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SIUE's Nicole Franklin and her Mother, SIUE Alumna Irene Franklin, Illuminate Pages of American History in Delightful New Children’s Picture Book

3 months 1 week ago
EDWARDSVILLE - The reading voices ran the scale from sounding strong to resolute, excited to pensive, and were punctuated with masterful and melodious tunes along the way. They relayed an old, important American story with a new twist, as told through the words of a fictious child and her grandmother. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Communications Director Nicole Franklin and her mother, SIUE alumna Irene Franklin , captivated an audience with the reading of their book, “ Ella’s Sunday Song ,” on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in the University’s Lovejoy Library. Earlier that morning, the Franklins visited the SIUE Early Childhood Center to share their story. “Ella’s Sunday Song” is a children’s picture book introducing the Spiritual, a musical artform that emerged from centuries of slavery in the United States,” informed Franklin. Accompanying the Franklins, by singing the Black spiritual, “Steal Away (Steal Away

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Illinois Unemployment Rate Down, Jobs Nearly Unchanged in February

3 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate fell -0.1 percentage point to 4.8 percent in February, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised January unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.9 percent. The Illinois unemployment rate was down -0.1 percentage point from a year ago when it was 4.9 percent. The national unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in February, up +0.1 percentage point from the previous month, making the state’s unemployment +0.7 percentage point higher than the national unemployment rate. Illinois nonfarm payrolls remained nearly unchanged in February at -6,500 (-0.1%), while the January monthly change in payrolls was revised from -1,100 to -4,400. The industry sectors with over-the-month job increases included: Construction (+2,900), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+2,300), and Professional and Business Services (+1,900). The industry

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Police investigating teen shot in Baden neighborhood

3 months 1 week ago
ST. LOUIS – An 18-year-old man is recovering after being shot in the Baden neighborhood early Saturday morning. The shooting happened on Switzer Avenue off Christian Avenue. When officers arrived, they found the victim in the backyard of his home suffering from gunshot wounds to his lower body. The teen told police he was standing [...]
Jaime Travers

Granite City High School Showcases Student Talent In Drama With IHSA Sectional Championship

3 months 1 week ago
GRANITE CITY - Granite City High School's Drama Series One-Act Play cast and crew have achieved a significant milestone, winning first place at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Sectional for their performance of the stage play "Almost, Maine." The team is set to advance to the State Final, which will take place in Oak Lawn, on March 28, 2025. This opportunity marks an important moment for the students involved, showcasing their dedication and talent in the performing arts. The success at the sectional level highlights the commitment of the Granite City School District #9 to fostering artistic expression and providing students with a platform to showcase their skills.

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Rare Gold Coins, Piece of Joe DiMaggio's Bat Part of Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs I-CASH Auction

3 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD - An 1881 U.S. $10 gold coin, an 18-karat yellow gold chain link bracelet, and a baseball card with a piece of Joe DiMaggio’s bat are among the unclaimed property items being auctioned online from March 28 through April 6, 2025. The spring online auction also includes vintage pocket watches, currency notes from various countries, and 25 1 oz. 999 fine silver rounds. “Our online auction is open to everyone --- not just collectors. It’s a convenient way for people to shop for their personal collection or find a one-of-a-kind gift, like a piece of a Joe DiMaggio baseball bat,” said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose office oversees unclaimed property in Illinois. A total of 100 lots will be auctioned, some featuring multiple items. To view auction items, go to the catalog on the HiBid website. Prospective bidders first must sign up on HiBid and create an account. There are a couple of ways to do this. One is to go to hibid.com

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Collinsville Police Honor Officers for Exemplary Community Service

3 months 1 week ago
COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department in Illinois has recognized two officers for their exemplary service through the Officer of the Month award. Officer Trent Ross received the honor for January 2025, while Officer Brian Joy was acknowledged for February 2025. Both officers were commended for their commitment to proactive policing, a key principle of the department's approach to law enforcement. The department highlighted the collaborative efforts of Officer Ross and his K9 partner, who contributed significantly to his success in the field. The Collinsville Police Department expressed gratitude for the dedication shown by both officers in serving the community. The recognition serves to emphasize the importance of teamwork and community-oriented policing within the department.

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Dave Wilson Shares Views on God's Blessings

3 months 1 week ago
ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , Dave Wilson encouraged people to realize that God’s blessing is right in front of them. Wilson noted that God is present in everyone’s life. He believes that God is with us even — or especially — during difficult times, and every challenge is a blessing in disguise. God has a plan for all of us, and Wilson encourages people to trust in Him. “None of this takes away from my blessings. My blessings are for me and in front of me at all times,” he said. “God wants nothing more from each and every one of us but to take a step in the right direction and show up. Every moment that we show up, our blessing lies directly in front of us.” Wilson, who owns Wilson Tree Service in Godfrey, shared that he recently spent $11,000 repairing a chipper that then completely broke down three months later. Instead of getting frustrated or upset, Wilson turne

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Spring Into Wellness With Nutritious Dairy Foods

3 months 1 week ago
Spring into Healthy Habits with Dairy Spring is an inspiring time of rebirth and renewal. As nature wakes up from winter, St. Louis District Dairy Council encourages you to take a fresh look at your self-care routine. With the colder months behind us, it makes sense to explore new ways to improve your health and wellness. It may be as easy as adding outdoor physical activity to enjoy the warmer weather or adjusting your afternoon snack choices. So, celebrate the change of seasons and spring into health this month with simple changes. Rethink your diet Spring is all about new beginnings, fresh starts and hope for new opportunities. It is also the perfect time to take a closer look at eating habits to improve health. Focus on foods that nourish your body like yogurt parfaits with berries, omelets with vegetables and cheese, and salads with fresh produce. As you welcome the new season, take an inventory of food shopping habits as well. Spend more time in the produce section and select

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Severe storms possible Sunday, much cooler into the work week

3 months 1 week ago
Ongoing rain and a few thunderstorms continue toward the metro. How long this rain lasts and how far east they make it will directly impact what happens later with additional thunderstorm development. The cold front will continue to push east through our region and as our atmosphere destabilizes a bit later, storms will redevelop. These [...]
Jaime Travers

This Day in History: Exploring History: March 30th Through the Ages - From World Events to Cultural Milestones

3 months 1 week ago
March 30th has witnessed numerous significant events throughout history, spanning various fields including politics, science, culture, and more. As we delve into the annals of history, let’s explore some of the notable occurrences that took place on this day, showcasing the rich tapestry of human achievements and challenges. The Global Impact of the 1979 Three Mile Island Incident One of the most pivotal events in the history of energy production and nuclear safety occurred on March 30, 1979, when the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania experienced a partial meltdown. This incident marked the most serious accident in U.S. commercial nuclear power plant history and raised significant concerns about the safety of nuclear energy. The reactor's cooling system failed, leading to a release of radioactive gases, though no injuries or deaths were reported. The aftermath of the incident led to widespread public fear about nuclear energy and spurred significant regulatory

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Unlocking Creativity: Exploring Unique Hobbies to Embrace This Spring

3 months 1 week ago
Did you know that engaging in creative hobbies can significantly boost your mental health, increasing feelings of happiness and even reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression? According to various studies, creative expression can lead to higher levels of dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter, enhancing our overall well-being. As we seek ways to enrich our lives, why not dive into a creative hobby that not only cultivates joy but also fosters personal growth? Here are some unique hobbies to consider this spring that promise to ignite your passion and enhance your creativity. 1. Upcycling: Transforming Trash into Treasure Upcycling is a brilliant way to tap into your creativity while being environmentally conscious. This hobby involves taking discarded items and repurposing them into something functional or beautiful. For instance, old furniture can be given new life with a fresh coat of paint, or glass jars can be turned into stylish candle holders. Practical Tips: Start

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