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ALTON - The year might be winding down, but Alton Little Theater is still busy with preparations for several upcoming productions, including “A Christmas Carol,” “Sing in the New Year” and “The Exes.” Lee Cox, executive director, noted that the shows will be a lot of fun for performers and audience members alike. She is especially looking forward to “A Christmas Carol,” which premieres in mid-December at ALT. She plans to decorate the theater like a Victorian Christmas, and she can’t wait to share the holidays with the community. “I’m going to really knock myself out,” Cox said. “I want the foyer to be beautiful because I want a lot of first-time people to come and see that we’re a little different from community theaters that they may already have gone to. We’re just one little stop under professional, because we can’t pay the big bucks, but we have some true quality people.”

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Key Takeaways: Exercise doesn't need to stop during pregnancy! Cardio is great to improve cardiovascular health for mom and baby Lifting weights is still safe to do! Don't do any exercises that inflict trauma on the stomach Speak with your OB/GYN about exercise plans Gym moms, if your child is a future Olympic athlete, you’ll always be able to say you were their first-ever gym partner. Becoming pregnant doesn’t mean you have to toss your exercise plan to the side, says Mfowethu Langeni, DO, a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare who specializes in obstetrics. In fact, it’s the opposite! “Whatever you are doing activity-wise before pregnancy, you can keep on doing those as far as your body will let you," Dr. Langeni says. “Early on in pregnancy, you will have that added weight and body changes. But exercising is totally normal and is actually recommended, about 150 minutes per week.” As your baby sits and kicks in the

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BELLEVILLE - Collinsville recorded a 4.3 percent unemployment rate in September 2024 compared to 4.6 percent in 2023. St. Clair County boasted a 4.7 percent unemployment rate in September 2024 compared to September 2023 and Belleville stood strong at 4.8 percent compared to 5.3 percent a year ago. East St. Louis’ unemployment stood at 7.6 percent, but was down from 8.1 percent a year ago. Granite City recorded a mark of 4.9 percent in September 2024 compared to 4.5 percent a year. O’Fallon stood strong at 4.4 percent compared to 4.3 percent a year ago. The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Carbondale-Marion MSA (+1.9%, +1,100), the Champaign-Urbana MSA (+1.0%, +1,300), and the Springfield MSA (+1.0%, +1,100). The metro areas which posted the largest over-the-year decreases in total nonfarm jobs were the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA (-1.3%, -2,300), the Danville MSA (-1.1%, -300), and the Peoria

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville’s unemployment rate dipped to 3.5 percent in September 2024, down from 3.8 percent in September 2023. Madison County posted a rate of 4.2 percent, compared to 4.4 percent a year ago, while Jersey County stood at 3.9 percent, Calhoun at 4.2 percent and Greene County and Macoupin County at 4.1 percent. Alton’s unemployment rate was 5.8 percent, compared to a year ago. Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs in the state increased in nine metropolitan areas and decreased in five for the year ending September 2024, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate decreased in eight areas, increased in five, and was unchanged in one. “An expanding labor market and job growth across the state continues to instill drive and motivation in workers and jobseekers searching for new employment opportunities,” said Deputy Governor

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after Donald Trump was elected the 47th President of the United States: “As deeply, deeply disappointed as I am by the results of the election, make no mistake: my Democratic colleagues and I—unlike many Republicans after the 2020 election—will uphold the will of the American people, fulfill our constitutional duty and do our part to ensure a peaceful transfer of power. Vice President Harris should be proud not only of her campaign, but also of helping reestablish the quintessential American tradition of accepting the results of our elections. In this country, party loyalty must never take priority over the oath we swore to support and defend our Constitution. “I also sympathize with the millions of Americans who are distraught by the knowledge that Donald Trump will soon be President once again. To each of you, please know that I am as dedicated today as I’ve ever been

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EDWARDSVILLE — A deployment of Madison County’s Cross-River Crime Task Force on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 7, resulted in the arrests of eight suspects on outstanding warrants. Those eight included one defendant who was wanted on a federal warrant for Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon. During one of the warrant arrests, the suspect attempted to flee on foot but was subsequently apprehended with the assistance of a police K9. “The enforcement of outstanding warrants is an important police function,” said Task Force Commander Marcos Pulido, who also is Chief Deputy at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. “For our communities to remain safe, it’s critical that wanted individuals be brought to justice.” The Cross-River Crime Task Force periodically conducts saturation patrols in areas, utilizing Task Force members from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. The Task Force utilizes Automatic License Plate Readers and

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ST. LOUIS — St. Louis area residents are invited to pay tribute to Veterans and military service members at the 41st Annual St. Louis Regional Veterans Day Observance on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Downtown St. Louis. The event includes a parade and a ceremony that honors the bravery and dedication of those who have served in the armed forces. The Veterans Day Parade will commence at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of 18th and Olive streets in St. Louis. This year’s grand marshal is Lieutenant General Jared Helwig, Deputy Director of the United States Transportation Command stationed at Scott Air Force Base. Helwig will deliver keynote remarks during a ceremony scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and will salute the military units participating in the parade as they pass by. More than 50 groups, totaling over 500 individuals, are expected to participate in this year’s parade. Participants will include Junior ROTC cadets, local American Legions, classic car clubs, Shriners

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BETHALTO - Jill Griffin’s office is filled with photographs. The Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 superintendent invited her first-ever first grade class to her wedding; there’s a picture from the ceremony with 20 kids smiling gap-toothed beside the bride. On another wall in her office hangs a picture of her two children standing under an Eagle Nation sign — her “three greatest loves,” her husband often teases. And on her computer, a picture of a child being lifted by several hands. To her, this is what education is all about. “I think part of my why is, I do believe that our children are our greatest asset. And I think if we can instill a love of learning in the next generation, it’s one of the greatest gifts that we can give them,” Griffin said. “It’s truly a field where all of these people come together around this idea of helping raise our children and being a part of their story. It’s something tha

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GRAFTON – Simmons Hanly Conroy LLP founder, chairman, U.S. Army veteran, and longtime veterans’ advocate John Simmons has announced his support as Co-Chair of the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA), a transformative project that will honor America’s veterans with a world-class memorial and museum in Grafton, Illinois. “Honoring our nation’s veterans and their sacrifices is one of my life’s passions,” said Simmons. “The National Memorial of Military Ascent will be a sanctuary of remembrance and respect, uniting Americans to reflect on the selflessness of those who served.” About the National Memorial of Military Ascent Set against the stunning limestone bluffs along the Great River Road overlooking the Mississippi River, the NMMA will serve as a national symbol of courage, dedication, and the sacrifices made by members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The NMMA’s striking design will feature life-sized bronze

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COLLINSVILLE — Collinsville High School senior Danielle Cary has been recognized as the 2024 Leader of Tomorrow by C3, an award that honors young individuals who have positively impacted their community and inspired others through their actions. Cary, who began her high school journey in the Fall of 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, quickly distinguished herself through her commitment to community service. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, she completed 400 hours of volunteer work for local organizations during her first two years at Collinsville High. As she approaches graduation, her volunteer efforts have continued to grow, with significant contributions to the local library, hospital, and Disabled Veterans Association. Active in Girl Scouts since the age of five, Cary has embraced the organization’s values of service, personal enrichment, and cultural appreciation. She has earned the highest awards in Girl Scouts—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—and was

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Gori Law Firm is proud to announce it was recently named a 2024 Women-Led Top Workplace. This award is one of several within Energage’s Top Workplaces National Culture Excellence Awards, which were revealed on October 16, 2024. Energage is a Philadelphia-based workplace survey and performance-certified B Corporation. In addition to featuring women-led organizations, the Culture Excellence Awards also recognize winners in DE&I Practices, Employee Appreciation, Employee Well-Being and Professional Development. The awarded organizations, including The Gori Law Firm, are all recognized for prioritizing people-first cultures and workplace experiences. “We are incredibly honored to be recognized as a Women-Led Top Workplace,” said Sara Salger, managing partner of The Gori Law Firm. “We believe this award reflects the supportive and inclusive culture we strive to create for our employees, and it is rewarding to know that our efforts

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EAST ALTON - Joshua Roe, a Senior Airman in the U.S. Air Force, served his country from 1998 to 2006, primarily as a firefighter at Malstrom Air Force Base. Originally from East Alton, Illinois, Roe's military career included deployments to Kuwait and Korea, as well as time spent at McChord Air Force Base. Roe's father, William L. Roe, submitted a message highlighting his son's service and dedication to the Air Force. The message reflects a sense of pride in Joshua Roe’s commitment, stating, "Our son served in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Malstrom AFB, Kuwait, Korea, and McChord AFB." During his years of service, Roe achieved the rank of Senior Airman (E-4) but did not serve in combat. His contributions as a firefighter were critical in supporting the operations of the Air Force during his tenure. To contribute a Veterans Salute, click here.

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EAST ST. LOUIS — The East St. Louis School District 189 recognized the commitment of its students and their families during a recent event celebrating perfect attendance for the first quarter of the school year. Dunbar Elementary School in East St. Louis honored its scholars who maintained perfect attendance over the nine-week period. The celebration highlighted the dedication of both the students and their parents, with all scholars present at school every day, on time, and remaining for the full duration of each school day. In appreciation, the school held a raffle for the students and their parents, with prizes aimed at encouraging continued attendance. Two students were awarded bikes as part of the raffle for perfect attendance. The winners were identified as Keyounte Gibson from the third grade and Zyonna Wheaton from the second grade. Additionally, two parents were selected to receive tablets, with the winners being the parents of Koriyon Thomas and Miracle Davis.

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ALTON - Ralph “Buzz” Ullrich has officially announced his campaign for Alton’s mayor. On Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, Ullrich met with press and constituents to talk about his platform and his goals for the mayoral race. He outlined Alton’s streets and the “customer service” at City Hall as two of his top priorities. “It’s all about public service,” Ullrich said. “City Hall should be customer service-friendly, and it’s not always that way. In this day and age, if you’re customer service-friendly, the residents respond to that positively. If you notice on online media, there hasn’t been a lot of positive response lately…We’re hoping that with a new administration, we can have more customer service and friendliness of the City Hall can be part of what people see.” Ullrich said that residents have been “denigrating” City Hall in recent years. He emphasized that he is not a politician,

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As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s a unique magic in the autumn season. The vibrant hues of the leaves, the scent of pumpkin spice in the air, and the soft rustle of fallen foliage create the perfect backdrop for a cozy night in. What better way to embrace the essence of fall than by curling up with a good book? In this article, we’ll explore some of the best books to read on those cozy fall nights, spanning various genres to cater to every reader's taste. The Comfort of Fiction 1. "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern A mesmerizing tale that transports readers to a magical competition between two young illusionists, "The Night Circus" is both enchanting and atmospheric. The story is set against the backdrop of a mysterious circus that only opens at night, creating a dreamlike quality that fits perfectly with the fall ambiance. Morgenstern’s rich, descriptive prose invites readers to lose themselves in the world of wonder and whimsy, making

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Welcome to this day in history! On November 8, we witness a tapestry of significant events that have shaped our world. One of the most impactful events that occurred on November 8 was the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States in 2008. This marked a historic moment, as Obama became the first African American to hold the office. His victory not only symbolized progress in the fight for civil rights but also inspired millions around the globe. Obama's campaign focused on uniting the country and addressing pressing issues such as healthcare, the economy, and climate change. His presidency would go on to influence U.S. politics and global relations significantly. November 8, 2016, was another significant date, as it was the day Donald Trump was elected as the 45th President of the United States. Trump's victory was surprising to many, as he ran a campaign focused on populist themes, challenging the political establishment. His presidency was marked by controversies,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) and the Friends of Art is excited to announce its Annual Art Auction on Nov. 8, 2024, with funds raised supporting the Art & Design department’s visiting artist program as well as student scholarships, assistantships, and awards. This long-standing annual event (since 1979) will take place in the Art & Design West Gallery at SIUE, starting with a Preview at 5 p.m. and the Live Auction at 7 p.m. by local auctioneer Gary Niemeier. This year’s auction will showcase a diverse array of artworks from both local and national artists, faculty, alumni and current students. Some highlights include pieces by Alexander Calder, Pablo Picasso, Victor Vasarely, Thomas Gipe, Daniel Raedeke, Andy Magee, JaimeJo Fisher and many more! Proceeds from the auction provide a unique opportunity for attendees to acquire unique and original pieces while contributing to the growth of the SIUE art community. The auction directly benefits

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This weekend, a vibrant array of events awaits, showcasing everything from plant-themed bingo and holiday bazaars to live music and community fundraisers, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For a full listing of events and to discover more about what’s happening in your area, visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ . If you want to ensure even more of the region is aware of your event email cj@riverbender.com and explore our range of Event Promotion Services! Featured Money Shot will perform at Alton VFW Post 1308 from 7 to 11 p.m. on Friday, November 8. Come early for a hot fish dinner from Fish Haven food truck, served from 4 to 9 p.m. Open to the public. Visit vfwpost1308.org for more information! Bluey Party invites you to join lovable Heeler puppies Bluey and Bingo along with the KidsSpace staff for a magical hour filled with games, snacks, and crafting activities. Limited space is available, so be sure to register by calling (618) 433-2881.

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ROXANA — Roxana High School sophomore Bailey Schallenberg-Decker has earned a spot at the state cross country meet after finishing in 30th place sectional time of 19:48.2. She qualified for the sectional from the IHSA Class 1A Regional Meet, where she posted a time of 20:54.0. Schallenberg-Decker's performance this season has been noteworthy. On Oct. 8, 2024, she secured eighth place at the Madison County Cross Country Championships with a time of 21:51.3. Earlier in the season, she finished 12th at the Wesclin Invitational with a time of 21:24.5, and she recorded a time of 21:25.9 at the Granite City Invite, the season opener. In recognition of her achievements, Schallenberg-Decker has been named the Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month. "I am a sophomore," she said in an earlier interview. "I love running; it is my whole life right now. I will also be on the track team. As she prepares for the state meet, her dedication to the sport remains evident, an

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ROXANA - Gianna Stassi, a standout sophomore athlete from the Shells, has qualified for the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Cross Country Meet with an impressive sectional time of 18:25.8. This achievement comes as part of her ongoing success in multiple sports, highlighting her versatility as an athlete. Gianna's dedication and versatility have earned her recognition as the Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Shells. Stassi's journey to the state meet includes a notable performance at the Cahokia Conference Championships, where she secured a victory in the 1,600 meters with a time of 6:06.19. In addition to her accomplishments in cross country and track, she has also made her mark in soccer, demonstrating her diverse athletic abilities. On October 26, Stassi recorded a time of 18:58.3 at the IHSA 1A regional, further solidifying her place among the top competitors in her sport. She also triumphed at the Cahokia Conference Meet, finishing

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