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GLEN CARBON - Caritas Family Solutions is asking for help to make sure the last few children on their list have a merry Christmas. As an organization, Caritas supports kids in the foster care system, adults with developmental disabilities and seniors. They serve 6,300 individuals every year, including 1,400 children in the foster care system. At their Glen Carbon location, there are 15 kids who still need gifts this holiday season. “Christmastime brings it all together,” said Hope Carbonaro, chief program officer with Caritas. “We always consider the fact that children that have experienced trauma in their young lives, abuse and neglect, that while we care for them all year long in various ways, that waking up Christmas morning and feeling a sense of normalcy and feeling a sense of joy and that people love and care about that experience for them is just something that’s hard to explain in words. It’s very meaningful.” Community members ca

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ST. LOUIS, MO. – On Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, U.S. Figure Skating and the St. Louis Sports Commission announced that the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships will be hosted at Enterprise Center in Downtown St. Louis City. Mayor Jones issued the following statement: “St. Louis is America’s first Olympic city, and our legacy as a sports town cannot be denied,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “We can’t wait to welcome America’s Olympic hopefuls and figure skating fans from across the country to our beautiful city. See you in 2026!”

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EDWARDSVILLE - The fourth phase of a project to build a shared use path along part of Highway 157 in Edwardsville is officially underway following City Council approval on Tuesday. The city has been awarded $390,400 in federal CMAQ grant funds to build a shared use path along 0.37 miles of Highway 157 from West Schwarz Street to Enclave Boulevard. Edwardsville City Council members unanimously approved a joint funding agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for the project’s construction. Under the terms of the agreement, this phase of the project is set to be completed within five years. Aldermen also approved $97,600 in matching funds which, in addition to the federal grant, brings the project total to $488,000. Warren said the $97,600 is the city’s portion of the project funds, but noted they would be covered by a grant from the Metro East Park and Recreation District (MEPRD). Under a separate agreement to allocate these matching funds,

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COLLINSVILLE — Ashay Hopkins, a student at Collinsville High School, has been named the Student of the Month for December 2024, recognized for her positive influence and dedication to her peers. Hopkins, who is known for greeting her classmates each morning with a warm hello and a smile, has made a significant impact on the school community. “It always helps me get into the same positive frame of mind,” said the individual who nominated her, highlighting her ability to uplift those around her. In addition to her cheerful demeanor, Hopkins is noted for her commitment to academic excellence. “She not only works to get the 'A' but always wants to know how to become a better public speaker,” the nominator remarked. Her dedication extends beyond her own studies, as she dedicates hours each day to tutoring fellow students in subjects such as math, English, and public speaking. Hopkins' support for her classmates is further illustrated by her attentiveness

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COLLINSVILLE - Thirty-three members of the Collinsville High School Class of 2025 have been named 2025-26 Illinois State Scholars . IASC ( Illinois Student Assistance Commission ) uses a formula to determine this select group across the state each year. Qualification is based on each student's standardized test scores and performance-based academic data. CHS Class of 2025 Illinois State Scholars Henry Bauer Katelyn Berger Hannah Bolla Cade Braddock Brion Brown Danielle Cary Kaylynn Castens Scarlett Clayton Kaylee Cooper Bailey Demick Kenna Fisher Brody Fister Selah Hart Reznor Hartmann Diana Hernandez Alyssa Huckelberry Naomi Hurst Holiday Johnson James Kline Morgan Laing Emma Miller Molly Piper Charlene Rushing Roselyn Sanchez Jocelyn Scott-Gas Olivia Skertich William Slazanik Canaan Sweitzer Solomon Talbott Sophie Vanmiddendorp Aiden Wiley Ian Yakstis Trevor Zipprich

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GRAFTON — The Grafton City Council meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, opened with a moment of silence to honor Retired Chief of Police Eric Spanton, who died on Dec. 14. Mayor Mike Morrow led the tribute, reflecting the community's respect for Spanton's service. During the meeting, Trebe Bradfisch, along with event coordinators Jessica Hayes and Deseray Hardwick, presented a donation from the fourth annual Witches on the Water event to the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA). This year's event attracted participants from various states, including Texas, Arizona, Kentucky, and Massachusetts, contributing to a donation of $17,201. The amount raised this year marks an increase from previous years, with the total contributions since 2021 reaching $41,422. “Again, the Witches on the Water have surpassed expectations with their generosity and devotion to our veterans and the Grafton Memorial. We are forever grateful,” Mayor Morrow stated during the meeting. The

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BELLEVILLE - The Homebuilders and Remodelers Metro East Association is looking ahead to a great 2025. HBRMEA shared that there are more resources and people interested in the trades than in previous years. They are also preparing for their famous home raffle, where the grand prize is a house valued at over half a million dollars, or $300,000 cash. Shannon Stelling, a representative with HBRMEA, encouraged people to get involved. “We have got a lot of resources right here in the Metro East to support manufacturing, to support trades, to support all the things that can drive commerce in our area,” Stelling said. “I’m hearing from several different facets, everywhere from our trade partners to our builders and our remodelers, that they’re busy.” Stelling shared that the Collinsville Area Vocational Center and Belleville’s Center for Academic and Vocational Excellence are both undergoing renovations that will increase the size and scope

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COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Fire Department is offering Basic Life Support (BLS) classes for the community, aimed at equipping participants with essential life-saving skills. The courses will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on select Wednesdays at Fire Station One, located at 130 South Clinton Street in Collinsville. The American Heart Association (AHA) outlines that the BLS course is designed to help participants recognize life-threatening emergencies, perform high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations, and utilize an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The curriculum reflects the latest science and education updates from the AHA Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. The BLS classes are particularly beneficial for healthcare professionals and others who may need to perform CPR and basic cardiovascular life support in various settings, both in-facility and pre-hospital. The cost for the class is $25 for Collinsville residents and $50

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) voted to pass the bipartisan Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act . This package includes many provisions that are priorities for veterans and veterans service organizations (VSOs), such as support for home- and community-based care, improvements to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) educational and employment programs and assistance for homeless veterans. The legislation will now be sent to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. The package is anchored by the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act, which Congresswoman Budzinski cosponsored. This legislation would enable veterans to remain at home, age safely in place and avoid or delay admission to nursing homes and other costly institutional settings of care. “It’s our duty to take care of our veterans who have made immense sacrifices to defend the freedoms we hold dear,” said Congresswoman

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Branch of the NAACP proudly announces the election of its new officers, who will lead the organization into a new chapter of advocacy, unity, and progress. These dedicated leaders bring experience, passion, and a shared commitment to advancing the mission of the NAACP: ensuring the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all people. The newly elected officers are as follows: President: Traci S. Daniels 1st Vice President: Walter Chase 2nd Vice President: Debra J. Pitts 3rd Vice President: Lynette Daniels-Jordan Secretary: Lashawnda Williams Assistant Secretary: Gwen Bumpers Treasurer: Karen Hooks Assistant Treasurer: Charlene Blair President Traci S. Daniels, alongside her team, expressed enthusiasm about the journey ahead. "I am honored to serve as President of the Edwardsville NAACP Branch and look forward to working with our incredible leadership team and community. Together, we will continu

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SOUTH ROXANA – A South Roxana Police Officer was injured in a single-vehicle crash on December 17, 2024, while responding to a serious three-vehicle traffic collision that included a car on fire. The incident occurred as the officer was en route to the scene with emergency lights and sirens activated. According to police reports, the officer swerved to avoid another vehicle that unexpectedly turned in front of the patrol car, resulting in the officer leaving the roadway and landing in a ditch. Following the crash, the officer was treated for injuries at a local emergency room and has since been released. South Roxana Police Chief Bob Coles expressed gratitude to the first responders and medical personnel who assisted at the scene. He emphasized the critical need for drivers to pay attention to emergency vehicles, particularly during the busy holiday travel period. “We’re thankful the officer is at home recovering,” Chief Coles said. “I want to emphasize

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ALTON - Eric Roberson, Alton High School’s head wrestling coach, will be inducted into the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association Hall of Fame. Only 673 Illinois coaches have received this recognition since the IWCOA Hall of Fame was formed in 1972. The Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education honored Roberson during their regular meeting on Dec. 17, 2024. “It’s definitely my pleasure to be able to be here tonight to recognize someone who I consider a friend, a colleague, and a terrific, terrific representative of Alton High School,” said Athletic Director Chris Kusnerick. Kusnerick shared that Roberson graduated from Roxana High School and SIU Edwardsville, where he was “an outstanding student athlete and wrestler.” Since Roberson took on the head coach position at Alton High School in 1996, he has amassed 383 wins and coached many athletes to state. Roberson thanked Kusnerick and the school board for thei

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ALTON - During their regular meeting on Dec. 17, 2024, the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education recognized the Optimist Students of the Month for December. Rylee Scott was named the Optimist Student of the Month at Alton Middle School, and Kobe McCrady was recognized as the Optimist Student of the Month at Gilson Brown Elementary School. Alton Middle School Principal Dr. Brian Saenz introduced Scott as an “exemplary student.” Scott, an eighth grader, participates in the school’s choir and theater programs. She also dances at a local studio and serves on the National Junior Honor Society. “Rylee excels in her classes and shows great leadership and character on a daily basis,” Saenz said. “She’s considered respectful, responsible, and shows kindness to all her peers. She goes out of her way to support her classmates and comes to class every day with a positive attitude, ready to work, and participates in all discussions.”

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Welcome to This Day in History for December 18th! On this day, a myriad of significant events have shaped our world. Starting with one of the most critical global events, on December 18, 1944, the United States Supreme Court overturned the government's decision to intern Japanese Americans during World War II in the landmark case of Ex parte Endo . This decision was a significant moment in American history as it recognized the rights of an American citizen, Mitsuye Endo, who was a Japanese American interned in a relocation center. The Supreme Court ruled that the government could not detain citizens without just cause, leading to the eventual release of those interned. This case highlighted the tension between national security and civil liberties, a theme that continues to resonate today. In 1971, December 18 marked the day when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). This treaty, often

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As the colder months approach, families often seek out ways to enjoy quality time indoors, especially during the long winter evenings. A winter-themed family game night can be an excellent way to bring everyone together, encourage interaction, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a seasoned host or planning your first gathering, this guide will provide you with key insights, practical advice, and creative ideas to ensure your winter game night is a success. Choosing the Right Date and Time Before diving into the fun, it's essential to select a date and time that works for all family members. Consider weekends or holiday breaks when everyone is more likely to be available. You can even choose a specific winter holiday, such as Christmas or New Year’s, to add a festive flair to your game night. Once you've settled on a date, send out invitations via email or a family group chat, ensuring everyone is excited about the upcoming event. Setting the Scene: Winter Decor

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ST. LOUIS - The need for blood does not take a holiday break. Audacy and the American Red Cross have partnered once again to help those in need. Be someone’s hero for the holidays – donate blood or platelets at the upcoming Audacy Holiday Heroes Blood Drive from Dec. 17 – Dec. 20, 2024 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day at multiple locations throughout the St. Louis metro area. Tuesday, December 17 Downtown St. Louis YMCA at the MX Wildwood Family YMCA Edward Jones Family YMCA Kirkwood Family YMCA Downtown Belleville YMCA Wednesday, December 18 Mid-County Family YMCA Four Rivers Family YMCA Carondelet Park Rec Complex Monroe County YMCA HTC Center Collinsville Maryville Troy YMCA Emerson YMCA O’Fallon Missouri YMCA Thursday, December 19 East Belleville YMCA South County Family YMCA Bayer YMCA South City Family YMCA Jefferson County YMCA Friday, December 20 RiverChase YMCA (1 p.m. – 6 p.m.) O’Fallon Park Rec

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Police and Fire Departments gained several new members and approval for upgraded equipment at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. The following new Edwardsville Police officers took their Oaths of Office: Evan Matlock Trevor Panyik Dakota Krone Ayden Brewer All four new officers were sworn in as a group shortly before taking pictures with fellow officers and family members. Each officer also received handshakes and congratulations from City Council members. The Edwardsville Fire Department promoted three of its current members; Brett Milton was promoted to Captain, Chad Lankford was promoted to Lieutenant, and Robert Morgan was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief. The department also welcomed the following new members: Bryce Parish Mathew Strzelecki Andrew Gombos David O’Donnell Benjamin Reyn More photos and handshakes followed the three promotions made official on Tuesday night. Each of the newest additions to the Fire

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)—members of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—joined U.S. Senators and fellow SASC members Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) in sending a letter to Susan Wiles, President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming Chief of Staff, about whether Pete Hegseth’s attitudes toward women and allegations of sexual assault and harassment disqualify him to be the next Secretary of Defense. Full text of the letter can be found on the Senator’s website . “As Secretary, Mr. Hegseth will set the tone for how women are treated throughout the military and whether women have enough confidence in him to join or remain in the military,” wrote the lawmakers. “Experts tell us that meeting current recruiting goals and building the cutting-edge force we need for the future requires

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EAST SAINT LOUIS — A shooting in East St. Louis on Illinois Route 3 northbound near Interstate 55/64 left one person injured on the morning of Dec. 17, 2024. The incident was reported to the Illinois State Police (ISP) at approximately 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday. According to preliminary investigations by the ISP Zone 6 Division of Criminal Investigation Major Crimes Unit, the victim drove their vehicle to the East St. Louis Police Department after sustaining gunfire injuries. Emergency responders transported the individual to a local hospital for treatment. As a result of the shooting, Illinois Route 3 was closed to traffic, with the roadway reopening around noon, Illinois State Police said. Authorities have not released further information regarding the incident or the condition of the victim.

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WOOD RIVER - Captain Bill Hall was honored this week for serving three decades with the Wood River Fire Department, marking a major milestone in his long and dedicated career in public safety. At Monday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Tom Stalcup presented Captain Hall with a Certificate of Recognition for his 30 years of service with the Wood River Fire Department. Stalcup also outlined some of Hall’s career highlights while presenting his certificate. He said Hall started as an on-call firefighter from May 30, 1989 to Nov. 14, 1994 before being hired the next day as a full-time firefighter and EMT on Nov. 15, 1994. Hall also previously served as an Engineer with the Wood River Fire Department before being promoted to Captain on March 16, 2021. Fire Chief Wade Stahlhut presented Hall with an honorary plaque, noting the changes Hall has seen over his decades of service. “Bill’s seen an evolution of the fire service. In that time, we’ve

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