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GODFREY – A Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy will soon be assigned to help increase security at the Great Godfrey Corn Maze amid reports of fighting and other “unsavory behavior.” Parks and Recreation Director Chris Logan announced at Tuesday’s meeting that after a few weeks of the Great Godfrey Corn Maze being open, things have been going well overall. However, he said there have been occasional issues including a fight between middle-school-aged children and other “unsavory behavior,” prompting two police responses since the maze opened this year. “We do our best to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Logan said. “I want to make sure that we do our best to let people know that this is a family-friendly event and that they’re always welcome there.” When asked if the village needed to look into additional security measures, Logan indicated the Madison County Sheriff’s Office has been receptive to assigning

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ST. LOUIS - The pedestrian bridge spanning Forest Park Parkway and the MetroLink tracks in northeast Forest Park is closed effective Wednesday, Oct. 1, following a recent vehicle collision that damaged the bridge’s superstructure. The City of St. Louis Board of Public Service ordered the permanent closure after an engineering inspection determined the structure was unsafe and should be removed. Demolition of the low-clearance bridge is scheduled to begin Friday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. and is expected to be completed by Monday, Oct. 13, at 6 a.m. During this period, sections of Forest Park Parkway will be temporarily closed to traffic. Westbound lanes will be closed between Kingshighway Boulevard and DeBaliviere Avenue, while eastbound lanes will be closed from Union Boulevard to Kingshighway. With the bridge out of service, pedestrians are advised to use alternate crossings within Forest Park. These include the Grand Drive overpass accessible from West Pine Drive and a route via Kingshighwa

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) and Chapter, an independent Medicare adviser, are partnering to offer current and newly eligible Medicare patients free, unbiased consultations on choosing a Medicare plan that best fits their health care needs. Chapter advisers provide expert, up-to-date information about Medicare Supplement (aka Medigap), Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans. They are trained to assist existing Medicare patients aged 65 or older maintain or change plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) beginning Oct. 15 and continuing through Dec. 7. They also offer guidance year-round to patients who become Medicare-eligible on their 65th birthday. HSHS is committed to ensuring patients and all members of the community have access to compassionate, high-quality health care through all stages of life. “Choosing a Medicare plan can be overwhelming, with many factors to consider,” said Jeffery Sterling,

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ALTON – An Alton man accused of attacking a domestic battery victim after dragging them from their vehicle faces his latest set of felony charges. Michael A. Steele, 38, of Alton, was charged on Oct. 3, 2025 with one count each of vehicular invasion (a Class 1 felony), robbery (a Class 2 felony), and his second or subsequent offense of domestic battery (a Class 4 felony). Steele allegedly entered an occupied motor vehicle by force with the intent to commit a theft or felony on Oct. 2, 2025. He reportedly pulled the victim by her hair, struck her about the head, and took her cell phone by force. A petition to deny Steele’s pretrial release from custody was filed by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. According to the petition, the victim reported Steele approached her vehicle before “placing his hand on her throat in a threatening manner.” “He then dragged her from the vehicle by her hair, striking her in the face and taking

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ALTON - The Alton Symphony Orchestra invites the community to come out and enjoy their upcoming concert. At 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at Hatheway Hall on the Lewis and Clark Community College campus, ASO will perform Rossini’s “William Tell Overture,” Sibelius’s “Finlandia,” and Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5.” Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for kids ages 18 and under. “This concert is going to be wonderful,” said Maestro Wm. Shane Williams. “We want to always be there for the community. We’re in our 81st year. So 81 years ago, people had this vision. They’re gone by now, but I think that they would smile if they knew that it was still going on." Williams and Board President Jessica Poddig noted that ASO aims to provide musical opportunities for the community. They also like to involve the community in their work. During “Finlandia,” audience members will be encouraged

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O’FALLON, Ill. — HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital formally announced, today, $116 million in major growth projects for the O’Fallon campus. The projects will expand the emergency department, increase inpatient nursing capacity, as well as add a new outpatient surgery center, advanced imaging options and medical office space. At a press conference held at the hospital on Monday, Sep. 15, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital President and CEO Chris Klay and Chief Operating Officer Michael Janis announced the plans for the project and highlighted the longevity of this health care ministry. “It is incredible that in the year we celebrate 150 years of existence, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital remains vibrant and positioned for growth as demonstrated with these new expansions. By expanding our facilities and services, we are not only addressing the growing needs of today but also preparing to meet the demands of tomorrow. Along with enhancing the economic climate

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Now that kids are back in school, families are settling into their new routines after a long summer break. It can certainly be a busy time for everyone. But this transition can also be a great opportunity to help our kids — and our households — build healthy behaviors that can carry through the year, and beyond. While many behaviors are important for our children’s health and wellness, improving their sleep and activity habits can have especially wide-ranging benefits. “It is vital for children to get enough sleep, exercise regularly and limit screen time because these habits are strongly linked to positive outcomes for their physical, mental, cognitive and social development,” said Dr. Mary Fournier, an associate professor of pediatrics at WashU Medicine in St. Louis. Together, these behaviors can help boost heart health, immune function and bone health, among other physical health benefits, she said. But the specific benefits can also reach many

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement today as Texas National Guard troops arrive in Illinois: “Deploying the Texas National Guard, over the objections of Illinois elected officials, is not only unnecessary, but it is also unlawful. The law, specifically the Posse Comitatus Act, expressly forbids our nation’s military to be used for domestic law enforcement without express statutory or constitutional authorization. National Guard personnel do not deserve to be used as political pawns in President Trump’s political theater. “As made clear in today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, the Trump Administration continues to shut out Illinois officials. Administration officials have recklessly sent in troops and agency leaders, including FBI Director Kash Patel, to Chicago without speaking to our state’s leaders. “If the Trump Administration

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FREEBURG - State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) is hosting Mobile Office Hours in Freeburg on October 9. This free event gives his constituents the opportunity to discuss state legislature and to talk about changes they would like to see from elected officials in Illinois. “I look forward to meeting my constituents to have open conversations about what matters most to them and their families,” said Schmidt. “This event is designed to give individuals the time to share their voice with me so I can better serve them during legislative session.” Mobile Office Hours Details: When: October 9th, 2025 Where: Freeburg Municipal Center Address : 14 Southgate Center, Freeburg, IL 62243 Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul on Monday joined 22 other attorneys general to urge the U.S. Supreme Court to review a lower court decision that prevents individuals from suing to enforce the Voting Rights Act (VRA). Raoul and the coalition filed an amicus brief in Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians v. Howe that defends the right of individuals to sue to enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, a provision that is essential to ensuring Americans can cast ballots free from racial discrimination. “For decades, the Voting Rights Act has ensured access to the ballot box has not been restricted or obstructed based on discrimination,” Raoul said. “I am proud to join my fellow attorneys general to protect voters’ rights, as nothing is more fundamental to the preservation of our democracy than the right to vote.” Congress enacted the VRA in 1965 to guarantee that the voting rights of the American people would not be denied or restricted

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ST. LOUIS – In an effort to restore the tree canopy and its many benefits to the St. Louis neighborhoods damaged by the May 16 tornado, the City of St. Louis Recovery Office is proud to partner with the Clark-Fox Family Foundation, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, Forest Park Forever and Commerce Bank on the Trick or Tree™ drive that will mobilize children across the region to collect donations while trick or treating on Oct. 31, 2025, with all funds directly supporting tree-replanting efforts in tornado-impacted neighborhoods. Since the tornado, City staff and contractors have removed or trimmed an estimated 6,000 to 10,000 tornado-damaged trees from parks, homes and streets. This does not include many more trees that have been removed or trimmed by private property owners and community groups, or may require removal in the future. Trick or Tree™ provides families, neighbors and community members with an opportunity to contribute to the restoration of that lost tree canopy.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned Attorney General (AG) Pam Bondi at a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing. Durbin’s questions focused on the weaponization of the Department of Justice (DOJ) under President Trump and AG Bondi, Bondi’s conflicts of interests as a former lobbyist for Qatar who signed off on accepting the gift of a Qatari plane, the Department’s role in the President’s surge of troops and federal agents to Chicago, and how she has failed to release the Epstein files. Durbin first questioned AG Bondi about the Trump White House deploying the National Guard to Chicago and if she was consulted beforehand or had any knowledge. Despite repeatedly asking her, AG Bondi refused to answer. “Were you consulted by the White House before they deployed National Guard troops to cities in the United States?” Durbin asked. AG Bondi responded that

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CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker joined Illinois’ congressional delegation and local elected officials to condemn the Trump Administration’s latest act of political retaliation — an illegal freeze of $2.1 billion in already-approved federal funding for the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Red Line Extension and Red and Purple Line modernization projects. Together, Illinois leaders vowed to fight back against this baseless attack on Chicago’s working families and to defend the State’s right to the federal investments it was promised. “At a time when federal agents are sowing chaos in Chicago, the Trump administration is holding bipartisan funding hostage,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Using transportation funding to score political points doesn’t just hurt the hardworking people who rely on public transit to get to work or school—it weakens our economy, drives away investment, and makes it harder for businesses to

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SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Community Colleges are once again coming together this fall to address food insecurity and provide vital support to students and their communities. The second annual Feed the Need Campus Food Drive will launch on October 15, 2025, and run through December 1, 2025, engaging campuses statewide in a friendly competition to collect non-perishable food items for local food pantries and campus-based food banks. Last year’s inaugural effort proved the power of collective action, with Illinois community colleges collecting more than 91,000 food items. Organizers hope to exceed that milestone this year as colleges mobilize students, faculty, and community partners to meet growing needs. “Food insecurity remains one of the biggest barriers to student success. By joining forces across the state, community colleges can make a meaningful difference not only on campus but also in the communities they serve,” said Brian Durham, Executive Director of th

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SPRINGFIELD – Land of Lincoln Honor Flight ends our 2025 flying season with Mission #76 on October 21, 2025. Mission #76 will serve 93 Vietnam Era Veterans from 62 Illinois home towns of Atlanta, Beason, Bement Bloomington, Breese, Buffalo, Bunker Hill, Carlinville, Carlyle, Centralia, Charleston, Chatham, Clay City, Clinton, Cortland, Creve Coeur, Dawson, Decatur, Fairbury, Flora, Forsyth, Granite City, Green Valley, Hammond, Hillsboro, Hillview, Iuka, Jacksonville, LeRoy, Lincoln, Litchfield, Loves Park, Mechanicsburg, Monticello, Morton, New Berlin, Newton, Normal, Oakley, Oakwood, Okawville, Pawnee, Petersburg, Philo, Pontiac, Raymond, Riverton, Rochester, Rushville, Springfield, Tinley Park, Tolono, Tower Hill, Trenton, Troy, Urbana, Vandalia, Warrensburg, Watseka, Westville and Woodson as well as Carthage, Texas and Venice, Florida. Our October 21st veterans represent all branches of the military. These Veterans and their Guardians will report October 21, 2025 to the

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ALTON - Get your game face on and your thinking caps ready! YWCA Southwestern Illinois invites you to an unforgettable evening of laughter, competition, and community at our Trivia Night Fundraiser on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Great Rivers Ascend Hotel in Alton. This isn’t your average trivia night—it’s the most entertaining way to make a difference! Hosted by the always-engaging Trivia Riot, guests will enjoy eight rounds of brain-teasing fun, with prizes, bragging rights, and plenty of laughs along the way. Plus, our celebrity judges will bring their wit and sparkle to the night—don’t miss your chance to rub elbows with local stars! The excitement doesn’t stop with trivia! Silent Auction – Bid on amazing items and experiences 50/50 Raffle – Win big while supporting a great cause Heads or Tails Game – Test your luck for even more prizes Mulligans – Ten for just $10 to give your team a competitive edge Tickets:

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BELLEVILLE — Brad Blanchard, a volunteer firefighter with the East Side Volunteer Fire Department in Belleville, has faced a life-altering challenge since a motorcycle accident in October 2021 left him paralyzed from the waist down. Now, his community is rallying to support his goal of regaining mobility through advanced robotic exoskeleton technology. Blanchard joined the East Side Volunteer Fire Department in 2018, dedicating himself to serving others. Before his accident, he was training for the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, an event honoring fallen firefighters. Despite his paralysis, Blanchard remains determined to walk again and continue his active lifestyle. With steadfast support from his wife, Patty, Blanchard has adapted to his new circumstances by custom-building a motorcycle suited to his needs and modifying a riding lawn mower so he can maintain his independence. He has also joined a specialized gym for individuals with paralysis, where he has lost significant weigh

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EDWARDSVILLE - New this year, Edwardsville High School will limit the guests welcome at their homecoming dance. Only current high school students will be allowed to attend this year’s EHS homecoming dance, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. This change aims to promote safety and aligns EHS with many local schools that have the same policy. After last year’s homecoming dance, Principal Alex Fox and administrators raised concerns about the policies surrounding the dance. Guests up to the age of 20 were allowed to attend if invited by an EHS student, meaning the guests in attendance could range between ages 13–20. EHS administrators decided to seek parent feedback. In Spring 2025, Fox sent a survey to parents of students in grades 9–11. The survey revealed that 82% of parents supported a policy change that would limit guests to only those enrolled in high school. With those survey results in mind, this year’s homecoming dance will only welcome

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SIKESTON, MO. — Officer Henry Franklin of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety was killed in the line of duty on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, while serving a warrant in Mississippi County, the department confirmed Tuesday. Franklin, a member of the Sikeston DPS Tactical Team, was shot by a person concealed inside a residence during a mutual aid call on Oct. 6, 2025. The department described the loss as tragic and expressed condolences to Franklin’s family. Franklin joined the Sikeston Department of Public Safety in June 2013 and served as the handler for K9 Odin. He was also a retired Army veteran who completed two tours in Iraq. “Our department has suffered an unimaginable loss,” said Sikeston Department of Public Safety Director James McMillen. “We ask that you keep Franklin’s family and our department in your prayers.” Born and raised in Charleston, Franklin is survived by his wife, Leah, their four children, his mother, Sally Turner Doyle,

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Imagine a single tree producing a spectrum of colors every year, from brilliant reds to fiery oranges and golden yellows. What if the vibrant display of fall foliage wasn’t just a visual treat but a complex biological process with fascinating chemical transformations? The changing colors of leaves are more than just a pretty spectacle; they reveal intricate interactions between plants, pigments, and environmental cues. The Chemistry of Leaf Color: More Than Just Green Leaves owe their green color primarily to chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for photosynthesis—the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight mainly in the blue and red wavelengths, reflecting green light, which is why leaves appear green during the growing season. However, leaves contain other pigments too, often hidden beneath the dominant green of chlorophyll: Carotenoids : These pigments produce yellow, orange, and brown hues. Carotenoids are present in leave

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