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Community reaching out to help home explosion victims

7 months 2 weeks ago
Just two days after the destructive explosion caused damage to nearby homes and condos, neighbors have been showing up in support, offering food, toiletries, gift cards, and clothing to help their fellow neighbors.
Patrick Clark

Trump administration says CDC chief ousted. Her lawyer says she hasn’t resigned or been fired

7 months 2 weeks ago
WASHINGTON — The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention doesn’t appear inclined to leave her post, despite the Trump administration announcing Wednesday that she’s no longer running one of the country’s top public health agencies.  Attorneys for Susan Monarez, who received Senate confirmation in late July, posted that she hasn’t been fired […]
Jennifer Shutt

"Wine for Whiskers" Fall Festival Aims to Raise $55,000 for Belleville Area Humane Society

7 months 2 weeks ago
BELLEVILLE - The Belleville Area Humane Society will host their annual “Wine for Whiskers” fall festival event to support animals. From 5:30–9 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, community members can enjoy dinner, drinks, carnival games, a silent auction, raffles and more fun at The Weingarten in Belleville. Geared towards adults, this fall festival promises a fun evening to benefit local animals. “It’s just going to be a really good night,” said Chelsea Erxleben with Belleville Area Humane Society (BAHS). “The community always just wraps their arms around us and they support us so much. We couldn’t do it without our community because obviously we’re a nonprofit running on donations. We’re here because the community believes in us, and we believe in them.” Tickets to the event cost $50 each and include dinner from Tavern on Main and two drink tickets. In addition to the dinner, live music, raffles and silent

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Why is 'St. Louis' included in the name of a rare mosquito-borne virus?

7 months 2 weeks ago
St. Louis was once the site of an epidemic that inspired the name of a rare mosquito-borne virus across the Midwest. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), St. Louis Encephalitis is a virus spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito and can cause inflammation of the brain.
Alex Barton

Senator Erica Harriss' Bill Ensuring Care for Retired Police K9s Signed into Law

7 months 2 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD, IL. - Retired police K9s in Illinois may soon receive the veterinary support they deserve, thanks to a new law sponsored by Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon). “Our police K9s give everything they have to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Harriss. “After years of dangerous and demanding work, many face costly health challenges. This law makes sure they’re cared for in retirement, just as they cared for us.” House Bill 3140 creates the Care for Retired Police Dogs Grant Program, providing up to $1,500 each year to reimburse handlers or adoptive families for veterinary expenses. To qualify, a K9 must have served at least five years, or three years if injured in the line of duty. “Most retired K9s are adopted by their handlers, who already share a deep bond with them,” said Senator Harriss. “By helping cover the cost of veterinary care, this program not only eases the burden on families but also honors these

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Granite City Felon Charged After Apartment Burglary

7 months 2 weeks ago
GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man with a serious criminal past faces new charges after breaking into an apartment on Cleveland Boulevard. Deshawn L. Bell, 34, of Granite City, was charged on Aug. 21, 2025 with one count each of residential burglary (a Class 1 felony) and criminal trespass to property (a Class A misdemeanor). Bell allegedly knowingly entered a Granite City residence in the 2000 block of Cleveland Boulevard without authority, intending to commit a theft and causing less than $500 worth of damage to the victim’s property on June 13, 2025. Bell reportedly tried entering the victim’s residence earlier that day while the victim was at work before Officer James Hart of the Granite City Police Department arrived on scene. The victim had already made it clear to police that Bell “no longer resided at the apartment and had been kicked out, requiring police supervision for any entry,” according to the state’s petition to deny Bell’s

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Legendary Mustang Sanctuary Calls For Support After Fire Incident

7 months 2 weeks ago
ALHAMBRA, Ill. — The Legendary Mustang Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating wild mustangs and burros, is seeking urgent assistance after a fire damaged their home and essential supplies on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. The fire occurred on Monday, destroying one room and causing widespread smoke damage throughout the residence. The sanctuary’s feed supply, stored in the basement, was also compromised, leaving the organization without food for its animals. “We desperately need some help! Our house caught on fire on Monday. Luckily, only 1 room was burnt. However, everything is smoke-damaged, so we have nothing until the insurance takes care of it, which we don't know how long it will take,” the sanctuary owners said in an official statement. The Legendary Mustang Sanctuary owners are requesting donations of personal items, kitchen supplies such as pots and pans, and animal feed, including dog, cat, chicken, and horse food.

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