington said. “This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of each staff member. It is not only encouraging for our current efforts but also a significant boost for everyone's resumes and future careers, whether they choose to pursue journalism or any other field. These awards highlight the exceptional skills and commitment of our team, and I am confident that this recognition will open many doors for all of us.” Carrington herself won five awards, the most of any staff member. Altogether, the 2023-2024 staff netted 22 awards: News Story (Division II) - First Place: Isabelle Flener, “Beloved College HR Coordinator Leaves a Lasting

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CHICAGO - As the U.S. Supreme Court reviews an important case that could impact access to internet and phone service for millions of people living in rural areas in Illinois and across the country, Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a bipartisan effort urging the court to keep in place a fund that supports those services. Congress established the Universal Service Fund (USF) in 1996 to promote the infrastructure necessary to provide nationwide communications services (including internet and phone service) to rural communities, schools, and low-income users, among other populations. The resources allocated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) through the USF help make it financially feasible for telecommunications companies to provide affordable service in those areas, including for schools, libraries and health care providers. In their amicus brief, Raoul and officials from other states argue that the USF has been critical to realizing the benefits envisioned by Congress

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SPRINGFIELD - Winter brings cold arctic air to Illinois and as residents turn up their thermostats to stay warm the risk of a home heating fire or Carbon Monoxide incident increases. The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) encourages residents to have their furnaces checked, change furnace filters, and make sure carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke alarms are functioning properly. Unlike smoke, carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas only detectable by special devices and CO alarms. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths. U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 40,997 fires involving heating equipment per year from 2018-2022, accounting for 12% of all reported home fires during this time, and these fires resulted in annual losses of 470 civilian deaths. Space heaters were the type of heating equipment responsible for the largest shares of losses in home heating

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In recent years, particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has transitioned from a rare perk to a widespread norm. Many organizations have adopted flexible work arrangements, allowing employees to perform their duties from home or other locations outside the traditional office environment. While this shift has brought numerous benefits, it has also raised questions about its impact on employee productivity. This article explores the implications of remote work on productivity, backed by research, examples, and practical advice for both employers and employees. The Rise of Remote Work According to a report by Gartner, as of 2021, about 47% of organizations planned to allow employees to work remotely full-time. This change was not just a temporary response to the pandemic; it reflects an evolving understanding of work-life balance and employee preferences. The flexibility of remote work can lead to increased job satisfaction, reduced commuting stress, and improved

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Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing humanity today, and its effects are felt across various sectors, with agriculture being one of the most vulnerable. As global temperatures rise, weather patterns shift, and natural resources become scarcer, agricultural systems worldwide are experiencing profound changes. This article explores the impact of climate change on global agriculture, examining the challenges and opportunities it presents while offering practical advice for adaptation and mitigation. The Current State of Agriculture Agriculture is the backbone of many economies, providing food, raw materials, and employment to billions of people worldwide. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), around 1 billion people are employed in agriculture, and it accounts for about 10% of global GDP. However, this vital sector is increasingly threatened by climate-related changes. Key Climate Change Factors Affecting Agriculture Temperature Increases

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As we turn the pages of history, January 20th emerges as a day rich with significant events that have shaped our world across various domains. Perhaps the most notable event that resonates with many on January 20th is the inauguration of U.S. presidents. This tradition, which has been a cornerstone of American democracy, has seen many pivotal moments throughout its history. For instance, on January 20, 2009, Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States, making history as the first African American to hold the office. His election marked a monumental shift in American politics and symbolized hope for many, reflecting a growing diversity in leadership. Fast forward to January 20, 2021, when Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th president amidst a backdrop of unprecedented challenges, including a global pandemic and divisive political climate. This event not only marked a new chapter in U.S. history but also resonated deeply with citizens around the world,

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January 18th and 19th have been significant dates in history, marked by events that shaped nations, cultures, and the world as a whole. One of the most notable events on January 18th took place in 1919, when the Paris Peace Conference began following the end of World War I. This monumental gathering saw leaders from around the world convening to negotiate peace treaties and redraw national borders. The conference aimed to establish a framework for lasting peace, but it also laid the groundwork for future conflicts, as many nations felt dissatisfied with the outcomes. The Treaty of Versailles, signed later that year, held Germany responsible for the war and imposed heavy reparations, contributing to political tensions that would eventually lead to World War II. In the realm of music, January 18, 1971, saw the release of the iconic album 'Tapestry' by Carole King. This album, which would go on to win multiple Grammy Awards, resonated with listeners and solidified King's status as

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ST. LOUIS - 2024 marked another milestone year at St. Louis Downtown Airport. The general aviation airport experienced positive trends in flight operations and tenant expansions that are nearing completion. The airport also participated in regional efforts to accelerate the establishment of a pipeline of future skilled workers for a thriving aviation and aerospace industry. With more growth anticipated during 2025, St. Louis Downtown Airport is strengthening its unique position as a premier business aviation facility located in St. Clair County, Illinois, just minutes from the Gateway Arch. Early in 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration notified St. Louis Downtown Airport (KCPS) that it now meets the standard to be recognized as a National General Aviation Airport. The designation derived from the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) identifies existing and proposed airports that are considered significant to national air transportation and thus may be eligible

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College will honor Martin Luther King, Jr. during its annual MLK Commemoration event at 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30, in The Commons on the college’s Godfrey Campus. This free public event will honor King’s civil rights work by showcasing select signature speeches performed by Lewis and Clark students, live music by Ralph Monroe and L&C’s own Jared Hennings, free appetizers, and a keynote address by Debra Pitts, former high school administrator in Alton and Bethalto. “It’s been 57 years since his assassination, but Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s teachings are just as relevant today,” said Hennings, who is also L&C’s Student Activities Coordinator and one of the event’s organizers. “One of the ways we pay tribute to his legacy is by selecting a local leader to share his or her take on what Dr. King means to them.” Pitts was born in Gary, Indiana, and raised in Chicago,

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EDWARDSVILLE - The City of Edwardsville announced this week that businesses in the 200 block of North Main Street remain open and accessible as an improvement project progresses in the area. The project, which aims to enhance infrastructure and aesthetics, is currently under way and is expected to bring significant upgrades to the street. The ongoing construction affects Source Juicery, Ed’s Delicatessen, the Shoppes on Main, and Sgt Pepper's Cafe, including the Backstage Bar and Patio located at the rear of the block. "Customers can access these establishments from the north edge of the construction zone, which is adjacent to a public parking lot available for downtown visitors," the City of Edwardsville said in a statement. Scheduled improvements include the installation of ADA-accessible entrances, ensuring that all patrons can enter the businesses with greater ease. Additionally, fire suppression services will be enhanced, and drainage issues within that section of North

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DUBUQUE, Iowa - The University of Dubuque congratulates the following students on being appointed to the Fall Semester 2024 Academic Dean's List. Full-time students in good academic standing (registered for and having earned 12 or more letter grade credits for the term) who earn a term grade point average of 3.5 or above and who do not have any grades of Incomplete for the term are named to the Dean's List. Once grades have been submitted for any Incompletes, the Office of Academic Affairs will review eligibility again for possible placement on the Dean's List for the given term. Dean's List is awarded for the fall and spring semesters only and may be awarded retroactively. HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME Glen Carbon, IL Sasha Daughrity

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GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic School high honor roll and honor roll for first semester of 2024-2025 school year. High Honor Roll is awarded to students with a 4.0 or greater weighted GPA. 12th grade: Tyler Ahring, Kylie Becker, Julia Behrmann, David Carroll, Jane Cummins, Madeline Day, Joseph Feldhaus, Lillian Gilbertson, Isabella Harris, Milania Harris, Brynn Hawkins, Mason Holmes, Sabrina Ivnik, Andrew Kleinheider, Rachel Kretzer, Spencer Martin, Sophia Mineman, Emily Moody, Alivia Peck, Caroline Rakers, Gracelyn Ratchford, Olivia Rodgers, Elena Rybak, Carissa Speight, Evelyn Sturdivant, Spencer Sundberg, Reilly Sutberry, Lily Terrell, Isabella Venarsky, Courtney Vrenick 11th grade: Natalie Beck, Elise Bishop, Madilyn Collignon, Gretchen Ertel, Kaitlyn Foppe, Anastasia Hasenstab, Chase Jansen, Alexa Jones, Addison Knobbe, Caden Kohl, Erin Kretzer, Mia Lieberman, Sebastian Noronha, Zoe Oller, Lawson Reeves, Aidan Schmidt, Connor Schmidt, Liam Schmidt, Alexandra Uram, Elizabet

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ST. LOUIS - Ultra-processed foods. It’s not a term many of us heard 10, or even five, years ago. But that’s starting to change. We now see it in news stories and posts on social media. And there’s good reason for that. Even as more ultra-processed foods fill grocery store shelves, we’re also learning more about their possible health risks. So, what are these foods exactly? While a precise definition can vary a bit depending on who’s talking about them, there are a few simple ways to identify many ultra-processed foods. “Put simply, if you don’t see a food’s main ingredients in their natural forms — like grain, vegetables and meat, it is highly likely to be an ultra-processed food,” said Yikyung Park, professor in the Division of Public Health Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “Ultra-processed foods are highly manipulated and contain many added ingredients and additives. In most

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