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ILLINOIS - Ameren Illinois has a few tips to keep you safe this winter. With colder weather approaching and gas furnaces turning on, Ameren spokesperson Brian Bretsch and technician Jake Dukett stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello to talk about natural gas safety and other important reminders. Bretsch and Dukett encourage people to have their furnaces checked every year and change out their filters once a month. “We want to educate everybody on making sure we have those things checked out every year,” Dukett said. “We just want to ask to have all of our natural gas piping and appliances inspected, and they’ll go through operational checks on those and make sure that they’re operating properly.” Dukett encourages people to call their HVAC technician to inspect their furnace and pipes as soon as the weather starts turning colder. He said that furnaces are designed to “run on and off all the time,” as a

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O’FALLON, Ill. — Two people died early Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024, following a head-on collision on Interstate 64 near O'Fallon, IL., prompting the closure of the eastbound lanes at mile marker 19. The crash occurred at approximately 3:23 a.m. on Wednesday, according to Illinois State Police. Illinois State Police reported that a Lexus driven by Quincy Jones, 41, of St. Louis, was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes when it collided with a Ford driven by Christopher M. Sahs, 34, of New Baden. Sahs was pronounced dead at the scene, while Jones was transported to HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, where he was pronounced dead at 4:45 a.m., according to St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. Emergency responders were required to extricate at least two victims from the wreckage. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities indicated that dense fog may have been a contributing factor. The eastbound lanes of Interstate 64 were

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As the holiday season approaches, the air becomes crisp and the days shorter, creating the perfect backdrop for cozy movie nights. Whether you’re looking for heartwarming tales, festive comedies, or classic winter dramas, there’s a wealth of winter-themed films that can enhance your Christmas spirit. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best winter movies to watch this Christmas, ensuring you and your loved ones create unforgettable memories around the screen. The Magic of Classic Christmas Films It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) Often hailed as one of the greatest Christmas films of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life tells the story of George Bailey, a man who sacrifices his own dreams for the good of others. When he contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve, an angel shows him what life would be like without him. This classic captures the essence of hope, redemption, and the importance of community, making it a must-watch during the holiday season.

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On December 25, it's easy to forget that this date holds a wealth of significant historical events. From pivotal shifts in cultural practices to groundbreaking political changes, the day has seen its fair share of history. Let’s unwrap this day and explore the notable events that have shaped our world. One of the most impactful events associated with December 25 is undoubtedly the celebration of Christmas. This day, recognized as the birth of Jesus Christ, has evolved over centuries into a global holiday that blends religious significance with cultural traditions. The origins of Christmas date back to the early Christian church, which officially designated December 25 as the date of Christ's birth in the 4th century AD. The choice of this date was likely influenced by existing pagan festivals that celebrated the winter solstice. Over time, Christmas has transformed into a rich tapestry of customs, featuring everything from gift-giving and elaborate feasts to festive decorations

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RIVERBEND - Local kids in the foster care system will receive all the presents they asked for this Christmas, thanks to the community’s help. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) works with Dream Home Charities out of Wood River to provide toys, clothing, hygiene products and more to local foster families across five counties every year. But after an accident on Dec. 12, 2024, left them a few hundred gifts short, the organizations put out a plea to the community to help them make up the lost gifts — and the community responded. “It was definitely a Christmas miracle,” said Sherry Gilleland. “Everyone’s going to have a Merry Christmas tomorrow.” Gilleland, owner of Dream Home Realty Centre and founder of Dream Home Charities, has provided Christmas gifts to 25 families and 85 foster kids every year for 15 years. This year, she was transporting the gifts when she realized she left the tailgate down on her truck, and

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ALTON - Santa Claus stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello to talk about his experience leading up to Christmas. Local community member Steve Doering told Santa about the Bethalto Christmas Village, and Santa has been happy to visit this event every weekend since Thanksgiving, in addition to his other stops around the Riverbend. He is eager to share the true meaning of Christmas with everyone he meets this holiday season. “To me, the meaning of Christmas is always going to be love,” Santa said. “It’s always going to be grace. It’s always going to be forgiveness, acceptance. We want to make sure that people understand the real meaning of Christmas. It’s peace on Earth, goodwill to men. It’s about the birth of the savior, Jesus.” Santa and Mrs. Claus have been busy preparing for Christmas. They are training new reindeer in addition to Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph.

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust, Deacon Herbert McGee shared his story of becoming a deacon and sharing God’s love with others. McGee noted that people come to church with different problems and experiences. He acknowledged that everyone has their own story, but God welcomes them with open arms and will guide them through their storms. “For everybody, it’s a different walk,” McGee said. “Believe me, it’s a different walk when you have Him in your life.” McGee shared that he was raised in the church, but he decided to become a deacon later in his life. He is thankful for “a great pastor” who believed in him and the others who joined him in the deaconship. He believes his life has changed for the better since becoming a deacon. Not only is his life different, but McGee himself is different. The change is noticeable to his loved ones, who see more light and peace in

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COLLINSVILLE - The City of Collinsville, Illinois, has issued a boil order for water customers in specific locations due to a water main repair. The order, effective immediately and lasting until further notice, affects residents at 832 Bond Avenue, 410 St. Louis Road, and 400 and 409 South Jefferson Avenue in Collinsville. Residents are advised to bring water intended for drinking or cooking to a full rolling boil for at least five minutes before use. Additionally, residents are instructed to turn off their ice makers and discard any ice produced during this time. For further inquiries, residents can contact Troy Turner, Director of Public Works, at 618-346-5211 or Michael Crawford, Chief Operator, at 618-346-5219 ext. 3. This notice was dated December 24, 2024.

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ALTON — On Christmas Eve, while many families prepare for festive celebrations, one family in Alton is facing a challenging holiday season. Molly McCray, a single mother of ten children, has reached out for assistance as she navigates the difficulties of starting anew in a different city after losing her home. McCray, who recently relocated to Alton from East St. Louis after a difficult time there, is currently living at Alton Acres with her children, who range in age from 3 to 19. She has struggled to provide for her family this Christmas, stating, “I’m not able to do anything for Christmas... I have a Christmas tree, but I can't get gifts right now.” Charlene Edwards, an ASL interpreter and friend of McCray, is trying to raise awareness of the family's situation. Edwards emphasized the importance of community during difficult times. “When people are having a hard time, it is about coming together and giving each other hope,” she said. McCray

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ALTON - The Middletown Luminaries will once again be lit on Christmas Eve night. At 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 24, 2024, community members are invited to Middletown in Alton to see the luminaries throughout the neighborhood. The neighbors come together to light the luminaries every year, and they are eager to share the Christmas spirit with the community once again. “It’s a beautiful sight to behold,” said Shannon, who chairs the luminary event. “If you take a while to get in the Christmas spirit, drive through Middletown and see the beautiful luminaries.” Shannon and Molly, who oversee Middletown Neighbors, explained that the neighborhood is divided into blocks. One person organizes their block’s luminary efforts every year. For example, Molly hosts a block party where all the neighbors are invited to help prepare the luminaries on Christmas Eve afternoon. As an organization, Middletown Neighbors covers the cost of the candles from Catholic Suppl

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Andrew Hade was diagnosed with diabetes a year ago. While the Rockford, Illinois, resident was surprised, he was more shocked when he later found out he also has diabetic retinopathy. “Retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the back of the eye and can cause vision loss, blurry vision and other complications,” says Pamela Garcia, a nurse practitioner for OSF HealthCare. Garcia adds that early symptoms of retinopathy include floaters, blurriness, dark areas of vision and difficulty perceiving colors. Mild cases may be treated with diabetes management and more serious cases could require surgery. It's important for people with diabetes to schedule a thorough eye exam at least once a year. That’s because most patients, like Hade, display no symptoms of diabetic retinopathy until it’s too late. “I initially was dismissive about the eye test, because, I had no symptoms,” he says. “It's hard to think of something being wrong that's

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MARYVILLE — A coyote sighting near Kensington Drive in Maryville has prompted warnings for residents to take precautions with their pets. The sighting occurred a couple of days ago and has raised concerns among local homeowners. Residents are advised to keep their dogs and other pets indoors unless they are being walked on a leash. Experts note that coyotes may occasionally prey on small, unattended pets and can pose a threat to larger dogs if they perceive them as intruders in their territory. To minimize risks, experts recommend two simple measures: keeping pets inside unless they are under direct supervision and feeding pets indoors. These precautions aim to ensure the safety of pets in the neighborhood amid the presence of wildlife.

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JOLIET – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 1 arrested 69-year-old John Fleet of Wilmington, IL for Scott’s Law (Class 4 Felony) after a fatal crash last night involving Trooper Clay M. Carns. Around 9:42 p.m. on Monday, December 23, 2024, Trooper Carns observed debris in a lane on southbound I-55 just north of Blodgett Road near Channahon, and he initiated his emergency lights, pulling over to the right shoulder. Trooper Carns exited his vehicle and was standing in the lane grabbing the debris when a Chevrolet Silverado struck Trooper Carns. The driver of the Chevrolet was identified as John Fleet. Trooper Carns was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, where at approximately 10:45 p.m., he succumbed to his injuries. Fleet was not injured and remained on scene. “This is a sad day for the Illinois State Police as we mourn the death of Trooper Clay M. Carns who was killed while serving the people of Illinois and working to keep

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WOOD RIVER - Tim Melton, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, has been recognized for his outstanding achievements in bowling, a sport he has dedicated five years to mastering. Under the guidance of coach Garry Herron, Melton has achieved an impressive average of over 200 pins, a testament to his hard work during the offseason. Melton credits his success to the support of his mentor, Paul Nichols, saying, "I would like to thank Paul Nichols for always being there for me." This support has been crucial as Melton balances his athletic pursuits with academic excellence, currently ranking first in his class and on track to be a co-valedictorian. Melton is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month. In addition to bowling, Melton is involved in golf, where he has advanced to sectionals for two consecutive years, and baseball, where he plays as a first and third baseman. His commitment to sports has instilled in him a sense of perseverance that he applies to all

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GRAFTON - The recent Grafton Winter Lights Parade welcomed hundreds of community members for an evening of holiday cheer in Grafton. On Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, the parade route traveled down Water Street and ended at The Loading Dock in Grafton. The parade featured over 100 entrants, from the QEM Fire Protection District to personal trucks decorated with lights. “Bundle up, bring the family out and enjoy,” said Paula Jameson, who oversees the Enjoy Grafton Facebook page and helped organize the parade. The evening started with a tribute walk for former Police Chief Eric Spanton , who passed away on Dec. 14, 2024. Jameson and Dan Ebbing, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, explained that the parade started as a joke between locals. Four years ago, a few people draped their side-by-sides in lights and went on a pub crawl throughout Grafton. But over the years, it has grown into a full-fledged parade, bringing in visitors from across the St. Louis

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December 24th is a day that carries a rich tapestry of historical significance across various cultures and nations. As we travel back in time, we find ourselves in 1800, a year that bore witness to a significant cultural development in the United States. On December 24th of that year, the first edition of the "New-York Evening Post" was published. Founded by Alexander Hamilton, this newspaper would go on to play a vital role in American journalism and public discourse. The Post gave a voice to various social and political issues of the time and helped shape public opinion, emphasizing the importance of a free press in a democratic society. Over the years, the paper has undergone numerous transformations but still stands as a testament to the enduring nature of journalism. Fast forward to 1914, during the height of World War I, a remarkable event known as the Christmas Truce occurred. On December 24th, soldiers on the Western Front engaged in an unofficial ceasefire, laying down

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The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and reflection, and music plays a vital role in enhancing the experience. Crafting the perfect holiday-themed playlist can set the mood for gatherings, family dinners, or even cozy evenings by the fire. Whether you’re looking to evoke nostalgia with classic tunes or infuse modern hits into your festivities, this guide will help you curate a playlist that resonates with the spirit of the season. Understanding the Essence of Holiday Music Before diving into the specifics of creating a holiday playlist, it’s essential to understand what makes holiday music unique. Typically, holiday songs reflect themes of love, joy, and togetherness. They often feature familiar melodies and are infused with cultural or religious significance, depending on the holiday being celebrated. Recognizing these elements will help you select tracks that resonate not just musically but emotionally as well. Define Your Holiday Theme The first step

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), secured several important provisions to support our state in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed Congress this week. Some of priorities Duckworth secured to help Illinoisans include expanding housing opportunities and surrounding infrastructure at Rock Island Arsenal, supporting school districts near military bases by helping alleviate state and local tax base funding shortfalls and expanding our military’s use of sustainable aviation fuels, which supports our Illinois farmers, protects the environment and drives economy opportunity throughout the Midwest. “The brave Illinoisans who serve our nation in uniform at home and abroad deserve to know that our country fully supports them as they and their families sacrifice to defend our country,”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) applauded the Senate passage of the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act to ensure public sector workers and their families are able to receive full Social Security benefits after two previous statutes reduced them. The legislation—whose Senate companion Duckworth and Durbin helped cosponsor alongside U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Susan Collins (R-ME) and 58 other U.S. Senators—would repeal the Social Security Act’s Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which significantly reduced benefits for nearly 3 million Americans, many of whom are teachers, police officers and state, county and local government workers. The bill now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. Full text of the legislation can be found on the Senator’s website . “Millions of Americans have worked their entire lives, paying into

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ALTON - Alton High School will offer two classes in American Sign Language starting next year. American Sign Language I and II will teach students the basics of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture. Rene Hart, the district’s Director of Curriculum and Instruction, emphasized the importance of teaching languages like ASL at the high school level. “It’s crucial to provide students with the ability to communicate effectively in a language other than English and to foster cultural understanding,” Hart said. “Giving students the opportunity to study world languages helps to prepare them for a globalized world. Studying world languages helps develop skills in communication, cultural awareness and connections across diverse communities. So we’re really excited about the opportunity to expand into American Sign Language.” The Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education approved the ASL classes at their recent meeting

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