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Colorectal cancer (CRC) has long been associated with older age, but recent research shows a troubling trend in younger adults. A study published in Nature found that “in the past two decades, the incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer, which affects individuals below 50 years of age, has doubled in many countries.” Similarly, projections from Frontiers in Immunology warn that “with changes in western dietary habits worldwide, the incidence of CRC is expected to increase steadily, resulting in 2.2 million new cases by 2030.” Emerging science suggests a key piece of the puzzle lies within our gut. “We think of our microbiome as a separate, living organism within our body. It’s made of billions of bacteria, predominantly growing in our colon. There is a small number of bacteria that does exist in our small bowel, oral pharynx and nasal cavities. Just like we have bacteria on our skin everywhere,” says Daniel Martin, MD, a gastroenterologist

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BELLEVILLE — The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department honored two long-serving deputies this week, recognizing their years of dedicated service to the community. "We extend our sincere gratitude to Deputy John Pegg and Deputy Christopher Davis for their profound impact on our community and unwavering commitment to making a positive difference," the St. Clair Sheriff's Office said in a statement. St. Clair Sheriff's Department Deputy John Pegg, who began his career with the department on Sept. 18, 2005, concluded his tenure after nearly two decades. Prior to joining St. Clair County, Pegg served 12 years with the Village of Millstadt, where he was promoted to corporal and sergeant. During his time with the sheriff’s department, Pegg worked in the patrol division, served as an investigator with the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force, and was a lead investigator with the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis. He also instructed in Pressure Point Control Tactic

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ALTON - Mooneyham Art invites community members to stop by during the Alton Halloween Parade for a special exhibit. From 5–9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, community members can enjoy “The Zone” at Mooneyham Art, complete with hot cocoa, live music, and plenty of art. Charles Mooneyham, the gallery’s curator, shared it’s been a great experience opening in downtown Alton and sharing art with the community, and he can’t wait to continue his work. “It’s been a freight train,” he said. “It’s enrichment for the community and something culturally stimulating to do.” “The Zone” will feature music by Psychedelic Symphony and art by Tom Blood and Tyler Clayberg, in addition to resident artists like Natalie Welborn, Marty McKay, Jen Fisher, and many others. Mooneyham encourages people to stop by the gallery before or during the famous Alton Halloween Parade to get out of the cold and meet local artists.

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GLEN CARBON – Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSofSI) is pleased to be the recipient of a generous $95,000 grant from Edwardsville Community Foundation (ECF). This grant will enhance the organization’s property, Camp Torqua, by providing a second storm shelter on the 70-plus acre property. Girl Scouts not only enjoy Camp Torqua during the summer, but they also build memories there year-round. Prior to the ECF grant, Camp Torqua’s only designated storm shelter was on the southern side of the property. In situations where time is of the essence, it was known a storm shelter needed to be quickly accessible for all, no matter where they were on the camp property. “Safety of our girls – and all of our visitors at Camp Torqua – is of the utmost importance,” said Heidi Koehl Weaver, Director of Development for GSofSI. “We are extremely thankful to Edwardsville Community Foundation for funding this great safety resource.” Camp Torqua recentl

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ROXANA — Riverbend East Rotary Club President Mark Smith presented the Service Above Self awards to Roxana High School seniors Lilliana Ray and Noah Smith during a recent ceremony recognizing their extensive community involvement and leadership. Noah Smith, a senior at Roxana High School, was honored for his wide-ranging participation in school and community activities. He is involved in Chamber Choir, Vocal Ensemble, Marching Band, Student Council, National Honor Society, Student Ambassadors, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Additionally, Noah serves on the Riverbend Growth Association Youth Committee, representing his school and community. As drum major of the Roxana Marching Band, Noah demonstrated leadership when he independently organized and directed the band during Illini Band Day at the University of Illinois after the band director stepped away. His leadership ensured a positive experience for his classmates. Noah’s volunteer work extends beyond the school,

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MADISON COUNTY — Ann Badasch, Regent of the Dr. Silas Hamilton Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, took part in a hands-on workshop focused on the proper cleaning of tombstones. The event was organized by the Ninian Edward Chapter and held recently at Vaughn Cemetery in Madison County, Illinois. The workshop aimed to provide participants with practical knowledge and techniques to preserve historic gravestones respectfully and effectively. By engaging in this training, members of the DAR chapters hope to contribute to the maintenance and care of local historic sites.

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JERSEYVILLE – In conjunction with Jerseyville Banking Center, CNB Bank & Trust, and Jersey State Bank, JCHS has selected their “Students of the Month.” The recipients for the month of September include Makenna Brunaugh (grade 10) and Trevor Tucker (11), who are being congratulated by Bradley Heitzig of Jerseyville Banking Center; Trey Cope (9) and Harmony Jantzen (8), who are being congratulated by Maranda Schnieder of CNB Bank & Trust; and Ava Little, who is being congratulated by Ashlen Scott of Jersey State Bank. F.O.C.U.S. (Finding One Clearly Unique Student) is a program which acknowledges a student each week for academic or kindness. Each week. teachers may recognize students who have performed well in their classes by selecting them as F.O.C.U.S. students for that particular week. The selection of a “Student of the Month” is based upon the number of F.O.C.U.S. nominations, which a student receives for a given month. For receiving the highest number

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) allocated $2 million to Habitat for Humanity of Illinois (HFHIL) to administer a new round of the Community Impact Fund, a program that helps working families, especially in Central and Southern Illinois, buy a home. The program is expected to create 100 new homeowners across Illinois. "Homeownership is the foundation of strong, stable communities, but too many hardworking families are shut out by rising costs and limited access to credit,” said IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust. “By partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Illinois, IHDA is making sure that more families across our state can put down roots, build wealth, and create brighter futures. This investment is about more than homes; it’s about opportunity, stability, and hope." The Community Impact Fund provides down payment assistance in the form of forgivable grants, reducing barriers that prevent many families from qualifying for traditional

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SPRINGFIELD – The historic treasures at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum don’t simply document Lincoln’s life. They also reveal his impact on the people of his era and the generations since – something the ALPLM is examining in an exciting new book and a museum exhibition that opened Friday. The book, “Lincoln: A Life and Legacy that Defined a Nation in 100 Objects,” puts the spotlight on some of America’s most famous documents and artifacts but also includes lesser-known items that reveal surprising moments in Lincoln’s life or connect us to the people he fought for. Readers will see gorgeous photographs of objects that offer insight on Lincoln’s family life, his remarkable political rise, the painful decisions he made as commander in chief and the lives transformed by the Civil War and the end of slavery. The authors of the book are Christina Shutt, the ALPLM’s executive director, and Dr. Ian Hunt, the

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ALTON — A 17-year-old female driver was killed and her mother seriously injured Friday evening, Oct. 3, 2025, in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Homer Adams Parkway and Seminary Road, authorities said. The Alton Police Department responded to the collision at approximately 9:05 p.m. on Oct. 3. The Alton Police said the teen driver, identified as Grace Bustos of Alton, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her mother, Meghan Bustos, who was also in the vehicle, was airlifted to a hospital in the St. Louis area and is currently in stable condition. The driver of the other vehicle involved showed signs of impairment and was taken into custody by police. The investigation was conducted by the Alton Police Traffic Division with assistance from the Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction Team and the Madison County Coroner’s Office. Authorities closed portions of Homer Adams Parkway for several hours during the inquiry. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford expressed

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Did you know that approximately 70 billion land animals are raised and slaughtered for food globally each year? This staggering figure underscores the profound impact humans have on animal life and highlights why a day dedicated to recognizing and protecting animals holds such importance. World Animal Day serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility toward the myriad creatures that share our planet, fostering awareness and inspiring action to improve their welfare. Origins of World Animal Day World Animal Day was first celebrated on March 24, 1925, in Florence, Italy, during a congress of ecologists. The initiative was spearheaded by Heinrich Zimmermann, a German writer and animal rights advocate who sought to create a universal day to honor animals and promote their welfare across cultural and national boundaries. Zimmermann’s vision was to unify animal lovers, conservationists, and the general public in a global movement emphasizing compassion and respect for all species.

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SPRINGFIELD - State and local fire safety officials gathered today at the Springfield Fire Department to emphasize the lifesaving importance of working smoke alarms and to promote a free installation program available to Springfield residents. As part of the 2nd Annual Statewide Smoke Alarm Blitz, the Springfield Fire Department joins agencies across Illinois in ensuring more families are protected. “Working smoke alarms save lives, and I cannot stress enough how vital they are in every home across Illinois,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow. “Fires burn hotter and faster today than they did decades ago, giving families less than three minutes to escape safely. That’s why it’s critical to test, inspect, and replace broken or expired alarms, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your local fire department for help. Our ultimate goal is zero fire fatalities—and ensuring every home has working smoke alarms is one of the most important

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued a statement highlighting an appellate court ruling in Illinois Baptist State Association v. Illinois Department of Insurance. The court affirmed a previous circuit court decision , which granted Attorney General Raoul’s motion for summary judgment and preserved a provision of the Illinois Reproductive Health Act that requires Illinois health insurance products regulated by the Illinois Department of Insurance that cover pregnancy care to also cover abortion care. “I am pleased with the court’s decision. My office is committed to protecting access to comprehensive reproductive health care that includes abortion, and insurance coverage is a critical part of being able to obtain that care. My office will continue to fight for reproductive care on all fronts.”

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — John Leb, 21, of the 8100 block of Briarhaven Trail in St. Louis, faces multiple charges after a road rage incident on Sept. 8, 2025, that left an elderly woman injured, authorities said Thursday. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Leb with first-degree assault, two counts of armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon, and second-degree terrorist threat. He is being held on a $250,000 cash-only bond with no 10% option. According to the probable cause statement, Leb fired at least three rounds at the victim’s vehicle, striking it multiple times and hitting the woman in the hand. The victim, described as a woman in her eighties, was transported to Barnes-Jewish Hospital for treatment of the gunshot wound. Leb fled the scene but was later taken into custody after police identified his vehicle as the one involved. During his arrest, Leb admitted to shooting at the car because he was angry at the victim’s driving

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ALTON - Community members can enjoy a full day of music, food, craft vendors and fun at the annual Porch Café Music Festival in Honor of Bud Summers. From 1–5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, bands and musicians will play at the Alton Amphitheater in memory of Summers, one of the area’s favorite music teachers. The free festival invites the community to enjoy the music, snack at local food trucks, meet vendors and crafters and enjoy a day on the riverfront. “Our goal is to just keep growing,” said Jamie, one of the festival’s organizers. “Let’s showcase all the talent. It’s the music talent, it’s the food talent, it’s the crafters, it’s all creative people in Alton coming together for one event. The more crafters we can have, the more people there, it just makes it one fun full day.” The music starts at 1 p.m. with the Alton High School Jazz Ensemble. They will be followed by Soulard Blues Band,

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JERSEYVILLE – Beginning Monday, October 6, Illinois American Water’s Jerseyville District water system will undergo its annual water main and fire hydrant flushing program that supports continued delivery of high-quality water and fire protection to homes and businesses. Throughout October, fire hydrants and water mains in Jerseyville will be flushed. Through the discharge of water from fire hydrants, water flow rates are increased to remove mineral deposits that may accumulate in the water main over time. While the majority of mineral deposits are removed from the hydrant discharge, it is not uncommon for customers to experience a temporary discoloration of water within their residence or dwelling. The removal of these deposits is critical in maintaining water quality. “Flushing is a very important maintenance program for the water system in Jerseyville,” said Brendan St. Peters, Senior Supervisor of Operations, Illinois American Water. “Our local employees

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EDWARDSVILLE - Nearly 50 years after leading Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men’s soccer to its first national championship, Cougar legend Chris Carenza is preparing for a different kind of finish line. The 1972 national title hero, SIUE Athletics Hall of Famer and lifelong Cougar supporter will run the TCS New York City Marathon in support of Team For Kids, a youth running program that promotes fitness and healthy lifestyles. Carenza, 73, has set his sights on completing the iconic 26.2-mile race on Nov. 3, 2025. For this marathon—his third—Carenza must earn his place at the starting line by raising funds that go directly toward youth programs. “Running has given me so much,” Carenza said. “Being able to channel that passion into helping kids discover the same benefits makes every mile worth it.” Carenza’s name is etched into SIUE soccer history. He scored the game-winning goal in the 1972 NCAA Championship to deliver

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COLLINSVILLE – Two area residents accused of illegally possessing weapons in unrelated cases face their latest set of felony charges after prior convictions in St. Louis and Madison County. Ronnell M. Walker, 38, of Collinsville, was charged with a Class 3 felony count of unlawful possession of a weapon on Sept. 19, 2025. Walker allegedly possessed a Hi-Point .45 caliber handgun on Sept. 18, 2025, which was unlawful for him to own as a felon previously convicted of burglary in a 2017 case from St. Louis. According to the state’s petition to deny Walker’s pretrial release from custody, the victim of a domestic incident called the police and reported Walker was yelling angrily at her while armed. Officers found the gun during a search of the home with the victim’s consent, where the weapon was reportedly found on the bathroom sink. The state’s petition was granted, and Walker currently remains in custody at the Madison County Jail. In a separate case,

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WOOD RIVER — The City of Wood River will conduct fire hydrant flushing and testing from October 6 through October 10, 2025, officials announced. During this period, residents may notice discoloration in their water supply. City officials assured that despite the discoloration, the water remains safe to drink. They advised residents to avoid doing laundry during the flushing to prevent staining clothes. If laundry is necessary, residents should check the water quality before washing. The hydrant flushing is a routine maintenance procedure intended to remove sediment buildup in the water mains and to ensure that fire hydrants are functioning properly. For questions, residents can contact the Water Division at 618-251-3133.

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MADISON COUNTY — Carol Hancock, a longtime member of the Madison County Jail Kitchen Staff, is retiring after more than 20 years of service, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office announced this week. Hancock’s two decades of dedication to the jail’s kitchen operations have been recognized by her colleagues, who extended their best wishes for her retirement. The sheriff’s office expressed gratitude for her commitment and wished her a long and happy retirement. “Please join us in wishing Carol Hancock a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement!” the office stated. “Congratulations Carol and thank you! We wish you the very best!”

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