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The holiday season is a time for joy, family gatherings, and creating lasting memories. However, it can also be one of the busiest and most stressful periods for travelers. With increased traffic, crowded airports, and the potential for weather-related disruptions, effective preparation can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth travel experience. This article provides practical advice and key points to help you navigate holiday travel with ease. Planning Your Trip Choose Your Destination Wisely Before you start packing your bags, it’s essential to decide where you want to go. Popular holiday destinations often experience heavy foot traffic, so consider alternative locations that may offer a more relaxed atmosphere. For example, while New York City is famous for its holiday lights and events, smaller towns with festive celebrations can provide a more intimate experience. Book Early Once you’ve settled on a destination, book your transportation and accommodations

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November 6th has witnessed a plethora of significant events that have shaped the course of history across the globe. One of the most notable events in history on November 6th occurred in 1860, when Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16th President of the United States. Lincoln's election was a pivotal moment in American history, leading to the secession of Southern states and ultimately the Civil War. As the first Republican President, Lincoln represented a platform that opposed the expansion of slavery, which alarmed many in the South. His victory was not just a win for him but a significant turning point that would test the very fabric of the nation. Moving forward to 1944, November 6th marked the day when Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected for an unprecedented fourth term as President of the United States. In doing so, he cemented his status as one of the most influential leaders in American history. Roosevelt's leadership during the Great Depression and World War II helped reshape

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MADISON COUNTY - Madison County voters turned out on Nov. 5, 2024, and unofficial results are in for the 2024 General Election. There are 184,376 registered voters in Madison County and 133,637 ballots were cast. For President and Vice President of the United States In Madison County, 55.44 % of voters voted for Donald Trump (R) while 42.09 % voted for Kamala Harris (D), with 191 of 191 precincts reporting. A little under 2% voted for independent candidate Robert R. Kennedy Jr. and less than 1% wrote in a candidate. For Representative in Congress 13th Congressional District In a contested race to represent the 13th Congressional District, Nikki Budzinski (D) received 51.09% of the votes to Joshua Loyd’s (R) 48.84% of the votes in Madison County. The 13th Congressional District covers Macoupin County and parts of St. Clair, Madison, Sangamon, Piatt, Macon and Champaign Counties, including Springfield. For Representative in Congress 15th Congressional District Incumb

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MADISON COUNTY - On Nov. 5, 2024, Madison County voters were asked an advisory question about the possibility of separating from Cook County. The question read, “Shall the board of Madison County correspond with the boards of other counties of Illinois, outside of Cook County, about the possibility of separating from Cook County to form a new state and to seek admission to the Union as such, subject to the approval of the people?” Madison County voters who voted “yes” supported advising the Madison County Board to discuss separation from Cook County, while “no” votes opposed the idea of separation. In Madison County, 71,695 voters, or 56.54 %, voted “yes.” Meanwhile, ?? 55,108 voters, or 43.46 %, voted “no.” More information will be available soon about what this means for Madison County and its position in Illinois.

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GREENE/CALHOUN/MACOUPIN/JERSEY COUNTIES - Unofficial results are in for the 2024 General Election. While not as widely watched or discussed as the Presidential race, there were a few local contests in counties across the Riverbend. Greene County Contests: State’s Attorney, Coroner With just two contested races, Greene County saw the most local-level competition out of the four counties covered in this article. Here are the results for the State’s Attorney and County Coroner races: State’s Attorney: Craig Michael Grummel (I): 59% Donald “Donnie” Schaaf (R): 41% Republican Donald “Donnie” Schaaf lost his bid with 2,401 votes to Independent challenger Craig Michael Grummel, who earned 3,443 votes with all precincts reporting. Incumbent State's Attorney Caleb Briscoe did not seek re-election. County Coroner: Brady Milnes (R): 54% Danny J. Powell (D): 46% Another incumbent was unseated in the Greene County Coroner’s

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JERSEY/GREENE/CALHOUN/MACOUPIN COUNTIES - Multiple counties in the Riverbend voted on a referendum to separate from Cook County, including its county seat, Chicago. Here’s a county-by-county breakdown of how voters across the region voted for or against the separation referendum and a series of state ballot questions. Jersey, Greene, and Calhoun County voters each considered a local referendum to separate from Cook County and form a new state. While the name of the county referenced in the referendum depends on the ballot it appears on, the wording for each is otherwise the same - here’s how it appears on the Jersey County ballot: "Shall the County Board of Jersey County correspond with the boards of other counties of Illinois outside of Cook County about the possibility of separating from Cook County to form a new state, and to seek admission to the Union as such, subject to the approval of the people?" Jersey, Calhoun, and Greene County voters overwhelmingly supported

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MADISON COUNTY - Incumbent Amy Elik has won her race against challenger Nick Raftopoulos. Elik (R) and Raftopoulos (D) were in a contested race to represent the 111th District in the General Assembly. Elik has served in this role since 2021. According to unofficial Election Night results, Elik walked away with 29,837 votes, or 61.57% of the votes, to Raftopoulos’s 18,621 votes, with 86 of 87 precincts reporting at 10 p.m. on Nov. 5, 2024. “I am just really pleased and honored that I’ll be able to represent the 111th district again and just grateful for the citizens and the voters for the 111th,” Elik said. She said there is “plenty of work to be done” as the General Assembly prepares to move into a veto session. She added that the Madison County Republicans “work really, really hard” for constituents. “It’s full steam ahead on my priorities of trying to lower the cost of living for Illinoisans, trying to keep taxes

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY - While most counties in the Riverbend had little to no local-level competition in the 2024 General Election, St. Clair County voters saw a few face-offs between incumbent Democrats and Republican challengers. St. Clair saw more competition than most counties in the region, with contested races for County Board Chairman, County Coroner, and more. Here are the results for each: County Board Chairman Mark Kern (D): 54% Ryan Musick (R): 45% Incumbent Democrat Mark Kern, who has been County Board Chairman since 2004, secured his re-election on Tuesday night in a bid against Republican challenger Ryan Musick. Kern earned 48,956 votes over Musick's 43,825 votes. County Coroner Calvin Dye, Sr. (D): 51% Dean Darnall (R): 48% Another incumbent Democrat, Calvin Dye, Sr., defeated Republican challenger Dean Darnall to win his re-election bid for County Coroner. Dye's 46,917 votes put him ahead of Darnall's 45,662 votes to secure the coroner

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GODFREY — A significant water main leak has prompted the Godfrey Fire Protection District to close Godfrey Road to all traffic in both directions from Jackson Lane to the Taylor Avenue stoplight on Tuesday evening, Nov. 5, 2024. The closure, which affects a key thoroughfare in the area, was implemented to address safety concerns due to damage caused by the leak. The road is currently deemed unsafe and impassable, leading authorities to advise motorists to seek alternate routes. The exact timeline for repairs and the reopening of the road has not been specified. Residents and commuters are urged to remain vigilant and to plan their travel accordingly while the situation is being managed. Further updates are expected as the Godfrey Fire Protection District continues to monitor the situation.

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EDWARDSVILLE/GODFREY - Heavy rainfall has led to some mudslides and flooding in parts of the Metro East on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2024. Areas such as the 3000 block of Sand Road in Edwardsville have been declared impassable due to flooding, with residents advised to avoid the area if possible. The National Weather Service reported that rainfall amounts in Jefferson and St. Louis counties reached as high as 9.5 inches in some locations, while Madison County recorded a maximum of 7.55 inches near East Vine Street in Edwardsville, National Weather Service in St. Louis Meteorologist Jayson Gosselin said. In the aftermath of the rain, St. Clair County saw its highest recorded rainfall at 6.61 inches near Fairmont City, while nearby Monroe, Illinois, experienced 6.37 inches. Belleville received significantly less, with totals around 3.33 inches. The weather system is expected to bring more rain today, though it is anticipated to be lighter and less impactful than the previous downpours. Gosselin

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JERSEYVILLE - JCH Medical Group is proud to announce that Cristy A. Elving-Dial MD, FAAFP, a dedicated family physician serving the community for over 20 years in Jerseyville, Illinois, has achieved the Degree of Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the national medical association representing nearly 130,000 family physicians, residents and medical students. The degree was conferred on more than 180 family physicians during a convocation on Friday, September 27, in conjunction with the AAFP's annual meeting in Phoenix, AZ. Established in 1971, the AAFP Degree of Fellow recognizes family physicians who have distinguished themselves through service to family medicine and ongoing professional development. This year's fellowship class brings the total number of AAFP Fellows to more than 17,200 nationwide. AAFP Fellowship entitles the physician to use the honorary designation, "Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians," or "F.A.A.F.P." Criteria for receiving

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ALTON — A brief mudslide occurred Tuesday morning in the 700 block of Broadway, behind Abbott Machine, following heavy rain in the Alton area. The incident took place around 10 a.m. on November 5, 2024, when several tons of dirt and small trees cascaded down the hillside. In the aftermath, some small power lines were broken, prompting a response from Ameren Illinois. Drone Video Courtesy of GENESIS DRONE: The utility company worked to ensure safety in the area, reporting that there were no power outages as a result of the mudslide. The slide had significant physical effects, moving an aerial lift approximately 30 feet and causing a hole to form in a diesel tank. Local authorities are assessing the situation to determine any further necessary actions. Ameren Illinois remained at the scene later Tuesday morning to continue to repair the lines and ensure the area was safe.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County police responded early Tuesday to a flash flood incident at Bayless Avenue and Interstate 55 in St. Louis County, where a submerged SUV led to the discovery of a deceased adult female inside the vehicle. At approximately 6 a.m. on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, officers from the South County Precinct were dispatched following reports of significant flooding in the area. Due to adverse weather conditions, Bayless Avenue was closed for several hours as first responders worked to manage the situation. As floodwaters began to recede, a business owner notified police about the submerged SUV. Personnel from the Lemay Fire Protection District accessed the vehicle and discovered the body of the woman. Preliminary investigations indicate that she had driven her car into the water earlier that morning, during the peak of the flash flood. The cause of death remains unknown at this time. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are expected to release more

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EDWARDSVILLE — A two-vehicle crash involving two truck-tractor semi-trailers on Interstate 55 southbound near milepost 27 resulted in one person being transported with injuries at 10:47 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. The Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 responded to the scene, about two miles south of the Homestead Rest Stop. According to a preliminary investigation, the circumstances surrounding the crash are still under review. As a result of the incident, the right lane of the highway has been shut down to facilitate the response and investigation. No further information has been released regarding the condition of the injured individual or the cause of the crash. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY – A fire engulfed approximately 15 vehicles at Innovative Auto Auctions in Caseyville early Tuesday morning, Nov. 5, 2024, prompting a response from local fire crews. The fire incident occurred in a large lot located on the 2400 block of Old Country Inn Road in Caseyville. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene to contain the blaze, which spread rapidly among the parked cars. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials have not yet released additional details regarding the incident. No injuries have been reported, and authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the fire. Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.

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RIVERBEND - Voters around the Riverbend are turning out in record numbers to vote in the 2024 election. Though who’s on the ballot in Madison County differs from who’s on the ballot in Jersey County , every ballot in the U.S. will ask voters to vote in the presidential election. There are three options for president and vice president. Republican Donald Trump and his vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance are running against Democrat Kamala Harris and her vice presidential candidate Tim Walz. Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his vice presidential candidate Nicole Shannahan are also on the ballot, though Kennedy has suspended his campaign. You also have the option to write in a candidate. We’re asking our RiverBender.com readers to let us know: Who do you think will win the U.S. presidential election today? Vote in our poll below.

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a bipartisan coalition of 51 attorneys general condemning potential post-election violence and supporting a shared commitment for peace and stability regardless of the election results: “Regardless of the outcome of Tuesday’s election, we expect that Americans will respond peacefully and we condemn any acts of violence related to the results. A peaceful transfer of power is the highest testament to the rule of law, a tradition that stands at the heart of our nation’s stability. As Attorneys General, we affirm our commitment to protect our communities and uphold the democratic principles we serve. "We call upon every American to vote, participate in civil discourse and, above all, respect the integrity of the democratic process. Let us come together after this election not divided by outcomes but united in our shared commitment to the rule of law and safety of all Americans. Violence has no place in the democratic

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GREENE/CALHOUN/MACOUPIN/ST. CLAIR COUNTY - With the 2024 General Election just around the corner, here’s one last look at the few competitive county level races Greene, Macoupin, Calhoun, and St. Clair Counties. St. Clair County Sees Most Competition The county with the most contested races this election is St. Clair, where the offices of County Board Chairman, Circuit Clerk, and more will see a series of faceoffs between Democrat incumbents and Republican challengers. Incumbent Democrat Mark Kern, who has been County Board Chairman since he was elected in 2004, is seeking re-election. Kern is set to face Republican challenger Ryan Musick. Another incumbent Democrat, Kinnis Williams, Sr., will face another Republican challenger, Cindi McDonald, for the position of Circuit Clerk. Williams was elected Circuit Clerk in 2022. The County Coroner race in St. Clair will see yet another incumbent Democrat, Calvin Dye, Sr., run against Dean Darnall, the Republican challenger.

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ST. LOUIS - Crime continued to decrease in St. Louis in October, new data released by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department show, with homicides being at the lowest levels seen in years. As of Nov. 4, St. Louis has seen 125 homicides so far this year. That’s down from 142 at that time last year, 170 at that time in 2022, 168 at that time in 2021, and 220 at this time in 2020. The monthly National Incident Based Reporting System report for October shows meaningful decreases compared to October 2023 across all major crime categories: Crimes against a person: -15% Crime against property: -31% Crime against society: -7% All other offenses: -17% “We still have work to do to bring crime down further, but I am so proud of our Police Department, the Office of Violence Prevention, the office of Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore, and our community partners for the fantastic work they are doing to hold criminals accountable and prevent crime before it happens,” said

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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has a wide variety of services for readers. From their Dial-a-Story program to their multiple book clubs, Hayner offers something for every reader in the community. Mary Cordes, director of the Hayner Public Library District, noted that there are many services and programs available at Hayner’s official website , including plenty of resources for local bookworms. “Once you become a reader, you just want more and more and more and more,” Cordes said. Dial-a-Story is a popular feature that allows you to call Hayner’s line at 618-462-TALE (618-462-8253) to listen to a story recorded by a Hayner staff member. These stories are geared toward young children and take approximately five minutes to listen to. Cordes noted that they have added new features to the Dial-a-Story program, so there are now five stories to choose from every time you call in. They also started recording chapter books for older young

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