This Day in History: October 3, 2026 Major Historical Events 1990: Germany reunites after decades of division Germany became one country again on October 3, 1990, ending more than four decades of separation between East and West. East Germany’s five reestablished states joined the Federal Republic of Germany, and Berlin was reunited. For families divided by borders and different political systems, reunification brought the possibility of building a shared future. The division had grown
St. Louis food creator Sarah Bites has visited more than 150 local restaurants and built a growing audience by helping people find their next great meal.
SPRINGFIELD – The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) today announced the application period is now open for the FY27 Small Equipment Grant Program. OSFM will award a total of $6 million to eligible fire departments, fire protection districts and not-for-profit ambulance services across Illinois to purchase small firefighting and emergency medical equipment. For FY27, OSFM has increased the maximum grant award to $50,000, nearly doubling the previous maximum of $26,000. During
WOOD RIVER – Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Eagles of the Month” program at Civic Memorial High School. Senior students are selected each month by members of the Civic Memorial faculty to represent each department. All students are awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. Two Seniors (1 female student and 1 male student) that were selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $500.00 “Eagles of the Year” scholarship each
SPRINGFIELD – The 2026 Illinois fall trout fishing season will open Saturday, Oct. 17 at 60 ponds, lakes and streams throughout the state. An early catch-and-release trout fishing will open at select sites on Saturday, Oct. 3. No trout may be kept during the catch-and-release period. Anglers may begin keeping trout when the regular season opens at 5 a.m. Oct. 17. The Illinois Catchable Trout Program is funded through the sale of inland trout stamps. The Illinois Department of Natural
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 21 attorneys general, today filed a lawsuit against the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) challenging its final rule that weakens corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for new passenger cars and light trucks. In their lawsuit , Raoul and the coalition allege that the NHTSA’s new rule is contrary to law and that the NHTSA contravenes its mandate from Congress to set fuel-economy standards
CASEYVILLE – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Caseyville, Illinois man for producing child sexual abuse material. 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. The Attorney General’s office charged Carl Williams, 56, in St. Clair County Circuit Court with three Class X felony charge
GODFREY – Whether they're planning for college after high school, returning to finish a degree, or preparing for a new career, prospective students can explore their options during Lewis and Clark Community College's Fall 2026 Discover Day, from 2-4 p.m., Monday, Oct. 12, in The Commons. The free open house event is designed to help future students connect their interests and goals with academic programs, support services and career pathways available at Lewis and Clark. "Choosing
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced upcoming lane closures on eastbound Interstate 55/I-64/U.S. 40 between the Poplar Street Bridge and the McKinley Bridge on ramps in St. Clair County for bridge repairs. Beginning at midnight Monday, Oct. 5, two eastbound mainline lanes will be closed at this location. The two outer lanes and ramps will remain open during the closure. All lanes are expected to reopen on or before 5 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4
SWANSEA – To combat rising energy prices, State Senator Christopher Belt encourages eligible families in the 57th District to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. “Families in the Metro East work hard and they deserve some support to keep the lights on during hard times,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “With the LIHEAP program, those in need can get assistance when it comes to their energy bill.” The LIHEAP program – which opens Oct. 1 –