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ALTON - Alton High School’s girls cross country team placed fifth at the Belleville West Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, with senior Sophia Helfrich leading the way in the varsity girls race. Helfrich finished 14th out of 65 runners, posting a season-best time of 20 minutes, 15.5 seconds. The meet took place at Belleville West High School, where Alton competed against eight other teams. Highland High School won the event with 41 points, while Alton scored 119 points to secure fifth place. In addition to Helfrich’s performance, senior Monica Klockenkemper finished 17th with a time of 20:31.8, and senior Aliyah Rehling placed 23rd, completing the race in 21:09.8. Junior Allison Pruitt was 30th with a time of 22:11.6, senior Morgan Jinks came in 42nd at 24:22.8, and sophomore Anna Caughran finished 46th with a time of 25:36.2. The girls’ cross country squad members are Auto Butler Female Athletes of the Month for Alton.

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BELLEVILLE - The Alton High boys cross country team had a bundle of outstanding performances in the Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, Belleville West Invite. Senior Hank McClaine led the Alton boys' cross country team with a personal record at the Belleville West Cross Country Invite, helping the team secure sixth place out of 11 teams. McClaine won the boys varsity race with a time of 15 minutes, 16.5 seconds. The meet took place at Belleville West High School, where 76 runners competed in the varsity race. Redbirds' freshman Isaiah Cooper finished 33rd with a personal record of 17:52.6. Sophomore Austin Jones placed 47th, setting a personal best of 19:10.9. Junior Elias Clark and freshman Ezra Pfleger also achieved personal records, finishing with times of 19:22.7 and 19:30.7, respectively. Sophomore Gustavo Alcazar completed the race in 20:54.2, and junior Chase Baxter finished with a time of 21:46.9. Alton's boys team scored 178 points overall, placing sixth behind Highland, which won

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Alejandro Sanz, MD , wants women dealing with breast cancer to know: a diagnosis might not mean you have to lose your breasts and the identity and confidence that come with them. The OSF HealthCare surgeon who specializes in breast surgery says if the disease is caught early, doctors and patients can review options to maintain the breasts. “Breast conservation surgery has developed significantly in the last few years. It’s an option that’s getting more and more common,” Dr. Sanz says. “With advances in screening mammograms and imaging quality, we are able to detect suspicious lesions early in their development. That’s good for breast conservation surgery because you’re dealing with less disease. That will also improve the prognosis overall.” Dr. Sanz performs breast conservation surgery that’s minimally invasive with a goal of addressing the cancer and keeping the breasts cosmetically pleasing (hiding scars, for example). “We

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CHICAGO - After successfully fighting to restore funding that had been frozen by the Trump Administration, Governor JB Pritzker, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, and the Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that $18.4 million in grants is being awarded to build 25 charging stations for electric vehicles along interstate corridors. The funding is made possible through the second round of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which is helping to invest in communities and generate economic development while advancing our goal to have a million EVs registered in Illinois by 2030. “Illinois has been at the forefront of building a clean energy economy that creates jobs and helps lower costs for consumers, and building electric vehicle chargers across the states has been core to that mission,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “I’m thankful for the quick action of our Attorney General in the fight to restore these funds that Presiden

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CHICAGO — Landmarks Illinois announced the recipients of the 2025 Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Awards, recognizing nine outstanding preservation projects across the state that demonstrate excellence in reuse, sustainability and community impact. The awards will be presented at a public ceremony on November 7 at Theater on the Lake in Chicago. Among the honorees are projects in Granite City and Millstadt that highlight adaptive reuse and community advocacy. The Edison Ave Art Lofts in Granite City received the award for Adaptive Reuse for transforming the historic former Tri-County YMCA into a mixed-use development. Led by Rise Community Development and its partners, the project created affordable housing and community art space, including housing for veterans, while preserving the character of the nearly century-old landmark. In Millstadt, the Friends of the Old Millstadt Water Tower earned the Advocacy award for their successful, years-long grassroots campaign

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ALTON - Community members can support the Episcopal Parish of Alton’s pet food pantry through their Dawgs 4 Paws event. From 2–4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, the Episcopal Parish of Alton will host the event in their garden at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 10 East Third Street in Alton. Pets can receive vaccines and blessings while their owners enjoy a silent auction, hotdogs, live music and more fun. The event aims to raise funds and awareness for the parish’s pet food pantry, which serves over 100 animals every month. “Our faith tells us to live our faith, to live out the mission of Christ, and to care and help people,” explained Father Garron Daniels. “There are plenty of food pantries out there and other types of pantries, but we’ve really come to realize that there are no real supports present for people who have pets.” The Episcopal Parish started their pet food pantry in 2022. From 12:30–1:30 p.m. on the first

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GODFREY – As the leaves begin to turn and a crisp breeze fills the air, we invite you to embrace the beauty of the season at Forest Fest, set to take place on Saturday, October 4, in the heart of The Nature Institute. This new community event celebrates the splendor of fall with activities, food, and entertainment for all ages. This event will replace Enchanted Forest in hopes of encouraging more families to attend at a better time of day. Event Highlights Education Booths: Learn from our education partners about fish, pollinators, plants, birds, the sun, and so much more at Forest Fest. Sweet Treats: Savor the yummy confections from an ice cream truck and build your own s'more at our campfire. Children's Activities: Keep the little ones entertained with a range of fun activities, including face painting, carnival games, and scavenger hunts. Nature Walks and Trolley Tours: Join guided walks through the scenic forest trails or jump on one of our free trolley

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GRANITE CITY - Students in Mrs. Parker’s Career Exploration class at Granite City High School had an opportunity to explore the nursing profession during a visit from Alisa Richter of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s School of Nursing on . The presentation provided an overview of nursing roles, responsibilities, and career pathways, along with details about SIUE’s nursing program and admissions process. Richter engaged students with an interactive demonstration featuring a baby simulator that allowed participants to hold a lifelike infant, listen to its heartbeat, and hear realistic cries. This hands-on experience aimed to illustrate aspects of nursing care in a practical setting. The visit offered students a comprehensive look at the nursing field and the educational steps required to enter the profession. Photos of the event were taken by Brayden Cook. Photo by Brayden Cook

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EDWARDSVILLE – Three battery cases from the Edwardsville Police Department involve two local residents accused of battering each other on a transit bus and a third accused of biting a police officer’s hand after an alleged domestic battery. Nathaniel Smith, 34, of Alton, was charged on Sept. 11, 2025 with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery and a Class C misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. Smith allegedly struck the victim, Bijan J. Mehmadoost, about the body in a public place on Aug. 7, 2025. Specifically, he is accused of attacking Mehmadoost on a Madison County Transit (MCT) bus which was located at the intersection of East Schwarz Street and South Kansas Street at the time of the offense. Mehmadoost, a 36-year-old Edwardsville resident, was charged on Sept. 11, 2025 with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery and a Class C misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. Mehmadoost is accused of punching Smith and pepper straying him on the same date

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BRIDEVIEW – Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) has confirmed the first human West Nile virus-related death in suburban Cook County and Illinois this year. A suburban Cook County resident, whose age is in the 60s, has died. Laboratory testing has confirmed that West Nile virus was a contributing factor to the resident’s death. West Nile virus occurs in humans when they are bitten by mosquitoes that contracted the virus by feeding on infected birds. The risk of West Nile virus in suburban Cook County remains high. Since May 11, when the surveillance period began, through Sept. 6, suburban Cook County has recorded 33 cases of West Nile virus , almost twice the number of cases from last year. Of the total 33 West Nile virus cases, 22 have been neuroinvasive, meaning that the central nervous system was affected. Last year, 19 West Nile virus cases and five deaths were reported in suburban Cook County. Overall, the state of Illinois recorded 69 human cases

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CARLINVILLE — From September 1 through October 31, 2025, drivers in Macoupin County can support adults with developmental disabilities by fueling up at four local Shell stations featuring specially marked purple pumps. The stations, owned and operated by Carlinville-based J.F. Boente & Sons, will donate a portion of sales from these designated pumps to the Macoupin Center for the Developmentally Disabled (MCDD), a nonprofit day learning center serving developmentally disabled adults in the rural community. The initiative, part of Shell’s nationwide Giving Pump program, allows consumers to contribute to a local cause at no additional cost simply by choosing the marked pump. J.F. Boente & Sons, a fourth-generation Shell wholesaler with nearly a century of history in Carlinville, is partnering with MCDD to raise funds that will help expand the center’s programs and welcome new students. MCDD, now in its 70th year, provides education, transportation, food security, an

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ALTON - Alton Main Street , the Sierra Club Illinois ’ Three Rivers Project and Jacoby Arts Center are announcing the return of the Mississippi Earthtones Festival to Alton’s Riverfront Amphitheater on Saturday, September 20th from noon until 10:00 p.m. This 19th annual free event boasts 25 environmental education exhibits, 95 eco-friendly artists and makers, and 10 culinary vendors. The popular festival attracts approximately 5,000 community members and tourists to Downtown Alton to celebrate our river through art, music, and conservation every third Saturday in September. The theme of this year’s MEF is ‘Bloom Where You’re Planted’, and Alton’s riverfront will be filled with art that reflects this message. Local artists have been commissioned to build large installations that will enhance the festival grounds and delight festival goers. The Riverbend Yarn Bombers are adding onto last year’s fantastical walk-through yarn cottage

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EDWARDSVILLE - Organizers for the Land of Goshen Community Market encourage community members to join them for Customer Appreciation Day. From 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, the Goshen Market will have special deals and gifts available to showcase their appreciation for the customers who sustain the market every year. Ann Herrington, the market’s executive director, expressed her excitement for another great week and a chance to honor their customers. “Come on out and be appreciated,” Herrington said. “It's such an amazing group effort that we pull this together every week and that people show up and love it. We’re really grateful to be a staple in the Edwardsville community.” The first 50 customers who stop at the market’s info booth on Saturday will receive a $5 voucher. This voucher is good for any item at the market. Attendees can also enter a drawing for the chance to win a Goshen Market tote bag. There will be min

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) is demanding that U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins block his agency’s plans to allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to use part of Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in Chicago’s property as the agency carries out Trump’s extreme immigration plans, which would jeopardize our Veterans’ access to the timely, high-quality care they earned through their service. In her letter to Secretary Collins, Duckworth detailed how redirecting VA resources away from the Department’s sacred mission of providing our heroes with the best care possible and toward the Trump Administration’s politically motivated invasion of the Chicagoland area would be disastrous for the thousands of Veterans who rely on Hines for their health care. “As a Hines patient myself, I have experienced the consequences of the limitations of the Hines VA Hospital parking

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GRAFTON - The community can support a local family after the passing of their two-month-old son. Colden Joseph Charles Wellhausen, born in June, passed unexpectedly in August 2025. From 6–10 p.m. on Oct. 4, 2025, at Hawg Pit in Grafton, community members can enjoy food, live music, raffle baskets, and more while raising money for Colden’s parents so they can take the time they need to grieve. “Everything was just so perfect, and it was ripped away from them so suddenly,” said Sunshine Lee, Colden’s grandmother. “It’s not going to comfort them in any way, and it can’t make peace for them, but it can maybe make it a little bit easier to be at home and be with their little girl, who is struggling right now with losing her little brother.” Lee explained that Colden’s parents — Paige and Blake — are selfless, hard-working people who just bought their first house. Colden was a “miracle,” their “rainbow

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O'FALLON, IL. - It has been a busy week for members of the Looking Glass Prairie Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. On September 9, 2025, Collinsville Mayor Jeff Stehman presented the chapter a proclamation honoring Constitution Week. Earlier in the week, the chapter received proclamations from Shiloh Mayor Bob Weilmuenster and Lebanon Mayor Charles Witty. This celebration of the Constitution was started by the DAR. In 1955, DAR petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into public law on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The DAR has also erected a structure in Washington, D.C., that is built in tribute to the Constitution of the United States. DAR Constitution Hall, which is a performing arts center, opened in 1929. On September 11th, chapter members welcomed Illinois State Regent Marria Blinn and District VI Director

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EDWARDSVILLE/WORDEN - The Southern Illinois Chapter of the American Guild of Organists has awarded its 2025 Scholarship Awards to two young musicians from the region. Thirteen-year-old Eve Curtis of Worden and 12-year-old Micah Krystowiak of Edwardsville each received $750 scholarships in August 2025 to support their organ studies. The scholarships, granted annually by the Southern Illinois Chapter of the AGO, recognize promising organ students from southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and southeastern Missouri. The awards cover the cost of organ instruction, organ literature, and membership in both the national AGO and the Southern Illinois Chapter. Eve Curtis has studied piano for nine years and organ for two years. In addition to her keyboard skills, she plays violin in her school orchestra. She regularly performs at her home church and often serves as a substitute organist for other congregations. Her organ instructor, Janet Muth, described Eve as having “wonderful talent

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ST. LOUIS — Four-month-old quintuplet cheetah cubs are making their public debut at the Saint Louis Zoo, offering visitors a rare glimpse of the young felines as they explore their new habitat. Asha, Bozzie, Chirpa, Milani and Wickett, born May 5, 2025, to first-time parents Cora, 4, and Vader, 8, began accessing the cheetah habitat at River’s Edge on Sept. 17. The cubs will be visible to the public during limited morning hours, typically between 9 and 10 a.m., as they adjust to their environment. The zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but viewing times for the cubs are not guaranteed. The quintuplets, three males and two females, have spent their early months bonding with their mother and each other in a private habitat. The Animal Care Team has been gradually introducing them to new enrichment activities to support their development and prepare them for public appearances. “Cora’s cubs are lively as ever. They have distinct personalities and interact

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MASCOUTAH – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a Mascoutah, Illinois man was sentenced to 43 years in prison for sexual assault and producing child pornography. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. Zachery Ashby, 31, was sentenced today by St. Clair County Circuit Court Judge Zina Cruse after pleading guilty to three counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and two counts of production of child pornography, all Class X felonies. “This sentence will prevent other children from being abused and represents justice for the innocent children and families who were victimized through these heinous crimes,” Raoul said. “I am committed to helping victims and their families heal from trauma, including by holding the perpetrators accountable. My office

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses at a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism hearing entitled “Examining the Harm of AI Chatbots.” Durbin focused his questioning on the warning signs of children and adolescents being lured into unhealthy or harmful behavior, including self-harm or suicide, by AI chatbots. Durbin began by referring to a statistic in the opening statement of Mr. Robbie Torney, Senior Director of AI Programs at Common Sense Media. According to Common Sense Media polling, nearly three in four children have used an AI companion app while only 37 percent of parents know that their children are using AI. “As a caring parent, what should you look for as a sign that is happening?” Durbin asked Dr. Mitch Prinstein, Chief of Psychology Strategy and Integration at the American Psychological Association. Dr. Prinstein explaine

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