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Did you know that apples are one of the most widely consumed fruits in the world, with over 75 million tons produced annually? Beyond their popularity and crisp, sweet taste, apples offer an impressive array of health benefits that make them a valuable addition to any diet. From supporting heart health to aiding digestion, this everyday fruit packs a nutritional punch that is often overlooked. Nutritional Profile: More Than Just Fiber and Vitamins Apples are a rich source of essential nutrients that contribute to overall well-being. A medium-sized apple typically contains about 95 calories, 25 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of dietary fiber. They also provide small amounts of vitamin C, potassium, and various antioxidants. Dietary Fiber: Apples contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. The soluble fiber, primarily pectin, helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels, while insoluble fiber supports healthy digestion by adding bulk to stool. Vitamin C: Although not as

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September 25th has been a date marked by pivotal moments that have shaped the course of history across the globe. Moving back in time to the 18th century, September 25, 1759, saw the Battle of the Plains of Abraham during the Seven Years’ War. This clash near Quebec City was a decisive encounter between British and French forces, resulting in a British victory that paved the way for British dominance in Canada. The battle’s outcome significantly shifted colonial power in North America, influencing the cultural and political development of the continent. It remains a pivotal moment in Canadian history and the broader narrative of European colonial rivalry. In the realm of social progress, September 25, 1992, was notable for the first official meeting of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Established by the United Nations, the ICTY was tasked with prosecuting war crimes committed during the Yugoslav Wars. This institution marked a significant

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Today will be partly sunny with the clouds giving way to sun as the day goes on. The high temperature will reach 77 degrees, feeling like a pleasant 78 degrees during the day. Tonight will be clear with a low around 52 degrees and a chilly feel. Allergy alert: Mold levels are high, so those with allergies should take precautions. Grass, ragweed, and tree pollen are low, offering some relief. Tomorrow's Outlook: Mostly sunny and pleasant with a high near 78°F and a low close to 51°F. Winds will be lighter than today, making for a comfortable day outside. For more details, visit https://riverbender.com/weather .

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PIASA - Derek Dempsey, coach of Southwestern High School's girls volleyball team, highlighted the contributions of senior outside hitter Vivian Zurheide recently. Zurheide is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Piasa Birds. Zurheide has made a significant impact on the Piasa Birds' volleyball squad this season. "Vivian is somebody who does everything well," Dempsey said. "She is our best offensive weapon, and we use her a lot to help with blocking. She has a huge impact on our team." Zurheide has recorded 26 kills and 20 serving aces for the volleyball team this season. Her athletic talents extend beyond volleyball; she also excelled in softball during the spring 2025 season, hitting .537 with 36 hits. Additionally, Zurheide is an accomplished basketball player, averaging 10.9 points and 8.4 rebounds per game last season for Southwestern. Her versatility and consistent performance across multiple sports have made Zurheide a key contributor

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BETHALTO — Taylor Brooks, a senior at Civic Memorial High School, is off to a strong start in the girls' cross country season. Brooks competed in three meets this fall, posting competitive times that signal a promising year ahead. On Aug. 30, 2025, Brooks finished 26th at the Civic Memorial Twilight Invite with a time of 23 minutes, 4.5 seconds. She placed 139th at the Granite Invite on Sept. 6, clocking in at 23:30.0. Most recently, she ran a time of 24:04.4 at the Edwardsville Invite on Sept. 20. “I am starting my senior year really well. I feel it is going to be a great season. I feel way faster than I have in the past few years,” Brooks said. In recognition of her performance, Brooks was named the Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete of the Month for the Eagles.

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ST. LOUIS — Boeing announced Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, it will relocate its F/A-18 Super Hornet Service Life Modification (SLM) work out of the St. Louis area over the next two years. The SLM program upgrades the Super Hornet Block II variant to the Block III, enhancing features such as extended range and stealth capabilities. The U.S. Navy has contracted Boeing to continue these upgrades into the 2030s. Dan Gillian, vice president and general manager of Air Dominance and senior St. Louis site executive, said in a statement, “Given we are already successfully conducting SLM at other locations, this move is logical so we can continue to meet our customers' commitments while ensuring we are well poised for future work.” Boeing did not specify the new location but indicated it is considering San Antonio and Jacksonville. The St. Louis area remains a significant aerospace hub, producing F-15EX, T-7A, and MQ-25 fighters, as well as JDAM and other munitions. Earlier thi

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ROXANA - Gianna Stassi, a talented junior cross country runner for Roxana High School, has confidence and clear goals at this point in the season for the Shells. She said she feels good at this point in the season and believes her team has a chance to advance to state competition. Stassi has been training hard and aims to break a 19-minute time individually for three miles this year. “Honestly, it is really fun, and the cross country girls are like a second home. I love them so much,” she said. So far this season, Stassi has posted competitive times in several meets. She finished 30th at the First to the Finish Invite in Peoria with a time of 19:13.9 for three miles. At the Granite City Invite, she placed 23rd with a time of 19:35.6. Her goal for the season is to break 19 minutes in the three-mile run. Stassi is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Shells.

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WOOD RIVER - Taven Wardein, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, is being recognized for his dedication and achievements in cross country. Over the past year, Wardein has worked diligently to improve his personal record times while balancing rigorous summer practices and maintaining a grade point average above 4.0. Wardein credits his success to consistent effort and the support of his coach, Russ Colona, as well as the camaraderie of his teammates. “Running alongside a great team has made me want to stay, as without these friends I would probably be a totally different person than what I am now,” he said. Taven is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. Having started cross country at the beginning of his junior year, Wardein appreciates the social aspect of the sport and the discipline it has instilled in him. In addition to cross country, he competes in long-distance events for the track and field team. Academically, Wardein

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WOOD RIVER - Somona Acheson, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High, has been recognized for her achievements in volleyball. Acheson has played the sport for nine years and appreciates its unpredictability, saying, "You never know what is coming and nothing ever happens twice." Acheson credits her success to the support of her family, friends, and coaches. "I want to thank my grandma Kathy, my sister Paulina, and my mom JoAnn for helping me with expenses and pushing me to be the best I can," she said. She also expressed gratitude to her friends who encourage her and her coaches, including head coach Bethany Hoyland, for their ongoing support. Somona is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete Of the Month. Her involvement in volleyball and high school athletics has contributed significantly to her personal development. "It has helped me in a lot of different ways, but the most important one is that it helped me be mentally strong. It has made me push myself to do things I didn’t

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EAST ST. LOUIS — In a superseding indictment unsealed today, high-ranking members of the Sinaloa Cartel are facing federal charges for their alleged involvement in trafficking hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine into southern Illinois and laundering the proceeds to Mexico. “The Sinaloa Cartel relies on drug trafficking to finance its terrorism against the American people while spreading poison in our communities,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Today’s indictment is a significant blow against this terrorist organization’s infrastructure as we carry out President Trump’s mission of dismantling and destroying the cartels.” “The Sinaloa Cartel is a vicious international criminal organization that spreads terror through intimidation, torture, and murder. The entire enterprise is financed through a drug distribution network that includes southern Illinois,” said U.S. Attorney Steven

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WOOD RIVER – A Granite City man with a history of domestic violence faces new charges after allegedly battering a previous domestic battery victim and invading their Wood River home. Trymaine J. Davis, 36, of Granite City, was charged on Sept. 15, 2025 with one count each of home invasion (a Class X felony), his second or subsequent offense of domestic battery (a Class 4 felony), interfering with the reporting of domestic violence, and violation of pretrial release (both Class A misdemeanors). On Sept. 14, 2025, Davis allegedly entered a Wood River residence without lawful authority, knowing the home to be occupied, and injured one of the home’s occupants. He is additionally accused of striking a household or family member about the body with his hands and taking the victim’s cell phone to prevent them from calling 911. Charging documents state Davis had previously been convicted of domestic battery in case from 2022 out of Peoria County, Ill. He also reportedly

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PIASA - The Southwestern eighth-grade football team, led by head coach Adam Peipert and assisted by a dedicated coaching staff, has compiled a 5-1 record this season while allowing only 20 points against and scoring 190. The team’s success has been attributed to a new offensive scheme, increased physical conditioning, and a roster of talented players. The Southwestern boys are Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athletes of the Month for the Piasa Birds. Coach Peipert said the team has adopted a brand-new offense that incorporates the Wing-T and spread formations, designed to maximize the skills of the players. “The kids absolutely took to it,” Peipert said. He also noted that the players have significantly improved their strength through weightlifting, a commitment that typically does not occur in the offseason. “The junior football players are bigger, faster and stronger than many in the past,” he added. Quarterback Brayden Watson has bee

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ALTON - Brad Jacobs and Max Mashburn teamed up to win the gold medal in the 75-79 doubles division at the Illinois State Senior Games held recently in Springfield, Illinois. The pair, both in their 70s, credited their success to consistent practice, strong local competition, and a shared dedication to the sport of pickleball. Jacobs, 77, and Mashburn, 76, have been active pickleball players for years. Jacobs noted that he invited Mashburn to join him in the tournament after his regular partner, Bob Biarkis of Edwardsville, was unable to compete due to his wife’s knee surgery. “Bob and I played last year and won. Bob could not go back; his wife had knee surgery. I asked Max if he wanted to go up and play in the age group in Springfield and try to win a gold medal again,” Jacobs said. Mashburn, who plays pickleball almost daily and leads a local group of about 65 players in the Riverbend area, described the competitive environment as key to their development. “We

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has strengthened the state’s Securities Department with four high-level hires charged with protecting and safeguarding the financial interests of Illinoisans and their investments. The office has hired a new Deputy Director, Chief of Enforcement, Chief of Examinations, and Senior Investigator, each of whom bring a wealth of knowledge in financial law, litigation and investigations to their respective positions. “Adding these individuals to our Securities team is a huge win for the people of Illinois,” Giannoulias said. “Their combined experience and expertise will bolster an already formidable Securities Department and better position our office to tackle complex financial cases involving cryptocurrency and root out fraud.” In addition, Giannoulias was also reappointed earlier this month as Co-Chair of the Securities Committee of the National Association of Secretaries of State, and his Departmen

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WOOD RIVER – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that pavement evaluations on Illinois 255 in Madison County will take place Wednesday, Oct. 1, through Friday, Oct. 3, weather permitting. The work will require intermittent daytime lane closures at the following locations on Illinois 255: From Illinois 143 to Illinois 140 From Illinois 140 to Fosterburg Road From west of Fosterburg Road to west of Seminary Road 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 from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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ALTON - First Presbyterian Church in Alton has welcomed a new leader, and Pastor Ian Caveny couldn't be more excited to be a part of the church. Located at E. 4th Alby Street and Alby Street in Alton, First Presbyterian Church has an impressive history that Pastor Caveny is eager to be a part of. He noted that the church is a “High Presbyterian church” that prioritizes traditions, and they work hard to support community members through initiatives to combat food insecurity and homelessness. He is proud to join the congregation and their mission. “It feels like I’ve been on a rollercoaster rocket ship,” Pastor Caveny said. “I feel tired, but not in a tiresome way. I feel tired in the sense that one does when you do good work and the work is meaningful and you feel like you’re making good progress. It’s been fun. There’s a lot of joy-filled people here at this church, and it is a joy to work with them." Before joining First

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MORRIS – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) joined state and local leaders today to celebrate the start of construction on a new crosswind runway at the Morris Municipal Airport to help with landings and takeoffs during adverse weather. The project was made possible Gov. Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, which provided nearly $12 million in capital investments. The new runway will be the airport’s second, improving capacity and safety while creating jobs and economic opportunity, enabling up to 40,000 additional touch downs annually. “Rebuild Illinois isn't just about filling potholes, repairing train crossings, and building runways—we set out to lay the foundation for economic prosperity, better jobs, and a more affordable future for the people of Illinois.” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We’re proud to support this critical project in Morris as part of our larger vision

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of attorneys general, counties and cities in filing two comment letters opposing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed recission of its landmark 2009 Endangerment Finding that greenhouse gas emissions cause climate change, as well as the agency’s proposed repeal of all existing federal greenhouse gas emissions standards for all motor vehicle classes and years. “The Trump administration’s proposals would undo decades of progress we have made to address climate change by eliminating all existing EPA vehicle greenhouse gas emission standards and denying the EPA’s authority to regulate harmful air pollution that causes climate change,” Raoul said. “I proudly join this coalition of public officials to push back against these disastrous proposals, and I will continue to defend science-backed emission standards that protect the environment and our health.” Th

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SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and 26 other U.S. Senators to express grave concerns about the prevalence and treatment of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention. In a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the lawmakers urgently requested that ICE stop detaining pregnant women absent exceptional circumstances, and asked the Department to provide information about the number of pregnant women in its custody and the treatment of pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women who are in ICE detention—as well as answers to a long list of additional oversight questions no later than September 26th. A Government Accountability Office (GAO) study published in 2020 found that between 2016 and 2018, ICE detained pregnant women over 4,600 times. As Congress

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MARYVILLE - The Home Builders and Remodelers Metro East Association wants kids to know that opportunities in the trades industry are “limitless.” Shannon Stelling, executive director of HBRMEA, noted that more schools are putting an emphasis on the trades. She loves to see kids exploring their options. On Oct. 28, 2025, companies with HBRMEA will provide a presentation to 1,300 kids at a local elementary school in Collinsville, and Stelling said they are more than happy to come to your school, too. “The goal is just to get them excited about it and see that these are choices for them,” she said. “The trades industry isn’t just swinging a hammer anymore. There are so many different jobs.” Stelling explained that trades careers have impressive salaries and retirement benefits. She pointed out that there are many different options within the industry, from mixing the chemicals that go on garage floors to putting roofs on homes. Stelling

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