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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) today introduced the Upending Secret Postal Shutdowns (USPS) Act to prohibit the U.S. Postal Service from shutting down a post office under the guise of an "emergency suspension" without first notifying impacted communities and providing a full justification for the closure. Under current law, postal operations can be suspended due to emergencies ranging from staffing shortages to natural disasters, with a loose expectation that service be restored within 280 days. Bost’s bill would set strict periodic deadlines for public notifications, require community input, and mandate annual reports to Congress on long-term postal shutdowns. “Communities rely on the Postal Service for the timely delivery of letters, prescriptions, bills, and other mail,” said Bost. “When a post office closes, especially in a rural area, it hurts the people who depend on it most. My legislation will help clear up the confusion

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COLLINSVILLE – Main Street in Collinsville was bustling with excitement this past weekend as the annual Italian Fest drew crowds with its diverse array of activities and vendors. The festival, held on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, featured 42 vendors and a popular parade, which included numerous entries and was highlighted by this year’s parade marshal, Kurt Litteken, Collinsville’s 2023 Firefighter of the Year Award Winner. The Collinsville Chamber of Commerce is the main sponsor of the Italian Fest in Collinsville. The Chamber of Commerce, along with other sponsors, makes the family-friendly event happen each year. The Italian Fest celebrates the city's Italian culture and heritage. The festival also hosted the Italian Fest 5K race, which saw local participants compete for top honors. Justin Wieduwilt, a resident of Collinsville, claimed victory in the race with a time of 18:13. Jazz Cathedral from Springfield, Illinois, finished in second place with a time of

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I grew up listening to the tales of a very tall man named Robert. My maternal Grandfather, Charles William Wadlow , as the story went, was a third cousin to the famed small-town gentle giant, Robert Pershing Wadlow . Grandpa, never one to avoid an opportunity for a captivating story, told of the visits Robert Wadlow, the world’s tallest man, made to his family’s farm outside of Willard, Missouri. The thing that stood out to my grandfather was that Robert was easily tall enough to peer through the transom windows over the doors prevalent in historic homes. He would peer into the adjoining room to see who, or what, was happening from one room to another. Grandpa told of the times he was a little boy and Robert, his third cousin, would playfully hoist my little boy grandfather up in the air, set him atop his broad shoulders, and allow my grandpa to peer into the transom windows just like Robert could do with no effort. It was these boyhood visits, while few and far between,

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A tragic accident on Schuetz Road at Millstone Campus Drive has left an adult female dead, prompting an investigation by the St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons and Accident Reconstruction detectives. The deceased has been identified as Tiffanee Swanson, 50 years of age, of the 2300 block of Buller Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63114. On Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, at approximately 9:26 a.m., officers from the Central County Precinct responded to a call reporting a person struck near the intersection of Schuetz Road and Millstone Campus Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered a female pedestrian who had been hit by a vehicle. She was immediately transported to a nearby hospital but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased. Preliminary findings indicate that the victim was crossing Schuetz Road when she was struck. The driver involved remained at the scene and is cooperating with law enforcement officials.

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Welcome to another fascinating journey through time! Today, we’re diving into some of the most significant events that happened on September 23 throughout history. 1846: Discovery of Neptune Our journey begins in the realm of astronomy. On September 23, 1846, German astronomer Johann Galle, along with French mathematician Urbain Le Verrier, discovered Neptune, the eighth planet in our solar system. The discovery was monumental as it was the first planet located through mathematical predictions rather than empirical observations. Neptune’s existence was confirmed by Galle at the Berlin Observatory, marking a significant achievement in the field of astronomy and expanding our understanding of the cosmos. 1889: The Nintendo Company is Founded Fast forward to 1889 in Kyoto, Japan, where a small business named Nintendo was founded by Fusajiro Yamauchi. Originally a playing card company, Nintendo would go on to become a global giant in the video game industry. The company

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ST. LOUIS, MO. – Officer David Lee of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department died after being struck by a car while working a crash on I-70 near Grand on Sunday morning, Sept. 22, 2024, police said. City of St. Louis residents and colleagues are in the state of mourning on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, for the officer. “Today, I ask the entire St. Louis community to join us in mourning the passing of Officer David Lee,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “Through his work and his passing, he has left an indelible mark on the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and our City as a whole. I want to thank the SLMPD officers at the scene and the team at SLU hospital for their determination and care in trying to save Officer Lee’s life." Mayor Jones added, "Matthew 5:4 tells us ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’ Our proud City must now come together to comfort Officer Lee’s family, friends, colleagues, and our entire

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GOLDEN EAGLE — This is an update on a case that dates back to September 2023 in Calhoun County. At 11:07 a.m. on Sept. 29, 2023, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a residential burglary at a residence on Quarry Court in Golden Eagle. The caller, who had returned home from work, reported that his house and several vehicles had been burglarized, and his black 2013 Cadillac Escalade had been stolen. Chief Deputy Zach Hardin of the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office immediately responded to the scene and began processing evidence, leading the investigation to identify the suspect or suspects. During the investigation, deputies discovered that an additional residence on Quarry Rd. had also been burglarized. Following an intensive investigation, a suspect was identified, and the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office sought warrants. On October 3, 2023, the Calhoun County State’s Attorney’s Office filed an eight-count information charging

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ST LOUIS - An officer with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department died after being struck by a vehicle on Interstate 70 Sunday morning while assisting with a previous crash. Police Officer David Lee, an 18-year veteran of the force, succumbed to his injuries Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred around 8:50 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 past the exit for Adelaide Avenue, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Police received emergency calls reporting an officer in need of aid, prompting the closure of the road near the Grand Boulevard exit. Shortly thereafter, authorities confirmed that an officer had been hit by a car. In a press conference outside Saint Louis University Hospital, where Officer Lee was being treated, a spokesman for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department provided further details. "The officer was staging at a previous accident on the interstate when he was struck by an oncoming vehicle," the spokesman said. T

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September 21 and 22 are days marked by significant milestones and fascinating events across various domains around the world. One of the most profound events in recent history occurred on September 21, 2003, when the Galileo spacecraft ended its mission by crashing into Jupiter. Launched by NASA in 1989, Galileo was a pioneering mission that provided humanity with unprecedented insights into the largest planet in our solar system and its moons. The spacecraft's deliberate plunge into Jupiter was designed to prevent any potential contamination of the planet's moons, which may harbor conditions suitable for life. During its mission, Galileo made numerous close flybys of Jupiter's moons, including Europa, which is believed to have a subsurface ocean beneath its icy crust. This mission significantly advanced our understanding of the Jovian system and laid the groundwork for future explorations of outer space. Going further back in time, on September 21, 1937, J.R.R. Tolkien's novel

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SPRINGFIELD – Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville will host Nature-Culture Day on Saturday, Sept. 28 to introduce visitors to the natural environment of the site and how it shaped the Mississippian culture. The event, which is free and open to the public, includes a nature hike, Native American storytelling, and an informational talk. Activities will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the interpretive center lobby and auditorium. Cris Flores, education representative, will lead a brief informative talk on peregrine falcons and falcons in Mississippian iconography at 11:30 a.m. in the Iseminger Auditorium. The afternoon will feature a special three-hour nature-culture hike on the trails at Cahokia Mounds. The hike will step off from the interpretive center at 1 p.m. and will end at 4 p.m. Hikers are free to leave at any time. Archaeologist Julie Zimmermann will lead the hike around lesser-known cultural areas of the site while discussing its natural elements.

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GRANITE CITY - United to Revive Ministries had a successful week in Granite City. The organization held two tent revivals on Sept. 13 and 14, 2024. In the days leading up to the events, they walked through the streets of Granite City and prayed with people, gave out food, and invited folks to the revival. Founder Jeremiah Goltz said the experience was a powerful example of what faith can do. “It feels like this is what the church is supposed to be doing,” Goltz said. “Jesus never said one time, ‘Sit and wait for people to come to you.’ He said, ‘Go and make disciples.’ Those are verbs. We have to go, we have to make disciples, we have to share Christ, share Jesus with people because He loves all people.” Goltz points to one instance as an example of the United to Revive mission. He said the United to Revive team saw a man approaching “a known meth house” and called out to him. After a few minutes of talking and

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CARLINVILLE – Blackburn College has welcomed its largest group of incoming students since the fall of 2020. At 147, the current class represents a 29% increase over the fall of 2023. The new class also helped Blackburn achieve its highest overall enrollment since 2020. This significant growth underscores the increasing recognition of Blackburn's unique approach to higher education, where students develop essential leadership, problem-solving, and other highly relevant professional skills while earning their degrees, building resumes full of work experience, and graduating with less debt. "We are excited to welcome this large class to Blackburn and to know that our story and unique approach to higher education is connecting with prospective students and families," said Justin Norwood, Vice President of Inclusive Enrollment and Class of 2004 Blackburn graduate. "Our incoming students come from various backgrounds and regions, and they will contribute so much to our vibrant campus

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SPRINGFIELD – In response to a troubling rise in reported unlicensed dental practices across the state, the Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS) and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations (IDFPR) have joined forces to launch a collaborative campaign urging the public to seek dental care only from licensed dentists. The campaign ‘Fake Dentist, Real Risk – Verify Before You Trust’ aims to educate Illinois residents about the serious dangers posed by unlicensed dentists. It promotes verifying dental licenses and provides easy-to-use tools and resources for reporting unlicensed activities. This initiative comes in response to multiple reports of unlawful dental practices by unlicensed practitioners, which have resulted in harm to patients – from fake braces and chipped teeth to permanent damage and infections. “Unlicensed dental treatments can be very dangerous. They often lead to infections, bad procedures, and permanent damag

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ALTON - The Mississippi Earthtones Festival drew hundreds of people to the riverfront for a day of art, entertainment and environmentalism. From 12–10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at the Alton Amphitheater, community members could enjoy vendors, live music, food trucks, art displays and more. The event was hosted by Alton Main Street, the Sierra Club and Jacoby Arts Center. “We've got this dialed in,” said Sara McGibany, executive director of Alton Main Street. “This has been the smoothest setup we've had so far. We were able to expand the number of vendors we were able to accept this year up to 130. We are just already rocking and rolling.” Attendees could participate in art projects and learn more about environmentalism and conservation. The free, family-friendly event commemorated It’s Our River Day, and many attendees were eager to learn more about the Mississippi River. “We try to give a platform for anybody who has any sor

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Township hosted their tenth annual Touch-A-Truck event. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at Township Park in Edwardsville, community members could come out to see over 40 trucks and vehicles, including firetrucks, ambulances, police vehicles, buses and a helicopter. Kids could climb into the vehicles, honk the horns, try the sirens and more. “It's been a great day. We’ve had hundreds of kids out here having a blast,” said Edwardsville Township Supervisor Kevin Hall. “The smiles on kids’ faces, that’s why we do it. Seeing them, all ages, just loving it, honking the horns, eating the treats, everything.” People came from around the Metro East area and across the river to attend the event. Hall said they gave out 500 goodie bags. He noted that while the Touch-A-Truck event is fun, it’s also a chance to educate kids. If a child ever has to ride in an ambulance, for example, hopefully

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EDWARDSVILLE - A crash on Friday, Sept. 20, 2021, at Illinois Route 157 and Lewis Road in Edwardsville damaged overhead lines and caused traffic disruption, Edwardsville Police said. "While there were no injuries reported, the disruption led to lane restrictions in the affected area," the police said. "Police and fire personnel managed the situation and worked to restore normal conditions." Lane restrictions were in place while police and fire personnel dealt with the situation. Witnesses said a dump truck was involved in the crash and didn't have its bed completely lowered and struck the lines. Edwardsville Police also issued a quick reminder: "If you encounter a nonfunctioning stoplight, treat it as a four-way stop."

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ALTON - A vacant duplex in the 800 block of Park Drive in Alton was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived at 4 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. The fire resulted in a total loss of the structure and will be under investigation by the State Fire Marshal. Alton Deputy Fire Chief Matt Fischer said when Alton Fire Department crews arrived, the fire had already spread through the roof and involved the entire house. The East Alton Fire Department was also called to the scene. Firefighters faced a close exposure threat to a neighboring house to the north, where siding melted from the intense heat. "We were able to stop the fire from spreading to the next-door house," said the deputy chief. "We managed to save the neighboring property." Due to the extent of the blaze, firefighting efforts were concentrated on exterior attacks, given the dangerous conditions inside the structure. The deputy chief said the fire was brought under control by 6 a.m. Saturday. There were no utilities

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Friday, September 20, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Cejay Young, 31 years of age, of the 1500 block of Towne Drive in Ballwin, Missouri 63011, for one count of Kidnapping - First Degree; one count of Assault - Second Degree; two counts of Armed Criminal Action; one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon; one count of Robbery - First Degree; and one count of Burglary - First Degree. A booking photo of Young is attached. Young is being held without bond. 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: On September 12, 2024, at the 19300 block of Babler Forrest Drive, the Defendant is let in the Victim's residence by an acquaintance of the Victim. On September 13, 2024, Victim notices that his credit cards and 100 dollars cash was missing from his wallet. Then later September 13, 2024, the

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ALTON - Challenge Unlimited is proud to welcome back Brigadier General James Porter, Vice President of Operations, following his recent return from an overseas mission supporting Security Assistance Group Ukraine. General Porter, who has been serving our nation abroad, returned in August 2024 and brings with him a renewed sense of pride and commitment to both his country and the Challenge Unlimited team. In his role as Vice President of Operations at Challenge Unlimited, General Porter has been instrumental in overseeing the daily functions that support individuals with disabilities in securing meaningful employment and fostering independence. His leadership and service have not only strengthened the organization but also reaffirmed the values of dedication, resilience, and service that Challenge Unlimited holds dear. Upon his return, CEO, Charlotte Hammond, presented General Porter with an honorary United States Flag, made by individuals with disabilities in the AbilityOne Program

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CARLINVILLE - Macoupin County Safe Families will host its second annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk to share support for survivors of domestic violence. On Oct. 5, 2024, community members are invited to Carlinville Market Days, where Macoupin County Safe Families will have a booth and resources available. The program and State’s Attorney Jordan J. Garrison will deliver remarks at 9 a.m., and the walk itself will start at 10 a.m. The event is completely free to participants. “It's a time to come together and support the community in a healthy, positive way,” said Juliet Wooldridge, domestic violence advocate. “It’s really important because not only does it provide awareness of what we do, but it also shows that there is support within the community.” Wooldridge explained that the program hosts an event every October to commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year’s walk is free to attend and aims to raise awareness

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