You’re cleaning your house, and you spot it: black spots that could be mold. Uh oh. Do you need to make an appointment with your primary care provider? Do you need to call a professional to remove the substance? They’re questions worth asking to make sure you, your loved ones and your home stay in top shape. What is mold, anyway? Andrew Zasada, MD, an emergency medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, says mold is a fungal growth. Fungi are everywhere, he says, and most don’t
– U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today hosted local, state and regional leaders to discuss ongoing water infrastructure challenges throughout Madison County. As PFAS contamination in drinking water supply has become more prevalent throughout the county, compounded with aging water infrastructure, Duckworth and leaders discussed the need for more funding for the region, an issue Duckworth has been a leader on. Photos from today’s meeting are available on the Senator’s
O’FALLON, Ill. — In recognition of February being National Canned Food Month, HSHS Home Care is holding its annual “Cram the Car” food drive this month for local organizations to help those struggling with food insecurity. “Cram the Car inspires me every year when I see how our neighbors, friends and colleagues come together to care for the community,” said Valerie Engelbart, Volunteer/Bereavement Services Supervisor for HSHS Home Care. “It’s
ALTON - Alton Area Church Women United will host their annual community Lenten services while giving back to local nonprofits. Starting on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, and continuing through Good Friday on April 3, 2026, community members are invited to attend 30-minute Lenten services every Wednesday afternoon. All offerings that are collected during services will be given to Oasis Women’s Center and Crisis Food Center. “We want to have a big crowd, because all the money that’
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - A 17-year-old male was arrested Sunday and remanded to the custody of the St. Louis County Family Court in connection with the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Shannon O’Brien, whose death is under investigation after officers responded to reports of shots fired in Ferguson, Missouri, police said. O'Brien had family ties to Edwardsville and also previously attended EHS. The 17-year-old suspect was arrested Feb. 1, 2026, on allegations of second-degree murder, armed criminal
O’FALLON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane closures on eastbound and westbound Interstate 64 between Illinois 157 and Highway 50 beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9. Traffic will be reduced to two lanes in each direction. If required, nighttime lane closures will occur during the following times: Eastbound I-64 : 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Westbound I-64 : 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. The closures are necessary to perform pavement and bridge work and are expected t
ALTON — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with local housing authorities, municipal leaders and service providers to discuss the ongoing housing affordability crisis and how to expand stable, affordable housing opportunities. As the cost of housing continues to consistently faster than the rate of wages, Duckworth underscored the urgent need to address issues preventing homes from being built and ensuring the homes we do build meet the needs of Veterans, the disability community
BELLEVILLE – Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR), and local leaders to highlight the expansion of the Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bond program to communities statewide. The program is designed to support economic growth with financing options to develop and revitalize communities through major tourism, entertainment, retail, and destination-based projects in STAR bond districts.
ROXANA - The Riverbend East Rotary Club has recognized Roxana High School students Trenton Hollaway and Ava Cherry as its January Service Above Self award winners, highlighting their service. The recognition took place in connection with the Riverbend East Rotary Club. Club President Mark Smith presented certificates to Hollaway and Cherry.
ALTON - Riverbend residents have the chance to learn more about Alton’s Black community throughout Black History Month. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 9 through 28, 2026, community members can stop by Alton City Hall to view an expansive collection of Black History Month artifacts, newspaper articles, and information related to Alton’s Black heritage. Curated by Sheila Goins, Eva Perkins and Charlotte Johnson, this exhibit marks its fifth year at City Hall and promises to be as
ALTON - Alton Main Street’s quarterly information exchange, called “What’s Up Downtown”, will be held on Tuesday, February 10th at 5:30 p.m. at The Wedge, located at 620 E. Broadway in Alton, Illinois. The public is invited to learn the latest news regarding developments in Alton’s historic downtown district, including updates from new & existing businesses, news on real estate transactions and details of upcoming events and projects. You’ll be in the
JACKSONVILLE - Civic Memorial High School’s girls wrestling team came up one point short of a regional title over the weekend in Jacksonville, finishing second at the IHSA girls wrestling Illinois School for the Deaf Regional and advancing seven wrestlers to next week’s sectional. Springfield won the team crown with 126.5 points, edging Civic Memorial 126.5-125.5. Chatham Glenwood was third with 101 points, Jacksonville High was fourth with 83.5 points, and Roxana rounded out th
EAST ST. LOUIS — Paul Laurence Dunbar Elementary School in the East St. Louis School District 189 recently recognized counselor Sydnie Blackmon-Harris, citing her daily support of students and her role as a trusted adult for many on campus. The school said it was celebrating Blackmon-Harris for being “driven, compassionate, dedicated, and truly student-centered,” and for showing a “love for our students” through her interactions with students. Blackmon-Harris is
The internet has made communication faster, easier, and more personal than ever. It has also created new ways for criminals to target people, especially teenagers and young adults. One of the fastest-growing and most dangerous online crimes today is sextortion. Many people have heard the word but do not fully understand what it means, how it works, or how common it has become. Sextortion is not rare. It is happening every day in small towns, big cities, and everywhere in between. Anyone who uses
COLLINSVILLE – During Winter Storm Fern, Ameren Illinois’ natural gas storage system served as an important buffer between customers and extraordinary wholesale market price spikes – shielding families and businesses from the extreme cost increases that hit other regions. “Natural gas plays a critical role in keeping homes warm, factories running, and communities safe during severe winter weather,” said Patrick Smith Sr., chairman and president for Ameren Illinois.
ELDRED - Randall and Sheryll Suhr, a couple from Eldred, say their relationship has been rooted in friendship since they met on May 23, 1991, and that bond has continued through their marriage, which took place on Dec. 22, 2022. The Suhrs said they have remained “Best Friends since the day we met." The couple said, “When we look at each other, we still see each other as young as the day we met.” They pointed to their wedding as a standout memory, recalling “Our Wedding
WOOD RIVER – Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Eagles of the Month” program at Civic Memorial High School. Senior students are selected each month by members of the Civic Memorial faculty to represent each department. All students are awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. Two Seniors (1 female student and 1 male student) that were selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $500 “Eagles of the Year” scholarship each
GODFREY - Alexis Gilchrese and Ronald Gilchrese of Godfrey say their relationship spans years, from early dating in middle school and high school to reconnecting later and marrying on Sept. 30, 2023. The couple first met or started dating on July 24, 2021. Alexis Gilchrese described what makes their relationship special: “We started dating originally in middle school and high school, stayed friends, and got back together after some hard-learned lessons in life.” In sharing a memory,
The familiar heart symbol doesn’t look much like a real human heart—and that mismatch is the whole mystery. If the shape is supposed to stand for love, why is it a pair of rounded bumps meeting at a point, like a leaf or a peach? The answer isn’t one neat origin story. It’s a long chain of art, belief, and habit that turned a rough idea of “the heart” into one of the most recognizable icons on Earth. Why the heart became the home of feelings Long before anyon
A text message can cross the world in seconds, yet it can still feel oddly weightless. A handwritten letter, by contrast, can make your chest tighten before you even open the envelope. Same basic goal—sharing words—yet one lands like a notification and the other lands like a keepsake. Handwritten letters feel more personal because they carry more of the sender with them. Not just their ideas, but their time, their choices, their habits, and even their imperfections. The letter becomes
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