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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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October 8 has been a day marked by transformative events across the globe, spanning the realms of politics, science, culture, and exploration. Moving back several centuries, on October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire began to blaze through the city. This devastating fire destroyed roughly 3.3 square miles of Chicago, leaving more than 100,000 residents homeless and causing immense economic damage. Despite its destruction, the fire also led to a remarkable period of rebuilding and urban development. Chicago rose from the ashes to become a symbol of resilience and innovation in architecture and city planning, shaping the modern metropolis we know today. October 8, 1956, brought a landmark moment in science with the birth of the first successful artificial satellite transmission experiment conducted by the Soviet Union. This event paved the way for the development of satellite communication technologies that revolutionized global connectivity. These early experiments set the stage for

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GODFREY – Godfrey trustees approved liquor licenses for two local businesses on Tuesday. Village Board members unanimously approved liquor license requests from the Clifton Terrace Inn and Round Table Family Restaurant at their Oct. 7, 2025 meeting. Clifton Terrace Inn To Transform Under New Ownership Mark Smith, the owner of Abigail’s in Grafton, aims to reopen the Clifton Terrace Inn at 4922 Clifton Terrace Road as a friendly neighborhood staple known as the "Fullmoon Lounge." Smith envisions renovating the space with a welcoming interior atmosphere, including “warm wood finishes, soft lighting, comfortable booths, and a long inviting bar with ample seating,” with décor inspired by local history. “The venue will be a casual, neighborhood bar and restaurant designed to be Godfrey’s version of ‘Cheers’ – a place ‘where everybody knows your name,’” Smith states in his business plan for the bar.

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SAINT JACOB - Community members can adopt pets, trick-or-treat, play games and have fun at the ninth annual Howl-O-Ween Open House & Pet Adoption event. From 12–3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors and Partners 4 Pets have collaborated to host Howl-O-Ween at 9136 Lower Marine Road in St. Jacob. The family-friendly event will feature adoptable pets available for a $25 adoption fee as well as wild animals from local partners, live music, a balloon artist, raffles and additional fun. “We just thought that pets and finding homes for them was a great deal,” said Amy with Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors. “The day of, of course, we have lots of fun things to do. Even if you aren’t wanting to adopt a pet that day, come out, support them. We have food and prizes and different things. All that money goes directly to Partners 4 Pets.” In addition to the 100 adoptable pets that will be onsite during Howl-O-Ween, Treehouse

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RIVERBEND - In 1978, 23-year-old Steven Kubacki disappeared on Lake Michigan. He woke up in a field in Massachusetts 15 months later, with no memory of what had happened. Or so he said. In his newest book — “The Disappearance: Conspiracy, Revolution, Revelation…The Extraordinary Disappearance of Steven Kubacki (After 45 Years of Silence)” — Kubacki, PhD, reveals what happened all those years ago and why he feigned his disappearance. “I have perfect recollection,” Kubacki said. In the years leading up to that fateful day in 1978, Kubacki became known as a rebellious, idealistic student. He would often skip classes to travel, then return, ace the tests, and “piss off professors.” Growing up in the Vietnam War and the Cold War eras, Kubacki was disappointed by the world and its violence. He came from a lower-middle-class family and was unimpressed by the class differences he observed at the prestigious Deerfield Academy

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MADISON COUNTY - Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is intensifying his campaign across Illinois as he seeks the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Dick Durbin. With five months remaining before the primary election, Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat representing a district near Chicago, has traveled extensively through the state to connect with voters. Krishnamoorthi, 51, described his campaign as a “mobile office” with stops in Peoria, Chicago, Schaumburg, Madison County, and several counties, cities, and villages in Southern Illinois, including Du Quoin and East Alton. He emphasized the urgency of his outreach efforts, saying, “I think we have momentum but a lot of work to do today with five months before the primary and no time to waste.” He said he will no doubt return to Madison County and the area before the primary election. The congressman highlighted Sen. Durbin's legislative record, noting that he has delivered resources throughout

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MADISON COUNTY - Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich has identified Joseph Wayne Sands, 63, of Cottage Hills, as the male victim who died following a two-vehicle crash early Sunday morning, Oct. 5, 2025, on Interstate 55. The crash occurred at approximately 4:25 a.m. Oct. 5 near Mile Marker 8 in the northbound lanes of the interstate. Sands was the driver and sole occupant of a 1992 Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck. According to preliminary evidence, Sands’ vehicle slowed in the lane of travel and was struck from behind by a box truck. Following the collision, Sands’ vehicle caught fire. Madison County Coroner’s Office Investigator Kyle Burgess responded to the scene and pronounced Sands dead. The driver of the box truck was treated at the scene and transported to a St. Louis-area hospital in critical condition. The Collinsville Fire Department and Illinois State Police responded after the initial 9-1-1 call. The Illinois State Police Traffic Crash Reconstruction

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today railed against Donald Trump’s dangerous, unconstitutional deployment of National Guard troops into Chicago and other American cities during a U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) hearing. Video of Duckworth’s remarks is available on the Senator’s YouTube . “President Trump has once again violated the Constitution, states’ rights and Americans’ rights by federalizing the Illinois National Guard and deploying Texas National Guard troops to Illinois against the wishes of democratically elected officials,” said Duckworth. “We know deploying the military is not about protecting DHS officials, because these same officials are escalating their tactics every day to provoke a manufactured crisis to justify sending in the military. We know it’s not about crime, because Trump literally defunded the police by slashing $800 million in public safety

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ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE – An East St. Louis man faces several charges in two felony cases, including one case of kidnapping and burglary and another of home invasion, domestic battery, and more. Carl G. Parker, 41, of East. St. Louis, was charged in two felony cases filed in Madison County on Oct. 1, 2025. In the first case, Parker was charged with aggravating kidnapping (a Class X felony), residential burglary (a Class 1 felony), and criminal trespass to residence (a Class 4 felony). On Sept. 22, 2025, Parker allegedly deceived or enticed a 9-year-old child to “go from one place to another with the intent to secretly confine that person against his will,” according to charging documents. He also reportedly burglarized an Edwardsville residence while the home’s occupants, including the juvenile kidnapping victim, were present. According to the state’s petition to deny Parker’s pretrial release from custody in the kidnapping case, the victim reported

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MADISON - Timeka Shaunail, a professional gospel artist, accomplished drummer and aspiring actress, has built a diverse career spanning music, theater and film. Known for her dynamic performances, Shaunail has appeared in Broadway productions and local theater plays. Shaunail is a Madison High graduate. She also attended SWIC in Belleville with a focus on criminal justice. She has performed significantly in Las Vegas and all over the country. She is one of the most well-known Madison graduates after graduation for her enormous amount of inspirational work, which includes, recently, some work as a cartoonist. Some of the art work examples are above. She is also a producer and has written her own music. Her tour activities have included the "In My Life" tour in August 2016 in East St. Louis, in the region. Shaunail maintains a presence at events such as the BET Awards when in town. Notably, she is the cousin of media icon Oprah Winfrey and gospel singer Mavis Staples. R&B singer Brad

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is warning taxpayers about a new nationwide text message scam targeting individuals with fraudulent messages that appear to come from state revenue or treasury agencies. This latest phishing scheme involves unsolicited, urgent text messages claiming that a tax refund has been processed. Recipients are then asked to provide or verify their personal banking information under the threat of losing a state refund. "There has been a significant rise in fake text messages impersonating state revenue departments," said IDOR Director David Harris. "These scams are designed to deceive taxpayers and pressure them into revealing their most sensitive financial information. Let me be very clear that IDOR does not send unsolicited text messages asking for banking or personal information." IDOR primarily communicates through official correspondence sent through the U.S. Postal Service or through MyTax Illinois , the department’s

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ALTON - In addition to a few month-long programs through October , the Hayner Public Library District has several special events planned over the next few weeks. “We’ve got a ton of stuff happening this month,” said Mary Cordes, Hayner’s executive director. From 6:30–7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, community members can enjoy “Broadway Show Tunes with Jared Hennings” at the Alton Square Mall library location. Hennings has “a great voice” that "really lends itself to this kind of music,” Cordes said. He will perform songs from “Brigadoon,” “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Showboat,” and more. A special “Fire Safety Story Time” is planned for 10 a.m. on Oct. 9 at Alton Square Mall. Cordes thanked the Alton Fire Department, which will visit and read a story in honor of Fire Safety Month. Kids can talk to firefighters,

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WOOD RIVER - Brooke Moran, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, has been recognized for her achievements in cheerleading. Moran has been part of the cheer program since seventh grade and credits her confidence, self-awareness, respect, and empathy as key qualities that contributed to her receiving this Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month honor for the Oilers. “I love being under the Friday night lights and wearing cute uniforms,” Moran said, highlighting what she enjoys most about cheerleading. She also expressed gratitude toward her mother, who she said “pushes me to be the best I can be no matter what.” Under the guidance of coach Alison Beachum, Moran has developed perseverance and determination through her high school sports involvement. “My high school involvement has helped me develop into the person that I am today by showing me perseverance. I am capable of easily facing challenges along with becoming more determined,”

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RIVERBEND - Diana Maul Halstead never asked her father about the war. She grew up under the shadow of World War II and came of age in the Vietnam era, but her dad, Alton native Henry Maul, never spoke about his experience as a prisoner of war in Germany. When Maul passed away in 1997, Halstead was devastated that his story had died with him. But she was wrong. Her sister found Maul’s diary, and, 23 years after he had died, Halstead finally read it. She knew immediately that she had a new calling. “Before you know it, I was reading through everything. I was researching everything,” Halstead remembered. “About three years later, I put it all together into a book, and that was my dad’s diary.” “Writings From the Barbed Wire Hotel” is Maul’s memoir, written by Halstead. It’s an 800-page compilation of his diary entries, which included coded poetry and illustrations from his time in a POW camp, and Halstead’s

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FREEBURG - Ameren Illinois literally had to go underground to do some "cosmetic surgery" to several of its natural gas storage fields, but the results are reshaping these 60-year-old-plus facilities. The company is utilizing horizontal drilling in its shallow depleted reservoirs in Tilden, Freeburg, Eden and Centralia – an approach that’s proving to be both technically innovative and economically transformative. The concept of horizontal drilling first surfaced at Ameren Illinois around 2016. While a few other storage operators had experimented with it, Ameren Illinois faced a challenge: aging infrastructure across multiple farmer's fields, including Tilden and Freeburg, with dozens of legacy wells and miles of vintage pipeline nearing the end of their useful life. Tilden had 51 wells and Freeburg had 81 wells – most which were installed in the 1960s and could not be modernized to comply with evolving Federal Regulations. These wells were scattered across many acres

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EDWARDSVILLE - Shanyra Cox, an elementary technology coach for Edwardsville Community Unity School District #7, has received a $1,000 grant from the Illinois Education Association (IEA) through their Schools and Community Outreach by Educators (SCORE) program. The grant supports educators and local associations who collaborate to create meaningful community service projects that foster deeper connections with students, families, and the broader community. Cox’s winning proposal centers on an annual “Embracing Inclusion” sensory-friendly event held each May that she helps coordinate. This event was inspired by her ten-year-old son Cross, who is on the autism spectrum. The event is designed especially for neurodiverse children. It provides a welcoming and safe environment where children can interact comfortably with first responders from the Edwardsville Police and Fire Departments as well as community members, all while respecting their unique sensory needs.

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GODFREY - Village of Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick was happy to present members of the Godfrey Fire Protection District with a $50,000 check in his office today. The check represents the sixth annual installment Godfrey has made toward the purchase of Firetruck #1422, a critical asset in the district’s emergency response fleet. This agreement has not only facilitated the acquisition of this vital vehicle but also cemented the financial cooperation between the two entities. Ten payments will be made via this agreement, for a total of $500,000. While the Village of Godfrey and the fire department are separate government bodies, the two entities have a shared sense of responsibility and cooperation in serving the community. “We’re happy to uphold our commitment to support the brave men and women serving on the Fire Protection District,” said McCormick. Fire Chief Eric Cranmer and Board President Matt Horn represented the Godfrey Fire Protection District and accepted

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