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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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ST. LOUIS, MO. — The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to help curb a drop in donor turnout this fall. Donors of all blood types and those giving platelets are asked to book a time to donate at a Red Cross blood donation center or community blood drive to help give hospitals the tools they need to care for patients ahead of the holidays. To say thank you, all who come to give Oct. 27-Nov. 16, 2025, will get $20 in e-gift cards to a choice of merchant, plus automatic entry for a chance to win one of three $5,000 prizes. See RedCrossBlood.org/Harvest .? Don’t wait – Schedule a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org , calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Enhance community health November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Understanding our own health is the foundation for helping prevent chronic illness and saving lives. Blood and platelet donations can be a part of that journey.

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CHICAGO — Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul co-led a multistate coalition of 16 attorneys general in filing a comment letter opposing the Trump administration’s proposal to remove reporting requirements that ensure the U.S. Department of Education meets its obligation to oversee how states determine whether school districts have significant racial and ethnic disparities in special education programming and student discipline. “Data and research have shown for decades that students are disproportionately identified for special education and related services based on race and ethnicity,” Raoul said. “It is important that these imbalances are accurately documented so that they can be addressed.” Children of color are disproportionately identified as children with disabilities and placed in segregated, restrictive special education settings at substantially higher rates than their peers. There is concern that some of these children may be misidentified,

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with the American Association of Cancer Institutes’ (AACI) President, Dr. Robert Winn, to discuss the Trump Administration’s devastating cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The Trump Administration has frozen or cancelled billions in NIH grant funding, fired thousands of NIH staffers, and proposed a Fiscal Year 2026 budget that requests a 40 percent cut to medical research at NIH, including a more-than 35 percent cut to cancer research specifically. These actions threaten our nation’s progress to find new cures and treatments for cancer patients and their families and discourage the next generation of researchers from entering the medical research field. “What the Trump Administration is doing to medical research conducted at the NIH and NCI is abhorrent. Does anybody believe that America is greater as a nation with less cancer research?

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CHICAGO – More than 200 people participated in the 2025 Illinois Together Against Hate: Human Rights in Action Conference on Oct. 21 in Champaign, Illinois. The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR), the Illinois Commission on Discrimination and Hate Crimes (CDHC), and the City of Champaign’s Equity & Engagement Department collaborated efforts to amplify conversations and strengthen partnerships to combat hate. The event served as a powerful, in-person gathering for community members, civil rights advocates, and human rights professionals to share actionable tools, innovative strategies, and impactful connections that drive lasting change. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss , a leading scholar and author on extremism and radicalization, and founder of the Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL) at American University. Attendees participated in sessions and workshops covering topics ranging from understanding discrimination

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NEW ATHENS — State Representative Kevin Schmidt, a Republican from Millstadt, will hold Mobile Office Hours in New Athens on October 23, providing constituents an opportunity to discuss state legislation and share their views on changes they want to see from Illinois elected officials. The free event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the New Athens Village Hall, located at 905 Spotsylvania Street. “I look forward to meeting my constituents to have open conversations about what matters most to them and their families,” Schmidt said. “This event is designed to give individuals the time to share their voice with me so I can better serve them during legislative session.” Residents interested in attending or seeking more information can contact Schmidt’s office at (618) 215-1050 or visit his website at repschmidt.com.

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CHICAGO - State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration in Chicago to commemorate LGBTQ+ History Month. The event was an opportunity to reflect on the significant achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, and their allies. Frerichs presented awards to leaders in the community, business, education, government, labor, sports, and arts and humanities. “Today, we honor the contributions of our LGBTQ+ neighbors and friends,” Frerichs said at the celebration lunch in the state government building at 555 W. Monroe St. “We thank them for their ongoing dedication to justice and equal opportunity. We are grateful for their enduring commitment to make Illinois and the world better places to live.” LGBTQ+ History Month was started in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, then a Missouri high school teacher who thought the historical importance of gays and lesbians should be emphasized. From those small steps, the month grew. The Equality Forum

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