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Alton School Board Hires New High School Assistant Principal

9 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education unanimously approved the hire of Nicole Walker as a new assistant principal at Alton High School. During the Board’s regular meeting on June 17, 2025, Board members welcomed Walker and approved her hire, effective July 1, 2025. Walker expressed her excitement for the new role and the chance to learn from the Alton community. “I’m very excited to be a Redbird,” she said. “It’ll be my first year, so it’s going to be a lot of learning, but I’m ready to start that path and see how I can better support teachers and what they need, and help support students and what they need, and then also the administration team, and how to keep that learning community that they have that seems so positive.” Prior to accepting the position in Alton, Walker has spent the last nine years at O’Fallon Township High School as a teacher in the SOAR program, an alternative

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Unlocking the Power of Summer Smoothies: A Delicious Path to Better Health

9 months 3 weeks ago
What if one simple, colorful drink could deliver a potent mix of vitamins, antioxidants, hydration, and energy all at once? Summer smoothies often get dismissed as just a tasty treat, but they hold remarkable potential as a health-boosting powerhouse. By exploring the nutritional benefits packed into these blended beverages, we can appreciate how summer smoothies transcend the realm of mere refreshment to become a strategic component of a balanced diet. Nutrient Density in a Glass: The Foundation of Summer Smoothies Summer smoothies often combine fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and dairy or plant-based milks, resulting in a nutrient-rich concoction. Fruits like berries, mangoes, and peaches are naturally high in vitamins C and A, fiber, and antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Vegetables like spinach or kale add iron, calcium, and vitamin K, which are crucial for blood health and bone strength. For example, a smoothie containing blueberries, banana, spinach, and Greek

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This Day in History on June 18: Napoleon Defeated in Battle of Waterloo

9 months 3 weeks ago
June 18 stands out in history as a day marked by pivotal moments that have shaped nations, inspired movements, and advanced human knowledge. Arguably the most impactful event associated with June 18 is the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. This battle, fought near Waterloo in present-day Belgium, was a decisive confrontation that ended the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, one of history’s most influential military and political figures. After escaping exile on Elba, Napoleon sought to reassert his dominance over Europe, but the allied forces of Britain, Prussia, the Netherlands, and other European powers united to halt his advance. The battle not only reshaped the political landscape of Europe but also set the stage for nearly a century of relative peace and the rise of British global influence. Waterloo’s legacy continues to resonate, symbolizing the triumph of coalition forces against a formidable adversary and marking the end of an era in European history. Stepping back in time,

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Staenberg Group, Chesterfield team up for tornado relief

9 months 3 weeks ago
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. - A tornado relief drive is set to take place in Chesterfield Valley on Friday and Saturday to aid those affected by last month's devastating tornado. The relief effort is a collaboration between the Staenberg Group, the City of Chesterfield, and a citizens group called Chesterfield Cares. The drive aims to [...]
Nick Gladney

Alton Municipal Band Continues Season with "Coolest Concert"

9 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON - The Alton Municipal Band continues its 135th consecutive season with the “Coolest Concert of the Year,” featuring tunes that will take the minds of the audience away from the summer heat. Director Chuck Noud will lead the band with songs all about snow, ice, and winter, including songs from “Frozen,” and hit music group Kool and the Gang. An ice cream truck from The Dairy Bar will be present, allowing audience members to purchase the coolest treats around. Alton Municipal Band concerts are free and open to the public. The band performs on Thursday evenings at 7:30 PM at Riverview Park, and on Sunday evenings at 7 PM at Haskell Park. Families are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and enjoy a beautiful night of music under the Alton sunset.

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Senators Plummer and Harriss to host End of Session Town Hall

9 months 3 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE — State Senators Jason Plummer and Erica Harriss will host an End of Session Town Hall on Tuesday, June 24, to discuss legislation passed during the recent Spring Session. The event is scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Edwardsville Gun Club, located at 4104 Staunton Road in Edwardsville. Plummer represents the Edwardsville area, while Harriss serves the Glen Carbon district. The town hall aims to provide constituents with an overview of key measures enacted by the state legislature and offer an opportunity for public engagement. For more information, contact Amanda at 217-782-0956.

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Residents Urged to Verify Solicitors After O'Fallon Permits Increase

9 months 3 weeks ago
O'FALLON - The O'Fallon Police Department has issued 83 solicitor permits to individuals representing 24 different companies amid an increase in business activity following recent spring storms. The permits are intended to regulate solicitors operating in the area. Solicitors must comply with specific requirements set by the department. Residents who encounter solicitors not adhering to these rules are encouraged to contact the O'Fallon Police Department at 618-624-4545 ext. 1. Officials emphasize that a solicitor permit from the O'Fallon Police Department does not constitute an endorsement of the company by the city. Residents are advised to conduct their own research before entering into any agreements with solicitors.

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Concerts, Camps, Markets, and More — Here Is Your Weekend Go Guide

9 months 3 weeks ago
From high-energy concerts and family-friendly summer camps to one-of-a-kind markets and vibrant community festivals, the upcoming events promise something for everyone to enjoy throughout the region. For a complete listing of all the exciting happenings, visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ and start planning your next adventure today! Featured GGCA Summer Camp invites children ages 3 to 12 to embark on an unforgettable adventure this summer at Greater Glory Christian Academy. The 2025 Summer Camp theme is "Bible Explorer: Trek through Truth!" and promises a fun-filled experience with outdoor and water games, crafts, weekly field trips to nearby attractions and the NCG Cinema in Alton, along with daily hot meals. Running from June 2nd to July 25th, the camp operates weekdays from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with before and aftercare available. The cost is $90 per student per week, and CHASI is accepted. Spaces are limited, so interested parents are encouraged to call (618) 468-1068

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GOP senators warn mega-bill’s new Medicaid cuts will hurt rural hospitals

9 months 3 weeks ago
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Republican leaders expressed confidence Tuesday they’ll be able to tamp down opposition to various elements of the party’s “big, beautiful bill” in time to approve the measure before the Fourth of July, though they acknowledged there’s considerable work left to do.  GOP senators from across the political spectrum have debated the […]
Jennifer Shutt, Shauneen Miranda

Missouri Senate will hold hearing on MU Health, Anthem negotiations

9 months 3 weeks ago
A Missouri Senate committee will hold a public hearing at the end of the month focused on failed negotiations between MU Health Care and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield that has impacted the coverage of 90,000 people. The Missouri Senate Insurance and Banking Committee will convene for the hearing at 1 p.m. June 30. Senate […]
Jacob Richey

Surprise: Minnesota Killer Used Data Brokers To Target And Murder Politicians

9 months 3 weeks ago
For years we’ve noted how this country’s corrupt inability to protect consumer security, regulate data brokers, or pass even a baseline privacy law was going to have increasingly deadly consequences. Endless signs have been there; from stalkers abusing app and cell phone data to pursue their victims, to right wing extremists using data broker data […]
Karl Bode

No injuries reported in overnight Cahokia Heights house fire

9 months 3 weeks ago
ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ill. - No injuries were reported after an overnight house fire in Cahokia Heights Wednesday morning. The fire broke out around 3:15 a.m. on Mildred Avenue. Flames engulfed most of the house at the time of the fire. About a dozen firefighters from five different departments helped put the fire out. An [...]
Nick Gladney