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ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis Zoo will soon debut 6-year-old male Komodo dragon Charlie, the first resident of the Zoo’s brand new Komodo dragon habitat at the Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium. Charlie will be the first of his species to live at the Zoo in more than 12 years. The young Komodo dragon arrived at the Zoo on Sept. 20, 2025, from Bronx Zoo in New York, an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited institution. The Herpetarium underwent special renovations to prepare for his arrival, including the construction of a new solarium specially designed for the 6-foot-long reptile. Charlie is named after Saint Louis Zoo Director Emeritus Charles H. Hoessle, namesake of the Herpetarium. The new Komodo dragon solarium will debut to the public during evening hours 5-8:30 p.m. Oct. 16-19 as part of the ticketed evening event, Boo at the Zoo presented by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon . Beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 20, Charlie can be seen during regular Zoo hours and durin

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COLLINSVILLE – Collinsville High School senior Laila Hutchison was chosen to receive the 2025 Collinsville Community Collaboration (C3) Leaders of Tomorrow Award. C3 is a partnership between the City of Collinsville, Collinsville Chamber of Commerce and Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 to recognize excellence in community and public service. Since 2018, the C3 Awards have been held annually to recognize organizations and individuals for their outstanding contributions to the community. This year’s awards dinner will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the Gateway Center in Collinsville. The Leaders of Tomorrow Award honors those youth who are involved in the Collinsville community in constructive and positive ways, impacting the lives of others who reside here and inspiring them to make a difference through their actions. To be named a Leader of Tomorrow, a CUSD 10 student must act as a leader and good role model in the community, volunteer their tim

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JERSEYVILLE – Officers from the Jerseyville Police Department were honored on Tuesday night for their quick thinking and selfless actions which helped save the life of a local individual. Sergeant John Lawson and Officer Travis Liles were presented with the “Lifesaving Award” at the Jerseyville City Council meeting on Sept. 30, 2025. Officer Abigail Klunk also received the award at an earlier date. Brad Blackorby presented the awards as one of his final duties as Police Chief, shortly before his retirement letter was approved and Daniel Green was sworn in as Jerseyville’s new Chief of Police . “The Lifesaving Award to law enforcement officers who perform a life-saving act under extraordinary circumstances,” Blackorby said. “This award recognizes quick thinking, decisive action, and ability to remain calm under pressure in the face of imminent danger to human life. To be eligible, the officer’s actions must result in the saving

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GRANITE CITY - A medical device inside a backpack caused a brief concern at Enterprise Car Rental in the 3700 block of Nameoki Road in Granite City after it inadvertently activated and emitted mist, according to Granite City Police Chief Gary Brooks. The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, prompting a response from local authorities. Upon arrival, officers determined there was no threat to public safety and took no enforcement action. Chief Brooks emphasized that the community was not in danger.

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CARLINVILLE – Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm on Monday, October 13 at 20733 North Broad, inside Donor Bus. What: Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics Community Blood Drive When: Monday, October 13, 11:00 am – 2:30 pm Where: ImpactLife Donor Bus, 20733 North Broad, Carlinville, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact Vicki Walker at (217) 854-3141 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60352 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. You may also call ImpactLife to schedule at 800-747-5401. 2801 South 10th Street | Springfield, Illinois | (217) 753-1530 Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org ) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate. For questions about

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Did you know that pumpkin spice flavored products generated over $500 million in sales in the United States alone in 2022? This staggering figure underscores the profound cultural significance of pumpkin spice beyond its humble origins as a simple spice blend. National Pumpkin Spice Day, celebrated annually on October 1st, has evolved into a cultural phenomenon that encapsulates more than just a flavor—it represents a shared experience, tradition, and community enthusiasm. Origins of National Pumpkin Spice Day National Pumpkin Spice Day is a relatively recent addition to the calendar of food-related observances. Unlike centuries-old holidays, this day emerged organically from popular culture and commercial interests. The first recognized National Pumpkin Spice Day was observed in 2015, catalyzed by the explosive popularity of pumpkin spice-flavored products, particularly the pumpkin spice latte, which Starbucks famously launched in 2003. The spice blend itself—typically

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October 1 has always been a date of notable occurrences throughout history. Historically, October 1 has seen landmark political changes. For instance, on October 1, 1949, the People’s Republic of China was officially proclaimed by Mao Zedong, marking a new era in Chinese history and significant geopolitical shifts worldwide. This event reshaped global power dynamics and influenced international relations for decades to come. October 1 has also been a day of cultural significance. For example, in 1960, Nigeria gained its independence from British colonial rule, an event that symbolized the broader movement of decolonization across Africa and the assertion of national identity and sovereignty. This milestone continues to be celebrated annually in Nigeria and serves as a reminder of the complex history of colonialism and the resilience of emerging nations. Moreover, October 1 has witnessed advances in the arts and entertainment sectors. On October 1, 1971, Walt Disney World officially

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SAINT LOUIS - Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital received a surprise visit from their favorite superheroes. On Sept. 30, 2025, members of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s SWAT team rappelled down the 12-story hospital building while dressed as superheroes. Not only did this serve as great mission-critical training for the officers, but it also brought joy to the patients and families at St. Louis Children’s. “We’re so thankful that our SWAT team, along with firefighters in the fire department, are able to save the day of so many children,” said Mitch McCoy, Director of Public Affairs and Information with the police department. “There’s just a lot of happy kids today.” The police officers teamed up with the St. Louis Fire Department and the St. Louis Police Foundation to conceptualize the training drills at Children’s. McCoy expressed the police department’s appreciation for the many people who

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Head Start Association (IHSA) announced a new statewide partnership with Children’s Museums across Illinois to expand educational opportunities for Head Start and Early Head Start children and their families during October, which is Head Start Awareness Month. The collaboration includes museums such as the Edwardsville Children’s Museum and others in Chicago, Normal, Freeport, Naperville, Springfield, Glenview, Waukegan, Peoria, Oak Lawn, Carbondale, Quincy, and Oak Park. It aims to combine classroom learning with interactive museum experiences to support early childhood development for thousands of children ages birth to five enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start programs statewide. Through this partnership, children, their families, and program staff will receive free admission to participating museums. Exhibits and programs are designed to align with Head Start school readiness goals, focusing on early literacy, STEM, social-emotional

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JERSEYVILLE – Tuesday marked a significant change in leadership for the Jerseyville Police Department as the City Council accepted Chief Brad Blackorby’s retirement before newly appointed Police Chief Daniel Green was officially sworn in. Blackorby Retires After Decades With Department As a born-and-raised Jerseyville resident and Jersey Community High School (JCHS) graduate with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Administration, Blackorby’s Jerseyville roots led him to set and achieve a series of personal goals in service of his hometown; first by becoming a Jerseyville Police officer in 1995, then by becoming Police Chief in 2004. With several community members in attendance at Tuesday’s meeting, Mayor Kevin Stork read aloud from Blackorby’s retirement letter, in which he thanked his fellow officers and the Jerseyville community for their support. “After more than 30 years of dedicated service to the City of Jerseyville, including

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BETHALTO – Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Eagles of the Month” program at Civic Memorial High School. Senior students are selected each month by members of the Civic Memorial faculty to represent each department. All students are awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. Two Seniors (1 female student and 1 male student) who were selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $500.00 “Eagles of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. 2025 September Eagles of the Month winners: Math - Ty Books. Visual Arts - Milla Wells Social Studies - Pedro Conejo PE/Health - Demetrius Martin Choir - Liam Shain Band - Autumn Bowman Science - Damon Price English - Alexis Corbin C.T.E. - Elizabeth Lenger

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O'FALLON, IL. - The O'Fallon Marching Band and Drill Team capped off a spirited homecoming week with a memorable halftime performance at the Panthers-Alton Redbirds football game on Friday night, Sept. 26, 2025, showcasing their talent and school pride. Throughout Homecoming Week, the band and drill team played a central role in various events, including a parade and pep rally, energizing the student body and community. The celebrations highlighted the band's involvement not only on the football field but also in other school activities, clubs, and even the Homecoming Court. Dr. Melissa Gustafson-Hinds, the O'Fallon High School band director, has also received national recognition, being honored with the 2025 CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence award. The accolade celebrates music educators who demonstrate exceptional dedication to inspiring students, building music programs, and sustaining the importance of music in schools and communities. An alum from the Class

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Illinois State Police arrested Jamal L. Wilson, 42, of East St. Louis on a first-degree murder charge following the fatal stabbing of a woman in her apartment last week. On Sept. 27, 2025, Illinois State Police Special Agents were called by the East St. Louis Police Department to investigate a homicide at an apartment in the 3200 block of State Street. The victim, 38-year-old Shanika S. Barbee of East St. Louis, was found stabbed inside her residence and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical services. Following an investigation by ISP and East St. Louis police officers, Wilson was identified as a suspect. The case was presented to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office, which filed first-degree murder charges against Wilson on Sept. 29. He is currently being held pending further proceedings. No additional details have been released at this time. Under the law, defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in

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O’FALLON, Ill. — HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital has announced $116 million in major growth projects for the O’Fallon campus. The projects will expand the emergency department, increase inpatient nursing capacity, as well as add a new outpatient surgery center, advanced imaging options and medical office space. At a press conference held at the hospital on Monday, Sep. 15, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital President and CEO Chris Klay and Chief Operating Officer Michael Janis announced the plans for the project and highlighted the longevity of this health care ministry. “It is incredible that in the year we celebrate 150 years of existence, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital remains vibrant and positioned for growth as demonstrated with these new expansions. By expanding our facilities and services, we are not only addressing the growing needs of today but also preparing to meet the demands of tomorrow. Along with enhancing the economic climate of the region,”

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GRANITE CITY – A man and woman from Madison, Ill. have been charged with transporting meth and fentanyl across state lines from Missouri into Illinois as part of an “ongoing interstate distribution operation.” Mario S. Hunt, 44, and Vanessa S. Womack, 44, both of Madison, Ill., were charged on Sept. 16, 2025 with one count each of methamphetamine trafficking (both Class X felonies) and possession of a controlled substance (both Class 4 felonies). Womack and Hunt allegedly transported over 15 grams of methamphetamine into the State of Illinois for the purpose of delivery and unlawfully possessed a substance containing fentanyl on July 27, 2025. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office filed petitions to deny pretrial release for both Womack and Hunt. According to the petition to keep Womack in custody, she reportedly admitted to making bulk purchases of illegal substances in Missouri before bringing them into Illinois, and making occasional fentanyl

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BELLEVILLE - Caritas Family Solutions is proud to announce that the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has selected Caritas to receive the 2025 Award for Treating Foster Parents with Dignity and Respect. Caritas was recognized for its work surrounding the nonprofit’s 2025 Foster Parent Law Implementation Plan. Presented annually by the DCFS Statewide Foster Care Advisory Council (SWFCAC), the award recognizes agencies that go above and beyond to provide support and respectful guidance for foster parents. Caritas’ plan was selected for its strong, innovative approach to supporting foster families. “I could not be prouder of our staff for recognizing and taking the effort to truly embrace foster parents as our partners in caring for children in foster care,” said Mary Savage, Director of Licensing at Caritas Family Solutions. “Our foster parents do the heavy-lifting in that they provide 24-hour supervision, care, an

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CHICAGO – October is Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is reminding parents and caregivers of three steps parents and caregivers can take to create a safe sleep environment for infants in their care. It’s as simple as ABC – infants should always be placed to sleep ALONE, on their BACKS and in a safe CRIB. Unsafe sleep practices are a leading cause of death for infants across the United States, with 126 Illinois infants losing their lives before their first birthday in 2024. These tragic, and often preventable, deaths frequently stemmed from accidental suffocation due to infants being placed to sleep somewhere other than a crib or bassinet; sharing an adult bed; or sleeping with soft bedding or other items in the crib. “Protecting the safety and well-being of children is at the heart of our mission, and one important way we can achieve this by reminding parents and caregivers of their ABCs:

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CHICAGO, IL – Today, Governor JB Pritzker will be joined by leading quantum business, research, academic, and government institutions to celebrate the groundbreaking of PsiQuantum’s facility at Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) at Quantum Shore on Chicago’s South Side. This marks the official buildout of state-of-the-art facilities that will soon bring the Park to full scale, driving billions in economic impact, creating thousands of jobs, and cementing Illinois as the nation’s leader in the global race for quantum innovation. Anchor tenant PsiQuantum will house the first utility-scale, error-corrected quantum computer at the Park. The Park will also be home to a growing roster of global companies including IBM, Diraq, and Infleqtion. “Today we break ground on a landmark project that will establish Illinois as the nation’s leading hub for quantum innovation while attracting billions in economic investment and creating thousands o

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WEST FRANKFORT – American Federation of Teachers, Local 817, President Tim Aldridge issued the following statement today after CUSD Dist. #168 filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) against the union on September 29. “The charges filed on Monday by CUSD #168 against the teachers in AFT Local 817 are simply false. Frankly, they are a sad attempt to distract parents and our community from the board’s unwillingness to fulfill their responsibility to reach a fair agreement after five months of bargaining. "Let’s be clear: Superintendent Donkin and school board members have demanded unfair, harmful cuts that will hurt students and our schools and drive teachers to other districts. Rather than focusing on reaching an agreement that serves students, teachers, and our community, they are retaliating against teachers for exercising our legal rights and responsibilities. "As we stated in the Unfair Labor Practice charge our union filed last week, Donkin and the school

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EAST ALTON - The East Alton First United Methodist Church invites community members to their annual trunk-or-treat and haunted house. On Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, kids and families can enjoy the trunk-or-treat from 6–7 p.m. in the church parking lot. The haunted house — an inflatable maze with jumpscares — will be open from 5–8 p.m. that evening. “We’re trying to beat the rush,” said Angela Sarandis with the church. “We love doing things for the community. With us being right across the street from the school, we have to do fun things, and this is one of our fun things.” Located at 1001 3rd Street in East Alton, the church hosts many community events year-round. But Sarandis is especially looking forward to the trunk-or-treat. She said the church has hosted the Halloween event for 15 years now, starting before trunk-or-treats were popular and welcoming over 700 people every year. This year’s trunk-or-treat will featur

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