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ILLINOIS - The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) might reduce a proposed $128.8 million gas rate increase by Ameren Illinois by about one-third. Ameren Illinois and a few local advocacy groups shared their comments on the rate case. “In January, Ameren Illinois filed a plan with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) that will maintain the safety, integrity and reliability of the natural gas distribution system and support an orderly and equitable transition to clean energy sources,” said Brad Kleoppel, senior director of Gas Operations and Technical Services. “As with any proposed plan before the ICC, our natural gas proposal is currently undergoing an extensive review process, where stakeholders and interested parties are able to weigh in and give input. A final order is expected in November.” A few local groups argue that the proposed reduction is not enough. During a media briefing on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, Jim Chilsen with the Citizens Utility Boar

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O'FALLON - The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office charged 60-year-old Keith Burton of O’Fallon with three counts of possession of child pornography on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. The charges follow an investigation that began in June 2025 after a report was made to the O’Fallon Police Department. Burton was located and arrested at his residence in O’Fallon on a warrant related to the case. Under the Illinois Safe-T Act, the charges are classified as non-detainable offenses, and Burton was released from custody pending further court proceedings. The O’Fallon Police Department acknowledged the collaborative efforts of its officers and detectives alongside the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office in advancing the investigation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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ALTON - Antonia Phillips, a two-time Illinois High School Association (IHSA) All-State wrestler and 2022 state champion, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Medal of Courage by the Illinois Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Phillips, who is deaf, has been recognized for her trailblazing achievements as a female athlete in Southern Illinois. She currently competes at Aurora University after a storied career at Alton High School. Phillips’ high school coach at Alton High School, Eric Roberson, praised her dedication and resilience. “I am so proud of Antonia, and she is so deserving of the Medal of Courage award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame,” Roberson said. “She was always so focused and showed a great maturity when she competed at Alton High. I think she did show tremendous courage to play many sports growing up, and she never made any excuses. She just always outworked her competition, and she really earned everything she has received.

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BELLEVILLE - Friends and family of Dalton Vonderheide, a 17-year-old from Belleville who died in a car accident on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, are rallying to provide financial help to cover funeral expenses and related costs. Dalton, described as a vibrant and kind young man, passed away suddenly in the tragic incident that has deeply affected his community. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to assist the family during this difficult time, allowing them to focus on grieving and healing without the added burden of financial stress. The funds raised will go directly to the family to help with funeral arrangements and time off work. Details about the funeral arrangements are still being finalized and will be shared on social media once confirmed. The campaign organizer, Jael Wilson, expressed gratitude for any contributions, as well as for the thoughts, prayers, and memories shared in honor of Dalton’s life. Those wishing to support the family can find the GoFundMe page linked

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Recently, members of the Looking Glass Prairie Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, spent a fun and rewarding day at The Eagle’s Nest of St. Clair County in East St Louis. The facility provides transitional housing, trauma-informed care, and wrap-around services and support for homeless veterans in and around the Bi-State area. The Looking Glass Prairie Chapter's mission is to empower homeless veterans to achieve self-sufficiency. The Looking Glass Chapter donated some much-needed new kitchen equipment, games and puzzles, handmade blankets, and furniture for the day room. Before that, however, it was time for chow! The DAR members provided and served the veterans a full meal, including home-baked treats. With full stomachs, the veterans and Daughters played bingo and visited, sharing stories and fellowship. Chapter regent Kimberly Dalrymple said, “Each veteran also received a special goody bag. The best thing about the whole

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WEST FRANKFORT – The teachers who are members of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Local 817, have officially filed an Intent to Strike with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board (IELRB). The action comes after teachers voted yesterday (October 15) to authorize their union's bargaining team to call a strike, if necessary. The Intent to Strike vote was overwhelming; 97% of members voted, with 100 percent voting "YES." West Frankfort teachers may now legally go on strike as soon as October 26. “We love our students and this community, and we don't want learning or sports schedules to be disrupted," said Tim Aldridge, teacher and president of Local 817. "The overwhelming results of this vote make it crystal clear that our teachers are prepared to strike if the school board gives us no other choice. Teachers' patience is running out. The union has been bargaining with Superintendent Donkin and Frankfort CUSD #168 school board members for more than five months,

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ALTON — The Alton Fire Department responded to a structure fire on the 400 block of Main Street on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, around lunchtime, encountering heavy smoke and flames upon arrival. “The fire started in the first-floor bedroom and went into walls and moved into the second floor then to the attic,” Alton Fire Chief Jesses Jemison said. A box alarm was requested, and assistance from the East Alton Fire Department was called to the scene. The cause of the fire remains unknown. No injuries were reported.

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EDWARDSVILLE - On Sunday, October 12, Tandra Taylor, PhD, assistant professor in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Department of History and SIUE's Interim Director of the Institute for Community Justice and Racial Equity (ICJRE) at the Southwestern Illinois Justice and Workforce Development Center on SIUE’s Belleville campus was recognized with the 2025 Educational Leadership award from the East St. Louis NAACP Branch 3013. The award ceremony, the Branch’s 71st Freedom Fund Banquet, took place at the Marriot St. Louis Grand in Downtown St. Louis. Emcees Maurice Drummond and Morgan Harris, both anchor/reporters on First Alert 4 television news introduced the evening with the theme “The fierce urgency of NOW.” Branch President Robin Carey-Boyd spoke of the principles behind the NAACP’s East St. Louis membership, founded 101 years ago. “The mission has always been clear: To ensure the political, educational, social, and economic

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GODFREY - "A rock is a rock, but there are different rocks and different uses for each." And, "When life hands you rocks, build a rock garden." If you are going to build a rock garden, or create an outdoor living space, Hindley Nursery and Stoneyard has the rocks, or plants, you need. On the highway toward Brighton, but still in Godfrey, there are ten acres of just about every kind of rock and stone imaginable. Unlike many other retailers, they have dozens of variations ranging in shapes, sizes and colors. Creating a pleasing outdoor living space is becoming very popular. “Outdoor living spaces expand the overall usable entertaining area of your home. They give you another place to go, another experience of your home, another place to gather— even another place to watch a movie,” says Stephen Block, president of Inner Gardens. Providing landscaping and gardening supplies and materials, the company had a humble beginning. Its "roots” go back to Tim an

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EDWARDSVILLE/CHOUTEAU - During their regular meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, the Madison County Board voted to approve a special use permit for a commercial solar energy facility’s construction in Chouteau Township, about a half-mile north of Granite City. Roxford Solar A LLC applied for a special use permit to construct the commercial solar facility in an area zoned “R-3” Single-Family Residential District. The Madison County Zoning Board of Appeals initially denied this petition, a decision that was upheld by the Madison County Building and Zoning Committee. During the Madison County Board’s meeting on Sept. 17, 2025, the Board voted to send the application back to the Building and Zoning Committee for further review. On Oct. 15, Madison County Board member and Building and Zoning Committee Chairman Terry Eaker presented the new petition and the Committee’s recommendation to approve the petition with conditions. Madison County Board Chairman

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GRANITE CITY – A woman accused of breaking into a Granite City residence and throwing a knife towards an 11-year-old child remains in custody on felony and misdemeanor charges. Natasha N. Buckingham, 37, listed as homeless out of Granite City, was charged with one count each of residential burglary (a Class 1 felony) and aggravated assault (a Class A misdemeanor) on Oct. 7, 2025. Buckingham allegedly entered a Granite City residence on Missouri Avenue without authority and with the intent to commit a theft on Oct. 6, 2025. On the same day, she is also accused of throwing a kitchen knife in the direction of an 11-year-old child. “Victim reported that her 11-year-old son arrived home from school, finding the defendant unlawfully inside the residence,” according to the state’s petition to deny Buckingham’s pretrial release. “Victim's son reported that defendant refused to leave and when confronted, threw a knife at him,” the petition continues.

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From spooky Halloween parties and haunted school adventures to lively music performances and family-friendly markets, the diverse lineup of events offers something exciting for everyone this season. For a complete listing of upcoming happenings, be sure to visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ and plan your next great outing! Featured Fall Reading Retreat invites you to get cozy at their Spooky Reading Retreat on October 17, 2025, at Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall in Alton. This perfect autumn evening allows you to curl up with eerie tales and immerse yourself in fall vibes. Whether you love horror, mystery, or ghost stories—or none of those—there’s something for every reader. Enjoy fall-themed treats and warm drinks, craft your own ghost garland to take home, and settle in for some quiet reading time. You can chat with fellow readers about what you’re currently reading or share favorite spooky stories. The open house-style event lets you come and

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ALTON - Community members, business owners and elected officials came together to talk about Alton’s comprehensive plan. On Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, at The Old Bakery Beer Company, attendees were invited to share their perspectives on Alton’s priorities. Andi Campbell, Alton’s Deputy Director of Planning and Development, explained that the comprehensive plan will guide the city’s decisions for the next 20 years. “It’s kind of a guidebook for us for decision-making,” Campbell said. “At the end of this, we’ll have a comprehensive plan basically that should help guide council members, help guide city staff, help guide officials about budgeting priorities on what’s important to our community. We’re not unlimited in the amount of resources we have. So where can we pack the most punch as we think about allocation of city resources?” During the open house-style workshop on Oct. 15, 2025, community members were

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced a temporary closure of the Martin Luther King Bridge over the Mississippi River as well as the ramp from Collinsville Avenue to westbound I-55/64. Work will occur on Friday, October 17 between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., weather permitting. IDOT District 8 Survey crews will be completing roadway surveys and inspections. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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Did you know that nearly one-third of all food produced globally is wasted each year? This staggering statistic underscores the critical importance of how we think about, produce, and consume food. World Food Day, observed annually on October 16th, serves as a vital reminder to address issues of hunger, food security, and sustainable agriculture worldwide. But beyond raising awareness, how can individuals and communities creatively engage with this day to make a meaningful impact? Here are innovative approaches to celebrating World Food Day that inspire action, education, and connection. Reimagining World Food Day: Beyond Awareness World Food Day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to promote global efforts to eradicate hunger. While traditional observances often include conferences, campaigns, and food drives, creative celebrations can amplify the message and foster a deeper relationship with food. Engaging activities that combine

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October 16 has long been a date marked by transformative events that have rippled across global history. One of the most impactful global events on October 16 took place in 1918, toward the end of World War I. On this day, the Allied powers and the Central Powers were moving closer to an armistice, which would eventually be signed on November 11, 1918. While the armistice came weeks later, October 16 marked a period of intense negotiations and battlefield actions that fundamentally shifted the course of the war. The efforts to bring peace during this time set the stage for the Treaty of Versailles and the geopolitical reshaping of Europe. Looking further back, on October 16, 1793, the French Revolution was at a critical juncture. Queen Marie Antoinette was executed by guillotine in Paris, a symbolic moment that underscored the intense social and political upheaval sweeping France. Her death marked the end of an era for the French monarchy and signaled the rise of radical republicanism

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EDWARDSVILLE – Metro-East Lutheran High School will host an Open House at its campus on Center Grove Road on Sunday, Oct. 26, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event will allow attendees to tour the school’s campus, meet with teachers and administrators, and find out more about the school’s academic, athletic and extracurricular offerings. All families interested in learning more about this thriving community are invited to stop by anytime between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to explore the opportunities available at MELHS. Metro-East Lutheran High School has been providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment for more than 40 years. For more information about MELHS or the Open House, email admissions@melhs.org or go to www.melhs.org .

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ALTON - Graceful Treasures will host their second monthly flea market this weekend. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, community members can stop by the red warehouse at the Milton Schoolhouse, where Graceful Treasures will host the market. Kimberly Grace, owner of Graceful Treasures, noted that the flea market is a great chance for vendors to sell their items and people to check out everything they have to offer. “By doing something like this, it’s a little bit easier than organizing an actual yard sale,” Grace said. “Yard sales are a lot of work. People are down to bring a table and sell their wares. It’s easy.” Grace noted that they will welcome over 20 vendors to the flea market. The warehouse will be completely full of people selling their items, with everything from vintage glass to Halloween and Christmas decorations. “I’m busting at the seams,” she joked. Graceful Treasures held its first flea

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You can expect a mostly sunny and very warm day in the River Bend and Metro East area, with a high near 83 and a low around 59. Winds will come in from the east-southeast at about 9 mph, gusting up to 18 mph. The chance of rain is very low, under 5 percent. It feels like 83 degrees during the afternoon. This morning will start cool but clear, warming steadily through the afternoon under plenty of sunshine. By evening, partly cloudy skies will appear, with a gentle southeast breeze continuing. Overnight, clouds will hold steady with lows near 59 degrees and light winds. No rain is expected. Air quality is moderate with mold as the primary allergen today. UV levels are moderate, so consider sun protection if you're outside for long. Tomorrow will remain warm with a high around 82 and a low near 64. Expect partly sunny skies with a few clouds and a light south wind. The chance of thunderstorms increases late Saturday night, so keep an eye on the forecast. For live updates, visit RiverBender.com/weather

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EDWARDSVILLE — A juvenile was taken into custody following a stabbing on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 15, 2025, in the 100 block of Pleasant Ridge Drive, Edwardsville Police Chief Mike Fillback confirmed. The incident, which occurred around 3 p.m. Oct. 15, was related to a domestic issue, Fillback said. The victim was transported to a St. Louis area hospital and is in stable condition. “There is no threat to the community,” Fillback said. “The suspect was taken into custody without harm, and the victim is being treated at a St. Louis area hospital. The injuries to the victim do not appear to be life-threatening.” Fillback said he could not release additional information about the juvenile suspect.

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