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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ahead of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s abrupt, needless and wasteful speech to much of our nation’s top military leadership on Tuesday, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI)—members of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—pressed the Secretary on the serious risks that such a gathering poses to security—on top of the monstrous cost to American taxpayers as Republicans march us toward a government shutdown. In a letter to Secretary Hegseth, the Senators requested a briefing or detailed written answers to over a dozen questions, including what these additional flights, hotel rooms and other expenses will cost taxpayers, what impacts this meeting will have on operations around the globe in the absence of senior leadership and more. Emphasizing the impacts this meeting could have on security, the Senators wrote, “If reports are accurate, this gathering would represent an unprecedented

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today, as part of a coalition of state attorneys general, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) challenging unlawful conditions the Trump administration is attempting to apply to longstanding reproductive and sexual health education programs for youth. The Trump administration is threatening to pull funding directed to states for these programs if the educational materials include language affirming young people’s gender identity. “This illegal action by the Trump administration is a cruel effort to deny comprehensive, inclusive sexual education to young people for purely political reasons,” Raoul said. “All students deserve to feel safe and supported at school, and I remain committed to standing up for the rights of LGBTQ+ students.” In Illinois, these federal grants at issue support comprehensive, evidence-based educational programming to reduce pregnancy, HIV and

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CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) announces that $19.6 million was returned to consumers this year from lost or unclaimed life insurance policies and annuities, thanks to the Life Policy Locator service available to consumers at no charge. “September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, an ideal time to remind Illinoisans to use the free Life Policy Locator tool on our website if they believe they are the beneficiary of a deceased loved one’s unclaimed policy,” said IDOI Director Ann Gillespie . “Illinois requires insurance companies to attempt to find the beneficiaries of deceased policyholders when life insurance or annuity proceeds remain unpaid. We want to help people claim those benefits.” The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) reports that millions of dollars in life insurance benefits remain unclaimed each year. Check for unclaimed life insurance policies at these sites: IDOI: Life Policy Locator

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As cooler weather sets in and busy fall schedules take over, families are turning to one-pot meals for quick, comforting dinners. These dishes offer the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition and convenience — and dairy products play a starring role. “One-pot meals are ideal for busy families because they save time in the kitchen and cut down on dishes,” said Maggie Nosic, registered dietitian and nutrition educator with St. Louis District Dairy Council. “Adding milk, cheese or yogurt not only boosts flavor and creaminess, but also provides protein, calcium and vitamin D.” Popular one-pot dishes featuring dairy include white chicken chili made with Greek yogurt, cheesy chicken and rice skillets with vegetables, creamy tomato basil tortellini soup, loaded potato and broccoli soup, and classic beef stroganoff finished with sour cream. These meals highlight how dairy adds richness and flavor while pairing easily with fall produce. Nutrition experts note tha

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NORMAL - The Illinois State University Planetarium, ISU Astronomy Club, and Twin City Amateur Astronomers are collaborating to host a free International Observe the Moon Night event on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Held at the ISU Planetarium, the show will feature hands-on activities to celebrate the moon at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. An astronomical observing session, using large telescopes, will follow at 8 p.m., weather permitting. For more information on this worldwide public event that encourages observation, appreciation and understanding of our moon and its connection to space science, exploration, and human culture., visit International Observe the Moon Night at the Illinois State University Planetarium - News - Illinois State .”

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Public Safety Enforcement Group arrested 38-year-old Michelle A. Schultz of Belleville for First Degree Murder (Class M Felony). On September 26, 2025, ISP Special Agents were requested by the East St. Louis Police Department (ESLPD) to assist with a homicide investigation that occurred in the 6900 block of Church Lane. The victim, 67-year-old Van T. Perry of East St. Louis, IL, was stabbed multiple times inside his residence and later pronounced deceased. After a thorough investigation by ISP and ESLPD, Schulz was identified as the suspect. On September 28, 2025, the case was presented to St. Clair County State’s Attorney James Gomric, and the above-mentioned charge was filed. ? Schultz is currently in-custody during the issuance of charges. No further information is available. The charge is not evidence against the defendant, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty

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ALTON - A local Girl Scout recently went above and beyond to serve her community. Kennedy Ridgley, a freshman at Alton High School, has completed her Silver Award, one of the highest honors a Girl Scout can achieve. As part of this award, Kennedy built two buddy benches for Lovejoy Elementary School students so they can learn how to make friends. “Kids around the world don’t get the basic social skills on how to make friends,” Kennedy said. “I wanted to help out with that and just teach them that it’s not that scary once you know what to do.” On Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, Kennedy and fellow Girl Scout Chloe Freeman showed the students at Lovejoy Elementary School how to use the buddy benches. Kennedy explained that students can sit on the benches, and their friends can approach them to make conversation or ask to play. The benches will be placed on the Lovejoy Elementary School playground. Kennedy started working on her Silver Award project

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Do a web search for “a life well lived,” and you might just find Wally Fisher’s picture. The 87 year-old from Jerseyville, Illinois, is adding her voice to those marking 100 years since the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George came to St. Louis, Missouri . The Sisters eventually established what today is OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center in nearby Alton, Illinois. Fisher’s story Fisher hails from northern Germany. After eighth grade, her parents said her school days were over, and helping on the family farm would be her profession. But turning 18 afforded her some freedom. Fisher says she met the Sisters, who introduced her to nursing and recruited her to come to America and work at Saint Anthony’s. “I think they thought we would become nuns,” Fisher says with a smile. Instead, it was the start of a long career serving the sick at Saint Anthony’s – from 1961 to 1997. “I couldn’t

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GRANITE CITY – A man accused of sharing child porn via Reddit faces three Class X felonies after authorities linked the Reddit account to his Granite City address. Cameron K. Krause, 21, of Granite City, was charged with three Class X felony counts of child pornography on Sept. 25, 2025. On March 6, 2025, Krause allegedly shared multiple video files via Reddit depicting children under the age of 13 engaged in sex acts with adults. According to the state’s petition to deny his pretrial release from custody, the investigation began after detectives with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department “received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that a suspect was disseminating child sexual abuse material via Reddit.” After serving Reddit and Spectrum with search warrants and/or subpoenas, authorities linked the IP address associated with the dissemination of child porn to an address in Granite City. The case was then transferred

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Key takeaways: OSF HealthCare is marking 100 years since a group of Sisters from Germany established the hospital that is now OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony's Health Center in Alton, Illinois. OSF Saint Anthony's offers comprehensive care in cancer, cardiovascular, urology, diabetes and more. Telehealth and clinics in Godfrey and Bethalto, Illinois, provide care for people in their neighborhood. On December 28, 1923, five Sisters arrived in St. Louis, MO, from Germany with the intention to open a hospital. It is said those early Sisters, the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George , brought only themselves, a bag of oranges and a lot of determination — determination to make Christ’s merciful love more visible. They would succeed in their goal. The next year negotiations began for the Sisters to purchase Nazareth Home, a residence for the elderly, in Alton, IL. On April 1, 1925, the Sisters moved to Alton, thus establishing the first Thuiner

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O'FALLON, IL. - Dr. Melissa Gustafson-Hinds, band director at O'Fallon Township High School Panther Bands, was honored at the 2025 Country Music Association Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence event. The ceremony recognized music educators nationwide who inspire students, develop music programs, and sustain the influence of music in schools and communities. The CMA Foundation opened nominations for the 2026 Music Teachers of Excellence award, inviting submissions through November 13, 2025. The program encourages recognition of educators who make a significant impact through music education. “We’re incredibly proud to share that our very own band director, Dr. Melissa Gustafson-Hinds, was honored at the 2025 CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence event,” the OTHS Panther Bands announced. “This celebration recognizes music educators from across the country who go above and beyond to inspire students, build programs, and keep the power of music aliv

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From Patient to Pediatrician Author's note: between being interviewed for this story and its publishing, Sister M. Christine Crowder passed away . She was too young to remember it herself. But when Marci Well, MD, throws on the stethoscope, she sometimes recalls stories told to her about her life-threatening illness half a century ago. As an infant, Well spent a month at the hospital now known as OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton, Illinois. She’s sharing her story as part of the hospital marking 100 years of care in 2025, and she even credits the ordeal – and the comfort from one generous Catholic Sister – with partially inspiring her to pursue a career in medicine. Flashback to 1972 Carol Well, Marci Well’s mother, says in February of 1972, the family was living in the Alton area when 15-month-old Marci got sick. “She lost a lot of weight. Pneumonia-like symptoms. Low protein in the blood,” says Carol Well,

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EDWARDSVILLE — Jeff Waters, a 14-year-old freshman at Edwardsville High School, has been invited to perform as a tenor saxophone player in the Tiger Marching Band at the 2026 London New Year’s Day Parade. The event, scheduled for January 1, 2026, offers Waters a unique opportunity to represent his community and country on an international stage. However, Waters’ family is unable to cover the expenses associated with the trip. To help fund his participation, Tim Mitchell has organized a fundraiser seeking donations from the community. Waters expressed gratitude for any contributions, emphasizing that every donation, regardless of size, will help bring him closer to this once-in-a-lifetime experience. “I have the incredible honor of being invited to perform in the 2026 London New Year’s Day Parade,” Waters said. “This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent my Edwardsville community and country on a global stage. Unfortunately,

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ILLINOIS STATE POLICE ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF VIOLENT CRIME SUPPRESSION DETAIL IN THE METRO EAST AREA FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 29, 2025 EAST ST. LOUIS – Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted a violent crime suppression detail on September 22 - 24, 2025, in St. Clair and Madison counties, focusing its efforts on East St. Louis and neighboring Metro East communities. ? The operation utilized intelligence and technology to target known high crime areas, violent offenders, and structured criminal groups in the communities of the Metro East. Detail Results Arrests 37 Felony Charges 37 Criminal Charges 61 Firearm Related Charges 17 Firearms Seized 13 There were several notable events and arrests during the detail. On September 22, 2025, Troopers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for an Illinois Vehicle Code (IVC) violation. They conducted a probable cause search and seized a rifle, a handgun, and cannabis.

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ALTON - Maggie Pruetzel, a freshman at Marquette Catholic High School, is being recognized for her achievements in girls' golf this season. Pruetzel has distinguished herself by winning three matches, earning a spot on the all-conference team with a fourth-place finish, and being named the low freshman at the Gary Bair Invitational. She also played a key role in leading her team to a second-place finish in the conference tournament. She is a Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athlete Of The Month for the Explorers. Pruetzel has been playing golf since she was 5 years old and recently began competing in Junior PGA tournaments. "One thing I like about golf is that there is always something you can do better and that pushes me to keep practicing every day," she said. Her coach, Jacob Simmons, has supported her development throughout the season. Pruetzel credits her determination and consistency as qualities that have helped her succeed. She also expressed gratitude toward her

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O’FALLON, Ill. – Prairie Cardiovascular is pleased to welcome Dr. Summit S. Pandat to its team in O’Fallon. Dr. Pandat is a board-certified cardiologist and electrophysiologist dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care rooted in respect, compassion and a commitment to excellence. He believes in building strong relationships with his patients, always prioritizing their best interests and personal preferences in care. He looks forward to partnering with patients on their journey to better heart health. Dr. Pandat completed his clinical cardiac electrophysiology fellowship at Houston Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center in Houston, where he developed advanced expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. He is board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease by the American Board of Internal Medicine and holds certification in adult echocardiography from the National Board of Echocardiography. Throughout

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ST. LOUIS — Brian Markert, a Godfrey resident and longtime civilian employee of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), was honored at a retirement ceremony in September 2025 for his 32 years of service with the St. Louis District. At the ceremony, Markert received the Bronze De Fleury Medal from Lieutenant General William Graham, Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of USACE. He was also awarded the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal by Major General Kimberly Peeples, Mississippi Valley Division Commander, and a Certificate of Appreciation from Colonel Andy Pannier, St. Louis District Commander. Markert began his career in 1993 at Mark Twain Lake in Northeast Missouri and later worked at the Rivers Project Office in West Alton, Mo., focusing on natural resource and facilities management. In 2001, he transitioned to the Project Management office in St. Louis. He retired as the Program Manager for the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program, a position he held for mor

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Did you know that wreaths have been used for thousands of years as symbols of victory, celebration, and hospitality? Creating a wreath from natural materials is not only a way to honor this tradition but also an opportunity to bring a unique and personal touch to your home décor. Crafting an autumn wreath, in particular, allows you to harness the rich colors, textures, and scents of the season, transforming simple natural elements into a stunning piece of art. Gathering Your Materials: The Foundation of Your Wreath The first step in making an autumn wreath is collecting the right natural materials. While store-bought wreath bases are convenient, using natural materials can deepen the connection to the craft and the season. Wreath Base Options Vine or Grapevine: These bases are flexible and rustic, complementing natural foliage beautifully. Willow or Birch Twig: For a lighter, more delicate structure. Wire Frame with Moss: If you prefer a sturdier base, a wire fram

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Did you know that 67% of Americans believe sharing a meal with others strengthens relationships? Potlucks, where everyone contributes a dish, are among the most effective ways to foster connection, conversation, and community. When paired with a thoughtfully curated fall theme, a potluck dinner becomes more than just a meal—it becomes an experience that celebrates both togetherness and the rich flavors of the season. If you’re planning to host a fall-themed potluck dinner, the challenge lies in creating an inviting atmosphere, coordinating diverse dishes, and ensuring your guests feel both comfortable and inspired. This article offers practical tips and insights to help you craft a memorable event that highlights the best of fall’s bounty while maximizing the social magic of a potluck. Setting the Tone: Inviting Guests with a Clear and Creative Theme A well-defined theme helps guests know what to expect and sparks their creativity. Instead of a generic "fall" label

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Did you know that over 400 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide each year? This staggering number highlights coffee’s role not only as a daily ritual for millions but also as a cultural phenomenon spanning continents and centuries. National Coffee Day, celebrated annually on September 29th in the United States and on various other dates globally, serves as a testament to coffee’s enduring popularity. But how did this unofficial holiday come to be, and what is its significance beyond free coffee giveaways and promotions? Exploring the history of National Coffee Day reveals a fascinating story intertwined with commerce, culture, and community. The Origins of Coffee Appreciation Coffee’s journey from a mysterious bean to a global staple began centuries ago in the Ethiopian highlands, where legend credits a goat herder named Kaldi with first noticing the energizing effects of coffee cherries. By the 15th century, coffee had spread to Yemen, where Sufi monks

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