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Durbin Statement On The Return Of The Hostages Held By Hamas

1 month 3 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement on the release of the remaining 20 living hostages held by Hamas: “Congratulations to President Trump for the historic Gaza agreement. We know there are still critical elements to be negotiated and settled but the release of the Israeli hostages and the Palestinian prisoners is a good faith start. “Now let’s negotiate a political ceasefire on Capitol Hill.”

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Local Author, Jackie Duty Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Two Inspiring Book Releases

1 month 3 weeks ago
GRAFTON - Award-winning author, speaker, and editor Jacqueline “Jackie” Duty is honoring Hispanic Heritage Month with the release of two books that celebrate language, culture, and empowerment. Following the success of her beloved children’s book Dash the Dachshund , Duty has now launched a Spanish edition, Dash el Perro Salchicha , available on Amazon just in time for Hispanic Heritage Month. This charming story follows a curious dachshund on heartwarming adventures that teach courage, kindness, and friendship—now accessible to Spanish-speaking families and classrooms. Jackie has distributed over 500 copies of the original Dash the Dachshund to local students thanks to many local incredible sponsors including: Simmons Hanly Conroy Law Firm, Tania Interian – State Farm, Wilton Cattle Company, Fountain Hill Steak and Seafood, Grafton Music in the Park, Grafton Fudge and Ice Cream Shop, Grafton Limestone, Grafton Art Gallery, Box Mercantile, Fancy Nancy

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STL Subs closing Delmar store due to low sales, challenges

1 month 3 weeks ago
STL Subs announced that its Delmar location will close at the end of this week. The company said it was due to lower sales and the challenges of operating multiple locations spread across the St. Louis region. Earlier this year, several Goodcents locations in the St. Louis-area branched off to become STL Subs, meaning Goodcents still remains in operation as a separate entity. 
Alex Barton

Community Rallies to Support Heck Family After Fire

1 month 3 weeks ago
GODFREY — The Heck Family lost nearly everything they owned in a fire that destroyed their home Tuesday evening, Oct. 14, 2025, in the 1200 block of Seasons Drive, according to a community organizer. April Marburger, who is helping coordinate relief efforts, said the family and their dog escaped the fire unharmed. “While they lost nearly everything they owned, we are deeply grateful that everyone, including their family dog, miraculously made it out alive,” Marburger wrote. The Heck Family now faces rebuilding their lives after the devastating loss. Neighbors have launched a GoFundMe campaign to provide financial support to the family. “Our hope is that we can ease their burden a bit by coming together to support them,” Marburger said. The fundraiser page is being managed with the family’s blessing and will provide updates as they become available. Click here for the GoFundMe.

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Senators Demand Answers About Frozen Funding For Chicago's Red Line Extension Project

1 month 3 weeks ago
CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), along with U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), and Danny Davis (D-IL-07), sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to demand answers about the Trump Administration’s decision to “put on hold” $2.1 billion in federal funding for Chicago’s infrastructure projects, including the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Red Line Extension Project and CTA’s Red and Purple Modernization (RPM) Program. “On October 3, 2025, the OMB Director posted a social media announcement and the Federal Transit Administration subsequently sent letters to the CTA notifying the transit agency that the Administration was withholding disbursements of previously approved federal funding for these projects, totaling $2.1 billion dollars. The stated reason for this

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Belleville, Granite City Men Accused Of Strangulation In Domestic Battery Cases

1 month 3 weeks ago
BELLEVILLE – Residents of Belleville and Granite City face felony domestic battery charges after allegedly strangling family or household members in separate cases. Marquis B. Orr, 34, of Belleville, was charged with aggravated domestic battery (a Class 2 felony), his second or subsequent offense of domestic battery (a Class 4 felony), and domestic battery (a Class A misdemeanor) on Oct. 9, 2025. Orr allegedly intentionally strangled a household or family member on Sept. 6, 2025. He had previously been convicted of domestic battery in a prior case from 2011 out of St. Clair County. The Maryville Police Department presented the latest case against Orr, who was ordered remanded to jail for his initial appearance in court. A Granite City man also faces charges of Class 2 felony aggravated domestic battery and Class A misdemeanor domestic battery in a separate case. 27-year-old Jacob A. Williams was charged on Oct. 7, 2025 after allegedly strangling a household or family member

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The Mysterious Flute Book

1 month 3 weeks ago
With so many books in the Missouri Historical Society Collections, it is easy for something to be cataloged and never thought about again until it resurfaces for an exhibit. One such item is the focus of this post: a book of flute instruction exercises. It is in poor condition, and its title page is missing, …
Marisa Tesoro

Madison County Serves Up Spirit with Food Truck Fest on Friday

1 month 3 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County employees are wrapping up a spirit week with a flavor-filled Friday celebration — and the public is invited to join the fun. The County will host a food truck event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the back parking lot off Second Street, behind the Sheriff’s Department, featuring a lineup of local favorites including Mahalo Shaved Ice, Heaterz, Rollin’ Dogs, Pig on a Wing and Taqueria y Antojitos Cobix. “This is the first time we’ve done anything like this,” Chairman Chris Slusser said. “We wanted to do something that brings our employees together and also welcomes the public to share in the experience.” The idea for a food truck day came from employees who missed having on-site dining options after the Administration Building cafeteria closed. A few staff members took the lead, planning the event and choosing a fall date — which coincidentally lined up with both Edwardsville’s Homecoming Wee

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New York City Sues Instagram Rather Than Teach Kids Filters Aren’t Real

1 month 3 weeks ago
When a school district sues social media companies claiming they can’t educate kids because Instagram filters exist, that district is announcing to the world that it has fundamentally failed at its core mission. That’s exactly what New York City just did with its latest lawsuit against Meta, TikTok, and other platforms. The message is unmistakable: […]
Mike Masnick

Alton Police Engage Students During First Responder Week

1 month 3 weeks ago
ALTON — Officers from the Alton Police Department visited St. Mary’s Catholic School this week as part of the school’s First Responder Week celebration. The event, held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and School, provided students with opportunities to engage directly with local law enforcement. During the visit, students explored a patrol squad car, toured the department’s tactical armored vehicle known as The BEAR, and observed a K9 demonstration. The activities aimed to educate young attendees about the roles and responsibilities of first responders in their community. The Alton Police Department expressed appreciation for the warm reception from the students and staff, emphasizing the importance of fostering community awareness about the work performed by first responders on a daily basis.

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Missouri, other AGs want Meta to address terrorist content

1 month 3 weeks ago
JEFFERSON CITY — Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has joined a coalition of 12 state attorneys general in calling on Meta Platforms Inc. to explain and correct what they describe as serious failures to prevent the spread of violent terrorist…
Chris Dickerson | Legal Newsline

Record Student Attendance Expected At Metro Construction Expo

1 month 3 weeks ago
BELLEVILLE - The 25th Annual Metro Construction Career Expo will be held October 21–23, 2025, at the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, 200 South Belt East, Belleville, Illinois. This year’s event will welcome a record number of students, more than 1,200 from 37 area high schools, to explore hands-on activities and demonstrations that highlight rewarding career opportunities in the skilled construction trades. Media are invited to attend the Expo to see firsthand how unions and industry leaders are addressing the growing demand for skilled workers across Southern Illinois. Apprenticeship programs offer paid, debt-free pathways into the construction industry, complete with wages, benefits, and pension, providing a strong alternative to traditional college routes. “We are thrilled to see record participation this year,” said Donna Richter, CEO of the Southern Illinois Builders Association (SIBA). “The Metro Construction Career Expo continues to open students’

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Big Outdoor Expo coming to St. Charles

1 month 3 weeks ago

Gateway Outdoor Expo Exhibitors Nov. 14-16 at the St. Charles Convention Center Missouri’s premier gathering for outdoor recreation is back. The Gateway Outdoor Expo + Summit will return to the St. Charles Convention Center, 1 Convention Center B;vd. on Nov, 14-16, promising its biggest and most immersive experience yet for adventurers, nature lovers, and industry […]

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