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Firefighters Climb 2,071 Steps to Honor 9/11 First Responders

4 months 2 weeks ago
GRAFTON - Community members and firefighters with QEM Fire Protection District climbed 2,071 steps to honor the first responders lost on Sept. 11, 2001. On Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, the QEM Fire Protection District’s burn tower was set up so firefighters could climb the stairs 34 times, or the equivalent of 110 floors. Firefighters from Medora and Centralia joined the QEM firefighters, and a few community members also participated to honor 9/11 first responders. “It’s just honoring all those that gave their lives for strangers, complete strangers,” said QEM Firefighter Cameron Mank. “We just thank you guys for taking time out of your evening to come and honor those people, and then also just to support us. It’s a lot going up and down the stairs, and when you get gassed and you look at people watching you, it’s like, oh, this is why we do this.” Firefighter Victoria Westfall echoed Mank. She expressed her admiration for the first

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St. Louis Derby Day Sept. 10 at Fairmount Park

4 months 2 weeks ago

Fairmount Park Casino & Racing Celebrates 100 Years with FanDuel St. Louis Derby Sept.19   Celebrating a Century of Horse Racing, Tradition, and Entertainment with a $250,000 Purse This month marks a historic milestone for Fairmount Park Casino and Racing in Collinsville, Ill. as it celebrates a century of horse racing, tradition, and entertainment in […]

The post St. Louis Derby Day Sept. 10 at Fairmount Park appeared first on flovalleynews.com.

independentnws

Celebrating Fall in Southwest Illinois

4 months 2 weeks ago

     Stunning fall color drives, outdoor adventures, haunted    fun, festivals and fairs highlight the Autumn season Hop in the car and take a road trip to southwest Illinois this fall and discover authentic small-town charm coupled with stunning fall color drives, scenic and historic guided tours, adventures in u-pick orchards, corn maze adventures […]

The post Celebrating Fall in Southwest Illinois appeared first on flovalleynews.com.

independentnws

Man charged in 2019 murder of seven-year-old in St. Louis

4 months 2 weeks ago
ST. LOUIS - A man already behind bars is now charged with murder in the death of a seven-year-old child in St. Louis in 2019. On Aug. 12, 2019, seven-year-old Xavier Usanga was shot while playing outside with siblings in St. Louis' Hyde Park neighborhood. On Thursday, the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office charged Malik [...]
Joey Schneider

GOP states try new ways to target abortion pills and telehealth

4 months 2 weeks ago
In state legislatures around the country, medication abortion has emerged as the central focus of the fight over abortion rights. As Democratic lawmakers in blue states enact shield laws to protect abortion medication prescribers, their Republican counterparts — particularly in states that have banned abortion — are filing a flurry of bills to restrict access. […]
Anna Claire Vollers

The Best Fall Hikes for Enjoying Seasonal Foliage

4 months 2 weeks ago
Did you know that the vibrant colors of autumn leaves are the result of chemical processes within the trees that transform their pigments into a spectacular palette of reds, oranges, and yellows? This natural phenomenon creates some of the most breathtaking landscapes, making fall hikes a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature’s artistry. But where exactly should you go to witness these vivid displays, and how can you make the most of your foliage adventure? Understanding the Science Behind Fall Foliage Before diving into the best hiking spots, it’s helpful to understand what causes the dazzling colors of fall. As daylight decreases and temperatures drop, chlorophyll (the green pigment in leaves) breaks down, revealing other pigments such as carotenoids (yellow and orange) and anthocyanins (red and purple). The intensity of these colors depends on several factors, including temperature, moisture, and sunlight. For hikers, this means timing and location are crucial

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This Day in History on September 12: First Satellite Phone Network Launched

4 months 2 weeks ago
September 12 has long been a date marked by pivotal events that have shaped our world in profound ways. On September 12, 1998, the first satellite phone network was launched, forever transforming global communication. This event marked a significant leap in technology, offering reliable voice and data services in even the most remote and inaccessible regions of the planet. Before this, communication in isolated areas was often unreliable or impossible, hampering everything from emergency response efforts to everyday connectivity. The satellite phone network bridged this gap, enabling instant communication regardless of geography and laying the groundwork for the interconnected world we live in today. The launch of this network was the culmination of decades of research and development in satellite and telecommunications technology. It opened new possibilities for global business, disaster response, and even personal communication, ensuring that no matter where someone was, they coul

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