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This Weekend in History on September 6 and 7: Mayflower Departs from England

3 months 2 weeks ago
September 6 and 7 have long been dates marked by events that have shaped the course of history across the globe. Moving back in time to 1620, September 6 marks the day when the Mayflower departed from Plymouth, England, carrying the Pilgrims to the New World. This voyage was pivotal in the foundation of what would become the United States of America. The Pilgrims' journey was not just a migration but a quest for religious freedom and self-determination, themes that continue to resonate deeply in American culture and politics. Their arrival laid the groundwork for the establishment of Plymouth Colony, one of the earliest successful English settlements in North America. Looking at global conflicts, September 6, 1939, saw the Battle of Heligoland Bight during World War II, the first major air battle between the British Royal Air Force and the German Luftwaffe. This confrontation set the tone for the aerial warfare that would dominate much of the conflict. The bravery and sacrifice displayed

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Get Ready to Unleash the Spirit during SIUE Homecoming & Family Weekend, Sept. 24-28

3 months 2 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville- SIUE will “Unleash the Spirit” during Homecoming & Family Weekend, Sept. 24–28, 2025. The annual celebration invites alumni, students, families and community members to reconnect, recharge and enjoy a weekend packed with high-energy events and time-honored traditions. “Homecoming & Family Weekend is one of my favorite times of the year,” said Cathy Taylor, associate Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and Executive Director of Alumni and Donor Relations. “It’s a chance for students, alumni, families and the community to come together, catch up and enjoy being back on campus. The weekend is full of traditions and moments that remind us why this place feels like home.” Homecoming kicks off with COUGARFEST – Rock the Quad, SIUE’s ultimate music and food truck festival, set for Friday, Sept. 26 from 7–10 p.m. on the Stratton Quad. Guests can enjoy live

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Opinion: Constitution Day Observance Lags in Most U.S. Schools

3 months 2 weeks ago
Letter to the Editor: With so much troubling news on the national stage, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. One person alone cannot shift the tide against powerful institutions that seem to subvert liberty at every turn. But that doesn’t mean we are powerless. Each of us can still take meaningful action. This September, we have an opportunity. September 17 is Constitution Day, marking the signing of the United States Constitution in 1787. Federal law requires that every educational institution receiving federal funds provide a program on the Constitution for students on this day. Unfortunately, research shows that nearly 90% of schools fail to comply. Our children are too often deprived of even a basic understanding of the foundation of our government and our republic. I urge readers to take one simple step: call your local school principals. Remind them of their legal duty to observe Constitution Day, and don’t go empty-handed—share helpful, nonpartisan resources

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Alton Pride Festival Promises Fun and Visibility

3 months 2 weeks ago
ALTON - Alton Pride’s Festival is next weekend, and the organization couldn’t be more excited. The fourth annual pride festival, hosted by Alton Pride, will feature vendors, food trucks, drag shows, live music and additional fun from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in downtown Alton on Belle Street. Kole Harre, a board member with Alton Pride, noted that the free festival is growing “a little bit bigger each year,” and they are excited for another fun day. “Visibility is huge,” Harre said. “That’s one of our three pillars. Community and connection are two of the three. Making sure people know that they’re supported, there are people out there like them — it’s definitely the visibility of it. Bringing people together, that’s our main goal.” The festivities kick off at 11 a.m. at the main stage in front of Bubby and Sissy’s in Alton. Mayor David Goins will give a brief speech, an

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Madison County Drivers Face Ramp Closure on I-270 to Illinois 111

3 months 2 weeks ago
PONTOON BEACH – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that in addition to the ongoing closure of Illinois 111 at Interstate 270 in Madison County, a full closure of the ramp from eastbound I-270 to southbound Illinois 111 will begin, weather permitting, Tuesday, Sept. 9. This closure is expected to last approximately 14 days as part of the I-270/Illinois 111 interchange reconstruction project. The posted detour for the ramp closure is as follows: Eastbound I-270 to southbound I-255, then westbound Illinois 162 to Illinois 111. Work on the entire interchange is anticipated to be completed by the end of October. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during these closures. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone.

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Haskell Playhouse Invites Community to Season's Final Open House

3 months 2 weeks ago
ALTON - The Lucy Haskell Playhouse has several exciting events planned for the next few months. Located at 1211 Henry Street in Alton, the Haskell Playhouse is on the National Register of Historic Places. From 10–11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, kids can enjoy a story hour with the Hayner Public Library District at the playhouse. Then, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, the playhouse will host their final open house of the season complete with games, a touch-a-truck, and more fun. “We’re doing a first responders day, a special day to thank our first responders and our community heroes,” explained Margaret Hopkins. “We want to pack the park with lots of inquisitive children and thankful people. We’ll have a firetruck, an ambulance, and a police car there for the kids to explore. Those officers and fire people and ambulance people will be there to answer questions for the kids. And then they can come into the playhouse an

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YouthBuild Students Build/Donate Little Art and Book Libraries

3 months 2 weeks ago
ALTON – In conjunction with Hayner Library and the Jacoby Arts Center, YouthBuild/AmeriCorps students from Lewis and Clark Community College’s Adult Education program built and delivered new Little Art and Book Libraries to the Jacoby Arts Center on Aug. 29, 2025. Each library was designed and hand-painted by local artists. Students built a total of five Little Libraries, with the others going to Alton Boys and Girls Club, Olin Park, Milton Schoolhouse and Alton City Hall. Pictured are Justin McBride, Max Fickle, Kevin Slack III, Cody Revelle, Max Bertschi, Aaden Curry, Myles Fickle, Dallas Hornsey, Colton Kennedy, Daymon Kirk, Rickie Price, Hunter Rezabek, Kaden Thompson, Logan Vogt, Kristopher Williamson, Leif Zarger, Hayner Library Reference Services Manager and Jacoby Arts Center Board Member Johanna Schultis, Jacoby Arts Center Community Development Director Rachel Lappin and Jacoby Arts Center volunteer Casey Buss.

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Illinois State Police Reminds Drivers And Farmers About Safely Sharing The Roads This Harvest Season

3 months 2 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is reminding motorists and farmers about traffic safety on Illinois roadways this fall. Agriculture is one of the leading industries in Illinois and farmers across the state will be moving equipment along roadways throughout the upcoming months. As farmers travel between fields, ISP reminds motorists and farmers alike to share the road to help reduce crashes involving tractors and other farm equipment. ISP encourages motorists to follow these safe driving tips this harvest season. Share the road and be patient. Allow for extra travel time. Increase following distance to improve sight lines when driving behind wide, slow-moving vehicles. Reduce speed when encountering farm equipment on public roads. Flashing amber lights mean ‘caution’ and orange and red reflective triangles warn motorists that farm equipment travels at slower speeds. It is illegal to pass in a no passing lane or within 100 feet of an intersection,

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