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ALTON - As the consolidated election on April 1, 2025, approaches, Ward 2 Alderwoman Carolyn MacAfee is looking ahead to her goals if reelected. MacAfee has held the position of Ward 2 alderwoman for 12 years. She is facing two challengers in the April 1 election. She expressed appreciation for the accomplishments she has made over the past decade, as well as excitement about her plans for the next four years. “I’m going to continue to make Alton a better place to live,” MacAfee said. “I’m a 24/7, seven days a week alderman.” MacAfee shared that she does not work full-time and she is not raising children, so she is “available all the time.” She answers every phone call and works to make sure her constituents are heard. She pointed to the recent snowstorm as an example. As MacAfee waited in her house for two days for her street to be cleared, she took calls from her neighbors in Ward 2 and directed the Public Works Department

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COTTAGE HILLS — The Cottage Hills Fire Department responded to a fire in a shed located in the backyard of a residence on Deanna Avenue on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. Firefighters arrived at the scene in the 1200 block shortly after the call was placed to 911. Upon arrival, crews found the shed on fire. A box alarm was activated, prompting additional assistance from neighboring fire departments, including Rosewood Heights, Meadowbrook, and Fosterburg. The Alton Fire Department also sent an ambulance to the scene, along with Alton Memorial for fire standby. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, and officials have not yet determined what led to the incident.

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ST. LOUIS — The Delmar Loop Ice Carnival, a beloved winter event in St. Louis, took place on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, drawing a crowd eager to experience a day filled with art, entertainment, and community spirit. The carnival ran from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. along Delmar Boulevard on Saturday, featuring over 55 ice sculptures, live ice carving demonstrations, and various activities for all ages. Samantha Smugala, Executive Director of the East Loop Community Improvement District, noted that this year marked the 18th anniversary of the Ice Carnival. "It is a festival unlike any in St. Louis," she said. "We are here to celebrate ice, not on the roads, but as an art form." She highlighted the impressive display of sculptures representing local businesses, as well as a large ice selfie color wall that attracted many attendees. In addition to the ice sculptures, the carnival offered a range of entertainment, including fire dancers, music, and kids' games throughout the day. One

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ALTON - Calvary Christian School’s open enrollment starts this week, and they’re eager to welcome students to their new program. Located at 1422 Washington Avenue in Alton, Calvary Christian School launched in Fall 2024 with 28 students. They follow the classical education model, with students divided into learning levels. Open enrollment starts on Jan. 27 with an open house planned for Feb. 15, 2025, and families are encouraged to reach out to get more information and decide if Calvary Christian School is right for their child. “The families have really bought into what we’re doing, and it’s been a really great year,” said Associate Pastor Wade Dobson. “We always say it’s not education by worksheet. They’re not just given a sheet of paper and answer these questions or complete these problems and turn it back in. There’s a lot more to it than that in terms of their involvement.” Dobson and Mike Harrelson, Calvary’

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST)—Deb Fischer (R-NE), Patty Murray (D-WA) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to help modernize vehicle safety tests by requiring the use of the most advanced testing devices available—including a female crash test dummy. The bipartisan She Develops Regulations In Vehicle Equality and Safety (She DRIVES) Act would help enhance passenger vehicle safety by updating U.S. crashworthiness testing procedures. The bill is estimated to help save more than 1,300 lives, prevent and mitigate tens of thousands of serious injuries and save billions of dollars in economic impact from preventing and mitigating injuries and deaths. “We can be doing more to improve our roadways and make sure visiting a family member or a routine trip to the grocery store doesn’t end in tragedy,” said Senator

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CHICAGO - In the wake of widespread devastation and loss of life caused by wildfires in Southern California, Attorney General Kwame Raoul today urged Illinois residents who plan to donate to assist those affected to be on the lookout for fundraising scams. “The wildfires still raging in California have tragically destroyed thousands of homes and businesses,” Raoul said. “As many Illinoisans step up to help those affected, I urge them to take the time to look into the charitable organization before donating. Taking the extra step will help ensure your donation reaches legitimate causes that directly contribute to helping the people most in need.” Potential donors should find out if the charity is providing direct aid or raising money for other groups. Donors may want to avoid the middleman and give directly to charities that have a presence in the region. Attorney General Raoul advised donors to ask questions to determine the donations’ ultimate recipients

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GODFREY – Some people search for a job, while others aim for a specific career. Lewis and Clark Community College’s Niccolas Edwards wasn’t looking for a career in business/marketing, then he took a class that piqued his interest, putting him on the path to success. Edwards, who has become a stand-out business student, is a 2011 graduate of Alton High School. He describes his interest in marketing as something that found him. “ While in my intro to business class, the marketing portion really spoke to me,” he said. “Luckily, through expressing my interest to professor (Christina) Wickenhauser, she recommended an internship at Argosy Casino Alton. After being in this field for almost a year, I can truly say I believe this is where I am supposed to be.” His interest in business has led Edwards to join L&C’s chapter of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), where he has excelled on both the state and national levels. “

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Office of Undergraduate Admissions will host virtual information sessions highlighting two programs that help incoming first-year students thrive at SIUE. Newly admitted first-year students and family members are invited to learn more about the Student Success Program and the Community-Oriented Digital Engagement Scholars (CODES) Program at one of two informational webinars on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, and Thursday, March 6, from 6-8 p.m. The Summer Success Program —a free, five-week academic, residential program that takes place before the start of the fall semester—helps students transitioning to college life develop the skills they need at SIUE. While on campus, students can potentially complete up to six credit hours of general education courses, connect to SIUE resources like financial aid, counseling, and health services, and establish a community of peers and mentors on campus through social events

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WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with former U.S. Congressman Sean Duffy, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as the Secretary of Transportation. During their meeting, Durbin asked Duffy about President Trump’s recent executive order directing agencies to immediately pause the disbursement of funds appropriated through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and what that means for the future of transportation and infrastructure projects already underway. Durbin also advocated for ongoing infrastructure projects in Illinois, including the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Red Line Extension and the Chicago Hub Improvement Project to modernize Chicago Union Station and its surrounding infrastructure. Durbin also raised the importance of Amtrak funding, and emphasized how many freight railroads run through Chicago as the rail hub of North America. Projects across the state, including the Chicago Region Environmental

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January 27th has seen its fair share of significant events that have shaped the course of history. One of the most notable events that occurred on January 27, 1967, was the tragic Apollo 1 accident. During a pre-launch test for NASA's first crewed Apollo mission, a cabin fire broke out, claiming the lives of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger B. Chaffee. This catastrophe not only shocked the nation but also led to a complete overhaul of safety protocols in the Apollo program. The lessons learned from this tragedy ultimately contributed to the success of subsequent missions, including the historic moon landing in 1969. Fast forward to January 27, 1973, when the Paris Peace Accords were signed, marking a significant turning point in the Vietnam War. This agreement aimed to establish peace in Vietnam and restore the country’s sovereignty. While the accords did not immediately end hostilities, they paved the way for the eventual withdrawal of U.S. troops and the reunification

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Did you know that your skin can lose up to 25% of its moisture during colder months? This staggering statistic is a wake-up call for anyone who believes that skincare should only be a concern during warmer weather. When the temperatures drop, the risks to our skin increase significantly. The combination of cold air outside and dry indoor heating systems can strip your skin of its natural moisture barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and even long-term damage. This article will guide you through essential winter skincare tips to maintain healthy, radiant skin throughout the colder months. Understanding Winter Skin Challenges As the season changes, various factors contribute to skin issues. Understanding these challenges is the first step toward effective management: Environmental Factors : Cold air holds less moisture than warm air, leading to dry skin. Additionally, indoor heating systems can exacerbate this issue by reducing humidity levels even further. Skin Barrier

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with a bipartisan coalition of states and other parties, today announced a $7.4 billion settlement in principle with members of the Sackler family and their company Purdue Pharma Inc. (Purdue) over their instrumental role in creating the opioid crisis. Illinois will receive up to approximately $154 million. Purdue, under the Sacklers’ leadership, invented, manufactured and aggressively marketed opioid products for decades, fueling waves of addiction and overdose deaths in Illinois and across the country. The settlement will end the Sacklers’ control of Purdue and ability to sell opioids in the United States. Importantly, it will deliver funding directly to communities across the country over the next 15 years to support opioid addiction treatment, prevention and recovery programs. If approved, the settlement will resolve Raoul’s 2019 litigation against Purdue and individual members of the Sackler family. The $7.4 billion

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced that she will continue to serve on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs for the 119th Congress. Budzinski served on both committees during her first term. This Congress, she will serve as the new Ranking Member of the Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization. “I’m thrilled to be returning to the House Agriculture Committee and House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in a leadership position for my second term,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I plan to build on my previous work on these committees to uplift rural communities and ensure our nation’s veterans have access to their hard-earned benefits. With the new Congress underway, passing a bipartisan Farm Bill is top of my mind. I’m grateful to have a seat at the table to advocate for the policies that Illinois family farmers need in this critical legislation.”

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that nonfarm payrolls increased +8,800 while the unemployment rate fell -0.1 percentage point to 5.2 percent in December, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The November monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from -3,400 to -5,400, while the revised unemployment rate was 5.3 percent, unchanged from the preliminary November unemployment rate. The December payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th. In December, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job increases included: Financial Activities (+2,900), Private Education and Health Services (+2,600), and Government (+2,000). The industry sectors with monthly payroll job decreases included: Professional and Business Services (-2,100) and Other Services (-1,000). “IDES and its

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Beginner's Guide to Yoga and Its Mental Health Benefits Did you know that a staggering 75% of adults report experiencing physical symptoms caused by stress? Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, many are turning to ancient practices for relief. Yoga, a discipline that harmonizes body and mind, has emerged as a beacon of hope for those seeking not only physical wellness but also mental clarity and emotional stability. This guide is designed for beginners eager to explore the transformative power of yoga and its profound mental health benefits. Understanding Yoga: More Than Just Poses At its core, yoga is much more than a series of physical postures; it’s a holistic practice that encompasses various elements, including breath control, meditation, and ethical principles. Originating in ancient India, yoga integrates the mind, body, and spirit, promoting overall well-being. For beginners, it’s beneficial to recognize that yoga is not a one-size-fits-all approach. I

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ST. LOUIS, MO. – The American Red Cross of Greater St. Louis has been requested to provide assistance by St. Louis City public safety officials following an apartment building fire. The fire occurred this morning in the 8400 block of Halls Ferry. The role of the Red Cross in any disaster is to focus on addressing the immediate needs of those affected. The Red Cross is working closely with public safety officials and the residents who were displaced as a result of the fire to assess their needs, provide appropriate assistance if needed, and ensure everyone has a safe place to stay. How to help: For individuals wishing to assist the Red Cross in responding to community disasters, a financial donation is best. This allows the Red Cross to be flexible in using the funds to directly address the needs of those affected. To donate, call 1-800 RED CROSS or donate online at redcross.org. To volunteer to assist the Red Cross in responding to disasters, go to redcross.org/volunteer.

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MACOUPIN COUNTY - The Macoupin County Coroner’s Office provided an update after discovering a deceased person on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. The Macoupin County Coroner's Office said it responded to a rural residence in Bunker Hill early Sunday, where an individual was pronounced deceased. Macoupin County Coroner Anthony Kravanya confirmed the time of death as 1:38 a.m. on Jan. 26, 2025. The coroner's office said an autopsy is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, to determine the cause of death. A press release detailing the findings of the autopsy and the identification of the deceased will be issued thereafter. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death is being conducted collaboratively by the Macoupin County Coroner’s Office and the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Division. Further details will be provided as they become available.

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EDWARDSVILLE – Main Street Community Center, a pillar of our senior community for half a century, is thrilled to announce its 50th Anniversary Celebration Gala, underwritten by Harry and Carol Windland. We invite the community to join us as we commemorate this significant milestone on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the LeClaire Room. There are two criteria that Harry and Carol Windland considered as they decided which of the many worthy organizations and institutions in Glen Carbon and Edwardsville to support. First is that they perform outstanding service to their community. Second, is that they are extremely well managed. “Of all the possibilities we considered we found the MSCC managed by Jessica and her staff to be the epitome of such an organization. Main Street Community Center is truly at the top of the many organizations that make the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon area such a special place to live for our active senior citizens. We are delighted to have

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BELLEVILLE - The Home Builders and Remodelers Metro East Association (HBRMEA) is gearing up for their Home Expo in March. On March 7, 8 and 9, 2025, the HBRMEA will host their annual expo with over 150 vendors at the Belle Clair Fairgrounds in Belleville. Consumers are invited to attend to learn more about local products and services that can help them as they build or remodel their homes. The organization expects over 10,000 attendees during the three-day event. “We’ve got experts that are going to be on hand,” said Shannon Stelling with HBRMEA. “If you’re thinking about doing anything to your home, it’s a great environment to come have conversations. Talk to all these experts in all the different areas. You might find somebody that you want to work with or they might help you with a project that you’re doing on your own.” The expo is free to attend. The organization plans to give away over $20,000 in prizes, with drawings

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GRANITE CITY - A pedestrian was struck by a freight train early Sunday morning, Jan. 26, 2025, in Granite City address resulting in serious injuries. The incident occurred at the crossing of Maryville Road and Namoeki Road in Granite City. The emergency call came in around 6 a.m. According to scanner traffic, emergency responders received reports that a conductor reported a female pedestrian jumped in front of the train as it approached the crossing. The Illinois State Police, along with the Mitchell Fire Department and Railroad Police, were dispatched to the scene. The victim sustained serious injuries and was initially assessed for transport via helicopter. However, she was ultimately transported by ambulance for medical treatment to save time because a helicopter was not available in the region. Further details regarding her condition have not been disclosed. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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