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ALTON - The Alton public schools began serving milk and graham crackers to undernourished students (as determined by student weight) on Monday, October 19, 1925. Mrs. Daisy Creswick Rice, health supervisor for the schools, had just completed the fall student health assessments and encouraged all underweight pupils to take the opportunity for a mid-morning meal served at 10 a.m. at all buildings. The cost to the students was 4 cents per day for a half-pint of milk and two graham crackers, but arrangements were made (as in previous years) to provide the meal for free to students who could not afford it otherwise. Rice said that “experience of the past few years has shown that the serving of milk has been of great benefit, and has had marked results. Teachers are very enthusiastic over the plan for supplementary nourishment because they find that the morning lunch increases the working power of the pupils, and tends to improve their class work as well as benefit them physically.”

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Did you know that nearly 80% of people regret not capturing more family moments in photographs? While smartphones have made snapping quick pictures easier than ever, orchestrating a thoughtful photo shoot can transform fleeting moments into treasured memories. Fall, with its rich textures and warm colors, offers a unique backdrop for family portraits that can be cherished for generations. But how do you create a fall photo shoot that truly reflects your family’s personality and creates lasting memories? Planning Your Fall Family Photo Shoot Successful photo shoots begin long before the camera comes out. Planning involves selecting the right location, coordinating outfits, and choosing a time that maximizes natural light. Choosing the Location Fall landscapes provide an array of stunning options—from pumpkin patches and orchards to wooded trails and rustic barns. Consider places that hold meaning for your family, such as a favorite park or a grandparent’s farm.

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October 23 has been a date marked by pivotal moments that have shaped world history. Starting with the event that cast a long shadow over global affairs: On October 23, 1935, Italian forces launched a full-scale invasion of Ethiopia, then known as Abyssinia. This aggressive military campaign initiated the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, a conflict that would become a critical moment in the lead-up to World War II. Italy, under the fascist regime of Benito Mussolini, sought to expand its colonial empire in Africa, and Ethiopia was one of the few independent African nations at the time. The invasion was met with international condemnation, particularly from the League of Nations, the precursor to the United Nations, which struggled to effectively respond to the aggression. The war exposed the limitations of collective security agreements and emboldened other authoritarian regimes, highlighting the fragility of peace in the interwar period. Despite Ethiopian resistance, Italy's modernized

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Expect a sunny and pleasant fall day with a high near 63 degrees and a low around 34. Winds will come from the northwest at 8 mph with gusts up to 17, making for a refreshing but not too chilly feel. The morning starts cool at 34 degrees, feeling closer to 31, with plenty of sunshine kicking in as the day warms to a comfortable upper-50s to low-60s range. In the afternoon, clear skies will keep conditions bright and enjoyable, perfect for any outdoor activities. Overnight, expect partly cloudy skies with temperatures dipping back to the mid-30s. Winds will lighten to around 5 mph from the east, with some gusts still noticeable. No rain is expected today, so it’s a great day to get outside without worrying about wet weather. Allergy sufferers should note moderate mold levels and low ragweed, so if you are sensitive, taking precautions could be helpful. Tomorrow will bring a mostly cloudy day with highs near 59 and lows around 48. Clouds will increase, and there is a slight chance

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BETHALTO – The Bethalto Chamber of Commerce proudly joined chambers across the country in celebrating National Chamber of Commerce Week, recognizing the vital role local chambers play in strengthening communities, supporting businesses, and fostering economic growth. Throughout the week, the Bethalto Chamber highlighted its members, shared success stories, and connected with the community through events and social media spotlights. The celebration served as a reminder of the Chamber’s mission to promote local businesses, encourage collaboration, and enhance the quality of life in the Bethalto area. "Our chamber exists to help local businesses succeed and to create a thriving community," said Director of Marketing, Nikki Winkelmann. "National Chamber Week gives us the opportunity to celebrate the partnerships that make Bethalto strong and to thank our members for their continued support." The Bethalto Chamber of Commerce continues to offer year-round programs and events

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ALTON – Plans to repair six ramps at Hellrung Skate Park are on hold for now after Alton City Council members agreed to lay the item over until their next meeting. Alderman Chris Bohn asked to lay over a resolution awarding a $34,100 bid for the skate park repairs to Stutz Excavating, Inc. at Wednesday’s meeting. Bohn said he recently received information about an organization which typically funds these types of projects, indicating a possible alternative funding option for the repairs. Parks and Recreation Director Lyndsey Younger previously stated each of the six ramps at Hellrung Skate Park have gone an estimated 20 years without repairs and would be completely restored to their original condition. Bohn then suggested the Parks and Recreation Department take a more “proactive” approach to preventative maintenance going forward in an effort to reduce future repair costs. M ore details about the proposed ramp repairs are available in this

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EDWARDSVILLE - Annika Jenkins is a very experienced setter for the Metro-East Lutheran High girls volleyball team and has served as a key for the squad this season. Jenkins is a player who showed excellent leadership qualities in the 2025 campaign. MELHS has continued to show improvement throughout the season. "All the girls have been working extra hard," she said earlier in the season. She said the setter position plays such an important role on the court, and it is very important to make the plays with precision and set up the squad's hitters. "I think our goals for the team are just to push each other to be the best we can," Jenkins said. "Everybody knows their jobs, and are working on their jobs, and for me, I personally try to be a leader and just help everybody try their hardest." Jenkins is a BJ's Printables Female Athlete of the Month for the Knights. Jenkins had a key game against Marquette Catholic with 15 assists in a match on Sept. 25, 2025, where MELHS won 18-25

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Authorities are investigating the death of a male found in Frank Holten State Park in East Saint Louis, officials said Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025. The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 Public Safety Enforcement Group responded to the scene at approximately 10:21 a.m. Wednesday, after being requested by the Cahokia Heights Police Department to conduct a death investigation. The investigation is in its early stages, and no additional details have been released at this time. The incident occurred in St. Clair County, and officials have not disclosed the identity of the deceased or the cause of death.

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JERSEYVILLE - Joe’s Pizza and Pasta is officially open in Jerseyville. Owner Kayla McMahan has a long history with the Joe’s Pizza and Pasta business, and she is elated to bring a new restaurant to Jerseyville. She expressed her excitement to welcome the Jerseyville community and share the “Sicilian recipe” she loves. “I mean, who doesn’t like pizza?” she laughed. “We just love this area.” As an Italian restaurant, they serve “a little bit of everything,” including pizza, pasta, salads, subs and “really good desserts.” Their pizza is known for its sweeter sauce. Though McMahan loves the recipe, she assures customers that they can sub anything they want. The Jerseyville location also has a bar with wine and beer. McMahan met her husband at Joe’s Pizza and Pasta in Effingham. When they moved to Edwardsville to attend SIUE, they decided to open their own franchise. Joe’s Pizza has a special

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EDWARDSVILLE - Tim Schilbe, a talented offensive and defensive lineman for the Metro-East Lutheran High football team, has high hopes as the squad nears the postseason. MELHS head football coach Tim Koch said Schilbe is such a pivotal person for his 6-2 overall squad. "Tim is our center and is a top defensive lineman," Coach Koch said. "He has been steady and has started since he was a freshman. He is a very dependable player; he has only missed two games in his entire high school career. He makes the line calls at the center position. He is an unsung hero of the team. I can't say enough positive things about Tim." In a previous interview, Schilbe said he felt good about the turnout numbers this year for the team and the playoff outlook. "We had good numbers coming out, and people have been energetic and they want to be here," he said. "We have great coaching, I feel like we're just building off last year, and have been ready to go." Schilbe is a BJ's Printables Male Athlete

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EDWARDSVILLE - EXO Lounge will host a Halloween party, similar to a pop-up experience. At 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, community members can stop by EXO in Edwardsville to enjoy their regular services in addition to a costume contest, specialty cocktails and food, and more fun. The med spa and nail bar will offer their usual services while the restaurant will have Halloween-themed cocktails and food. “We’re just going to have a lot of fun,” said EXO owner Gina Gamblin. Costumes are encouraged, and winners will receive trophies for the Best Couple costumes, Most Creative Costume, and Best Overall Costume. The lounge has a variety of cocktails and mocktails for all ages to enjoy, including a “Blood Bag” cocktail served on an IV pole. But Gamblin’s guilty pleasure is the mini apple pie, made with apples from Liberty Apple Orchard in Edwardsville. She highlighted the work done by Michelin-star chef Gianni Colucci ,

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EDWARDSVILLE - EXO Lounge is celebrating a year in Edwardsville, and owner Gina Gamblin says they have something for everyone to love. EXO, located at 2 157 Center in Edwardsville, operates as a nail bar and med spa , offering everything from manicures and pedicures to Botox and IV treatments. They also have a Michelin-star chef who curates a menu of specialty cocktails and food . Gamblin’s goal is to help everyone at EXO feel more confident, healthier, and happier. “EXO is definitely a passion project of mine,” she said. “I think sometimes the world can be a dark place. There’s a lot that we’re dealing with on an everyday basis that’s difficult. So when you walk in the door, you leave better than when you came in. Whether that’s just sitting at lunch with your friend or whether that’s having your nails done or whether that’s having your hormone replacement or your Botox, whatever that means for you

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EAST ALTON — A male bicyclist was struck Tuesday evening, Oct. 21, 2025, near the Circle K in East Alton, according to East Alton Police Chief Scott Golike. The incident occurred around 6 p.m. on Oct. 21, when police received a call reporting the collision. The bicyclist sustained a suspected broken arm, Golike said. The injured man was transported from the scene to a nearby hospital for treatment. Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned Andrew Tysen Duva, nominated to be Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division, about the Public Integrity Section (PIN) at the Department of Justice (DOJ). PIN staff has been reduced from approximately 30 prosecutors at the end of the Biden Administration to now only two attorneys. Earlier this week, Durbin met with Mr. Duva, who reassured the Senator that he believes PIN plays an important role and that he intends to rebuild it with additional trial attorneys so that they may effectively oversee and prosecute public corruption cases. “There is a longstanding requirement that prosecutions of public officials be reviewed by PIN’s career prosecutors to ensure that they are not politically motivated. Attorney General Bondi has reportedly eliminated this requirement. When we met, you told me that you thought PIN played an important

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will open registration for Winter Session and Spring 2026 later this month. Registration for Spring 2026 will roll out by class level beginning Monday, October 27, and continuing into early November. Registration opens for all students, including visiting students, Thursday, November 6. Registration begins each day at 10 a.m. For complete registration information, visit siue.edu/register . “Current SIUE students must schedule an advising appointment before registering,” said Patrick Sears, MPA, registrar. “Registering early helps students secure classes that best fit their schedule and academic goals.” Graduate students can contact their graduate program advisor for guidance on registration. Students may also register for Winter Session during Spring 2026 registration. All Winter Session courses are offered online, allowing students to complete a class in just three weeks to lighten their spring

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CHICAGO — Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 19 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts opposing the Trump administration’s attempts to subpoena documents, including patient records, related to gender-affirming care at Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH). “Gender-affirming care for transgender youth is lawful, essential and lifesaving treatment that supports the right of all individuals to live as their authentic selves,” Raoul said. “The Trump administration’s focus on hospitals and health care providers that offer a wide range of care to pediatric patients is cruel, unlawful and does not make children safer. The real result is that the Department of Justice is diverting valuable law enforcement resources from catching real child predators and instead attempting to bully health care providers to stop providing the care their patients require.” Medical experts,

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a Perry County man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for possessing child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. Larry W. Morrison, 57, of Pinckneyville, Illinois was sentenced by Perry County Circuit Court Judge Campanella after pleading guilty to three Class 2 felony counts of child pornography. “The child victims of these horrific crimes are exploited each time images are shared, and holding perpetrators accountable can be crucial for the victims, their families and their recoveries from trauma,” Raoul said. “My office will continue to collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to protect Illinois’ children and stop the perpetrators who abuse them.” In June 2024,

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) announced today that individuals may now apply to be part of the 2026 class of the Next Gen Capacity Building Initiative (Next Gen), a program designed to expand the talent pipeline for emerging developers to gain knowledge in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) industry. Next Gen equips for-profit and nonprofit developers with critical training, technical assistance, and understanding of financial resources to bring affordable housing to life in communities across Illinois. “Next Gen is about opening doors for developers who are ready to shape the future of affordable housing in Illinois,” said Kristin Faust, IHDA Executive Director . “By expanding access to technical training and early-stage capital, IHDA and LISC are making sure that more voices and more communities can help our evolving housing needs. If you are a developer with a desir

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EDWARDSVILLE – A generous bequest by the owners of a nearly century-old Edwardsville business will help breathe new life into a downtown building that is set to be transformed into the home of the Edwardsville Arts Center. Mayor Art Risavy and the Edwardsville City Council announced Tuesday, October 21, that the City has purchased the former Edwardsville Frozen Foods building at 246 N. Main Street with the support and financial backing of the Edwardsville Community Foundation. “The opportunity to transform this wonderful downtown building, which is next to our historic Wildey Theatre and near a vibrant business mix, is going to be incredibly impactful for the City,” Mayor Art Risavy said. “This is a win that will be felt in downtown Edwardsville and beyond, and an exciting prospect for the Edwardsville Arts Center, which has been seeking a permanent site.” The Edwardsville Community Foundation presented Mayor Risavy and the City Council a check for $525,000

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MADISON COUNTY, Ill. — The Madison County Transit (MCT) Trails are one of Madison County’s greatest treasures — more than 138 miles of scenic Class I bikeways. As the number of walkers, runners, and bicyclists has grown, so does the need for a shared understanding: the MCT Trails are for everyone, and safety starts with slowing down. That’s why MCT, together with several of the most active members of the MCT Trails Rider Group on Facebook, is launching a friendly reminder campaign about trail etiquette — including the 15 miles per hour (mph) speed limit and rules for walkers, riders, and rollers (e-bikes and scooters included!). This isn’t about enforcement; it’s about keeping the trails enjoyable, safe, and welcoming for everyone. “The speed limit is meant to protect people, not punish,” said MCT Managing Director SJ Morrison. “It keeps the MCT Trails safe and welcoming for users of all ages, modes, and abilities.”

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