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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced 35 awards totaling $2.3 million through the Innovation Voucher Program to promote small business growth and fuel transformative collaborations across Illinois. Additionally, the Governor announced $2.6 million available in grant funding for the second round of the Innovation Voucher Program. Grantees will be selected through a competitive application process. “Through this grant program, we’re strengthening Illinois’ global status as an innovation hub and driving small business growth statewide,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “By partnering with our higher education institutions, these small businesses will transform groundbreaking ideas into tangible products and services. As we continue to support innovative research and development projects statewide, I encourage all eligible entities to apply for the second round of funding.” T

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EDWARDSVILLE - Margie P. Hollins’ sister called her hysterical and in tears. “They’re tearing down the church,” cried Marlene D. Peters. Hollins’ account of the heartbreaking scene is described in the story of the historic community in the documentary film, “WE BEAR WITNESS: The African American Legacy of Hadley Township, Mo.” Southern Illinois University Edwardsville hosted the debut of Hollins’ “WE BEAR WITNESS” in the Lovejoy Library on Thursday, Feb. 6 at Dunham Hall Theater on the Edwardsville campus as part of SIUE’s Black Heritage Month events . The screening was followed by a discussion with guest panelists: Dr. John A. Wright Sr., notable historian/Fulbright Scholar/author of “St. Louis: Disappearing Black Communities;” Gwen Moore, historian/Curator of Urban Landscape and Community Identity of the Missouri History Museum; the Honorable Mayor Reginald Finney, first African American Mayor of

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EDWARDSVILLE - Community members are invited to enjoy a vendor fair while supporting cancer patients. Stridin’ and Survivin’, a nonprofit based out of Hamel, funds research, services and gas cards for local patients. The organization will host their Spring Vendor and Craft Sip & Shop event from 1–5 p.m. on March 2, 2025, at The Hall in Edwardsville, and you’re invited to come out and shop. “Obviously we haven’t found the cure, but we’re striving to get there,” said Alice Bartels, founder of Stridin’ and Survivin’. “Being able to at least help these families in some way is great.” There will be 32 vendors at the vendor fair, and Bartels promises everything from makeup, spices and kettlecorn to stained glass, wood crafts and kaleidoscopes. There are frequent drawings throughout the day for attendance prizes. Stridin’ and Survivin’ is still working to determine their featured drinks, but Bartels

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Did you know that practicing gratitude can physically change your brain? Research from the University of California, Davis, found that individuals who engage in regular gratitude exercises show increased activity in the hypothalamus, which regulates stress, sleep, and immune function. This fascinating discovery underscores the profound impact that a simple shift in mindset can have on our mental and physical well-being. But how can we seamlessly integrate gratitude into our busy lives? Understanding Gratitude: More Than Just a Feeling At its core, gratitude is more than just an emotion; it’s a practice, a way of engaging with the world that fosters positivity. Psychologist Robert Emmons defines gratitude as "a two-step process: (1) recognizing that you have received a positive outcome, and (2) acknowledging that there is an external source for this positive outcome." This understanding helps us appreciate not only what we have but also the connections we share with others. W

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February 18th has been a significant date throughout history, marking a variety of events that have shaped the world. In a historical context, February 18, 1930, marked the discovery of Pluto by American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh. This groundbreaking moment in astronomy expanded our understanding of the solar system and led to significant discussions about the classification of celestial bodies. Initially considered the ninth planet, Pluto's status was later redefined, sparking debates that continue to this day. The discovery was celebrated globally, paving the way for future exploration and research into the outer reaches of our solar system. Turning the clock back, on February 18, 1943, the White Rose resistance group was active in Nazi Germany. This group, consisting of students and a professor from the University of Munich, distributed anti-Nazi leaflets calling for passive resistance against the regime. Their courageous actions and eventual martyrdom became symbols of civil

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Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, Closings School Closings Althoff Catholic High School Alton School District 11, E-Learning Belleville District 118 Belleville THSD 201, E-Learning Bethalto District Schools, E-Learning Brussels School District Calhoun School District, Virtual Learning Carlinville School District, Virtual Learning Cahokia District, E-Learning Carrollton School District Collinsville District 10, E-Learning Dupo District 196 Schools East Alton Wood River District 14 East Alton District 13 Schools, E-Learning East St. Louis School District 189 Edwardsville District 7 Schools First Baptist Academy, O'Fallon Freeburg High School District 77 Good Shepherd Lutheran, Collinsville Granite City School District 9, E-Learning Greenfield School District Illinois Center For Autism, Belleville, Fairview Heights Jersey School District Lebanon District 9, E-Learning Lewis and Clark Community College, Virtual Learning Madison Community District 12 Marquette Catholic,

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GRANITE CITY - For the Warriors, the loss to Alton in Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, girls regional at Granite City marks the end of a vastly improved season, in which the Warriors won 12 games, marking the first time they've gotten to double figures in wins since a 10-17 mark in 2021-22. For first-year coach Ron Twitchell, who graduated from Alton in 1982, and was an honorable All-State basketball mention in his senior season, the Warriors played as hard as they could. "The girls played hard," Twitchell said. "Sometimes, you go against teams that have better talent than you do, but I thought the effort was good, Our effort was good all year, so I'm proud of the girls." The 12 wins were a big stepping stone for Granite, who have a young team with only one senior on its roster, and many freshmen and sophomores. "Oh, yeah, we got 12 wins this year," an enthusiastic Twitchell said, "which was a very, very nice improvement. That's 10 more wins than they got last year; we're still a young

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GODFREY - LC Alert: Due to expected inclement weather, Lewis and Clark Community College will move to remote operations on Tuesday, 2-18-25. Students should log in to their Blackboard accounts for instructions. For more information, visit bit.ly/remote-day

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TROY - Mikayla Cavaness grew up around dogs. Now, she’s caring for them in her own way, where the dog’s happiness and fulfillment are the priorities. Cavaness owns Fetching Pet Company, a dog-grooming and daycare business in Troy that specializes in dog behavior and enrichment. The daycare is structured so dogs have designated play and rest times with enrichment experiences, while the grooming takes place one-on-one in a private suite meant to decrease stress. Cavaness explained the importance of not just loving dogs, but understanding them. “At Fetching Pet Company, we’re just basically rooted in understanding dogs’ natural needs, behavioral needs and their emotions,” she said. “It's not just about getting them in, doing assembly-line grooming or letting them play. We really care about fulfilling them as a whole, which I think is really important.” Cavaness started working in her mother’s dog-grooming business as a teen.

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JERSEY COUNTY — A one-car crash on McCluskey Road on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, resulted in injuries to two occupants, according to Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns. Manns reported that the vehicle was carrying a 30-year-old male and a 34-year-old female at the time of the accident. Both individuals were transported to Jersey Community Hospital for treatment, Sheriff Manns said. "The male was subsequently flown to a hospital in St. Louis for further medical care," he added. No additional details about the circumstances of the crash have been released at this time. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.

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ALTON — The Alton Police Department responded to a report of a dog fight involving stray dogs at a residence on Liberty Street on Feb. 17, 2025. Officers also were called to the scene after a resident was bitten by one of the stray dogs. Upon arrival, officers encountered an active altercation between two dogs. In an effort to stop the aggression and prevent further injuries, one officer discharged his firearm, resulting in the death of one of the dogs. Animal Control Officers later arrived and attempted to restrain the remaining stray dog. However, the dog displayed aggressive behavior towards the officers, leading to it being shot as well, Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said. The investigation revealed that the resident sustained a minor injury from the dog bite but declined any further medical treatment. Alton Police Chief Jason Ford addressed the incident and said: “No officer goes to work wanting to use their firearm, regardless of whether it’s against a human

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VIRDEN — A 10-year-old boy has died following a residential structure fire in Virden on Saturday morning. Feb. 15, 2025. Jacob James was pronounced dead at the scene of the fire at 10:06 a.m., according to Macoupin County Coroner Anthony Kravanya. An autopsy performed on Monday, Feb.17, 2025, indicated that Jacob died from smoke inhalation, the Macoupin County Coroner Anthony Kravanya said. "The circumstances surrounding the fire and the child's death are currently under investigation by the Macoupin County Coroner’s Office and the Office of the State Fire Marshal," added Kravanya. Further details regarding the cause of the fire have not yet been released, and authorities are continuing their inquiries into the tragic event.

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Educators gathered in Fairview Heights to talk about the potential effects they would face if the Department of Education is eliminated. On Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, the Illinois Federation of Teachers and Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski hosted a roundtable for teachers to share their stories, ask questions, and talk about concerns following President Donald Trump’s calls to dismantle the Department of Education and his nomination of Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education. “Why we wanted to host this event today is I think it’s important for constituents to understand what the Department of Education does, what it means when a big agency like that is dismantled,” Budzinski said. “It means…much larger class sizes, fewer teachers, fewer resources for special needs students and elimination of summer programs. So people need to understand the impact is real and it’s local. It’s not this abstract Washington, D.C. jargon.

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EAST ALTON — Authorities are investigating the death of a man found early Monday morning, Feb. 17, 2025, in a residence on Bonds Avenue. The East Alton Police Department responded to a call regarding a possible deceased subject at approximately 3:45 a.m. Monday. Upon arrival, officers discovered a deceased white male in the basement of the home. The identity of the individual has not yet been released, and the cause and manner of death remain under investigation. Evidence of a recent fire, including burnt debris, was found in the same room as the deceased. The East Alton Fire Department briefly attended the scene and confirmed that it was secure. In light of the findings, the Illinois State Crime Scene Investigators and the Illinois State Fire Marshals were notified and have joined the investigation, which is ongoing. Investigators from the East Alton Police Department, along with assistance from the East Alton Patrol Division and the Madison County Coroner’s Office,

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ALTON - Cookie Factory has officially relocated, and owner Sarah Kinder couldn’t be more excited. “It was a great change,” she said. “Our business has doubled. Most of my customers have been people I’ve never even seen before, which is great. Lots more foot traffic, car traffic, which has been great. I have a ton more room. I have items in my display cases. The vibes are up. We have the windows. We have the sunlight. Everything is great here.” Previously located in Alton Square Mall, the bakery and cafe has a new spot at 192 Alton Square Mall Drive in Alton, right across the street from the mall. On Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, the community came together for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new location. Kinder said it was a “crazy day,” but exciting to welcome so many people to the shop. A sense of community — and lots of samples — left attendees feeling fulfilled. Kinder noted that this year’s Valentine’s

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Four individuals were recently honored for their significant contributions to the Fairview Heights community, showcasing the impact of dedicated service and neighborly support. Retired Fire Chief Bryan Doyle was recognized for his 41 years of service to the Fairview Fire Department, a tenure that exemplifies commitment and leadership in public safety. Heather Hinson received accolades for her unwavering support to the families of police department personnel and her involvement with the Fraternal Order of Police. Dawn Holloway was named Volunteer of the Year for her exceptional service and coordination of the Volunteers in Policing organization, highlighting the importance of community engagement in law enforcement efforts. Additionally, Brian Baptista was acknowledged for his quick action in assisting a neighbor who had fallen and was unable to get up, an act that potentially prevented a tragic outcome. These recognitions reflect the community's appreciation

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ALTON — An overnight fire that broke out in the 1200 block of State Street left a home fully engulfed in flames, prompting a response from local firefighters and neighboring agencies. The Alton Fire Department received the call around 11 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, 2025, and battled the blaze into the early morning hours of Monday, February 17. Deputy Fire Chief Matt Fischer reported that the residence featured a walk-out basement. "When we got there, the fire was fully involved," Fischer said. He noted that firefighters faced additional challenges due to the terrain, as the homes in that area of State Street are situated on a downhill slope. The cold weather conditions further complicated the firefighting efforts. Fischer acknowledged the difficulties posed by the frigid temperatures, stating, "It was awfully cold. I thought the firefighters did a great job with the weather conditions." The Godfrey Fire Protection District was called in to assist, providing relief crews to

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CLINTON COUNTY — A 59-year-old woman from Breese died after her vehicle crashed into a pond in rural Clinton County. The incident occurred early Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, near the 15000 block of Rod and Gun Road, just north of Breese. The victim - Susan K. Hilmes - was later pronounced deceased at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese. Steven A. Hilmes, 65, her husband, was treated at the hospital for injuries. According to the Clinton County Sheriff's Office, a 911 call reported that the car failed to make a turn at an intersection and subsequently entered the pond. The passenger in the vehicle was able to escape and made multiple attempts to rescue his wife by diving into the cold water; however, he was unsuccessful. The sheriff's office noted that the vehicle was found upside down, with only its rear wheels visible above the surface. After three unsuccessful attempts to save her, the passenger sought help at a nearby residence. Upon arrival, first responders discovered that

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Imagine this: a group of individuals tasked with completing a project. As deadlines loom, they find themselves scrolling through social media, binge-watching their favorite series, or cleaning their desks—anything but working on the task at hand. It’s a phenomenon that affects nearly everyone at some point, yet it often leaves us grappling with feelings of guilt and anxiety. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, about 20% of adults identify themselves as chronic procrastinators. This staggering figure begs the question: why do we procrastinate, and more importantly, how can we stop? Understanding the Psychology of Procrastination At its core, procrastination is not merely a matter of poor time management; it’s deeply rooted in psychological factors. Often, it stems from a complex interplay of fear, perfectionism, and emotional regulation. Fear of Failure or Success One of the primary reasons people procrastinate is the fear of failure.

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Did you know that over 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals were recorded in 2019, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization? With travel rebounding post-pandemic, destinations around the globe are experiencing a renaissance. As travelers venture out once again, a wealth of opportunities awaits. But which places should be on your radar for the spring of 2025? Here, we explore some of the most compelling travel destinations that promise unforgettable experiences, cultural richness, and natural beauty. 1. Kyoto, Japan: A Cultural Tapestry Kyoto is a city steeped in history, boasting over 1,600 temples, stunning gardens, and traditional wooden houses. The cherry blossoms in spring are a spectacular sight, drawing visitors from far and wide. The annual Hanami festival celebrates this natural beauty, with locals and tourists gathering in parks to appreciate the fleeting blooms. Practical Tip: Consider visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early in the morning t

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