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Soul on Fire: An inspirational love letter to St. Louis

1 year ago
Soul on Fire (2025) -- Directed by Sean McNamara Review: When I first heard that a new feature film called “Soul on Fire” was being shot in the St. Louis area back in 2023, I was excited but cautiously optimistic. I immediately recalled when production for Jason Reitman’s “Up in the Air” was in full [...]
Wyatt Salsbury

Senator Harriss Invites Families to Share Veterans' Stories for Illinois Capitol Display

1 year ago
SPRINGFIELD — To honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of Illinois veterans, State Senator Erica Harriss is encouraging residents to share photos and stories of their loved ones who served in the United States Armed Forces. These submissions will be featured in the “Honoring All Who Served” Veterans Day Display in the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda from October 28 through November 13. “Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the bravery and sacrifices of those who have defended our freedoms,” said Senator Harriss. “This display is a meaningful way to keep their legacies alive and ensure we never forget the faces and stories of these heroes who have shaped our nation.” Families are encouraged to submit a photo (military photos preferred but not required) along with a written story of no more than 250 words. Submissions should also include the veteran’s name, military branch (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard,

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IDOA Launches New CPRG-climate Smart Agriculture Program

1 year ago
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) and the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) have announced $67 million in funding to offer cost-share/financial incentives to producers and landowners who will implement no-till or strip-till starting in the fall of 2025. The intent of the program is to promote the implementation of no-till and strip-till via the Partners for Conservation (PFC) Program and the State of Illinois Priority Climate Action Plan. “No-till and strip till practices improve soil health, reduce erosion and runoff, and lower long-term input costs,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II. “We appreciate the state and federal partnerships that bring grant funding to encourage conservation of Illinois’ fertile farmland.” Pre-enrollment and applications are available online. Visit the IDOA website at agr.illinois.gov/ and select the CPRG Climate Smart Agriculture Program link on the home page. Pre-Enro

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Attorney General Raoul Issues Statement After 7th Circuit Denies Trump Administration's Emergency Motion

1 year ago
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following statement after the 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals denied the portion of the Trump administration’s emergency motion, filed last night, seeking an immediate administrative stay to halt the temporary restraining order granted Thursday by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. “The court's order today keeps the troops off the streets of Chicago, Broadview or any other community in Illinois. This is a victory for our state. This is a victory for state and local law enforcement — who know their communities and who protect the right of their communities to speak truth to power.”

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St. Louis City Museum Offers Creepy "Fright at the Museum" Halloween Experience

1 year ago
SAINT LOUIS - City Museum promises fun year-round, but this October, they have special “Fright at the Museum” promotions, decorations and performances. Located at 750 N. 16th Street in St. Louis, City Museum is an architectural playground for people of all ages to explore. Each floor is decorated, and there are special experiences planned throughout the month of October. Katy Enrique, who works at the museum, noted that they are excited to share the “oddities and curiosities” of Halloween with their guests. “It focuses more on that oddities and curiosities side of Halloween versus the jump scares and gore and screaming and running and chainsaws,” she said. “It’s all going to be decked out in that Halloween decor.” The Fright at the Museum fun runs from Oct. 1–26, 2025, with a focus on weekends. In addition to the decorations — think vampire-themed bars and skeletons tucked into corners — the museum’s

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Annual East Alton First United Methodist Church Trunk-Or-Treat Attracts Hundreds of Children

1 year ago
EAST ALTON — The East Alton First United Methodist Church hosted its annual trunk-or-treat event Sunday evening, Oct. 12, 2025, welcoming 431 children, an increase from last year’s attendance. Located at 1001 3rd Street in East Alton, the church has been organizing the Halloween-themed event for 15 years, long before trunk-or-treats became widely popular. Angela Sarandis, a representative of the church, said the event draws hundreds of participants annually. “We’re tried to beat the rush this year,” Sarandis said. “We love doing things for the community. With us being right across the street from the school, we have to do fun things, and this is one of our fun things.” This year’s event featured 10 to 12 decorated cars where children collected treats. At the conclusion of the trunk-or-treat, participants received cookies and had the opportunity to take photos in a designated area. A haunted inflatable maze was also available and proved

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Tim Earley's Neighbors Step Up After Edwardsville Apartment Fire

1 year ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Tim Earley, a longtime employee of the Stagger Inn and a well-known figure in the Edwardsville community, lost all of his belongings in a recent apartment fire. In response, Teri Maddox of Edwardsville has organized a GoFundMe campaign to help Earley recover and rebuild his life. Earley, recognized for decades of service delivering food and drinks and supporting local fundraisers, now faces the challenge of starting over after the devastating fire. Maddox said Earley was initially hesitant about the crowdfunding effort but ultimately agreed to the campaign to ease some of the immediate burdens. The fundraiser is available online for those interested in contributing to Earley’s recovery from the tragedy. Maddox encourages community members to support one of Edwardsville’s most familiar residents as he navigates the weeks ahead. Click here for the GoFundMe.

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How to Prepare Your Home for Colder Weather

1 year ago
Did you know that nearly 40% of a household’s energy consumption during colder months goes toward heating? This staggering figure underscores the importance of having a well-prepared home—not only to stay comfortable but also to manage energy costs effectively. Preparing your home for colder weather isn’t just about adding blankets or turning up the thermostat; it involves strategic steps to enhance insulation, protect your infrastructure, and maintain indoor air quality. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you optimize your living space for the colder months ahead. Inspect and Upgrade Insulation One of the most critical factors in maintaining warmth and energy efficiency is proper insulation. Heat loss through poorly insulated walls, attics, floors, and windows can significantly drive up heating bills. Why it matters: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by properly insulating their

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Missouri health professionals worry about vaping access in young people

1 year ago
Originally presented as a less-harmful alternative to smoking cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and vapor products have transitioned from an aid for addiction to an addiction of their own. Vaping products were rolled out to help support a generation that grew up smoking. Over the years, however, younger generations have begun vaping without ever smoking in the […]
Addison Zanger