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CENTRALIA - Community college presidents from across the region met in Southern Illinois this week to commemorate 60 years since the community college system was founded in Illinois. The anniversary came alongside another significant milestone for the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), with enrollment in community colleges growing at the fastest rate in the system’s history. As the third largest community college system in the nation, Illinois community colleges serve over 600,000 students annually. Presidents and leaders from eight community colleges across Southern and Central Illinois met at Kaskaskia College (KC) Thursday, September 25 to celebrate the milestones and discuss how community colleges can continue to play a critical role in providing affordable and innovative educational opportunities to people of all ages. “Here at KC, we’re experiencing record-breaking enrollment, and the momentum shows no signs of slowing,” said George Evans, Presiden

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WEST FRANKFORT – The teachers in Frankfort CUSD #168 who are members of the American Federation of Teachers, Local 817, filed Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charges on Wednesday with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board (IELRB). Negotiations have been taking place since May - including two sessions with a federal mediator - yet an agreement has not been reached between the union and the district. The ULP charges the district with being disorganized, chaotic, and unprepared for bargaining and refusing to bargain in good faith, which is required by law. The superintendent and school board members have refused to make compromises and move off their unreasonable demands for cuts to salary and benefits. Local 817 President Tim Alderidge made the following statement about the ULP filing. "All along, our union team has come prepared to bargain and ready to work with the district to solve the challenges we face. Again and again, Superintendent Donkin and school board members

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ALTON – In another split vote, Alton City Council members narrowly passed $10,000 in funding for a six-week program aimed at curbing youth violence in the city. The resolution passed by a 4-3 vote tally that remained unchanged from Monday’s Committee of the Whole meeting . Aldermen Michael Velloff, Chris Bohn, and Patricia Ford voted against the item, while Aldermen Rosetta Brown, Martha Pfister, John Meehan, and Stephanie Elliott voted in favor. 40 Days of Nonviolence representatives say the initiative has had repeated success in East St. Louis, which has seen a decrease in crime and increase in youth engagement since the group’s founding in 2014. Their proposal is to help the City of Alton host six weeks of nonviolent activities promoting physical and mental health, career skills development, and more for the city’s youth. While an exact schedule has not yet been made official, those six weeks will include an “Opening Week” of orientation

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EDWARDSVILLE - After 27 years of service, Lt. Lawrence Warren of the Madison County Sheriff's Office has retired, concluding a career defined by dedication and leadership in law enforcement training. Lt. Warren's tenure included significant roles such as Field Training Officer, where he mentored and prepared new recruits, and as a Firearms Instructor and Range Master, positions in which he contributed to the safety and proficiency of his fellow officers. Warren's commitment to training the next generation of law enforcement personnel was a hallmark of his career. The Madison County Sheriff's Office expressed gratitude for Lt. Warren's integrity and countless contributions to the community. "We thank Lt. Warren for his dedication, integrity, and for the countless contributions he has made to the law enforcement community," Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor said. "We wish him a well-deserved, happy, and healthy retirement. Once a part of our family, always a part of our family."

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GRANITE CITY - 8-year-old David Marty, a second grader at Holy Family Catholic School in Granite City, was diagnosed with leukemia this past spring in 2025. Since then, he has undergone numerous treatments and hospital stays, demonstrating resilience amid his cancer journey. To support David and his family, a fundraising dinner will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic School. Proceeds from the event will help alleviate the financial challenges associated with his medical care. David’s parents, Jessica and Dave Marty, describe him as a fighter who maintains his sense of humor and joy despite the difficulties. Jessica Marty expressed gratitude for the community’s support, saying, “Knowing that our community is walking alongside us means everything. David’s strength inspires us every day, but the strength of having an entire community at your back is more than I can even put words to. "We know brighter days are ahead

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — Craig Jones, 22, of the 1200 block of Bliss Drive in St. Louis, was charged Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with the fatal stabbing of his sister, Taylar Hill, 26, authorities said. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced the charges on Sept. 24, 2025. Jones is being held without bond. According to a probable cause statement, the incident occurred on Sept. 23, 2025, at the Bliss Drive residence. Jones allegedly struck Hill multiple times with a blunt object before stabbing her repeatedly with a knife. Hill died from the injuries sustained. After the attack, Jones fled the scene but was later located and taken into custody without incident. He confessed to the killing and told police he had been planning to kill someone for about a week. The St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives are leading the investigation, which was initially

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O’FALLON, Ill. — On Saturday, Oct. 11, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital will host a free educational seminar to raise awareness of the benefits of deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The seminar will feature the latest advancements in Medtronic’s DBS therapy and is open to patients, caregivers and health care professionals. Like a cardiac pacemaker, but for the brain, DBS therapy with the Percept™ DBS system and BrainSense™ technology can help control debilitating tremors for a person living with Parkinson’s. It is an established, safe and effective therapy for movement disorders and epilepsy. Medtronic is the originator and world leader in DBS therapy. Leading the seminar are Dr. Raghav Govindarajan, HSHS Medical Group Neurology Specialty Clinic, and Dr. Sarah Travers, St. Louis Neurology. They will discuss the benefits of DBS therapy and how it enables clinicians to personalize and adapt

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today secured an important victory in a multistate lawsuit he is co-leading against the Trump administration over its attempt to illegally coerce states into sweeping immigration enforcement by threatening to withhold billions in federal funding for emergency preparedness and preventing and addressing terrorist attacks, mass shootings, wildfires, floods, cybersecurity threats and more. The District Court for the District of Rhode Island today granted a motion for summary judgement filed by Raoul and 20 attorneys general in their lawsuit against the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In its opinion , the court held that the agencies violated the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act by conditioning all federal funds from FEMA and DHS on states’ agreement to assist in enforcing federal immigration law. “Today’s opinion acknowledges that the Constitution

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — A Fairview Heights Police vehicle was deliberately struck during a traffic stop Wednesday morning, Sept. 24, 2025, authorities said. At about 9 a.m. on Sept. 24, a Fairview Heights police officer initiated a traffic stop on Old Collinsville Road, approximately a quarter-mile south of Frank Scott Parkway, after noticing a vehicle with a license plate sticker that had been expired for five years. The fully marked police vehicle had its emergency lights activated. As the officer approached the vehicle from the passenger side, a gray 2018 Chevrolet Camaro collided forcefully into the rear of the police car. The impact pushed the squad car into the vehicle ahead, causing them to become lodged together. The Camaro’s driver exited the vehicle and approached the officer, who had his body camera recording. The driver admitted to consuming alcohol and “weed gummies” and said that he intentionally rammed the police vehicle because he dislikes

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BETHALTO - The St. Louis Regional Airport will host its 29th annual Wings-n-Wheels Fly-In this weekend with free activities and flights. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, community members can tour planes, bounce on inflatables, drive barrel cars and more. On Saturday, there will be a car show and discovery flights. On Sunday, kids ages 8–17 can take free Young Eagles Flights, and attendees can browse at the final Bethalto farmer’s market of the year. Organizers are looking forward to another fun event. “You can expect airplanes, cars, vendors, food, crafts, bounce houses and fun. How about that?” said Airport Director Danny Adams. “It doesn't get much better. And best of all, it’s free.” Adams noted that there will be a wide variety of airplanes available for tours and photo ops, including business jets, vintage military aircraft, single-engine and multi-engine planes, and even a quad-copter

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ALTON - The Alton Humane Society hosted the State Convention of Humane Societies and Societies for the Prevention of Cruelties to Children and Animals in the State of Illinois on September 23, 1925. “The convention will bring to Alton, Illinois, people of note who are interested in the child and the animal.” The morning and afternoon meetings were held in the dining room of the Stratford Hotel, and were devoted to the discussion of problems connected with humane work. The evening was a public meeting and musical program in the ballroom. There was also an automobile ride from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. so that the local committee could show delegates from out of town “the beauty spots of Alton.” Alton Humane Society president Angie Rand Schweppe (who you can read more about here: https://www.riverbender.com/news/details/100-years-ago-prominent-alton-couple-celebrates-anniversary-leaves-behind-legacy-78660.cfm ) organized the convention, which was open to the people

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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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