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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County Clerk Linda Andreas is continuing efforts to improve elections and streamline the voting and registration processes for county residents. “The staff in this office always strives to better serve constituents, taxpayers and voters,” Andreas said. “Elections are a chief function of the County Clerk’s Office, and we do everything in our power to ensure voters have a good experience when they exercise their right to cast a ballot.” Andreas said the Clerk’s Office has been working on election-system upgrades that might not be obvious to voters when they cast their ballots. But these upgrades are expected to streamline the voter-registration and voting processes, and reduce wait times at the polls for early voting. Early voting is an option which continues to grow in popularity. First, a new VRXG voter-registration software system is being implemented. It replaces an aging software system that was installed

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EDWARDSVILLE – Flooded neighborhoods and sewage backed up in homes were a few project updates that U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), spoke about during a Community Day on Friday, Sept. 12 at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center. Duckworth and Budzinski addressed a crowd of approximately 100 people in the Multipurpose Room in Building D on the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus. Metro East residents learned more about the latest updates on flood mitigation and water infrastructure improvements throughout Cahokia Heights, East St. Louis and the region. The legislators also shared their efforts at the federal level to bring funding and oversight to water infrastructure projects throughout the region, received status updates on ongoing improvement projects from USACE and local officials and heard again first-hand accounts of the difficulties facing

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EDWARDSVILLE - Third Judicial Circuit Associate Judge John Hackett was recently appointed to the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Child Welfare and Juvenile Law Advisory Committee as well as the NCJFCJ International Committee. Judge Hackett is the state of Illinois’ only representative on both committees. The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges is the oldest judicial membership organization in the country and provides all judges, courts, and related agencies involved with juvenile, family, and domestic violence cases with the latest knowledge and skills to improve the lives of the families and children. While assigned to the Child Welfare and Juvenile Law Advisory Committee, Judge Hackett will provide guidance to the NCJFCJ Board, membership and staff on initiatives and projects related to child abuse and neglect, in additional to juvenile justice matters. On the International Committee, Judge Hackett is responsible for developing and implementing

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BENLD - A Benld man previously convicted of domestic battery has been charged again with the same offense after allegedly attacking a member of his household. Donald E. Ruyle, 52, of Benld, was charged on Sept. 8, 2025, with one count of domestic battery, a Class 4 felony. On Sept. 5, 2025, Ruyle allegedly struck a household member in the face with his hand. Charging documents state Ruyle had previously been convicted of domestic battery in a 2024 case out of Macoupin County. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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WOOD RIVER - Community members have the chance to participate in several upcoming events sponsored by Wood River Main Street. In addition to the Wood River Food Truck Festival scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, the Wood River Main Street organization will host a City Wide Clean Up on Oct. 11, followed by a golf tournament fundraiser on Oct. 17. The fun culminates with the Downtown Trick-or-Treat event on Oct. 22, a favorite among residents. “I’ve said it a million times, communication and collaboration is key, and that’s really what we’re trying to do to make sure that everyone understands that we’re here for the entire community,” said Wood River Main Street Executive Director Kristen Burns. From 8–11 a.m. on Oct. 11, the City Wide Clean Up invites the community to do their part for Wood River. Community members can stop by the WRBA Office, Budget Signs, or Midwest Members Credit Union to pick up supplies and then begi

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BELLEVILLE — Robert J. Wedig, 74, of Mascoutah, has been charged with a Class 1 felony for failing to report an accident involving death in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that occurred on August 21, 2025, in St. Clair County. The charges were filed by the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office on September 16, 2025. Wedig and his attorney were informed of the charges and appeared before Honorable Judge Rice at the St. Clair County courthouse to begin further court proceedings. The investigation was conducted by the Belleville Police Department. Wedig is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River Main Street will host their annual Food Truck Festival this weekend. From 1–4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, community members can enjoy 11 food trucks, games, live music and more fun in downtown Wood River at Ferguson and Whitelaw. Kristen Burns, executive director of Wood River Main Street, expressed her excitement to host another great event. “That’s always one of our favorite events,” Burns said. “We always have great people, great food, great things going on.” Entry to the Food Truck Festival is free. Burns emphasized the “really cool variety” of the food trucks, from Jewel the Ice Cream Truck to Pig on a Wing. Attendees are encouraged to come hungry and ready to try new foods. Wood River will also welcome Riverbend Axe Throwing from East Alton. The business will bring their mobile axe-throwing bar for people to enjoy. Burns noted that while the business is headquartered in East Alton, the collaboratio

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With children back in school, that means parents are grappling with getting their children on a regular sleep routine. But for parents with children who have been diagnosed with ADHD, that’s no small task. As many as 70% of children with ADHD experience problems with sleep. The issues include bedtime anxiety or resistance, insomnia and delayed sleep – meaning their sleep cycle has shifted and they aren’t tired at bedtime. Kristin Mock, MD, is a family practice physician at OSF HealthCare who specializes in ADHD and pediatric sleep issues. She sees patients whose behaviors are often linked to ADHD; but they could also be a result of a lack of sleep. Unlike adults who have excessive sleepiness and fatigue, Dr. Mock says children with ADHD tend to have more behavioral issues such as acting out or temper tantrums. They have difficulties with behavior and focus and concentration, and they tend to get fidgety. So that begs the question – is the issue ADHD or a slee

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CASEYVILLE — Jacob A. Brewer, 39, of Freeburg, has been taken into custody following a confrontation with Caseyville police officers that occurred on Aug. 30, 2025, at a residence on Spicer Drive, according to the Caseyville Police Department. Officers were initially responding to an unrelated incident at the Spicer Drive location on Aug. 29, 2025, when Brewer fled on foot. At that time, his identity was unknown to the officers. A subsequent investigation revealed Brewer had multiple outstanding warrants, including charges of burglary, unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle, and obstructing justice. The following day, officers returned to the residence after receiving information that Brewer was staying in a shed behind the home, police said. Upon arrival, they made contact with the homeowner, who cooperated with the investigation. Officers observed a window-mounted air conditioning unit installed in the shed and attempted to communicate with Brewer, who was barricaded

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ALTON – Two Alton residents face felony charges in separate cases of home invasion and domestic battery. Phillip M. Schuyler, 39, of Alton, was charged on Sept. 12, 2025 with one count each of home invasion (a Class X felony) and domestic battery (a Class A misdemeanor). Schuyler allegedly entered the victim’s Alton residence without legal authority, knowing the victim was present, and intentionally caused injury to the home’s occupant. He reportedly struck the victim in the head, causing a laceration. According to the state’ petition to deny Schuyler’s pretrial release from custody, the victim reported that Schuyler forced his way into their residence and started destroying their property before striking the victim repeatedly. Officers observed property damage within the residence and injuries to the victim’s head which were “consistent with being struck.” The petition adds Schuyler was out on pretrial release from a prior felony

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SAINT LOUIS - Community members are invited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival. From Sept. 19–21, 2025, the festival promises a weekend of culture, music and fun at Soulard Park in St. Louis. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 every year. The festival aims to celebrate the Hispanic community in St. Louis while engaging non-Hispanic community members and encouraging them to learn more. “We love celebrating our culture. It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, but we celebrate our heritage all year round,” said Elisa with the Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival. The weekend kicks off on Friday, Sept. 19, with an educational day. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the festival will welcome over 500 students. Elisa noted that homeschooled kids and parents with younger children are more than welcome to attend, as well. During the educational period, students will receive a Lotería card, or a

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WOOD RIVER – The City of Wood River is applying for state funding to build a splash pad in Central Park. At Monday’s City Council meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Pat Minogue announced his current proposal for a $750,000 splash pad between the Rec Center and Round House, which he feels is an ideal location. “We feel like that’s the best spot, just because of the current existing infrastructure for the drainage … also the proximity to restrooms in the Rec Center and also in the Round House,” Minogue said. He added that the finished product would likely offer something new and different to surrounding communities, attracting residents and visitors alike. “It’s going to be a little bit of a different design than the one we proposed last year,” Minogue said. “This one, it’s called a HydraHub and it’s almost like a massive playground in the middle of the splash pad. “I’ve never really seen anythin

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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department has named Officer Guiseppi Coppotelli as its August 2025 Officer of the Month in recognition of his proactive policing efforts. During August 2025, Collinsville's Coppotelli made 13 self-initiated felony arrests, including charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, possession of fentanyl, and felony driving while license revoked. The department highlighted these arrests as a key example of their proactive policing philosophy aimed at enhancing community safety. “Thank you Guiseppi for your proactive efforts to keep our residents safe,” the department said in a statement.

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GLEN CARBON — The Village of Glen Carbon will host its first-ever “Chalk This Way” Chalk Walk on Saturday, Sept. 20, transforming the sidewalks of Schon Park into a vibrant outdoor art gallery. The free, family-friendly event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features chalk art created by local artists of all ages, alongside live DJ music, food trucks, craft vendors, and a bounce house. Organized in partnership with Edwardsville District 7 Schools, the event invites community members to enjoy the colorful displays and participate by voting for their favorite artwork in the People’s Choice Award. A panel of three judges, including Glen Carbon Mayor Bob Marcus, will select winners in various chalk art categories. The event aims to celebrate the arts and strengthen community spirit through creative expression and shared experiences. “Chalk This Way” is intended to become a lasting tradition in Glen Carbon, offering residents a chance to come together

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If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us one thing, it was the importance of washing our hands. Apparently, not everyone got the message. In May, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) launched the Hands In For Handwashing campaign to raise awareness about the importance of handwashing to help stop the spread of infectious diseases. The campaign includes the 2025 NFID State of Handwashing Report , based on a new national survey of U.S. adult handwashing knowledge and habits. The survey found that only 33% of respondents report washing their hands more now than they did during the COVID-19 pandemic. Men were more likely to not wash their hands at key times than women. The more startling fact is that nearly half of adults (48%) admit to forgetting or deciding not to wash their hands at important times, like after shopping, eating at a restaurant or visiting a health care setting. “I was surprised to learn that only half of people wash their hands at key times, because

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CHESTER – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that the historic Little Mary’s River Covered Bridge, a pedestrian-only structure located along Illinois 150 approximately 4 miles north of Chester in Randolph County, is scheduled to reopen on Monday, Sept. 22, following a nearly yearlong restoration effort. The $312,000 project carefully balanced historic preservation with modern safety upgrades following a severe windstorm in early 2023 that damaged the bridge’s roof, fire suppression system and video monitoring equipment. Originally built in 1854, the 86-foot bridge is the oldest of Illinois’ remaining covered bridges and the only one in southern Illinois. The bridge was acquired by the state of Illinois in the 1930s as a historic site and was fully renovated in 2005. It is listed on the Illinois Historic Sites Survey and remains a valued landmark for residents and visitors. IDOT partnered with restoration specialists and state

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SPRINGFIELD – As Bright Start 529 turns 25, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs is announcing record asset growth to more than $14 billion for Illinois’ flagship 529 college savings plan. The news comes as the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office kicks off College Savings Month, which falls in September. Sponsored and launched by the State of Illinois in the year 2000, the Bright Start 529 College Savings Plan is designed for higher education savings. Treasurer Frerichs also sponsors Bright Directions, a 529 plan for families who prefer to work with a financial advisor. Over the past 25 years, more than 250,000 students have used their IL 529 college savings funds to attend hundreds of universities, colleges, trade schools, vocational programs and apprenticeships. “Parents can sleep better at night knowing they’re prepared to pay for future education when the time comes,” Treasurer Frerichs said. “As a father of two toddlers, I know firsthand

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ALTON - The first Food is Love Festival is coming to the Alton Amphitheater. From 5–9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, community members can enjoy music and food while raising money for Currency of Caring, an initiative that provides free meals to community members in Alton and the Greater St. Louis region. Comedian and organizer Jus Blaque hopes the festival is a fun chance to help others. “We just want to make sure that we are taking care of folks as best we can,” she said. “I’m real big on community. I’m real big on making sure that we take care of our community. If we do take care of our community, our community will take care of us.” With a variety of food trucks and food vendors slated to be at the festival, Jus Blaque promises “plenty of wonderful food” in addition to the entertainment. Murphy Lee and Kyjuan headline the event. They will be supported by Fresco Kane, Potzee, and Gusto. “Of course, we want t

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center’s Building Futures (BF) Program is helping 18-year-old Somarie Chanice Rose Robinson get closer to what she wants most to do in life. Robinson is studying to pass her General Equivalency Diploma (GED). To enroll participants in the GED course, the BF program utilizes one of its community partners, Bonita Forker, of the Business Services Team at St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Workforce Development. And in Robinson’s spare time, she is thrilled to work at Gateway Pet Guardians, 725 N 15th St. in East Saint Louis. “I walk dogs, feed cats and dogs and give medication,” said Robinson, who began working at the clinic in November 2024. “I fill out reports if an animal is limping, throwing up or is in pain, so they can be looked at or treated by a vet. I also restock linens and toys for our animals, spend time with them and give them love.” “I wanted

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at a Senate Judiciary Oversight Committee hearing with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel. Durbin’s opening statement condemned Patel’s partisan and incompetent mismanagement of the FBI, highlighted the unprecedented purge of FBI officials, shared reports that Director Patel initiated loyalty tests, criticized his fumbling of Epstein-related materials, and denounced his release of false information about Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Key Quotes: “After his second election, in an unprecedented move, President Trump forced out Director Wray and nominated Kash Patel, arguably the most partisan FBI Director ever. Director Patel came to the FBI with a political mission. He wrote : ‘the rot at the core of the FBI isn’t just scandalous, it’s an existential threat to our republica

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