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Did you know that nearly 80% of Jewish families around the world engage in the Passover Seder, a ritual feast that has remained remarkably consistent for over three millennia? This statistic underscores not only the significance of Passover in Jewish culture but also the resilience and adaptability of its traditions. As families gather each year to commemorate their ancestors’ liberation from slavery in Egypt, they partake in deeply-rooted rituals that connect generations and impart fundamental lessons about freedom, faith, and community. Unpacking the Meaning of Passover Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the most important festivals in Judaism. It commemorates the Exodus, the biblical story of the Israelites' escape from Egyptian bondage. The holiday lasts for seven or eight days (depending on one’s community) and involves various rituals and customs aimed at remembering this pivotal moment in Jewish history. At the heart of Passover is the Seder, a ceremonial

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EDWARDSVILLE - A group of eight 4th grade girls that attend St. Mary’s School have been busy working on a “Nature Club” everyday at recess. The girls came up with the idea because they all share a love for being outside, helping animals, and observing how plants, trees, seeds and grass grow. The girls have been working hard to organize, plan, and come up with fun ways to make money for their club so they can use the money to support community organizations that support nature. All their hard work came to fruition this weekend when they hosted their first check presentation at Metro East Humane Society. They were able to donate $50 to the organization. They were excited to learn that with the $50, MEHS will be able to help four dogs. Katie from Metro East Humane Society expressed her appreciation to the girls. Katie said, “Thank you for stopping by and for supporting MEHS! We loved having you out and sharing our love for animals and the environment with you.”

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HARDIN - On March 25, 2025, the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office was notified of a Domestic Disturbance, which was alleged to have occurred on the night of Jan. 10, 2025, at a residence in Hamburg, Calhoun County, Illinois. Deputies with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office began an investigation, collected video evidence and took statements from witnesses. Subsequent to that investigation, Timothy J. Roth, age 47, of Jerseyville, was arrested for the following offenses: Intimidation, Domestic Battery – Physical Contact, Aggravated Assault – Deadly Weapon. Roth was arrested without incident and was transported to the Greene County Jail. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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April 11th has been a day of remarkable events throughout history, ranging from groundbreaking scientific achievements to pivotal political developments. One of the most iconic events in modern history took place on April 11, 1970, when NASA launched Apollo 13, a mission that would become one of the most famous in space exploration. Originally intended to land on the Moon, the mission faced a critical failure just two days into its journey when an oxygen tank exploded. This catastrophic event led to a heroic struggle for survival as the crew, along with mission control, devised innovative solutions to bring the astronauts back safely to Earth. The phrase 'Houston, we have a problem' has since become synonymous with crisis management and problem-solving under pressure. The successful return of the Apollo 13 crew is a testament to human ingenuity and resilience. Fast forward to April 11, 1981, when the first space shuttle, Columbia, was launched on its maiden flight, STS-1. This

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ALTON — Old Bakery Beer Company is bringing the community together once again for Riverbend Earth Day 2025 on Saturday, April 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This annual event highlights environmental education, local artisans, live music by Beth Bombara and Universal Groove Society, plus craft beers, all in the heart of historic Downtown Alton, at 300 Landmarks Blvd. The event is free to attend, with food, drinks, and sustainable goods available for purchase. Now in its 14th year, Riverbend Earth Day continues to grow in attendance and impact. Old Bakery Beer Company co-owner Lauren Pattan shared, “This event is a highlight of the year for us and our community. We are proud to bring together people who share our passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship.” Environmental Education & Sustainability in Action More than 30 local environmental organizations and vendors will be on-site, offering educational experiences, interactive activities, and eco-friendly

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JERSEYVILLE – With construction well underway, the splash pad and bathhouse proposed in the Phase 2 improvements to Wittman Park in Jerseyville are officially taking shape. On Thursday afternoon, workers with Stutz Excavating, LLC could be seen at Wittman Park pouring concrete for the splash pad and constructing the future bathhouse. Construction on the site first began in February of 2025 after Stutz was awarded the nearly $1.5 million bid for the project in late 2024. The splash pad itself will be built in the shape of Jersey County, adding an unmistakable local charm to the project. Renderings of the splash pad and bathhouse were shown at a “workshop” meeting between city officials on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. “We started on this in February and things are going well construction,” Public Works Director Bob Manns said. “The blue area you see there, of course, is the outline of Jersey County … that was a nice touch and that’s

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HIGHLAND - The Madison County Sheriff's Office Detectives have arrested a man in a significant cybercrime investigation involving child pornography. The investigation was initiated after the Sheriff’s Office received multiple Cyber Tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in December 2024. The Madison County Sheriff's Office, which has two detectives assigned to its Cyber Crimes Division and Special Victims Unit, began investigating a suspect allegedly possessing and disseminating images and videos of child pornography. Over the course of the investigation, detectives received nearly 50 separate Cyber Tips, prompting the issuance of several search warrants. On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, detectives executed a search warrant in the 1st block of Rialto in unincorporated Highland, where they took the suspect, identified as Beau D. Imming, into custody without incident. Evidence related to the case was also seized during the operation, Madison County Sheriff's

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O'FALLON - The O'Fallon Community Consolidated School District #90's Symphonic Winds has received an invitation to perform at the 2025 Illinois SuperState Concert Band Festival. This event is scheduled for May 9, 2025, at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, located at the University of Illinois. The invitation to the festival is considered a significant accomplishment for the band, highlighting the students' dedication and talent in music. The festival is known for showcasing some of the best school bands in the state, making this invitation a noteworthy recognition for the O'Fallon D90 program. As the Symphonic Winds prepare for this prestigious performance, the district expressed pride in their achievement and wished the band members success as they represent their community at the event.

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SAINT LOUIS - Steve Litman Presents, a North American concert promoter, has a “great summer lineup” for St. Louis shows. Greg Hagglund with Steve Litman Presents stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello to talk about the bands and artists that St. Louis will welcome this year. From Travis Tritt to the lead actors of “Napoleon Dynamite,” there’s plenty to see in the city this season. “It’s going to be a great summer and a great fall, and we’re not done yet,” Hagglund said. “We’ve got some other shows that we’re still adding and we’ll have updates on those, as well.” Kicking off on June 12, 2025, The Rush Tribute Project will play at The Factory in Chesterfield. Hagglund noted that the band’s following is growing, and he is excited to see the crowd they draw this time around. “Each time they come into town, they just get more fans,” he said. “Especially

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GRAFTON — After 17 years of dedication and perseverance, author Jackie Duty has released her debut children's book, “Dash the Dachshund,” bringing to life a story that emphasizes embracing individuality and the importance of friendship. The book, which is now available for purchase on Amazon, marks a significant milestone in Duty's journey as a storyteller. Duty began writing "Dash the Dachshund" in 2007 but faced various life challenges that delayed its completion. "I started writing Dash the Dachshund in 2007, but like so many of us, I let life get in the way," Duty said. "Now, after years of personal growth and creative rediscovery, I am beyond excited to finally bring Dash to life and share his journey with the world." The narrative centers on themes of self-acceptance and the power of friendship, making it suitable for young readers and dachshund enthusiasts alike. The book features lively illustrations that complement its heartwarming message. Todd Stottlemyre,

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GODFREY - For those interested in the sport, gymnastics and dance are perfect pathways toward physical fitness. A great place to explore getting involved in the sport is Mid-Illinois Gymnastics and Dance. Mid-Illinois Gymnastics and Dance was established in 1969 and is the oldest private gymnastics club in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. It is the only school in the Alton/Godfrey area that has USA Gymnastics and USTA tumble teams. The school was first created by Larry and Louise Moehn at the YMCA in Alton. After four years, it was relocated to Elm Street. As the program continued to grow, it was moved to 3100 Belle Street until it transferred to the current location in 1996. As a USA GYMNASTICS CLUB, they offer graded classes on Olympic specification equipment taught by highly-qualified, safety-oriented staff. When the couple started the gym, neither had any direct experience in gymnastics and dance. Larry was a professor at SIUE in the Athletic Department. Louise was a

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ALTON – Alton City Council members have declined to grant property tax exemption to an organization operating out of a former fitness facility. According to the resolution, the city is denying the request based on a lack of knowledge about the organization or their intentions with the property. “The City of Alton has no knowledge of the current or intended actual use of the property,” the resolution states, adding the city also “has no knowledge of the recently formed alleged charity that has requested the tax-exempt status for the property.” The building in question, located at 2300 N. Henry St., was formerly home to The Max Sports , a family-focused fitness facility. The resolution authorized the city’s Corporate Counselor to intervene in the proceedings to consider the tax exemption request and oppose it at this time. The council voted 5-1 on Wednesday night to oppose the request for tax-exempt status for the property. Alderman Raymond

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic High School’s production of “Freaky Friday” premieres this weekend. You can check out this year’s musical at MCHS at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, and Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12, 2025. Madison Foreman, the Theatre and Music teacher at MCHS, expressed her pride in her students and her excitement to share the show — and its lesson about connecting across generations — with the Riverbend community. “They are doing an amazing job,” Foreman said. “That is the big message I’m trying to get across. There’s so much misunderstanding between parents and kids and just adults and teens in general, but they show it in a comedic way in the show.” There are 30 students involved in the production, including leading stars Heidi, Alyssa, Nick and Jackson. Heidi plays Ellie, the “grouchy, awkward teenager” who transforms into her mother in the “Freaky Friday”

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COLLINSVILLE – Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 announced Dr. Charity Eugea has been named principal of Maryville Elementary School beginning in the 2025-26 school year. She is currently an assistant principal at Collinsville High School. Prior to joining Collinsville CUSD 10 in 2023, Dr. Eugea was principal of Evansville Attendance Center, a small K-8 school in the Village of Evansville, part of the Sparta School District. Earlier, she was a teacher in the Waterloo School District for sixteen years, where she taught second, third and fifth grades. She is looking forward to returning to an elementary school environment. “My favorite part of returning to an elementary school is the opportunity we have at this level to develop our students’ love of learning - the chance to inspire their curiosity and foster their creativity," said Eugea. “Dr. Eugea has a passion for working with primary and elementary students and is committed to continuous growth.

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COLLINSVILLE – Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 announced Doug Kirk has been named an assistant principal for Collinsville High School beginning in the 2025-26 school year. Kirk is currently the principal of Maryville Elementary School. He will transition into the role of assistant principal at CHS next year to gain administrative experience at the secondary level. “Looking ahead, my goals are to expand my leadership capabilities on a larger scale and ensure that students are prepared to handle the complexities of the world when they enter college or the workforce once they leave Collinsville High School,” said Kirk. “We are excited to welcome Mr. Kirk as a new Assistant Principal at CHS. With his extensive experience in education and passion for fostering student success, Mr. Kirk will be a valuable addition to our leadership team,” said CHS current assistant principal and principal beginning in the 25-26 school year, Bobby Wright. “W

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC)—SVAC Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and former SVAC Chair Bernie Sanders (I-VT) called for unanimous consent on the Senate Floor to pass three resolutions that would condemn the Trump Administration’s egregious cuts and firings targeting the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Veterans across the federal government. Senate Republicans blocked every single one of them. Video of Senator Duckworth’s remarks are available on her YouTube . “Two power-hungry billionaires who never served a day of their lives in uniform are taking a chainsaw to the VA, jeopardizing Veterans’ care as well as firing Veterans by the thousands,” said Duckworth. “And, by blocking our resolutions that simply condemn these reckless actions today, Republicans are once again cheering on Donald Trump

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ALTON/COTTAGE HILLS - The Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation will host their annual Ribbons of Strength fundraiser to support local cancer patients. On April 26, 2025, at Grip and Sip in Cottage Hills, community members are invited to enjoy a virtual golf scramble, raffles and more. They can also order a purple “ribbon” — a vinyl banner — with a message to commemorate a loved one who is fighting or who has passed from cancer. All proceeds from the event go to AMH’s charitable funds to help patients pay bills and manage the costs of their diagnosis. “We all know someone. Unfortunately, cancer has affected us all in some way, shape or form,” explained Shannon Fraley, who helped organize the Ribbons of Strength event. “We try to take a little bit of the financial stress off of them so they can use the energy they have to focus on their treatments and getting better.” The Ribbons of Strength fundraiser encourages people

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Did you know that nearly 40 million Americans go camping each year? While this statistic highlights the popularity of the great outdoors, it also underscores a crucial point: many of those campers head into the wilderness unprepared. The difference between a memorable camping experience and a frustrating one often lies in how well you prepare ahead of time. As the warmer months approach, spring offers the perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for a successful summer camping trip. Understand Your Destination Before you pack your bags, take time to research your chosen camping location. National parks, state parks, and local campgrounds all have unique attributes that can greatly impact your camping experience. Investigate the following aspects: Terrain and Weather : Understanding the terrain helps you choose the right gear. For instance, if your destination is mountainous, sturdy hiking boots are essential. Check average temperatures and possible weather patterns to ensure yo

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April 10 is a day that has witnessed a remarkable array of events throughout history, marking significant advancements, revolutionary changes, and cultural milestones across the globe. One of the most notable events that took place on April 10 was the launch of the world’s first practical jet engine in 1939 by German engineer Hans von Ohain. This groundbreaking development revolutionized aviation and paved the way for the jet age, fundamentally changing how people travel and reshaping the dynamics of global transportation. The invention of the jet engine not only contributed to faster air travel but also had profound implications for military aviation, influencing air combat strategies in World War II and beyond. In 1963, another significant event unfolded when the USS Thresher, a nuclear-powered submarine of the United States Navy, tragically sank during deep-diving tests off the coast of Cape Cod. The loss of the Thresher, which resulted in the deaths of all 129 crew

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SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Erica Harriss and the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) are pleased to announce that more than a dozen Small Equipment Grants have been awarded to fire departments across Madison and St. Clair counties, which make up all or part of the 56th Senate District. “These departments are the backbone of emergency response in our communities,” said Senator Harriss. “This funding will help ensure they have the tools and equipment they need to respond quickly and safely. I'm proud to support the brave men and women who protect us every day.” 2025 Small Equipment Grant Recipients Include: Madison County: Long Lake Fire Protection District – $25,965 Mitchell Fire Protection District – $26,000 Fosterburg Fire Protection District – $8,684 Roxana Fire Department – $25,149 Alton Fire Department – $26,000 Worden Fire Protection District – $26,000 Hartford Fire Department – $26,000

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