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Whether you’re curled up on the couch engrossed in an autobiography or tucked away in bed late at night with a good mystery, experts say there’s little doubt that reading is good for our health. “It's one of the best things we can do for our mental health and our physical health,” says Ashley Pratt, a psychotherapist for OSF HealthCare. “It's been shown to greatly reduce our stress levels, lower our blood pressure, improve our memory and cognition, and it improves our sleep quality.” Google the word ‘reading’ and there’s no shortage of statistics available when it comes to the importance of picking up a book occasionally. Research shows 75% of adults participate in some form of reading. However, according to another study, the number of children between the ages of 9 and 13 reading for fun has dropped in the last decade. But Pratt says most people need just six minutes of reading time a day to see some health benefit, especially

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SPRINGFIELD Marking National Teen Voter Registration Day, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias reported that nearly 50,000 16- and 17-year-olds have taken advantage of a new law that enables them to pre-register to vote before turning 18. National Teen Voter Registration Day is a nationwide push to get teens involved in the democratic process, with many communities hosting voter registration drives at local high schools. “The earlier a teen gets registered and involved, the more likely they will stay engaged and continue to vote later in life,” said Giannoulias, whose office issues driver’s licenses and state IDs. “This is an opportunity for teens to cultivate a habit of civic participation that I hope continues for the rest of their lives.” Last year, the Illinois General Assembly passed a Giannoulias-promoted measure, sponsored by State Senator Julie Morrison (29th District—Deerfield) and State Representative Katie Stuart (112th District—Collinsville),

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SAINT JACOB - Zach Heidrich set out on a new adventure in May of this year after purchasing the old Methodist Church in Saint Jacob, and converting it into a wedding and events venue. “I always thought it’d be a neat idea to buy an old church and turn it into something,” Heidrich said. There will be an open house for The Storybook Chapel 12-3 p.m. on Sept. 28, 2024, which will also be the opening day. There will be drinks including beer, wine, champagne, soda, and tea. Heidrich is also planning on having a cake. Vendors are welcome to contact Heidrich for more information. Heidrich will also have a booth at the wedding show on Dec. 1, 2024, at America’s Center in St. Louis. Storybook Chapel has been a staple within the community since the 1800s, with its beautiful stained glass windows, original hardwood floors, and bell tower being part of its unique charm. “There aren’t too many original chapels like this one. Everything now is

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EDWARDSVILLE — Thoughtfully, members of the Kappa Sigma fraternity at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville delivered breakfast to the Edwardsville Fire Department on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. The gesture was made to thank firefighters and staff for their service and to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The fraternity's act of kindness was met with gratitude from the fire department. "We'd like to share our gratitude for the thoughtful members of the Kappa Sigma fraternity," Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford said. "It's an honor to serve this wonderful community in this great nation." The breakfast delivery aimed to honor the sacrifices and ongoing dedication of first responders, a sentiment that holds particular weight on the anniversary of 9/11. For many, the day serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and responsibilities faced by those in emergency services. Chief Whiteford and the Edwardsville Fire Department expressed great appreciation

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GRANITE CITY — Members of the Granite City Police Department's Special Response Team participated in the annual 9/11 stair climb at Cahokia Mounds today, honoring the sacrifices made by first responders on September 11, 2001. The Granite City officers completed nine laps, equating to climbing the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. This act of remembrance shows the Granite City Police Department and other first responders' commitment to not forget the bravery and sacrifices of those who responded to the tragic events of that day 23 years ago today. The annual event at Cahokia Mounds draws participants from various sectors, all aiming to pay tribute to the fallen heroes of 9/11.

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O'FALLON - This summer, World Language students from O'Fallon Township High School embarked on an educational journey to Spain and France, guided by their teacher, Mrs. Grossmann. The students explored significant cultural and historical sites such as Montmartre in Paris, where they participated in a painting class with a professor from the Beaux-Arts de Paris. The O'Fallon group also visited Les Invalides, the resting place of Napoleon, and toured various other landmarks including Pont du Gard, the Aude River, Avignon, Le Palais des Papes, Nimes at the Roman Maison Carrée, Parc Guell, Sagrada Familia, and took a walking tour of Barcelona. This enriching experience was facilitated by a $1,000 travel scholarship that the students applied for through the World Language DoDEA Grant: Project Bilit. Additional fundraising efforts also contributed to making the trip financially feasible. Mrs. Grossmann expressed enthusiasm for future trips abroad, noting the significant impact

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ALTON - Community members have the chance to support a local family through a difficult pregnancy. Starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at VFW Post 1308 in Alton, people can enjoy live music, food, a 50/50 raffle, basket drawings and more at a benefit for Alaina Jones. Alaina is 20 weeks pregnant with twin girls, and she has experienced challenges throughout her pregnancy. Her mother, Natalie Jones, explained that Alaina, her partner Devin and their son Louis are a “great family” who could use some extra support. “It’s a super high-risk pregnancy,” Natalie said. “They’re a young couple. They’re a great family. They have a young son, Louis, and they just wanted to expand their family. They’re just going through a rough time, and is having to take off a lot of work to take her and take care of her. So we thought we’d put together this benefit to help them get through this.” The twins are monochorionic

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s WSIE 88.7 The Sound will be on site with Music At The Intersection (MATI) for the fourth year in a row, to help usher in some of the greatest musical entertainment from around the world. MATI will take place from Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 14-15, 2024 in the Grand Center District in St. Louis, Mo. WSIE continues as one of the media sponsors, letting the community know about the top-notch entertainers performing through this year. MATI will be on four stages, showcasing such acts as Esperanza Spalding, Stanley Clarke, The Black Pumas, Samara Joy and Chaka Khan! WSIE will be on hand to greet listeners and lovers of jazz music, as they move throughout the festival, that offers great food, pop-up businesses and more. “This year’s MATI is packed with sensational talent and promises to show festival goers a great time,” said WSIE General Manager Jason Church. “WSIE is grateful to once again play a part

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Township is excited to announce that our Touch A Truck event is back for another year from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2024 This year is the 10th annual Touch A Truck event which plans to be the best yet. This annual Touch-A-Truck event is free and open to the public. New additions this year include scheduled appearances by Chase and Marshall from the Paw Patrol from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The event this year focuses on a greener community. Attendees will have the opportunity to drop off a variety of goods for recycling at Metro East Lutheran High School. For more information, please go to www.recyclingsimplified.com. Electric trucks, Ford F-150 Lightning and Tesla Cybertruck will be featured at the event as well. Food vendors are encouraged to use environmentally friendly products as well. Other vehicles ehicles scheduled to be on display this year include the SSM Cardinal Glennon Air Ambulance helicopter, first responders (fire trucks, ambulances

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ALTON — Alton Little Theater embraced an unusual role on Sept. 10, 2024, welcoming the National Crisis Response Canines program for an afternoon of life-saving drills and exercises. Actors Lee and Michael Cox, Lief Anderson, Gail Drillinger, and Randy Manning collaborated with trainers and their dogs to simulate crisis situations. The local fire department chief was also in attendance to observe the exercises. "Alton Little Theater was thrilled to be chosen to help with this wonderful national program," a representative from the theater stated. The event aimed to enhance the skills of crisis response canines and their handlers, providing realistic scenarios for training. The participation of the actors added an element of authenticity to the exercises, as they portrayed individuals in distress, aiding the dogs in their training to respond to real-life emergencies. The initiative underscores the theater's commitment to community involvement and support for national programs,

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EDWARDSVILLE — HSHS Medical Group is pleased to welcome Dr. Hannah Jordan, family medicine, to their team. Dr. Jordan is now scheduling patients at HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care – Edwardsville, located at 1188 S. State Route 157, Suite 100 in Edwardsville. As a primary care physician, Dr. Jordan cares for patients of all ages and offers a variety of services, including minor procedures, general wellness, well-child visits, women’s health care, and acute and chronic illness management. Dr. Jordan earned her Bachelor of Science in biological sciences, biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She received her medical degree from the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Lynchburg, Virginia. Dr. Jordan completed a family medicine residency at Durant Family Medicine Residency Clinic in Durant, Oklahoma. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Jordan, please call 618-692-5900 or schedule online

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COLLINSVILLE – Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 Commander Casey Faro announces the results of Roadside Safety Checks (RSC) held in Madison County in August. Violations Enforcement Activity Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Citations 1 Other Alcohol/Drug Citations 2 Occupant Restraint Offenses 3 Registration Offenses 13 Driver’s License Offenses 11 Insurance Violations 5 Total Citations/Arrests 35 Total Written Warnings 11 Alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be a factor in more than 47% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-related traffic fatality every 39 minutes in the United States. RSCs are designed to keep our roads safe by taking dangerous DUI offenders off the road. This project was funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has issued “at large” charges on suspect Dominic Stidmon, 21 years of age, of the 4000 block of Russell Boulevard in St Louis, Missouri 63110, for Murder Second Degree, Robbery First Degree, and two counts of Armed Criminal Action. Stidmon was taken into custody on September 10, 2024, in Topeka, Kansas. A booking photo of Stidmon is attached. Stidmon is being held without bond in Kansas. Please note, charges are merely an accusation, and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: Defendant and Victim had arranged for Defendant to buy marijuana from the victim. During the transaction, the victim was shot and killed. The victim's marijuana was stolen. The defendant was identified through phone records as having communicated with the victim to purchase the marijuana. Shell casings found at the scene ballistically matched

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CASEYVILLE — The Caseyville Police Department announced today that its annual Charity Poker Tournament successfully raised $16,000 for The BackStoppers Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to families of fallen first responders. The event, held over the weekend, was supported by a variety of local sponsors and participants. "We could not have accomplished this without the support of the sponsors and players of this event," the Caseyville Police Department stated. This year's sponsors included Morrison Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, AAIC Inc., Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser Guns 'N Hoses, and many more. The tournament, which has been held for four consecutive years, aims to support The BackStoppers Inc. through community engagement and contributions. "We are really proud of this number and hope to continue to grow this event for years to come," the statement continued. The local businesses tha

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JERSEYVILLE - The security presence at Jersey 100 schools has increased this morning following reports of social media messages concerning threats of school shootings in Missouri. The Jersey County Sheriff’s Office announced the details of a concerning “trend” in a public service announcement released Tuesday night. “Earlier this evening, the Jersey County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) received information from concerned parents about messages that were circulating on social media (to include Snapchat) among students in our school district,” the Sheriff’s Office announced. “The messages involved threats of school shootings at certain Missouri schools. The JCSO interviewed several students, who indicated that they began receiving those messages the day prior, September 9.” Most of the students interviewed confirmed they had seen a list which only contained schools in Missouri - while one student claimed to have heard a rumor of a list

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On this day, September 11, 2024, we look back on significant events that have shaped our history. The most impactful event of this date stands out prominently: the September 11 attacks in 2001, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks carried out by the extremist group al-Qaeda, which had a profound impact on the world. On September 11, 2001, four commercial airplanes were hijacked. Two of these planes were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, leading to their collapse. A third plane hit the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, while the fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after passengers attempted to overcome the hijackers. The attacks resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths and significant global repercussions, including the launch of the War on Terror and the invasion of Afghanistan. While the September 11 attacks dominate the historical significance of this date, there are other notable events spanning various categorie

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ST. LOUIS – Earlier today, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled that voters will have the final say on Amendment 3. Amendment 3 will enshrine reproductive rights across our state if it passes. The court ruling is a victory for those who support democracy and everyone who believes that the right to make personal healthcare decisions should remain in the hands of individuals, not the government. “I couldn’t be more excited!” Alderman Aldridge stated as he read the news. We’ve all been fighting for this moment, and it’s finally here. The grassroots effort to get Amendment 3 on the ballot has been inspiring. People from every corner of Missouri poured their hearts and souls into this movement, collecting signatures, raising awareness, and ensuring we could bring this critical issue directly to the voters. "I can’t help but think back to when my colleagues in the Missouri House said that it doesn’t matter what they think about voter ID laws because

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Who won the 2024 United States presidential debate? Cast your vote at the end of this article. PHILADELPHIA – In a highly anticipated debate held Tuesday night, Republican Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris faced off in Philadelphia, presenting their visions for the nation's future. The event drew significant attention from voters and political analysts alike, with many eager to see how the two prominent figures would handle key issues.E The debate, which took place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, covered a wide range of topics, including the economy, healthcare, and foreign policy. Trump, the former president, emphasized his previous administration's achievements and criticized the current administration's policies. "We need to get back to the prosperity and strength we had during my time in office," Trump stated. Harris, representing the Biden administration, defended their record and outlined plans for continued progress. "We have made significant stride

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COLLINSVILLE - At approximately 5:37 p.m. Tuesday, Madison County Sheriff's Deputies, with assistance from the Collinsville Police Department, responded to reports of shots fired in the 8900 block of Rene Avenue in unincorporated Collinsville. Preliminary information indicates that a subject was shot and is currently being treated at a St. Louis area hospital. Authorities have stated that the individuals involved in the incident are known to each other, and there is no evidence to suggest that this was a random act of violence. Madison County Sheriff's Office Detectives are actively investigating the incident. Further details have not been released as the investigation is ongoing.

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GLEN CARBON - Glen Carbon trustees on Tuesday agreed to seek grant funds for the third and final phase of a major shared use path project, with construction on the initial two phases set to begin in 2025. The full scope of the project involves the installation of a shared-use path along the southeast side of Glen Carbon Road. As previously reported on Riverbender.com , the new path will eventually connect Schon Park and Route 159 at an overall estimated cost of $1.8 million for all three phases. While the entire path will eventually extend from Mark Trail Drive to Troy Road, this third phase specifically encompasses the area between Mark Trail Drive and Illinois Route 159, which is set to be built last. Phase 1 will extend from Schon Park to just past Lakewood Drive, while Phase 2 will begin at Lakewood Drive and extend to Mark Trail Drive. The cost of the work to be completed in Phase 3 is estimated at $725,000, but 80% of that cost would be covered by a Public Transportation

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