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ALTON — This week, the Alton Police Department participated in “Chalk the Walk,” an initiative aimed at raising awareness for suicide prevention month by spreading messages of hope, encouragement, and support on local sidewalks. The chalk drawings outside the Alton Police Department serve as visual reminders that no one faces struggles alone and that help is always available. The effort reflects the department’s commitment to standing with individuals who are struggling, those who have lost loved ones, and everyone working to break the stigma surrounding mental health. The Alton Police Department encourages anyone in crisis, or those who know someone in need, to contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. The department emphasized that assistance is accessible through this resource at any time.

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SPRINGFIELD – President Mark Guethle and the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association (IDCCA) strongly condemned the assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah earlier today. “Let me be perfectly clear: nothing justifies the horrific violence we saw today. While we may never have agreed with Charlie Kirk, there is never an excuse for violence. Full stop,” said President Guethle. “We are shocked and horrified by what seems to have been a politically motivated murder and we extend our deepest sympathy to Charlie’s wife and family as well as the students and community members who had to endure this tragic event.” He continued, “We are the party of democracy. That means we believe in the democratic process as the way to settle political differences and make change. We will never condone, excuse or tolerate violent tactics in the political arena.” McCombie Responds To Charlie Kirk Assassination CHICAGO – After Illinoisan and

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BETHALTO – Bethalto is the latest local municipality to approve the replacement of an expiring state-level sales tax on groceries with the village’s own 1% grocery tax, starting next year. Village Board members unanimously approved an ordinance at this week’s meeting which “implements a 1% grocery sales tax effective Jan. 1, 2026, to replace the same tax(es) that are to be discontinued by the State of Illinois on that date.” Since it was first imposed in 1990, the State of Illinois sent 100% of the proceeds collected from the 1% grocery tax directly back to local municipalities. In 2024, the Illinois General Assembly voted to eliminate the grocery tax and set it to expire in 2026, which also eliminated a major source of revenue for communities across Illinois. State legislators later passed a law allowing municipalities to implement their own locally collected grocery taxes to offset the loss in state revenue. This would not amount to a sales tax increase

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.) will host a Community Day focused on water infrastructure in the Metro East on Friday, Sept. 12, at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) East St. Louis Center. The event, scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. CT, aims to provide residents with updates on flood mitigation, stormwater management, and wastewater backup prevention. Budzinski will be joined by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Major General Jason Kelly, deputy commanding general for civil and emergency operations with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). State agencies and community organizations, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Illinois Department of Insurance, Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

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SOUTH ROXANA - A stolen Gateway Med Star ambulance crashed Thursday morning, Sept. 11, 2025, on Route 111 near South Roxana after police deployed stop sticks to halt the vehicle, authorities said. The incident began around 9 a.m. Sept. 11, when a patient being unloaded at the emergency room at Gateway Regional Medical Center at 2010 Madison Avenue in Granite City reportedly stole the ambulance and fled the scene, according to Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor. “During the unloading process, the patient stole a Med Star ambulance and fled the emergency room,” Sheriff Connor said. “A call was made to Granite City police, and they put out the alert.” A deputy from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office intercepted the ambulance on Route 111 north of Poag Road, prompting a pursuit involving multiple agencies. A South Roxana officer deployed stop sticks in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The driver made an evasive maneuver, lost control, and rolled the ambulance

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and Co-Chair of the Senate Baltic Freedom Caucus, today delivered a speech on the Senate floor condemning Russia for violating NATO airspace with multiple Russian drone incursions into Poland. It was the first time in the history of NATO that alliance fighters had engaged enemy targets in allied airspace. During his remarks, Durbin also chastised the Pentagon’s reported decision to suspend the Baltic Security Initiative (BSI), a program to strengthen military cooperation with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania that Durbin has been integral in establishing. Durbin introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2026 that would shore up support for BSI as the Trump Administration aims to suspend it. “The Baltic States are some of the most vibrant dedicated members of NATO, spending well above proposed funding

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ALTON - Experts from OSF HealthCare discussed important information about cholesterol and atrial fibrillation (AFib) during a recent interview on "Our Daily Show," coinciding with National Cholesterol Education Month and National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month. Meredith Walter, MSN, ANP-BC, and Margy Goetten, NP, RN, MSN, BSN, both healthcare providers specializing in cardiology at OSF HealthCare, joined the studio on September 8, 2025, to explain the relationship between cholesterol levels and AFib, a common irregular heart rhythm. Cholesterol, described as a waxy fat substance in the blood, plays a role in producing proteins and amino acids, Goetten said. However, Walter and Goetten emphasized the distinction between “good” and “bad” cholesterol, noting that low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is considered harmful because it can accumulate in arteries throughout the body, not just the heart. Guidelines recommend that individuals begin cholesterol

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 20 attorneys general, today filed an amicus brief in support of Ellenor Zinski, a former employee of Liberty University. The brief, filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit in Zinski v. Liberty University, urges the court to affirm Zinski’s right to sue her former employer for sex-based discrimination after Liberty fired her upon learning of her identity as a transgender woman. “The First Amendment does not give employers, including Liberty University, a green light to discriminate,” Raoul said. “No one should lose their employment because of who they are or who they love, and I will continue to partner with attorneys general from across the country to protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.” Zinski was hired by Liberty University in February 2023 to work at its information technology help desk. In July 2023, after the end of her 90-day probationary period,

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What does it truly mean to remember a day that changed a nation forever? Patriot Day, observed every September 11th, is more than a date on the calendar—it is a solemn reminder of resilience, unity, and the enduring spirit of the American people. Over two decades after the attacks of 2001, this day continues to hold deep significance, shaping national identity and collective memory in profound ways. The Origins of Patriot Day The events of September 11, 2001, marked one of the darkest chapters in American history. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost in coordinated terrorist attacks targeting the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a thwarted attack that ended in Pennsylvania. In response, the U.S. Congress designated September 11 as Patriot Day in 2002, a day to honor the victims and heroes of that tragic day. Unlike other national holidays, Patriot Day is not a day of celebration but of reflection and remembrance. It serves as a platform for the country to come together, transcending

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September 11 is a day that resonates deeply around the world. We begin with the most impactful event that continues to influence international relations and societies worldwide: the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. On that clear Tuesday morning, nineteen hijackers affiliated with the extremist group Al-Qaeda commandeered four commercial airplanes. Two of these planes were flown into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, causing catastrophic collapses that led to thousands of deaths and widespread devastation. A third plane struck the Pentagon near Washington, D.C., while the fourth, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to overcome the hijackers. This series of coordinated attacks claimed nearly 3,000 lives and left a profound scar on the American psyche and the international community. The aftermath of 9/11 saw sweeping changes in global security protocols, the launch

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ALTON – 10 supporters of the State Street BMX Trails in Alton spoke in favor of keeping the trails open at Wednesday’s City Council meeting, while two neighborhood residents echoed previous complaints about the property. Keeley Bogart, who has consistently voiced opposition to the trails and praised city officials for reportedly closing them down, encouraged the city to enforce any and all relevant zoning regulations that govern the property and a city-owned lot which is used to access the trails. She added “no trespassing” signs and a guardrail should be installed at the lot to prevent unauthorized access. “This isn’t about personal disputes, it’s about enforcing zoning, permits, code requirements, proper processes, liability issues, and ensuring safety for all residents,” Bogart said. “I understand that the trails are now closed, however, this does not eliminate the effects on neighbors. Whether use is limited or private,

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ALTON - The Alton School District invites all families, staff, and community members to be a part of a new initiative—Reimagine Alton: Our Story, Our Community, Our Future. Together, the community will shape the future of Alton schools by sharing ideas, identifying challenges and building on the district’s strengths to ensure every student, family and staff member feels a true sense of belonging. At the core of this effort is the District Improvement Plan, which outlines a multi-year strategy to strengthen student learning, support educators and improve school culture. During the 2025-2026 school year, the community will come together to review and expand upon this plan through a series of workshops, ensuring it reflects our community’s priorities. “This process is about more than a plan; it’s about listening to our community and working together to create schools where everyone belongs,” said Reimagine Alton co-chair Damian Jones. “Your

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GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey will host their first pickleball tournament next month. On Oct. 4 and 5, 2025, community members can compete in a doubles tournament at Glazebrook Park, organized by the Godfrey Parks and Recreation Department. It costs $10 per person to compete and there are several brackets available. “This is something that the mayor and I have been talking about for a long time,” said Chris Logan, director of the Godfrey Parks and Recreation Department. “Other groups have held tournaments out there. The boss says, ‘We should have our own.’ I said, ‘You know what, let’s do it.’ We’re going to call it the Glazebrook Open.” The tournament kicks off at 8 a.m. on Oct. 4 and 5. There will be an open men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles tournament as well as a men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles tournament for players over age 50, if they’d prefer

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GODFREY - The Great Godfrey Maze opens soon, inviting community members to come out and enjoy games, inflatables, and more fun. On Sept. 19, 2025, the Great Godfrey Maze at Glazebrook Park will open for the season and run through the end of October. The maze and its activities — including a wagon ride, a cow train, a corn crib and inflatables — will be open from 6–10 p.m. on Fridays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12–6 p.m. on Sundays. “We usually have good crowds, and I know the residents appreciate it,” said Chris Logan, director of Godfrey’s Parks and Recreation Department. This year’s theme is “Minions” from the movie “Despicable Me.” Logan explained that Godfrey works with a company that plants the corn in intricate designs. The Parks and Recreation Department collaborates to decide on a theme that will appeal to residents. “We’ll go through and look at what’s popular an

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OREM, Utah (AP) — President Donald Trump confirmed Charlie Kirk’s death on Truth Social, describing him as “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk” and saying no one understood the heart of America’s youth better. Kirk, CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was shot Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2025, during an event at Utah Valley University, the group said. The shooting occurred at the Sorensen Center courtyard on the university campus, where Kirk was speaking under a white tent marked with slogans “The American Comeback” and “Prove Me Wrong.” Video footage circulated on social media shows Kirk speaking into a handheld microphone before a single gunshot is heard. Kirk then raises his right hand as blood is seen flowing from the left side of his neck, prompting gasps and screams from the crowd. Aubrey Laitsch, public relations manager for Turning Point USA, initially said Kirk was hospitalized

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A Collinsville man will spend almost four years in federal prison for making pipe bombs. Jeremy Barr, 49, was indicted in March 2024 by a grand jury sitting in East St. Louis of possessing a destructive device and pled guilty to that offense on May 1, 2025. Barr, who has been detained since his arrest on federal charges, was sentenced in District Court on Sept. 3, 2025. “Improvised explosive devices are inherently unpredictable, unstable, and indiscriminate,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Jeremy Barr threatened innocent lives near a Southern Illinois school, endangering kids, and our community. We thank the brave law enforcement officers who responded, and we pledge to relentlessly pursue bomb makers to protect the public.” Analysis by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), determined that the explosive device was packed with fragmentation that could have caused serious injury or death upon detonation

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ST. LOUIS — Nearly a year after two men were fatally shot outside their St. Louis apartment building, the FBI is offering up to a $10,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspects. The FBI’s St. Louis Field Office this week requested public assistance in the investigation of the killings of 42-year-old Marshun White of St. Ann, Mo., and 34-year-old Marcus Price of St. Louis. The men were shot multiple times on Sept. 14, 2024, outside an apartment building in the 1600 block of North Kingshighway Boulevard, near the Hollywood Beauty Supply and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded around 3:20 a.m. on Sept. 14, 2024, to the shooting scene, where both victims were pronounced dead. The FBI stated that two unknown suspects had followed White and Price for over an hour before approaching and shooting them. The suspects then fled the scene in a dark-colored

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND), along with U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), today introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to quickly address our nation’s shortage of doctors and nurses. The Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act would recapture 25,000 unused immigrant visas for nurses and 15,000 unused immigrant visas for physicians that Congress has previously authorized—providing a desperately needed boost to our health care system in rural and urban areas. “Immigrant nurses and doctors have always played a critical role in our health care system, and they saw us through the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Durbin. “After years of caring for patients, it’s unacceptable that thousands of trained health care professionals currently working in the U.S. on temporary visas are stuck in the green card backlog while

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EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville Children’s Museum (ECM) has long ignited the power of play and learning for kids of all ages, and now its youngest visitors have a space to call their own. ECM’s new Little Forest Sanctuary Exhibit , which opened Aug. 25, lets infants and toddlers enjoy nature-inspired sensory play alongside their caregivers. The new exhibit was funded by a $25,000 grant from the PNC Foundation through PNC Grow Up Great®, which since 2004 has helped prepare children from birth to age 5 for success in school and life. The Little Forest Sanctuary features a variety of tactile activities, including a crawl tunnel, slide, mushroom rocker and reflection mirror – all set in a soft play area that allows for safe, hands-on exploration. In addition, the exhibit is designed around the 3Ts Program , developed by Dr. Dana Suskind at the TMW Center for Early Learning and Public Health at the University of Chicago, to promote parent-child interaction.

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WOOD RIVER – The City of Wood River, Wood River Parks & Recreation and the Wood River Business Alliance are excited to invite the community to the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the brand-new Wood River Downtown Dog Park . The event will take place on Tuesday, September 16th at 11:00 a.m. in downtown Wood River. This new community amenity provides a safe and welcoming space for residents and their four-legged friends to gather, play, and enjoy downtown. The dog park is part of ongoing efforts to enhance downtown Wood River as a vibrant, family- (and pet-) friendly destination. “We’re thrilled to offer this new gathering space that not only supports our pet owners but also adds to the quality of life in our community,” said Mayor Tom Stalcup. “The Downtown Dog Park will be a place for neighbors to connect and for visitors to enjoy what makes Wood River special.” Community members, pet owners, and their dogs are encouraged to attend and

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