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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Chaya Gopalan, PhD, a professor in both SIUE’s School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB) and School of Nursing (SON), leads a partnership between STEM faculty of collaborating four-year and two-year institutions awarded $2 million from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The grant, titled "Developing STEM Education Reform Leaders through a Multidisciplinary and Cross-institutional Community Transformation,” supports the development of STEM education by introducing an innovative teaching model known as “Flipped Teaching” to faculty members across Illinois. The amount of $1,228,850 goes directly to SIUE and their partnering two-year institution St. Louis Community College (STLCC). Gopalan will be the lead Principal Investigator (PI) collaborating with Co-Principal Investigator Sharon Locke, PhD, Director of SIUE’s STEM Center. “Our goal is to empower a dedicated

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SAVOY - On Tuesday, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) met with air traffic controllers at the University of Illinois Willard Airport to hear how they are being impacted by the government shutdown. While air traffic are seldom furloughed during a shutdown because of their essential role, they are not paid. “My visit with air traffic controllers at Willard Airport underscored exactly why we must work to reopen the government as quickly as possible,” said Congresswoman Budzinski . “The workers I spoke with shared deep concerns about their ability to pay their bills and the strain caused by staffing shortages resulting from this shutdown. On top of that, the public safety risks that come with an understaffed and under-supported air traffic control system demand we act quickly. For the sake of our air traffic controllers and the traveling public, I urge my Republican colleagues to come to the table and reach a deal to end this crisis.” The shutdown has

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BETHESDA, MD. — U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, underwent a preplanned medical procedure Monday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center to address residual pain and mobility issues related to her combat wounds, a spokesperson said. The procedure, described as long-awaited, aims to improve Duckworth’s physical condition. According to the statement, the senator expects to return to Capitol Hill later this week. Duckworth has been open about the lasting effects of injuries sustained during her military service. The latest procedure reflects ongoing efforts to manage those challenges while continuing her legislative duties.

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CHICAGO - Bob Fioretti, a civil rights attorney and two-time Chicago alderman, announced his candidacy for Illinois Attorney General, positioning himself as a Republican challenger critical of the current officeholder’s ties to political insiders and donors. Fioretti, who switched from the Democratic to the Republican Party several years ago, said the Democratic Party “abandoned family, faith, and fiscal responsibility,” prompting his change. He launched his campaign with a pledge to serve as “the people’s lawyer,” rejecting what he described as the influence of politicians, donors, and insiders on the Attorney General’s office. “As your Attorney General, I will fight for common sense values we all share: standing up FOR crime victims instead of violent criminals, FOR our citizens instead of illegal aliens, FOR parents instead of teachers’ unions, and FOR taxpayers instead of corrupt politicians,” Fioretti said. He emphasized

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HOYLETON — Hoyleton Youth & Family Services (HYFS) is thrilled to announce it has received a transformative $60,000 grant from The Maschhoffs Impact to fully fund the creation of an All-Abilities Playground — a first-of-its-kind inclusive play space designed for children of every ability. The playground, to be located on HYFS’s therapeutic residential campus, will provide a safe, welcoming environment where all children — regardless of physical or developmental challenges — can play, explore, and thrive together. “This project perfectly embodies our mission to make lasting contributions in the communities we call home,” said Danielle Solis, Chair of The Maschhoffs Impact. “We’re proud to partner with Hoyleton Youth & Family Services in creating a space that will bring joy and inclusion for generations to come.” Meghan Seipp, Director of Philanthropy at HYFS, expressed gratitude for the gift: “The Maschhoffs Impact ha

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ALTON - Alton Main Street will host their Downtown Chili Cook-Off this weekend. From 12–3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, community members can stop by FLOCK Food Truck Park for the chili competition. Entry costs $10 for adults and $5 for children. Each attendee will receive a two-ounce sample from every chili competitor and can vote for their favorite chef. “You just pay once to get in the door, and then you go around and eat to your heart’s content,” said Alton Main Street Executive Director Sara McGibany. This year’s Downtown Chili Cook-Off will feature 17 teams, divided into categories for individuals, businesses, organizations and restaurants. A panel of judges will decide on a winner in each category, who will receive $100. The best decorated booth will also receive a $100 prize. When attendees arrive, they receive a ticket that can be deposited at their favorite booth. Whoever collects the most tickets will win “the coveted silver

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ALTON - Riverbender.com's Ryan Schlueter provided a morning view of the remains of the home in the 1200 block of Seasons Drive in Godfrey on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. Charlie Schlueter and Ryan both contributed to the photos above. The fire started at about 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. The Godfrey Fire Protection Chief Eric Cranmer has described the home as "a total loss." Six fire departments fought the serious blaze valiantly to extinguish it. There was some damage to the siding and some other issues with a home next door during the massive blaze, but the fire department's efforts protected other structures in the neighborhood. Chief Cranmer said the fire spread into the attic of the home and eventually the roof collapsed. Thankfully, the family and neighbors were able to get out safely after the fire broke out.

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ALTON – Alton authorities have charged two area residents with obstructing justice after allegedly giving false information to police investigating separate shootings from earlier this year. Deveon J. L. Burger, 24, of East St. Louis, was charged on Oct. 10, 2025 with obstructing justice, a Class 4 felony. Burger allegedly gave police false information about Hosea J. Burgess, who was charged last June with a Class X felony count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a repeat offender in connection to the fatal shooting of Donald R. Lane of Alton on May 28, 2025. On May 30, 2025, Burger allegedly falsely told the police “that he did not see Hosea Burgess with a firearm” on the night of the shooting, according to charging documents. Burger was ordered released from custody pending trial in the case presented by the Alton Police Department. In a separate but similar case, a Collinsville man was also charged on Oct. 10, 2025 with a Class 4 felony count of obstructing

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — Detectives with the St. Louis County Police Department are investigating a homicide that occurred early Wednesday morning, Oct. 15, 2025, in the 8300 block of Eaton Place. Officers from the City of Jennings Precinct responded at 3:13 a.m. to a ShotSpotter activation in the area. Upon arrival, they found an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. No suspects are currently in custody, and the investigation remains active. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477), where a reward may be available. Additional details will be released as they become available.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke on the Senate floor to honor Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the chaplain of the Loyola-Chicago men’s basketball team, after she passed away last week at 106 years old. “The phrase ‘Cura Personalis’ is the lodestar of Jesuit education. It means ‘care of the whole person,’ and it emphasizes the need for teachers to cultivate not just a person’s mind, but their spirit as well. No one embodied this ethos better than Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt,” Durbin said. “For more than half a century, Sister Jean shared her faith with her community in Chicago. She was a professor at Mundelein College, before it affiliated with Loyola , where she then became an academic advisor,” Durbin continued. “Basketball fans might remember Sister Jean as the de-facto chaplain and mascot of the Loyola Ramblers of the City of Chicago. Her cheers were louder than

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ALTON - The Audubon Center at Riverlands and Alton Main Street will unveil their new mural in downtown Alton. At 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, community members are invited to 224 E. Front Street in Alton to celebrate the mural, enjoy site-specific dance, and then head to My Just Desserts for a reception. The new mural spotlights the Lesser Yellowlegs and aims to encourage bird conservation. “It is a beautiful mural that wraps all the way around the entire building down on Front Street right next to Mineral Springs as you’re going down Landmarks Boulevard,” explained Sara McGibany with Alton Main Street. “It's a nice sunset scene with these adorable yellow-legged birds. It’s a fantastic addition to our public art scene.” McGibany pointed to the partnership between Alton Main Street and The Audubon Center as a driving force behind this newest mural. Mike Kelly and Center Advisory Board members Penny Schmidt and Susan Flader collaborated

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ALTON — Detective Dan Jensen has been named Officer of the Month for July 2025 by the Alton Police Department in recognition of his exceptional investigative work and dedication to justice in cases involving crimes against children. Detective Jensen led a sensitive investigation that resulted in the arrest and charging of a repeat sexual offender. "His patience, professionalism, and interview techniques secured a full confession, holding a dangerous individual accountable," the Alton Police Department said. In a separate case, Jensen also led an investigation that culminated in the arrest and charging of a child pornographer. The Alton Police Department said Jensen’s compassion, persistence, and dedication reflect the highest standards of law enforcement and service.

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ALTON - Community members have the opportunity to share their thoughts on Alton’s comprehensive plan. From 5:30–7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, Alton residents are encouraged to stop by The Old Bakery Beer Company to give their feedback on Alton’s 20-year comprehensive plan process. This public workshop will operate as an open house. Attendees will be asked to give their thoughts regarding housing, mobility, parks, jobs, businesses, and overall growth. “The City of Alton is launching into their comprehensive plan, and they are going to be tapping the public for their inspiration and ideas and their thoughts all the way throughout the process,” said Sara McGibany. “They just kicked off the first couple of opportunities to share your two cents.” McGibany, executive director of Alton Main Street, clarified that while Alton Main Street is not involved in hosting the event, they are focused on improving the downtown region, preserving

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WOOD RIVER - The Riverbend East Rotary Club honored two students from East Alton-Wood River High School with the September Service Above Self awards during a recent ceremony. Tamarion Marshall and Brooke Parker were recognized for their contributions to the school and community. Mark Smith, president of the Riverbend East Rotary Club, presented the award certificates to Marshall and Parker. Marshall has been actively involved with the EAWR Life Skills Class and plans to attend college to become a special education teacher. Parker serves as the student representative on the EAWR School Board and is responsible for delivering the morning announcements each day at the high school. The Service Above Self award is given to individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to service, highlighting the efforts of these two students in their school and community roles.

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EDWARDSVILLE – A new all-abilities playground will be constructed in the heart of Edwardsville, providing inclusive recreational options for all to enjoy. It will be built on Lewis & Clark Community College’s N.O. Nelson campus, fulfilling a goal shared by the City, the college and the Edwardsville Community Foundation to ensure accessible play areas are within reach of as many people as possible. The Edwardsville City Council on October 7 unanimously approved a 20-year, $1-per-month lease with Lewis & Clark Community College for the playground site. It will be built just north of the City’s historic Nickel Plate Station, a welcome landmark on the campus at 600 Troy Road since early 2020. "It's important that the City of Edwardsville offers an ADA-accessible playground so that all kids, regardless of their abilities, have a safe and accessible place to play without having to leave our community," said Ward 4 Alderman SJ Morrison. "This wouldn't be possible without

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced today that an Alton man has been convicted of residential arson, aggravated animal cruelty and aggravated domestic battery. The defendant, 30-year-old Larry D. Greer Jr., was sentenced to 10 years in prison for residential arson, two years in prison for aggravated animal cruelty and 5 years in prison for aggravated domestic battery. The sentences are to be served concurrently. Greer pleaded guilty to setting fire to a residence in the 100 block of Northmoor Place in East Alton on June 29, 2025, resulting in substantial damage to the home. The fire also caused the death of a cat, named Gracie, that was inside the home. An ex-wife of Greer resided at the home; she was not home at the time of the fire. Greer also pleaded guilty to choking a family or household member on Sept. 14, 2024, in Alton. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Cara Mellan, who is assigned to the Intimate Partner

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ALTON - Community members can be proactive about their health at an upcoming “Girls Night Out” event at OSF St. Anthony’s. From 4–8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, community members are invited to an evening of mammograms and education in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Hosted at OSF St. Anthony’s Health Center, the Girls Night Out event encourages people to learn more about breast cancer and receive screenings. “Our community health needs assessment is something we do every three years. We just say, ‘What are our top health needs in the area?’” explained Sister M. Beata Ziegler, F.S.G.M., Vice President of Operations and Special Projects. “Cancer is just really high on the list of needs for people in Madison County, so this week, we are having a Girls Night Out as part of our Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” There are a limited number of mammograms available during the Girls Night Out event. Call 618-474-679

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What makes a haunted house truly unforgettable? Is it the jump scares, the eerie ambiance, or the story woven through each chilling corridor? Haunted houses have evolved far beyond simple costumes and cobwebs, captivating audiences with immersive experiences that engage all the senses. Planning an effective haunted house event requires creativity, organization, and attention to detail to ensure guests walk away both thrilled and entertained. Defining Your Haunted House Concept Before gathering props and planning scares, establish a clear theme or narrative for your haunted house. A cohesive concept enhances immersion and helps guide design choices. Consider whether you want to evoke classic horror tropes—like haunted mansions, abandoned asylums, or graveyards—or create an original storyline that sets your event apart. For example, a haunted house based on a fictional haunted hotel can incorporate different “rooms” with unique story elements like a possessed

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October 15 has long been a day marked by pivotal moments across various spheres including politics, science, culture, and exploration. Moving back to October 15, 1783, the world witnessed an extraordinary milestone in human ingenuity and adventure. On this day, the Montgolfier brothers launched the first manned hot air balloon flight in Annonay, France. This achievement marked the beginning of human flight and opened new frontiers for exploration and transportation, forever changing humanity's relationship with the skies. In the realm of political history, October 15, 1946, stands out as well. On this day, the Founding Charter of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) was signed in Paris. UNESCO was established to promote international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. Its mission has been critical in fostering peace and security worldwide by encouraging cooperation among nations through dialogue and cultural exchange.

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Get ready for a mostly sunny and very warm day in the Metro East area. Expect a high near 83 degrees and a low around 56. Winds will be light, coming from the east-southeast at 5 to 10 mph, with occasional gusts. There's just a slight chance of rain at about 7%, so most of your day should stay dry. The temperature will feel about the same as the actual with a pleasant mix of sun and breeze. In the morning, look for mostly clear skies and cool temperatures in the mid-50s. By afternoon, the sun will be out strong, warming temperatures into the low 80s with scattered clouds. The evening will cool nicely with clear skies and calm winds. Overnight, skies remain clear with lows dipping to the mid-50s. Allergy levels are moderate for mold but low for other common allergens like ragweed and grass. Tomorrow will bring another warm day, with highs near 84 and lows in the upper 50s. Expect mostly sunny skies with just a few clouds and mild wind. For live weather updates throughout the day, visit

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