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What if death wasn’t a final farewell but a vibrant reunion celebrated with color, music, and remembrance? Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, transforms the inevitable reality of mortality into a communal experience of honoring ancestors, blending solemnity with joy. This unique tradition, originating in Mexico, has captivated the world with its rich symbolism and cultural depth. The Roots of Día de los Muertos: A Fusion of Worlds Día de los Muertos traces its

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) led 48 bipartisan Members of Congress in a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin expressing support for the EPA’s proposed Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) “Set 2” rule. In the letter, the bipartisan and bicameral group of lawmakers also shared their support for the reallocation of 100% of the waived gallons from any granted

CHAMPAIGN – Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and Cache Energy today announced the company will expand their operations at a 10,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Champaign, creating 20 new jobs and retaining their current workforce. The $2.5 million investment from Cache Energy is supported by a Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) agreement with DCEO. “Illinois is proudly leading the way in the

CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) today announced $15 million in grants to 34 local government and nonprofit organizations to administer the state’s Home Repair and Accessibility Program (HRAP). Through HRAP, eligible homeowners can receive up to $50,000 to make critical health, safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency repairs to their homes. The funding will assist approximately 400 homeowners in 28 counties statewide. “Everyone deserves a safe

ST. LOUIS – Today, Mayor Cara Spencer was joined by members of the Board of Aldermen to announce three proposed board bills to appropriate more than $13 million to support tornado-resident housing and city-wide winter shelter needs. “Getting our most vulnerable neighbors safely through the winter is currently my top priority, and I have made it clear to my team that I will move heaven and earth to get this done,” said Mayor Spencer. “It’s a huge lift, because the

BETHALTO - With home-cooked meals and a family atmosphere, B-Town Restaurant is a great new spot in Bethalto. Owner Ari Rushiti has spent the last 25 years in the restaurant business. On Nov. 1, 2025, he celebrated his newest venture with a ribbon-cutting at B-Town Restaurant, located at 312 West Bethalto Drive in Bethalto. While Rushiti is driven by his passion for cooking, his love for Bethalto shines just as bright. “We decided to do something in our hometown,” he shared.

ALTON - The 108th Alton Halloween Parade had a special musical float that brought fun to all. Tarrant & Harman Real Estate and Auction Co. took home second place for their float on Oct. 31, 2025. The float included a live band, made up of Mark, John and Wyatt Harman, playing while they traveled through the streets of downtown Alton. And while it was fun for them to share their music with the community, their real joy came from doing it together. “Our family members all grew up playin

CHICAGO – In the wake of widespread devastation and loss of life caused by Hurricane Melissa across the Caribbean, Attorney General Kwame Raoul today urged Illinois residents who plan to donate to assist those affected to be on the lookout for fundraising scams. “Many Illinoisans have visited or, like me, may have family roots in the Caribbean islands affected by one of the worst hurricanes in history. These personal connections may drive donations to relief efforts, which is why

SPRINGFIELD – Today, Gov. JB Pritzker released the following statement on the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act: “Illinoisans deserve a world-class transportation system that connects communities across regions, drives economic growth, and helps every resident – no matter where they live – access transit to live, work, and enjoy the state. I am grateful for the work by leaders in both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly in taking steps to make this vision a

What do millions of people around the world have in common every November 1st? They observe All Saints’ Day, a solemn occasion that honors the lives of saints and martyrs whose names often go unremembered in everyday conversations. Far from being just another date on the calendar, All Saints’ Day carries profound historical significance and diverse traditions that have evolved over centuries. Origins of All Saints’ Day: From Ancient Rituals to Christian Observance The roots

EDWARDSVILLE – The following students have been named to the Honor Roll at Metro-East Lutheran High School for the first quarter of the 2025-2026 school year: Grade 9 – Honor Roll with High Distinction (g.p.a. 4.0) Mitchelll Althardt, Swansea McKenzie Cordero, Collinsville Reagan Moss, Edwardsville Anna Mosser, Staunton Dani Spann, Collinsville Shane Stewart, O'Fallon Elise Terracina, Edwardsville Grade 9 – Honor Roll with Distinction (g.p.a.

ALTON - The 108th Alton Halloween Parade lineup had a few special equestrian guests. On Oct. 31, 2025, Audrey Wright and her family were eager to share their horses with the community. As the only animals in the parade, they brought a lot of joy to the kids and families in attendance. “We’re representing our horse club, Macoupin County Wild Riders,” Wright shared. The club hosts shows, classes, barrel races and other events to celebrate the members’ love of horses

ALTON - Though it was Halloween night, Santa Claus was present at the 108th Alton Halloween Parade. On Oct. 31, 2025, community members flocked to downtown Alton for the parade and to celebrate Halloween. But for Jim White, also known as Santa Claus, the parade was a chance to spread some holiday cheer. “I just do it because I love playing Santa Claus,” White said. “I love the smile on the kids. I love the smile not only in their eyes, but in their hearts." White’s

EDWARDSVILLE — Circuit Clerk Patrick McRae announced that a deputy clerk recently received recognition for outstanding pro bono work.McRae said in recognition for her outstanding work on expungements, Deputy Clerk Sarah Wallace earned the Judge Barbara Crowder Pro Bono Champion Award. He said Associate Judge Maureen Schuette and Law Librarian Angela Wille nominated Wallace for her dedication to assisting individuals in clearing their records and creating new opportunities. Wallace

JERSEYVILLE - This Veterans Day, the United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps will mark 250 years of service, with celebrations hosted by the American Legion Worthy Post 492 in Jersey County. The event is scheduled for Nov. 11, 2025, and will include a parade and ceremony honoring the military branches established in 1775. The Veterans Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m., with participants lining up on West Prairie Street, north side of Wells North. The procession will proceed north on State Street

GRANITE CITY — Edward Gordon, 55, of Granite City, was struck and dragged by a hit-and-run driver on the night of Sept. 22, 2025, while crossing a downtown street, leaving him with severe injuries that will require months of recovery. According to St. Louis Police, Gordon was crossing South 4th Street at Chouteau Avenue around 9:30 p.m. when a black Ford Edge hit him and dragged him for several blocks. The driver fled the scene. Gordon was on his way home from work, his sister Shawna

ALTON - OSF St. Anthony’s Health Center just marked its 100th anniversary, and Holly with the OSF OnCall department noted that their work remains innovative and cutting-edge even a century later. As a digital health navigator, Holly works directly with patients to help them receive care and connect to additional OSF services. She is “the boots on the ground,” regularly going out into the community to care for people. “I’ve been around since 2020 in this

GREENVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that Interstate 70 will be reduced to one lane in each direction between the Madison County line and the Fayette County line in Bond County beginning, weather permitting, Monday, Nov. 3, for pavement patching. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain

EDWARDSVILLE/BELLEVILLE - Land of Lincoln Legal Aid has officially launched its Mobile Justice Clinics – two offices on wheels that will travel to all 65 counties in central and southern Illinois to provide free civil legal services. The Mobile Justice Clinics began their tour immediately following a launch celebration on October 20 at Land of Lincoln’s Swansea office. The vans will continue visiting all 65 counties in Land of Lincoln’s service area. A full schedule of locations

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued public health alerts for several food products sold in Illinois and nationwide. FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Meat Sauce Products Produced Without the Benefit of Inspection ILLINOIS – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for meat sauce products produced without the benefit of federal