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Patrons are in for a quacking good time when they visit Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall during the month of October! In addition to checking out a bestseller, attending one of the library’s many programs, or picking up an item from the Library of Things (such as a stand mixer, card table and chairs, or tool kit, among dozens of other unique things), patrons can vote for their favorite decorated rubber duck! In September, the library invited teens to stop by and pick up a rubber duck, decorate it, and return it to the library for a “duck costume contest” to be held this month. The decorated ducks are now on display in the library’s TeenSpace section. Patrons can visit Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall from now until October 31 and vote for their favorite decorated duck. The first-place winner of the contest will take home an LED duck wall light, the second-place winner will receive a duck-themed blanket, and the third-place winner will earn a pair

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Third Judicial Circuit of Madison County is proud to announce the return of the Honorable Sarah D. Smith, Circuit Judge, following her two-week mobilization to serve in a senior leadership role during Bright Star 2025, one of the largest multinational military exercises in the world. The exercise, held in Egypt, concluded in mid-September and brought together over a dozen allied nations for high-level joint training operations. Judge Smith, a presiding circuit judge in Madison County and a long-serving officer in the Illinois Army National Guard (ILARNG), was recently appointed as the ILARNGs G7 – Plans and Exercises Officer, where she is responsible for leading and integrating long-range planning and operational design. Bright Star 2025 marked her first mission in this new strategic role, following her prior service as the State Judge Advocate. During the exercise, Judge Smith served as Chief of Staff for the exercise’s Higher Command (HICON),

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of 21 other attorneys general in issuing a statement condemning the Trump administration’s retaliatory prosecution of New York Attorney General Letitia James. “We resoundingly denounce the Trump administration’s retaliatory prosecution of our colleague, New York Attorney General Letitia James. “Since a New York State judge found Donald Trump liable for years of business fraud and illegal dealings in a case led by Attorney General James, Mr. Trump has repeatedly broadcast his desire to arrest and prosecute her. Mr. Trump has now done just that – demanding an indictment of Attorney General James even though the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Erik Siebert resigned rather than seeking an indictment. “None of us, whether our states’ top legal officials or members of the public, should stand idly by while justice is upended and this president uses the criminal

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SPRINGFIELD — To honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of Illinois veterans, State Senator Erica Harriss is encouraging residents to share photos and stories of their loved ones who served in the United States Armed Forces. These submissions will be featured in the “Honoring All Who Served” Veterans Day Display in the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda from October 28 through November 13. “Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the bravery and sacrifices of those who have defended our freedoms,” said Senator Harriss. “This display is a meaningful way to keep their legacies alive and ensure we never forget the faces and stories of these heroes who have shaped our nation.” Families are encouraged to submit a photo (military photos preferred but not required) along with a written story of no more than 250 words. Submissions should also include the veteran’s name, military branch (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard,

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SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) have announced $67 million in funding to offer cost-share/financial incentives to producers and landowners who will implement no-till or strip-till starting in the fall of 2025. The intent of the program is to promote the implementation of no-till and strip-till via the Partners for Conservation (PFC) Program and the State of Illinois Priority Climate Action Plan. “No-till and strip till practices improve soil health, reduce erosion and runoff, and lower long-term input costs,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “We appreciate the state and federal partnerships that bring grant funding to encourage conservation of Illinois’ fertile farmland.” Pre-enrollment and applications are available online. Visit the IDOA website at agr.illinois.gov/ and select the CPRG Climate Smart Agriculture Program link on the home page. Pre-Enro

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following statement after the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals denied the portion of the Trump administration’s emergency motion, filed last night, seeking an immediate administrative stay to halt the temporary restraining order granted Thursday by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. “The court's order today keeps the troops off the streets of Chicago, Broadview or any other community in Illinois. This is a victory for our state. This is a victory for state and local law enforcement — who know their communities and who protect the right of their communities to speak truth to power.”

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SAINT LOUIS - City Museum promises fun year-round, but this October, they have special “Fright at the Museum” promotions, decorations and performances. Located at 750 N. 16th Street in St. Louis, City Museum is an architectural playground for people of all ages to explore. Each floor is decorated, and there are special experiences planned throughout the month of October. Katy Enrique, who works at the museum, noted that they are excited to share the “oddities and curiosities” of Halloween with their guests. “It focuses more on that oddities and curiosities side of Halloween versus the jump scares and gore and screaming and running and chainsaws,” she said. “It’s all going to be decked out in that Halloween decor.” The Fright at the Museum fun runs from Oct. 1–26, 2025, with a focus on weekends. In addition to the decorations — think vampire-themed bars and skeletons tucked into corners — the museum’s

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EAST ALTON — The East Alton First United Methodist Church hosted its annual trunk-or-treat event Sunday evening, Oct. 12, 2025, welcoming 431 children, an increase from last year’s attendance. Located at 1001 3rd Street in East Alton, the church has been organizing the Halloween-themed event for 15 years, long before trunk-or-treats became widely popular. Angela Sarandis, a representative of the church, said the event draws hundreds of participants annually. “We’re tried to beat the rush this year,” Sarandis said. “We love doing things for the community. With us being right across the street from the school, we have to do fun things, and this is one of our fun things.” This year’s event featured 10 to 12 decorated cars where children collected treats. At the conclusion of the trunk-or-treat, participants received cookies and had the opportunity to take photos in a designated area. A haunted inflatable maze was also available and proved

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EDWARDSVILLE — Tim Earley, a longtime employee of the Stagger Inn and a well-known figure in the Edwardsville community, lost all of his belongings in a recent apartment fire. In response, Teri Maddox of Edwardsville has organized a GoFundMe campaign to help Earley recover and rebuild his life. Earley, recognized for decades of service delivering food and drinks and supporting local fundraisers, now faces the challenge of starting over after the devastating fire. Maddox said Earley was initially hesitant about the crowdfunding effort but ultimately agreed to the campaign to ease some of the immediate burdens. The fundraiser is available online for those interested in contributing to Earley’s recovery from the tragedy. Maddox encourages community members to support one of Edwardsville’s most familiar residents as he navigates the weeks ahead. Click here for the GoFundMe.

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Did you know that nearly 40% of a household’s energy consumption during colder months goes toward heating? This staggering figure underscores the importance of having a well-prepared home—not only to stay comfortable but also to manage energy costs effectively. Preparing your home for colder weather isn’t just about adding blankets or turning up the thermostat; it involves strategic steps to enhance insulation, protect your infrastructure, and maintain indoor air quality. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you optimize your living space for the colder months ahead. Inspect and Upgrade Insulation One of the most critical factors in maintaining warmth and energy efficiency is proper insulation. Heat loss through poorly insulated walls, attics, floors, and windows can significantly drive up heating bills. Why it matters: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by properly insulating their

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Did you know that engaging children in hands-on creative activities can significantly enhance their cognitive development and emotional well-being? Crafting with natural materials not only sparks imagination but also fosters a deeper connection with the environment. When kids use leaves, acorns, pinecones, and other organic objects in their creations, they learn to observe textures, colors, and forms in new ways. This article explores practical methods to make fall crafts with children using materials found in nature, transforming a simple walk into an opportunity for artistic discovery. Gathering Natural Materials: The First Step in Creativity Before diving into crafting, the collection of materials is an essential and educational phase. Taking children on a nature walk to gather items encourages observation skills and a sense of stewardship toward the environment. Leaves in various shapes and hues, twigs, seeds, bark pieces, pinecones, and even stones can all serve as raw materials

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October 13 stands out as a date marked by transformative moments across history, weaving a tapestry of events that have shaped the political, cultural, and scientific landscapes globally. One of the most impactful events happened in 1792 when the cornerstone for the White House was laid in Washington, D.C. This iconic building would become the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, symbolizing American governance and leadership. The construction marked a pivotal moment for the young nation, setting the stage for over two centuries of political history within its walls. In 1881, the world of sports witnessed a notable moment when the first organized college football game in the American South took place between the University of North Carolina and the University of Virginia. This game helped lay the foundation for what would become a deeply embedded cultural tradition in the United States, with college football evolving into a major sporting and social

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October 11 and 12 have been dates marked by transformative events across the globe, spanning centuries and touching on politics, science, culture, and human achievement. In the realm of science, October 11, 1968, saw the launch of Apollo 7, the first manned mission in the United States’ Apollo program to orbit Earth. This mission was a critical step toward landing astronauts on the Moon, demonstrating the viability of spaceflight systems and crew operations. The successful mission helped restore confidence in NASA following the tragic Apollo 1 fire and paved the way for the historic Apollo 11 moon landing less than a year later. Shifting to the cultural sphere, on October 11, 1929, American author and illustrator Thornton W. Burgess published the first in his beloved series of children’s books featuring animal characters. Burgess’s stories, often set in the fictional Green Forest, enchanted generations with their blend of education and entertainment, promoting a

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Bipartisan legislation led by combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to help expand leave benefits for the devoted health professionals serving in the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps passed the Senate last night by unanimous consent. Despite being responsible for leading our nation’s emergency response to dangerous public health crises and natural disasters, PHS officers are still the only federal entity—civilian or uniformed—without access to essential leave benefits, including extended parental leave, emergency leave, court appearance leave and rest and recuperation leave. The Senators’ Uniformed Services Leave Parity Act would rectify this issue by ensuring PHS officers have access to the same authorized leave that is available to members of the Armed Services. “When disease or disaster

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GRAFTON – The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) will host employment screening events for its Juvenile Justice Specialist Intern positions. The positions are full-time, year-round, shift-work positions and there are job openings at the following Illinois youth centers: Chicago, Warrenville, St. Charles, Grafton, and Lincoln . The position has a starting salary of $65,004; and interested applicants must attend an upcoming required screening event to be considered. The screening dates and locations are listed below: Phoenix Emerging Adults Career & Education (PEACE) Center at St. Charles- 3825 Campton Hills Rd., St. Charles, IL ( Applicants for Chicago and Warrenville youth centers should also attend this screening.) October 21, 2025 November 18, 2025 Monarch Youth Center- 861 S. State St., Lincoln, IL November 13, 2025 December 10, 2025 Illinois Youth Center Pere Marquette- 17808 State Highway 100W, Grafton, IL October 17, 2025 November 14,

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, met with Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S., Olga Stefanishyna, along with a bipartisan group of Senators to discuss Russia’s ongoing war and how the United States and its allies can continue to help Ukraine defend itself and address Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia. During the meeting, they also discussed Durbin’s bipartisan resolution condemning Russian incursions into NATO territory and reaffirming Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. “I don’t blame President Trump for trying to engage Russian President Putin to end this war, but it is now clear that Putin isn’t interested and only responds with more deadly attacks on Ukraine, incursions into NATO airspace, and mayhem across Europe,” said Durbin. “We need to increase military assistance to our Ukrainian allies and allied pressure on Russia—which I reiterated to Ms. Stefanishyna.

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GREENE COUNTY — The Greene County Health Department is proud to announce that Amanda McKinley, one of our exceptional team members, has been honored with the Community Health Worker of the Year Award by the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA). This prestigious award recognizes Amanda’s outstanding achievements, dedication, and compassion in her role as a Community Health Worker (CHW). Her commitment to supporting individuals and families, addressing barriers to care, and improving community well-being has made a lasting difference across Greene County. The Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA), established in 1940, is the oldest and largest public health association in the state. IPHA works to strengthen public health infrastructure, promote policies that improve health outcomes, and advance the professional development of Illinois’ public health workforce. Community Health Workers are trusted frontline professionals who bridge the gap between

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RIVERBEND - Halloween is creeping up on us, but it’s all treats — no tricks — this spooky season. Several parades are scheduled over the next few weeks. Check it out! ALTON With one of the longest-running Halloween parades in the country, Alton’s 108th annual celebration will run from 7–10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. The parade begins downtown at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Broadway and will continue on Broadway to Piasa Street, where it will end at 9th Street. If you are unable to get out to view the Alton Halloween Parade in-person, keep an eye out for the live stream on Riverbender.com . BETHALTO The Bethalto Rotary Club will host their annual Halloween parade on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025 . The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. and travels from Rose Lawn Memory Garden to Erwin Plegge Boulevard to Central Park. BRIGHTON The Village of Brighton will host their annual Frighten Brighton event from 3 to 7 p.m. o

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Did you know that nearly 33% of the world’s population depends on agriculture for their livelihood? Despite this staggering figure, farmers are often the least recognized contributors to our daily lives. National Farmers Day serves as a vital reminder to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and resilience of farmers who sustain our food systems and economies worldwide. The Importance of National Farmers Day National Farmers Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a tribute to the backbone of society—the farmers. In many countries, this day is observed to honor the role farmers play in food production, rural development, and environmental stewardship. The significance of this day lies in raising public awareness about the challenges faced by farmers, such as climate change, market volatility, and access to resources. For example, in India, where over 50% of the workforce is engaged in agriculture, National Farmers Day (celebrated on December 23) commemorates

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CHICAGO – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul co-led a coalition of 18 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting a legal challenge to President Trump’s executive orders targeting diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives and programs that support transgender individuals. Raoul and the coalition filed their brief in San Francisco AIDS Foundation v. Trump before the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. At issue on appeal are several provisions in the executive orders that direct agencies to terminate federal funding for “equity-related” grants and grants that promote “gender ideology.” The plaintiffs in the case argue that these funding provisions impose illegal burdens on organizations that provide critical services to LGBTQ communities – many specifically supporting transgender individuals. “The Trump administration’s attacks on the rights of transgender individuals and lawful diversity

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