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Did you know that nearly 70% of couples who take a romantic getaway report feeling more connected to each other afterward? This statistic underscores the power of shared experiences in nurturing relationships. A well-planned trip can rekindle the spark that may have dimmed amidst the routines of daily life. Whether it’s a weekend retreat or an extended vacation, a romantic getaway provides an opportunity to deepen your bond, create lasting memories, and escape from the everyday hustle. Here’s how to plan the perfect romantic escape. Understanding Each Other's Desires Before diving into logistics and destinations, take a moment to discuss what you both want from this getaway. This step is crucial and sets the tone for the entire trip. Communicate Preferences : Are you both looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both? Engaging in an open dialogue about preferences can help you choose the right location and activities. For instance, if one partner dreams of lounging

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February 13 has seen its fair share of remarkable events throughout history, shaping nations, cultures, and societies across the globe. Moving back in time, February 13, 1960, marked a pivotal moment in the history of nuclear energy. France became the fourth nation to successfully test a nuclear bomb, following the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom. The test, conducted in the Sahara Desert, not only demonstrated France's growing military capabilities but also heightened tensions during the Cold War era. This event underscored the global arms race and the strategic importance of nuclear power, prompting discussions on disarmament and international peace that continue to resonate today. In 1945, February 13 was also the day when the bombing of Dresden, Germany, began during World War II. Allied forces launched a series of air raids on the city, which resulted in widespread destruction and significant loss of life. The bombings remain a contentious topic in discussions

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CHICAGO – Make-A-Wish Illinois is partnering with The Home Builders and Remodelers Charitable and Educational Foundation and Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas for the 2025 Wish Home Raffle. Tickets are just $100 each giving entrants the chance to win $300,000 cash or a beautiful new home in Troy, Illinois, along with several other prizes. Ticket quantity is limited to 20,000 tickets. To purchase tickets, visit wish.org/illinois, call (800) 701- 2642 or visit Mark’s Appliance at 1507 Troy Road in Edwardsville. Tickets purchased before January 31, 2025, will be eligible for an early bird prize. Grand prize drawing to be held live on television on April 29, 2025, a day celebrated by Make-A-Wish as World Wish Day to honor when the first wish was granted. The beautiful union-built home by CA Jones Homes and many other sponsors is valued at more than $500,000 and located in the thriving scenic community just outside of St. Louis in Troy, Illinois. This contemporary ranch-style home

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This Valentine's Day weekend, the Riverbend Region is packed with events for everyone—whether you're into hands-on crafts, family fun, live music, or community gatherings. For a full listing of events, be sure to visit RiverBender Events . If you want to make sure even more of the region is aware of your event email cj@riverbender.com and explore our range of Event Promotion Services! Featured Valentine’s Day Party at EXO Lounge invites everyone to celebrate love in all its forms! Whether you're flying solo or spending the evening with your sweetheart, this event promises a night filled with love, laughter, and good vibes at EXO Lounge. This special occasion is perfect for making memories with those who matter most, so come and feel the love! Discover a new path of education at Calvary Christian School OPEN HOUSE on February 15, 2025, at Calvary Christian School in Alton, IL. This event is designed for new families exploring Calvary Christian School as an

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department has released crime statistics for 2024, providing residents with a transparent look at public safety trends in the community. The eight major crime categories that are reported include murder, sexual assault, arson, robbery, burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft, and assaults. According to the 2024 Alton Police data, crime rates in five of the eight major categories have decreased from the previous year. The categories of murder, criminal sexual assault, arson, motor vehicle theft, and theft are all down from 2023. The Alton Police said notably, motor vehicle thefts decreased significantly from 129 in 2023 to 89 in 2024. Alton Police Crime Stats Comparison - Released By APD Alton Police Released Key Crime Statistics for 2024: Murder rate decreased by 40% Criminal Sexual Assault decreased by 18% Arson decreased by 33% Motor Vehicle Theft decreased by 31% Theft decreased by 2% Stat Comparison 2024 to 2023: Murder/Non-negligent

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ST. LOUIS – A United Airlines regional jet slid off the runway at St. Louis Lambert International Airport shortly after landing on Wednesday morning, Feb. 12, 2025, prompting the closure of Runway 11-29. The incident occurred at 10:50 a.m. Wednesday when Flight 4427, operated by GoJet Airlines, arrived from Washington Dulles International Airport. The aircraft, carrying 27 individuals including crew members, veered into a grassy area adjacent to the Lambert International runway. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported among those on board. Passengers were reported safely offloaded from the jet and transported to Concourse A of the airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation into the incident. GoJet Airlines, a regional airline based in Bridgeton, Mo., is a subsidiary of Trans States Holdings and operates under the United Express brand. The airline employs approximately 1,670 individuals and provides commuter feeder services for United

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CHICAGO – Trust in public officials is something that’s hard earned. Public service ought to be a high calling for honest people with integrity. And those who violate the public’s trust must be held accountable if confidence in the system is to be restored. The Madigan verdict by a jury of everyday Illinoisans is an important message to anyone in government — or those thinking about public service — that if you choose corruption you will be found out, and you will be punished. This week has been a vital reminder that we must maintain our vigilance in cleaning up government and always put the people we serve first.

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ILLINOIS - Golden Apple, a non-profit committed to preparing, supporting and mentoring aspiring teachers, announced the appointment of Stacey C. Bolton, Northern Trust Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, Asset Servicing, to the position of Chair of the Board of Directors. Bolton has been an integral part of the Golden Apple community for more than 10 years, offering invaluable insight and unwavering dedication to the organization’s mission of ensuring every student can learn from an exceptional educator. As Board Chair, Bolton will play a key role in supporting senior leadership as Golden Apple expands their impact preparing the next generation of teachers in Illinois, Michigan, New Mexico, and beyond. A top priority for Bolton in his new role will be ensuring the board’s engagement reflects the communities they serve, while continuing to build partnerships and programs that address the nationwide teacher shortage. "Stacey has been a steadfast advocate for

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today introduced legislation to keep prime and unique farmland in production for farming by restricting access to federal tax credits for companies converting these properties into solar panels tracts. The PANELS Act would not prevent a farmer from leasing their property for solar panels, but it would reduce the economic incentive for companies to do so. "Prime farmland should be used for farming, not for corporate solar developers to gobble up acre after acre," said Bost. "We’re losing precious and productive farmland to companies installing solar panels, which threatens America’s agricultural supply chain, food security, and rural economies. That’s why I’ve reintroduced the PANELS Act- to stop federal tax credits from being used to convert prime and unique farmland into solar farms. Farmers should have the right to make decisions about their land, but we shouldn’t be incentivizing

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Madison County Mental Health Board will be hosting a Mental Health and Addiction Legislative Forum at the end of the month. The event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Madison County Administration Building (County Board Room), 157 N. Main St., Edwardsville, Mental Health Board Executive Director Deborah Humphrey will emcee the program assisted by Program Manager Eli Horner. “The primary goal of this event is to educate and create an awareness of the needs of individuals in our communities who are battling with a mental illness and addiction and to advocate for appropriate treatment, healthcare and recovery support,” Humphrey said. The Forum will give legislators a platform to introduce themselves and share their respective legislative role(s) in the 104th General Assembly session. Attending legislators include Senator Erica Harriss and State representatives Amy Elik and Katie Stuart. Harriss said this event is “an opportunity

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ALTON — As of noontime Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, the immediate Metro East area has been spared of a battle with ice or heavy snowfall. Brad Charboneaugh, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in St. Louis, said while temps have remained at freezing or slightly below on Wednesday, they will dip on Wednesday night, then stay cold Thursday into Friday morning. He said that overnight temperatures are expected to drop into the 20s, with some areas possibly reaching the upper teens. The forecast indicates that regions further north, such as Jerseyville, could experience slightly colder conditions, with overnight lows in the mid-teens. Observations in Alton recorded temperatures at 32 degrees around the noontime hour on Wednesday, while nearby Belleville at Scott Air Force Base reported similar readings, plus or minus a couple of degrees. The NWS reported that the cold weather is expected to persist until Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. A slight warming trend is anticipated for

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GLEN CARBON – Two street improvement projects are moving forward in Glen Carbon after receiving unanimous Village Board approval on Tuesday. Trustees voted 6-0 to approve two contracts with TWM, Inc. for separate street improvement projects. The first project, consisting of two phases, involves storm sewer replacement on South Main Street at an estimated cost of $197,800. Phase 1 will span the covered bridge on South Main Street to School Street, while Phase 2 will extend from School Street to Glen Crossing Road. During Phase 1, all inlets and storm sewers will be replaced, with the street itself being patched as necessary. Once both Phases 1 and 2 have concluded, the village plans to apply for the Surface Transportation Program. The second project calls for improvements to Forest Ridge Court, including the replacement of existing curbs and gutters and the installment of a new asphalt section. The Forest Ridge Court project is estimated to cost a total of $98,300. It would

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Madison County Recorder’s Office earned a 2024 award for their work promoting and signing up over 23,000 property owners in the Property Fraud Alert (PFA) program offered through that office. That number was reached by mailing out over 58,000 promotion letters to Madison County property owners in November. The response was incredible. The County Clerk & Recorder, Linda Andreas, has a goal to have the entire county enrolled in the program and they are almost halfway there already. The entire staff took part in the mailout but one person in particular, Jennifer White, took the bulk of the calls to sign people up. PFA is a free subscription service offering personal notification to the subscriber via email, text message, or telephone if a property document is recorded in their name as an effort to safeguard a property owner’s investment. The PFA service allows residents to monitor any activity that is using their name. You can then take steps

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ALTON — A special Black History exhibit will be showcased at Alton City Hall Lobby starting at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. The exhibit, a collaboration between Alton's First Lady Sheila Goins and historian Charlotte Johnson, aims to spotlight the contributions of Dorothy H. Scott, a notable figure from Alton. Scott served as a high-ranking Third Officer, equivalent to a second lieutenant, in the SixTripleEight Unit during World War II. This unit, composed of 855 women, played a crucial role in addressing a three-year backlog of mail, sorting over 17 million pieces ahead of schedule while facing discrimination and challenging conditions. The significance of Scott's story has gained renewed attention following a film project released in December that highlights the SixTripleEight's contributions. Goins emphasized the importance of recognizing these achievements within the broader context of Black history. "The exhibit is scheduled to be open before Valentine's Day,

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ALTON - Alton High Head Cheer Coach Megan Hodge had only positive things to say about the contributions of two All-Southwestern Conference athletes, senior Mariah Jones and sophomore Landon Davis. Both Jones and Davis are Auto Butler Athletes Of the Month. Hodge said Jones is a third-year varsity athlete. The coach described her as one of the most talented girls on the Redbirds' varsity COED team. "Mariah routinely displays an eagerness to try to learn new things," the coach said. "She is constantly looking to better herself as an athlete as far as attending extra practices, camps and clinics. She is planning on pursuing cheerleading next year when she heads to college and will be committing to a school soon. I will be very sad to see her move on but thrilled to watch her journey." Coach Hodge continued and said Landon Davis is a second-year varsity athlete on the COED cheer team for the Redbirds. "Landon is hands down one of the best tumblers I have seen hit my mat in a few years,"

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ALTON – The Foster Township History Museum in Alton is planning a new permanent exhibit to honor veterans from the Foster Township area, but needs the public's help. The m useum is asking the public to submit photographs of their veteran friends and relatives who now live or have lived in Foster Township. Original photographs will be returned once the museum has made copies for the exhibit. To accompany each photograph, the following information is requested: Name of Veteran Branch of Service Years Served (if known) To provide a photograph of a veteran, stop by the museum on the second or fourth Wednesday of each month from 4 to 7 p.m. or the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To schedule an after-hours appointment, call the Foster Township Hall at 618-259-0726. The Foster Township History Museum is located at 4810 Fosterburg Road, one block north of the Fire Station and across from the Presbyterian

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SOUTH CHINA SEA — The USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is currently engaged in routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. The carrier has been conducting these operations since February 5, 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to maintain a presence in the strategically significant waters of the South China Sea. Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Tanner Hurt, hailing from Troy, Illinois, was photographed welding an arresting gear cable aboard the carrier on the same day operations commenced. The image, captured by Seaman Apprentice Pablo Chavez, highlights the maintenance and operational activities essential to the carrier's mission. The operations conducted by the USS Carl Vinson are part of the U.S. Navy's broader strategy to ensure maritime security and freedom of navigation in the region, which is critical for international trade and stability. The ongoing presence of U.S. naval forces

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SPRINGFIELD - Fans of Abraham Lincoln lore can now look at a historic ledger at the downtown Springfield site where the future U.S. president did his banking. Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs and JPMorganChase officials on Monday unveiled the reproduction of a ledger that contains records of Honest Abe’s banking activity ahead of Lincoln’s Birthday, which is Wednesday. “President Lincoln stood up for what was right at a time his nation needed his leadership the most. His courage, vision, civility, and perseverance are admired to this day,” said Frerichs during the unveiling at the former Marine Bank Building that’s now home to the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office at 1 East Old State Capitol Plaza. “We are honored and pleased to work with JPMorganChase to provide this viewing opportunity to anyone who visits our building.” "JPMorganChase is proud to collaborate with the Illinois Treasurer's Office to share a copy of the ‘Lincoln

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ST. LOUIS, MO. — The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets in February to help build up the blood supply after thousands of donations went uncollected last month. People of all blood types – especially those with type O negative blood – are encouraged to make and keep their donation appointments so hospitals can continue to ensure critical care for patients this winter. Since the beginning of the year, hundreds of blood drives have been canceled and more than 15,000 blood and platelet donations have gone uncollected due to severe winter weather and wildfires. As February continues, so does the potential for additional weather systems to disrupt blood drives. Flu and other seasonal illnesses are spreading, which could also force more people to cancel scheduled donation appointments, compounding the impact to collecting lifesaving blood products. Give with your whole heart this month. To book a time to give blood or platelets, use th

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) will deliver remarks on the Senate floor as part of Senate Democrats’ protest opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to serve as the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under President Trump. In her remarks, Duckworth will underscore just how unqualified Kennedy is for the job and how his long-held, well-established extreme views would put programs and services that millions of middle-class Americans rely on—like Medicaid—at risk.

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