As the chill of winter settles in and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like curling up by the fire with a good book. The holiday season offers a perfect opportunity to dive into stories that capture the spirit of the season, evoke nostalgia, or transport you to magical worlds. This article explores some of the best holiday books to read by the fire, providing a mix of classic tales, contemporary novels, and heartwarming narratives that will enhance your holiday experience. Classic Holiday Tales 1. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens No holiday reading list is complete without Charles Dickens’ timeless novella, A Christmas Carol . This story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miser who is transformed by the visits of three ghosts on Christmas Eve, is a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion and generosity. The rich imagery and memorable characters create a vivid atmosphere that captures the essence of Victorian Christmas celebrations. This tale is not jus
December 17 holds a special place in the annals of history, marked by incredible events that have influenced our world in various ways. One of the most impactful events that occurred on December 17 was the Wright brothers' first powered flight in 1903. The Wright brothers made their first powered flight on December 17, 1903, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, which revolutionized transportation and laid the groundwork for modern aviation. This extraordinary achievement not only changed the way we travel but also had a lasting impact on global commerce, warfare, and tourism. Fast forward to December 17, 1967, when the first episode of the beloved animated television special, 'The Magic of Christmas,' aired. This program captured the hearts of families and became a staple of holiday traditions in many households. It showcased the potential of animation as a powerful storytelling medium and paved the way for future animated specials that continue to delight audiences today. Another noteworthy
Homicide detectives are investigating a shooting that left a man dead on December 16 in North Riverfront. At approximately 7:34 p.m., officers received a call for a shooting at 65 Angelica. They located an unknown man, in his 20s, dead from multiple gunshot wounds. EMS was on scene and pronounced the man. This is an […]
EDWARDSVILLE - The impressive work of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Trish Oberweis, PhD, professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) Department of Criminal Justice Studies, has earned her the 2025 Paul Simon Outstanding Teacher-Scholar Award . “I am honored to be counted in this esteemed group of award winners!” Oberweis said, of the University’s well-regarded and highly competitive award. The SIUE Graduate School annually presents the award to a tenured faculty member who has a proven record of combining scholarship and teaching. The recognition demonstrates the belief that to be a good teacher, one must also be a good scholar. Award recipients have made significant contributions to original research or creative activities and have successfully integrated those contributions into their teaching practices. Oberweis, who began working as an assistant professor in 2002 at SIUE, has always incorporated her research experiences
PONTOON BEACH - As part of a multi-phase effort to enhance the bus rider experience, Madison County Transit (MCT) is rolling out an exciting new system known as Computer-Aided Dispatch / Automated Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL). Last week, new solar-powered, digital display signs were installed at 31 bus stops throughout Madison County. The screens are ruggedized, all-weather, 13-inch, “e-ink” digital screens that display real-time next bus arrival information for the locations where they are installed. Passengers can walk up to a stop and learn (in real time) the bus routes that serve that location and when the next bus is coming. These e-ink (also known as e-paper) digital signs reflect light like a sheet of paper and, unlike other types of digital screens, have the same appearance as paper, so as not to be a visual deterrent or distraction to motorists and neighbors. The technology also consumes less energy. Much larger 32-inch e-ink digital displays with the same next-bus
In the Spirit of the Season, FOX 2 and St. Louis 11 have teamed up with KHAOS Inc. to raise awareness and funds for the great work they do in catalyzing change in mental health for communities and families impacted by toxic and traumatic stress.
ALTON - The great American Bald Eagle winter migration is almost here and southwest Illinois is ready and waiting. The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau is hosting a party honoring these iconic birds in downtown Alton on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, launching the official start of Eagle Season. The free Annual Alton Eagle Ice Festival will be held Jan. 4, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at FLOCK Food Truck Park in downtown Alton along the banks of the Mississippi River. Eagle focused activities will also be held at the Audubon Center at Riverlands and the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton. “Eagle Fest is a great way to kick off Eagle Season and gives people the chance to celebrate the return of American Bald Eagles to the region for winter,” said Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. “This is a very popular festival with the visiting public and is an opportunity for people to travel throughout the Alton area and enjoy a wide variety of
The private, Jesuit university said it has appointed Edward Feser, currently provost and executive vice president of Oregon State University, as its 34th president.
The man they shot, Je'von Henderson, survived after being hit seven times, including in the abdomen, leg and shoulder. Surgeons removed one of his lungs after a bullet punctured it.
ST. LOUIS - Jonathan Williams, who serves his community of Cahokia Heights, Illinois, as a police officer and mental health advocate. After he and his academy classmates suffered the loss of one of their own, Jonathan makes it a priority to reach out to the community about mental health awareness! Prior to being a Cahokia Heights police officer, Jonathan was a juvenile [...]
Kenneth Roumpos has resigned and will switch to the Kirkwood School District next year after leading Francis Howell for nearly three years as superintendent.
The Department of Homeland Security knows which countries SS7 attacks are primarily originating from. Others include countries in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
ST. LOUIS - Police are asking for help from the public as they are trying to identify and arrest a man in connection to a stabbing downtown St. Louis. According to police, the incident happened on Dec. 6 on Hadley Street. The victim, a 43-year-old man, told police the suspect approached him and asked him [...]
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - Two people were injured following a shooting in Webster Groves Monday evening. According to Webster Groves Police, the shooting happened around 8 p.m. Monday evening at Ivory Crockett Park. The victims went to the hospital where they're being treated. The conditions of the victims are unknown. Investigators are still looking [...]
Members of Kansas’ congressional delegation celebrated the federal government’s decision Monday to remove a proposed electric transmission line route from a program offering assistance for power infrastructure projects. But the project will still move forward. The U.S. Department of Energy earlier this year announced a list of preliminary “National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors” to offer […]
For the better part of the last thirty years, telecom giants and “free market” libertarian think tanks have told anybody who’d listen that gutting regulatory oversight of the U.S. wireless and broadband markets would result in near-Utopian outcomes across innovation and competition. Instead, the reduction in both competition and real oversight resulted in regional telecom […]
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