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CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with Representative Matthew Cartwright (D-PA-8), today sent a letter to Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona urging him to include additional data on the diversity of the educator workforce in the annual Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC). Maintaining a diverse educator workforce has shown to improve outcomes for all students. “The Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) is a valuable tool to measure whether students have equal access to educational opportunities, including a high-quality, diverse educator workforce. Yet, there is no permanent national mechanism to collect teacher and principal data at the school district-level. We urge the Department of Education (Department) to collect data on teacher and principal demographics and teacher certification similar to our Strengthening Educator Workforce Data Act (S.3736 / H.R.7250) in the 2025-26 CRDC and 2027-28 surveys,” the lawmakers wrote. In their letter,

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator and pilot Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—Chair of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation—led a subcommittee hearing focused on the challenges facing our passenger aviation system amid the busy holiday travel season, where she underscored the urgent need to invest in updated air traffic control (ATC) systems and equipment to prevent near-misses and protect the flying public. This hearing comes amid the chilling surge in near-deadly close calls involving commercial airlines that is adding serious pressure to our aviation workforce and putting the safety of the flying public at risk, and after the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a September report that determined a significant amount of ATC equipment was outdated, unsustainable and in urgent need of modernization. Full videos of Senator Duckworth’s opening remarks and questions are available

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EDWARDSVILLE — The aisles of Target in Edwardsville buzzed with excitement Saturday morning, Dec. 14, 2024, as local police officers partnered with children from 14 families for the annual Christmas with a Cop shopping event. Organized by the Edwardsville Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 244, the initiative has provided holiday cheer for at least 15 years. Approximately 30 children participated in this year's event, which aims to ensure that families in need enjoy a special holiday season. In addition to shopping for gifts, each family received food baskets and a box of household goods, thanks to the support of local businesses and community members. The event began with a breakfast gathering at a nearby Chick-fil-A, where participants fueled up before heading to Target in a police convoy, complete with sirens and lights. Officers and their families assisted the children in wrapping presents after their shopping spree. The Edwardsville FOP Lodge 244 expressed gratitude

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GRANITE CITY — More than 40 children in Granite City experienced an early holiday celebration during the annual Shop with a Hero event on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. The program pairs students with local first responders, allowing them to select gifts while creating lasting memories. Participants enjoyed rides in a police car, fire truck, or ambulance to Walmart, where they picked out gifts. Following their shopping spree, families gathered at Township Hall for a meal provided by St. John UCC Granite City. The event aims to foster positive relationships between youth and first responders while providing children with a festive experience during the holiday season. This year’s event highlighted the community’s commitment to supporting its youth and promoting goodwill. Photos from the event were taken by Chris Mitchell and BC Photography, capturing the joyous moments shared between the children and their heroic shopping partners. With first responders as their

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The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, for many, a whirlwind of shopping. Whether you're buying gifts for family and friends or preparing for festive gatherings, staying organized during this busy time can make your experience much more enjoyable and less stressful. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the complexities of holiday shopping with ease and efficiency. Start Early One of the most effective ways to stay organized during holiday shopping is to start early. The earlier you begin, the more time you have to plan, shop, and find the best deals. Here are some tips to get started: Set a Timeline : Create a shopping timeline starting from the beginning of November. Mark important dates such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and any specific events where gifts will be exchanged. Make a List : Write down everyone you need to shop for along with gift ideas. This not only helps you stay focused but also prevents impulse buying. Consider using a digital note-taking

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As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of gift-giving fills the air. While choosing the perfect present is essential, wrapping it beautifully can enhance the overall experience for both the giver and the receiver. Gift wrapping can be an art form, and with a little creativity and some practical tips, you can transform even the simplest gifts into stunning surprises. This article will explore various techniques, materials, and ideas to elevate your holiday gift wrapping game. Selecting the Right Materials Wrapping Paper Choosing the right wrapping paper is fundamental to creating a visually appealing gift. There are various types of wrapping paper available, including: Traditional Paper : Classic and versatile, traditional wrapping paper comes in numerous patterns and colors. Opt for festive designs, such as snowflakes, ornaments, or holiday motifs. Brown Kraft Paper : This eco-friendly option is perfect for a rustic look. You can personalize it with stamps, drawings,

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As the holiday season approaches, many of us feel the urge to transform our homes into warm, inviting spaces that reflect the joy of the season. While store-bought decorations can be appealing, creating your own DIY holiday decorations can add a personal touch that makes your home feel even more special. In this article, we will explore a variety of creative, easy-to-execute DIY decoration ideas that can enhance your home’s festive ambiance. Embrace Nature with Holiday Wreaths One of the most popular DIY projects for the holiday season is crafting a festive wreath. Wreaths are versatile decorations that can be hung on doors, walls, or even used as centerpieces. Materials Needed: A wire wreath frame or a sturdy base made of branches Greenery (evergreen boughs, pine branches, or holly) Decorative elements (berries, pine cones, ribbons, or ornaments) Hot glue gun and glue sticks Wire or twine for securing items Steps: Prepare the Base : Start with your wire frame or

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December 16 is a date marked by a series of significant events that have shaped global history across various fields such as politics, science, culture, and more. One of the most impactful events on December 16 occurred in 1773 during the American Revolution. This day is famously known for the Boston Tea Party, a pivotal protest against British taxation without representation. American colonists, frustrated with the Tea Act imposed by the British Parliament, disguised themselves as Mohawk Native Americans and boarded three ships in Boston Harbor. They dumped 342 chests of tea into the water, an act of defiance that would escalate tensions between the colonies and Britain, ultimately leading to the Revolutionary War. This event symbolizes the fight for freedom and democracy, and it remains a powerful reminder of the impact of civil disobedience. Fast forward to December 16, 1944, a crucial turning point in World War II: the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge. This battle was

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GODFREY — The festive spirit was palpable Saturday morning at the Knights of Columbus in Godfrey, where families gathered for the 20th Annual Breakfast with Santa. Organized by the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council in partnership with the Village of Godfrey Parks and Recreation Department, the event attracted numerous children and their parents for a morning filled with holiday cheer. Guests enjoyed a buffet-style breakfast prepared by NickyG's Italian Eats Catering, which set the tone for the day's festivities. Zeke Jabusch, president of the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council, said: "We are happy with our showing today. This is what it is all about. It is the time of year to celebrate Merry Christmas and to all a good night. We think we have an opportunity for everyone with the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council with an entrepreneurial spirit. We try to work on projects to support the community and that is what makes the organization great. People rely on one another

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Today, we take a journey through time to explore some significant events that have shaped our world on December 14th and 15th. In the realm of politics, December 14, 1981, marked a crucial moment in Middle Eastern history when Israel annexed the Golan Heights, a territory that had been captured from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War. This controversial move was met with widespread international condemnation and was considered illegal under international law. The Golan Heights remains a disputed territory, and the annexation has had long-lasting implications for Israeli-Syrian relations, contributing to ongoing tensions in the region. Another significant event on this day took place in 2017, when the United States formally recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This announcement by President Donald Trump sparked widespread protests and condemnation from various countries and international organizations. The decision was seen as a shift in U.S. foreign policy and had profound

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ST. LOUIS – Make-A-Wish is excited to bring back The Holiday Wish Line for a second year to spread hope and joy this holiday season as part of the nonprofit’s “Wishful Giving” campaign. This special telephone hotline features uplifting, pre-recorded messages from wish kids, giving callers a burst of happiness whenever they need it until December 31. The Holiday Wish Line encourages people to take a break from their daily challenges and enjoy heartfelt messages that foster togetherness and celebrate the holiday spirit. While the holiday season can bring joy, it can also create anxiety and pressure due to societal and personal expectations for a "perfect" holiday experience. The hotline inspires a joyful season for everyone who calls. “The Holiday Wish Line was created to inspire hope and encouragement during the holiday season,” said Caroline Schmidt, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas. “There’s no one better suited

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ALTON - The first Alton Art Expo is planned for March 2025, and organizers are looking for artists. Charles Mooneyham, Stephen Scordias and Kimberlyn Renee have collaborated to create the Alton Art Expo at Milton Schoolhouse, with all proceeds going to Centerstone. Their goal is to provide a space for artists to showcase their work while raising awareness about mental health. “The hope and the idea behind the Alton Art Expo is this is where art, community and wellness will meet,” Mooneyham said. “Hopefully the art fair will serve as the bridge to connect the community to wellness through the empowerment of art. The expo is scheduled from 12–7 p.m. on March 29 and 12–5 p.m. on March 30, 2025, at Milton Schoolhouse in Alton. Mooneyham and Scordias said they hope to bring in approximately 60 artists to showcase their work. The vendor fee is $65 or $75 if two artists decide to split the booth, and this fee covers both days of the expo. Artists will

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ALTON - Jacob Warden knows sales, but he also understands the importance of helping others. Insurance, then, feels like a natural fit for him. Warden has his own Farmers Insurance storefront at 192 Alton Square Mall Drive in Alton. He builds his business around helping people understand what they’re buying and what insurance they need, and he works hard to make sure his clients are protected. “I’ve always been in sales, but I’ve also always wanted to help people,” he explained. “I feel like a lot of people with insurance just aren’t educated on what they need or what they know, and that’s kind of what I base my business around, just making sure people understand what they have and make sure they’re not overinsured or underinsured in certain areas.” Originally from Texas, Warden met his fiance, an Alton native, in Colorado. The two of them moved back to Alton during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and Warden decided to open

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GRAFTON — The Grafton community is mourning the loss of retired Police Chief Eric Spanton, who died on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow said Spanton, who battled cancer, had served as the police chief since 2017, following a distinguished 28-year career with the Illinois State Police. In November 2024, the Grafton City Council accepted the retirement of Police Chief Spanton. He also served for several years with the Jersey County Sheriff's Office. Mayor Morrow confirmed Spanton's passing, noting his profound impact on the city during his tenure. "He served in two mayoral administrations during his time in Grafton," Morrow said. "Everyone in Grafton says there will be very big shoes to fill in replacing him. Everybody in Grafton knew him." Spanton's contributions to the police department and the community were significant. His leadership helped establish a solid foundation for the department, and he was known for his proactive approach to community policing.

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BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School student Elliana Fiorino has been selected for the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-State Honors Chorus, a distinction that recognizes her as one of the top high school vocalists in the state. The announcement was made recently, highlighting her dedication and talent in music. The ILMEA All-State Honors Chorus is a prestigious group that showcases the best vocalists from across Illinois. Fiorino’s selection reflects her hard work and commitment to excellence in her craft. As a member of this elite ensemble, she will represent Civic Memorial High School at a high level, furthering her musical journey. “This remarkable achievement showcases Elliana’s dedication and talent,” said a representative from Civic Memorial High School. “We are proud to have her as part of our Eagle family.” Fiorino’s accomplishment not only underscores her individual success but also highlights the strong music

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GRAFTON – The National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) received a generous donation of $2,500 from the Grafton Whelan-Hill American Legion Post 648 on Thursday, December 12, 2024. This marks the second donation from Post 648, which was the first American Legion post to contribute to the memorial's efforts with a $2,000 donation in October 2023. The check presentation was attended by Post 648 representatives, including Commander Jon Hughes and Post Agent Ray Jolly, who expressed their unwavering support for the NMMA's mission to honor the sacrifices and legacy of U.S. veterans. In June 2024, the NMMA team briefed the American Legion State Convention on the progress and goals of the memorial. The convention passed a resolution of support, uniting all American Legion posts across Illinois in backing the NMMA. Since then, the NMMA has sent over 700 letters to posts statewide and has continued to receive donations to fund the memorial's construction and future programming. "

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BUNKER HILL — Bunker Hill Community Unit School District #8 is set to host a two-day ALICE Active Shooter Response Training course on Feb. 17 and 18, 2025, aimed at equipping participants with critical skills and strategies to enhance survivability during violent events. The training will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at Bunker Hill High School, located at 314 S. Meissner, Room #12. The ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) program focuses on preparing individuals for the critical moments between the onset of a violent incident and the arrival of law enforcement. Participants who successfully complete the course will become Certified ALICE Instructors, gaining the knowledge and resources necessary to train others in their communities. Registration for the training is available online at the following link: https://cvent.me/MlGONg?RefId=social.

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In November, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC announced Grimmway Farms started a voluntary recall of multiple sizes and brands of organic whole and baby carrots. In the same week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) alerted the public of an E. coli outbreak linked to ground beef products made by Wolverine Packing Co., based in Detroit, Michigan. Around 167,000 pounds of ground beef products were recalled. What is E. coli? Escherichia coli , commonly known as E. coli, is a bacterium with multiple strains. Humans’ microbiome can contain E. coli, specifically in our guts with stool. These are different than the strains that cause food-borne illness. Eating affected foods can lead to serious gastrointestinal illnesses, such as diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and kidney disease if the case is severe. Symptoms can start anywhere from a few days to up to nine days later, according to the FDA. Doug Kasper, MD, an infectious disease

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) questioned Postmaster General Louis DeJoy during a hearing with the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability. Budzinski pressed DeJoy about his “Delivering for America Plan,” which proposes consolidating the Champaign and Springfield Processing and Distribution Centers in Illinois. This would result in outgoing mail traveling all the way to Chicago or St. Louis before being sent to its final destination. For reference – Champaign and Chicago are over 130 miles apart; Springfield and St. Louis are about 100 miles apart. Today’s hearing is part of Budzinski’s ongoing effort to push back against USPS facility changes in Central and Southern Illinois. She has previously written to DeJoy outlining concerns with the downsizing of USPS Processing and Distribution Centers in Springfield and Champaign , Illinois and urged him to reconsider plans that would slow delivery rates

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EDWARDSVILLE - Brittany F. Peterson, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and Acting Director of the Center for Faculty Development and Innovation at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, is a featured expert in the newly released three-part docuseries titled “Why studying locusts requires integrative approaches.” The topic is locusts and Peterson’s appearance representing SIUE is part of a collaboration that includes six institutions that have contributed to this production. According to the Behavioral Plasticity Research Institute (BPRI) team, the series, presented by the BPRI and funded by the National Science Foundation, highlights the significance, progress, and impact of interdisciplinary science in unraveling complex natural phenomena. The BPRI is focused on a natural phenomenon in locusts that causes timid and solitary individuals to develop into voracious, swarming locusts. Locusts are not only fascinating becaus

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