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Did you know that simply jotting down what you’re grateful for can lead to a significant increase in your emotional well-being? Research indicates that practicing gratitude can enhance your mood, improve relationships, and may even contribute to better physical health. Yet, despite its profound benefits, many people overlook the transformative practice of gratitude journaling. What if you could harness a powerful tool that requires only a few minutes of your day to cultivate positivity and resilience? This article explores the compelling reasons to embrace daily gratitude journaling and offers practical tips to get started. Understanding Gratitude Journaling Gratitude journaling involves regularly writing down things for which you are thankful. This practice can take many forms—some might list three things each day, while others may opt for more elaborate reflections. The essence, however, remains the same: focusing on the positive aspects of life, no matter how small.

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April 9th has witnessed numerous significant events throughout history, spanning a variety of categories including politics, science, and culture. On this day in 1865, General Robert E. Lee surrendered to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, marking the effective end of the American Civil War. This pivotal moment in American history not only reshaped the nation but also inspired countless works of literature, music, and film that continue to explore themes of conflict, reconciliation, and the quest for social justice. Fast-forwarding to the modern era, April 9th is also remembered for its technological advancements. In 2021, the first successful test flight of the Mars Helicopter, Ingenuity, was conducted. This groundbreaking achievement by NASA was a testament to human ingenuity and opened new avenues for aerial exploration of other planets. The successful flight demonstrated the feasibility of powered flight on Mars, paving the way for future mission

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EDWARDSVILLE - Students, alumni and community members are invited to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) for their “One Day, One SIUE” celebration. At 6 p.m. on April 24, 2025, the SIUE community will come together to mark the fourth annual giving campaign with a barbecue, live music and more. The event is completely free to attendees, though donations and sponsorships are encouraged, with all proceeds benefiting SIUE’s programs, scholarships and student organizations. “It’s basically a big celebration where we bring everybody together,” said Julie Babington, SIUE’s Senior Director of Annual Giving. “It just has a really special vibe.” The One Day, One SIUE celebration will take place on Stratton Quad on the SIUE campus. The fun starts at 6 p.m., with music by The Red Jackets Band beginning at 7 p.m. This year’s celebration will honor Curtis Francois, owner and president of World Wide Technology Raceway.

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ALTON — Two individuals are recovering after being shot on Homer Adams Parkway in Alton on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The Alton Police Department received a call at 8:55 p.m. Tuesday from a female driver who reported she was en route to an area hospital following the shooting, which occurred near the intersection with College Avenue. Shortly thereafter, the two gunshot wound victims arrived at a local hospital. One of the victims was subsequently flown to a hospital in St. Louis for additional treatment. Both victims are currently reported to be in stable condition. Authorities have indicated that the shooting was not random, stating that the vehicle carrying the victims was specifically targeted. As a result of the incident, all northbound traffic lanes on Homer Adams Parkway from East Broadway in Alton were closed while investigators searched for physical evidence. Those lanes have since been reopened. The Alton Police Department is leading the investigation, with assistance fro

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WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) participated in a House Committee on Agriculture hearing where she criticized proposed cuts to SNAP benefits at a time when families are struggling with rising grocery costs. In Illinois’ 13th district, 55,000 households rely on SNAP. Like the rest of the country, the majority of those households are home to a child, a senior, or a disabled adult. The budget reconciliation framework passed by House Republicans includes a $230 billion cut to SNAP, which is predicted to increase food costs for a typical SNAP household of four by $175 a month . Furthermore, the Trump Administration’s universal tariffs are projected to cost American families upwards of $3,000 a year . Budzinski’s remarks as prepared for delivery can be found below: Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Craig, thank you for calling this hearing today. I think that this conversation is timely - what we are all hearing from our districts

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GODFREY – Two Godfrey residents were charged last week in related cases of mob action. One faces an additional felony for injuring the victim with a “bladed metal object.” Lamont R. Lastie, 30, and Memoree E. Thomas, 20, both of Godfrey, were each charged on April 2, 2025 with a Class 4 felony count of mob action. Lastie was additionally charged with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery. The day prior on April 1, 2025, Lastie and Thomas allegedly worked together in striking the victim about the head and body. Lastie reportedly also used “a bladed metal object” to cut the face of the victim, who sustained a laceration to the chin. According to a petition to deny Lastie’s pretrial release, a witness told authorities Lastie knocked the victim to the ground before “swinging at him with a small knife or bladed object,” causing the injury. The petition notes that at the time of the incident, Lastie was on probation from a 2023 case

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ALTON – Challenge Unlimited and Soulcial Kitchen are excited to unveil detailed plans for the recently launched Soulcial Center at Challenge Unlimited, located in Alton, IL, a groundbreaking initiative transforming local food systems, community health, and employment opportunities. Led by Brigadier General John E. Michel (USAF, Ret.), Founder of Soulcial Kitchen and President of the Food is Love Foundation, along with John Becker, Challenge Unlimited VP of Programs, this unique center leverages strategic partnerships with Fresh Harvest 365, LaMay’s Catering, the Food is Love Foundation, and Theodora Farms to enhance community wellbeing and economic growth. Regional Produce and "Dignity in Food" Aggregation Hub: Managed by Theodora Farms, this hub provides a consistent market for local small farms, distributing fresh, locally sourced produce to hospitals, food pantries, and community-based organizations throughout the Metro East. Commissary Kitchen and "Food as Medicine"

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, pressed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel to reverse course on their deprioritization of domestic terrorism prevention efforts, which leaves our nation less secure and Americans less safe. Durbin began by condemning recent actions, writing: “I write to strongly object to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) recent diversion of agency resources and institutional focus away from domestic terrorism prevention efforts.” The FBI has reassigned staff from the Domestic Terrorism Operations Section (DTOS), which provides operational support to all 55 FBI field offices in investigating domestic terrorism threats, and is contemplating disbanding it entirely. DHS has dismantled a national database used

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, along with U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee; and U.S. Representatives Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee; and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-07), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, issued the following statement after the Supreme Court lifted a hold on removals under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 : “The Supreme Court’s decision to allow the Trump Administration to move forward with deporting people under the Alien Enemies Act—an archaic wartime law—will unquestionably harm people caught up in this oppressive nightmare. “This decision also leaves unanswered whether the President’s dangerous and unprecedented invocation of the wartime authority to go after immigrants was lawful in the first place. “Although

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered an opening statement during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “The Freedom of Information Act: Perspectives from Public Requesters.” During his opening remarks, Durbin underscored the importance of transparency in government, and he further reiterated that the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) should be subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) despite unelected billionaire Elon Musk’s opposition. Key Durbin Quotes: “This Committee has approached FOIA in a bipartisan fashion. It should continue to, working to ensure agencies comply with the law and taking opportunities to strengthen the law.” “But this hearing comes at a time when many Americans are angry and fearful. They are frightened for their jobs as the Trump Administration fires thousands and thousands of government

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Tuesday that a man who fatally stabbed two victims, including the man’s adoptive father, has been sentenced to two terms of natural life in prison. Bryce V. Andrews, 26, formerly of unincorporated Alton, was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison for the murder of his adoptive father, Robert Andrews, 59. Bryce Andrews also was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Leonard “Jim” Ebrey, who was the legal spouse of Robert Andrews. In addition, Bryce Andrews was sentenced to 10 years in prison for aggravated arson and five years in prison for concealment of a homicidal death. Under Illinois law, those four sentences must be served consecutively, or back-to-back. “The family and loved ones of Robert and Leonard remain in our prayers,” Haine said. “While no sentence can undo the pain caused, we hope today is a step toward healing and accountability.” In February,

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WEST ALTON, MO. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, is pleased to announce the Leave No Trace organization has selected the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary as a 2025 Spotlight site. As outdoor areas nationwide are being impacted by record use, this new initiative from Leave No Trace shines a light on communities rising to meet this challenge with multi-day, onsite education, and restoration initiatives. Riverlands is one of just 20 locations nationwide to receive the distinction this year. Local land agencies or community groups nominate sites for the Leave No Trace Spotlight initiative. The diverse sites chosen in 2025 span the country, each with unique environmental challenges. The initiative aims to equip each Spotlight area with relevant Leave No Trace tools that address the site's impacts and foster healthy lands and people. The Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Team will be at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary April 10-12, collaborating with the

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ALTON - Riverbend Christian Leadership Academy invites families to its Open House at 6:30 p.m. on April 22 and at 9 a.m. on April 23. The event will take place at the academy's campus located at 2009 Seminary St, Alton. The Open House aims to provide prospective students and their families with an opportunity to explore the school's offerings for the 2025-2026 academic year, which includes grades pre-kindergarten through 12. Attendees will have the chance to take a guided tour of the historic campus, meet faculty and staff, and learn about the academy's mission to equip students with faith, excellence, and leadership. "We are excited to showcase how our Christ-centered mission and values guide every part of what we do," said a representative from the academy. The event will also highlight the teachers’ commitment to educating and inspiring students, as well as the development of students into confident Christian leaders within the community. Families interested in attending

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ALTON - Centerstone’s Glo Bingo fundraiser will raise money for mental health care in Alton. On Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Alton VFW, community members are invited to play glo bingo and enjoy raffles, a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the games start at 7 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own snacks, and the VFW will offer a cash bar. “All the proceeds from the event will go directly back to supporting patient care at Centerstone,” explained Erin Camfield, one of the event organizers. “Centerstone is a nonprofit health system that provides mental health and substance use treatment. There’s a multitude of services that we provide, and all of these proceeds will go back to providing direct care to patients for things that they might need on their mental health wellness journey.” The fundraiser will raise money for these services. Tickets to the glo bingo fundraiser cost $25 online or $30 at the door

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ALTON - Duke Bakery has challenged the community to an Easter egg hunt. On April 7, 2025, Amy Hollis and her family spent the afternoon hiding 72 colored Easter eggs and 12 golden eggs around Alton at local landmarks and businesses. Each egg has a prize inside, and if you take a picture of your egg and tag Duke Bakery’s Facebook page , you will be entered for the chance to win a $100 gift card. “We want to give back to the community that supports our family and our employees,” Hollis explained. “We’ve been in business since 1951. My grandparents started the community involvement, my dad and my uncle continued it, and now my husband and I feel it's very important to give back to the community. We want it to be fun and get the community involved.” In the hours since Duke Bakery posted about the Easter egg hunt , hundreds of people have gone searching for the eggs. Hollis said it has been “so exciting” to see the response, especiall

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski's (IL-13) Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act passed unanimously in the U.S. House of Representatives. This vital legislation aims to simplify the language used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in written communications, making it easier for veterans to access the benefits they’ve earned. To watch the Congresswoman’s remarks during floor debate on the bill, click HERE . By eliminating overcomplicated language, the bill will streamline the process and improve veterans' experiences. Budzinski introduced the bill alongside Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) and House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (IL-12). Barrett and Budzinski serve as Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization. "This is a real victory for veterans who have long been frustrated by overcomplicated language when trying to access the benefits they’ve

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent lane closures on Illinois 3 between the McKinley Bridge and Interstate 270 in Madison County will begin, weather permitting, Monday, April 14, 2025 for pavement patching. One lane will remain open in each direction. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. The project is expected to be completed by June. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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EDWARDSVILLE - During the work session of the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education, Board members and Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton discussed the possibility of purchasing warehouse space for the district. Shelton said that he wanted to “build some understanding and context around our need for a warehouse” by discussing the district’s current solutions and how Hadley House is utilized. He explained that there was previously 5,000 square feet of storage and office space in Lincoln Middle School that was torn down to make way for the new gym that is currently being constructed at Lincoln. Following this, the district leased 17,000 square feet of space between BJC Healthcare and Kohl’s in Edwardsville from April 2023 to June 2024, at which point BJC Healthcare evicted the district because they needed the space. Since then, the district has stored maintenance items, chairs and desks, orders and other items in the schools. Shel

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a bicameral spotlight hearing entitled “Restoring Accountability: Exposing Trump’s Attacks on the Rule of Law.” Today’s spotlight hearing was led by U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary. Durbin began by asking Liz Oyer, the former head of the Justice Department’s Office of the Pardon Attorney who was fired for refusing to give actor and Trump “Special Ambassador” Mel Gibson special treatment to own a firearm despite a domestic violence conviction, about President Trump granting “full, complete and unconditional” pardons to every person convicted of offenses related to the deadly insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. “It

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SPRINGFIELD - With 30 days left until the REAL ID enforcement date takes effect on May 7, 2025 Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias wants Illinoisans to get the facts about REAL IDs as many scramble to get one. “The federal REAL ID rollout has caused a great deal of confusion across the country, including here in Illinois,” Giannoulias said. “We’re monitoring REAL ID demand and adjusting our services to efficiently accommodate the unprecedented surge.” Giannoulias noted if you’re not traveling after May 7, you probably don’t need a REAL ID right away. Given the recent surge at Illinois DMVs, Giannoulias advised Illinoisans who don’t need a REAL ID in May to consider holding off to avoid waits at facilities. He added that the May 7 “deadline” isn’t really a deadline. On May 7, Americans will need a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or ID, or a valid passport, to board a domestic flight; however, DMVs will

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