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ST. LOUIS - It’s been 30 years since the iconic show FRIENDS first aired, and this November, the American Red Cross is asking donors to gather their friends and be there for patients by making a blood or platelet donation. Festive activities and busy calendars this time of year can disrupt normal routines, leading to a Dr.op in blood donation appointments. Eligible individuals are encouraged to make donating blood a priority, especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets. To celebrate 30 years of FRIENDS, all who come to give Nov. 18 - Dec. 8, 2024 will receive two pairs of custom FRIENDS + Red Cross socks, while supplies last, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products. Donors can keep a pair and gift a pair! For more details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Friends . In the spirit of FRIENDSgiving, donors can give with meaning. Those wishing to help patients make memories this holiday season can book a blood or platelet donation appointment

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ST. LOUIS — ’Tis the season at the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch ! Back by popular demand, the PJ’s and Pancakes with Santa cruises return alongside holiday dinner cruises and private holiday charters. The Riverboats are excited to announce a brand-new Caroling with Santa cruise this year. “We’re decking the halls because the holiday season is coming to the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch.” said Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multi-Modal Enterprises, Bi-State Development. “Whether you’re looking for a festive, family-friendly outing or a memorable holiday party experience unlike any other, we’re thrilled to set the scene for memories that will last a lifetime.” Cruise reservations are required and can be made by calling 1-877-982-1410 or booking online at gatewayarch.com/buy-tickets . PJ’s and Pancakes with Santa Santa Claus is cruising to town! This holiday season, bring the whole family

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WOOD RIVER - Riverbend Family Ministries (RFM) is proud to announce the outstanding success of its Annual Fundraising Banquet, “Soaring to New Heights: Uplifting Our Community.” Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of their supporters, donors, and sponsors, RFM surpassed its fundraising goal of $130,000. As contributions continue to come in, the current total stands at $136,414. The event, held to strengthen RFM’s capacity to provide crucial services to children, youth, and families in crisis, was a powerful testament to the collective spirit of the community. Every dollar raised ensures that RFM can continue its mission of offering support such as trauma-informed counseling, educational programs, housing assistance, and more, uplifting individuals and empowering them to face life’s challenges with hope. “We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the support that made this event such a resounding success,” said Rachael Craddick, Fund Development Director

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) will host “BLACK — A Celebration of Black Research” on February 19, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Morris University Center Conference Center. The event aims to honor and promote research focused on Black scholarship and will feature the debut of a documentary alongside a preview of a forthcoming book by Dr. Timothy E. Lewis, an associate professor of political science and director of Black Studies at SIUE. The celebration is organized by a coalition that includes the Department of Political Science, the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office, the SIUE Graduate School, the Black Faculty and Staff Association, the Kimmel Belonging and Engagement HUB, University Marketing and Communications, and the Division for Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Dr. Lewis, the first Black professor to achieve tenure in the SIUE Department of Political Science, will be joined by notable speakers including

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COLUMBIA, Ill. - The Illinois State Fire Marshal has launched an investigation following the discovery of a deceased individual inside a home that caught fire on Saturday afternoon. Emergency responders from the Columbia Fire Protection District received a call about a structure fire at approximately 12:32 p.m. in the 1200 block of Mule Road. Reports indicated that a person was trapped inside the building as firefighters were en route to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters faced significant challenges due to intense heat and flames, which initially hindered their entry into the structure. After working to bring the fire under control, crews were able to enter the building, where they located the victim. The identity of the deceased has not yet been released. Due to the fatality, the investigation has been turned over to the state fire marshal. Firefighters from Dupo, Millstadt, and Prairie du Pont provided assistance to Columbia firefighters during the incident. The cause of the

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ALTON — Three individuals were injured in a shooting incident late Friday night at a residence in the 1000 block of Tremont Street in Alton, prompting a multi-agency response from local law enforcement. The Alton Police Department received reports of gunfire around 11:42 p.m. on Nov. 15, 2024. Upon arrival, officers confirmed that three subjects had sustained gunshot wounds while inside the home. The suspects had fled the scene prior to the police's arrival and have not yet been located. Emergency medical personnel from the Alton Fire Department treated the injured individuals at the scene. Two of the victims were subsequently transported to local hospitals for further medical care, while the third was taken to a hospital in the St. Louis area. According to police, none of the injuries appear to be life-threatening. Preliminary investigations indicate that the residence was specifically targeted, suggesting that this was not a random act of violence. The investigation is

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BELLEVILLE - It’s the holiday season and for some families in Southern Illinois and the Metro East area, getting gifts under a Christmas tree is not always a given. Caritas Family Solutions, a nonprofit human services agency, is encouraging people to sponsor children through its Secret Santa program, which is expected to help provide gifts for nearly 1,400 children this year. Abbey Turner, an Administrative Manager Supervisor who manages the program, has been with the agency since 2018. Her parents were foster parents during her childhood so helping youth in care has been close to her heart for a long time. She said she knows very well how valuable the support of a community is for programs like these. “We simply can't make this program happen without the generosity of people in our community,” said Turner. “Our kids receive really special gifts from people who are looking to help fill a need. By giving them the gift they want, we are providing them with a sense

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ALTON - 25 years ago, the December edition of "The Old Cathedral" Saints Peter and Paul parish newspaper was able to predict the future when it ended an article about the very first Christmas Bazaar with the following: "Before the day was over dozens of people had begun talking about the Second Annual Old Cathedral Christmas Bazaar. The thought of this becoming a tradition in our Parish, was perhaps as gratifying as the end result of the initial event." Little did they know that the tradition would carry on for 25 years. Plans are currently underway for the 25th annual Christmas Bazaar to be held at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Alton on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. With the exception of the COVID year, this marks the 25th consecutive year for the Bazaar. The Bazaar vendors, bake sell, breakfast and lunch and other activities are held in the gymnasium behind the church while the school building is used for display of the Granny’s Attic merchandise. The Bazaar

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SPRINGFIELD – With the days growing shorter and temperatures gradually getting colder, the public is being reminded that it’s time for “Winter Weather – Get it Together.” The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and Illinois Tollway are prepared for whatever snow-and-ice season has in store, but also are asking you to get ready for winter travel over the coming months. “The unseasonable weather might mean snow and ice are the furthest from your mind, but conditions will change very soon. You don’t want to be caught by surprise and unprepared,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman . “Our team at IDOT spends the entire year getting ready for winter by bringing in extra help, stocking up on materials and making sure our equipment is ready to go. By doing your part now, we can ‘Get it together’ and make this the safest winter ever on Illinois roads.” Now is a crucial time to

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ALTON, — Three individuals were shot inside a residence in the 1000 block of Tremont on Friday night, prompting a multi-agency response to assist the Alton Police Department. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victims inside the home. The Alton Fire Department provided immediate medical assistance before all three were transported to local hospitals, with at least one victim requiring airlift to a medical facility. Agencies including the Madison County Sheriff's Office,Illinois State Police, Wood River, East Alton, Hartford, and Granite City Police Departments were also present at the scene and at the hospitals, aiding in the response efforts. The Alton Police Investigation Unit is currently leading the investigation into the shooting. As of now, details regarding the number of shooters and their descriptions remain unclear. Authorities have indicated that more information will be released as it becomes available.

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated a traffic crash in East St. Louis involving an ISP squad car hit by an intoxicated driver who failed to move over. At 9:34 p.m. on Nov. 14, 2024, at approximately 9:34 p.m., an ISP trooper activated their emergency lights and parked their marked squad car on the left shoulder of Interstate 55 northbound at milepost 1.9 near East Broadway to assist with a crash that had just occurred. Around 10:05 p.m., a gray Chevrolet truck failed to move over, drove onto the left shoulder, and struck the rear of the parked squad car. Fortunately, the trooper was not inside the squad car when it was hit. Due to the extensive damage, the squad car had to be towed from the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet was identified as 40-year-old Omar Castillo Loera of Alamo, Texas. ISP issued Castillo citations for the Move Over Law – Failure to Yield to Stationary Emergency Vehicle, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol,

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ST. LOUIS - Aerospace firm Boeing, a major employer in the St. Louis region, has begun issuing layoff notices to 111 mechanics, according to a spokesperson from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). The layoffs are part of a broader effort by the company to address ongoing production delays with its high-profile 777X commercial jet. The affected workers received a 60-day warning notice, which indicates that they will continue to be paid through January 17. This decision comes amid Boeing's announcement that it plans to reduce its global workforce by approximately 10% as it grapples with the challenges associated with the 777X program. IAM officials noted that most of the St. Louis-area employees facing layoffs were directly involved in the production of the 777X jet. The delays in this program have prompted the company to reassess its staffing needs in the region. Boeing has not provided specific reasons for the production delays, but the company's

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WOOD RIVER — Jayla Cartright, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, has been named a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for East Alton-Wood River High School for her outstanding contributions to the volleyball team. Cartright, recognized for her role as a middle hitter, has been playing volleyball for several years. She credits the sport with instilling in her the importance of teamwork. “The most important quality volleyball has given me is teamwork. It is important to have good relationships with your teammates for the whole team's success, and it makes it more fun,” she said. Her coach, Bethany Billingsley, has played a significant role in her athletic development, fostering an environment where players can thrive. “I would like to mention my mom; she has always been really supportive of things I want to do,” Cartright added, acknowledging the support from her family. In addition to volleyball, Cartright also plays defens

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ALTON - Rose Brangenberg, a senior at Marquette Catholic High School, has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the girls' volleyball team. Brangenberg's accolades include being named to the All Conference - 1st Team and being honored as the Most Valuable Teammate. She has also served as co-captain throughout her high school volleyball career. Rose is a Tucker's Automotive & Repair Female Athlete of the Month for the Explorers. Brangenberg began playing volleyball at the age of 7 with her mother in their backyard, and her passion for the sport has only grown since. "I’ve always enjoyed learning how to play different positions and practicing to improve my overall game," she said. She emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, "I value many great friendships made over the years, and being a part of a team, working together toward a common goal." Her coaches, Mark Ellebracht, Michelle Davenport, and Emma Deist, have played a significant role in her development

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SPRINGFIELD – Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton and First Lady MK Pritzker completed a series of state-run facility visits, concluding with yesterday's tour of the Cook County Jail Women's Division. These visits, which included tours of the Justice in the Community and Fox Valley Adult Transition Center, demonstrate their shared commitment to understanding issues and improving conditions for women impacted by the criminal legal system. "Strengthening support services for justice-involved women creates positive ripple effects for their children and our Illinois communities," said First Lady MK Pritzker . "Through rehabilitation programs and support services, we can help ensure every woman has the resources and opportunities needed for a successful future." The tours included meetings with key staff, facility walkthroughs, and roundtable discussions with residents to learn about the programs and services offered. Through the First Lady's office systems change work, the women's

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ST. LOUIS — A 16-year-old boy has been identified as the victim of a homicide that occurred on November 14, 2024, in South County. Logan Snyder, who resided in the 400 block of W. Ripa Avenue in St. Louis, was found unresponsive at the intersection of Regina Avenue and Horn Avenue. The St. Louis County Police Department responded to a call for service at approximately 4:53 p.m. on November 14, where officers discovered Snyder suffering from apparent life-threatening gunshot injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is ongoing, with detectives from the Bureau of Crimes Against Persons actively pursuing leads. Authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. Those wishing to remain anonymous may reach out to CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477). Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

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ALTON — The bravery and dedication of local first responders were honored at the 2024 Alton Area Optimist First Responders Award Celebration. The event recognized the exemplary service of police officers and firefighters from Alton and Godfrey, showcasing the impact these individuals have on their communities. The ceremony, organized by the Alton Area Optimists, took place in Alton, where attendees expressed gratitude and reflected on the vital roles first responders play in ensuring public safety. “We are proud to celebrate the outstanding men and women who go above and beyond to protect and serve our community every day,” said a representative from the organizing committee. Awards were presented to several honorees, including Officer Allen Averbeck from the Alton Police Department, Detective Sergeant Andy Johnson from the Madison County Sheriff's Office, and multiple members of the Alton and Godfrey fire departments. The recipients included Captain Donald

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O'FALLON — The O'Fallon Police Department is gearing up for its annual Breakfast with Santa event, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. In preparation for the festivities, members of the Metro Alliance FC visited the department to assist with crafting items for the occasion. The collaboration underscores the community spirit that the event aims to foster. The police department expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting the importance of local partnerships in enhancing community events. As the date approaches, the department looks forward to welcoming families and creating a festive atmosphere for attendees.

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ELSAH - Members of the First Church of Christ, Scientist invite the community to join them for their Thanksgiving service. On Nov. 28, 2024, all three area First Church of Christ, Scientist locations will hold a Thanksgiving service. Located at 53 Lasalle Street in Elsah, the Elsah church will begin service at 10:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving. The Jerseyville location (1118 S. Liberty Street in Jerseyville) and the Godfrey location (1430 W. Delmar Avenue in Godfrey) will start their services at 10 a.m. “Thanksgiving as a holiday, if you look at it historically, it’s about giving gratitude to God,” Roger Gordon said. “Whatever your faith background, we would love to welcome you on Thanksgiving. Let’s give gratitude to God together.” Gordon, a fourth-generation Christian Scientist, serves as the chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life at Principia College. He said that his family loves attending the Elsah church, where his wife is a reader. H

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BELLEVILLE - Belleville Township High School District 201's Director of Technology, Curtis McKay, participated as a panelist at the Tech Leader Summit during the Illinois Education and Technology Conference. The event took place recently, bringing together education technology leaders from across the state to address current topics and challenges in the field. McKay's involvement in the summit highlights the district's commitment to integrating technology into education. The conference served as a platform for discussing advancements and best practices, with a focus on enhancing educational outcomes through innovative tech solutions. The Illinois Education and Technology Conference is a key event for educators and technology professionals, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas aimed at improving educational environments.

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