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Breast Cancer Awareness Expands to Include Men

2 months 1 week ago
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, says Heather Thompson. And she would know. Thompson is a breast health navigator at OSF HealthCare, helping patients navigate appointments, insurance and more. And Thompson is, herself, a breast cancer survivor. But what many in the cancer space might not realize, Thompson says, is that breast cancer can affect men. It’s rare, with 1% of men statistically getting it, Thompson says. But it’s worth knowing how to spot, prevent and treat it. “There can be severe cases. A lot of times, men don’t notice things or worry about things like women might,” Thompson says. “The cancer is there longer and has a chance to metastasize and get into their lymph nodes. A lot of times, men will get gynecomastia. That can cause swelling in the breast tissue and a mass.” Those gynecomastia masses can limit a man’s ability to feel a cancerous lump, delaying care. Breast cancer basics Genet

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Darren Bailey: Madigan Reports to Prison — Time for Real Ethics Reform in Illinois; McCombie Also Comments

2 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD — Today marks a moment many Illinoisans have waited years for: former House Speaker Michael J. Madigan reports to federal prison which is a reminder of the need for meaningful ethics reform in Illinois, according to Darren Bailey, candidate for Governor. For decades, Madigan symbolized everything wrong with Illinois politics — backroom deals, insider favors, and pay-to-play corruption that robbed hardworking families of trust in their government. His conviction should serve as a wake-up call for every elected official in this state. But instead of leading the charge for reform, Governor JB Pritzker stayed silent for months while Madigan’s criminal enterprise unraveled. It wasn’t until November 2020, after mounting public outrage, that Pritzker finally called for Madigan’s resignation — long after federal prosecutors exposed the bribery scheme surrounding his closest allies. Even when allegations of sexual harassment emerge

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Annual Knights of Columbus "Tootsie Roll" Trivia Night Is Oct. 18, 2025

2 months 1 week ago
GLEN CARBON - The Knights of Columbus “Tootsie Roll” Drive began in the 1970s as a creative fundraising initiative dedicated to supporting organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Over the years, this event has become a cherished tradition, reflecting the Knights' commitment to making a positive impact on their community. St. Cecilia Knights of Columbus Fundraiser This year, the St. Cecilia Knights of Columbus are proud to present their annual Intellectual Disabilities “Tootsie Roll” Drive fundraiser with an exciting music trivia night. Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 18th, as this event promises an entertaining evening for all attendees. In a departure from previous years, members will not be standing on street corners distributing Tootsie Rolls and collecting donations. Instead, the fundraiser will take place indoors, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy music-themed trivia while supporting a worthy

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Samuel Caughran is Art Fahrner-Edward Jones Alton High School Remarkable Redbird of the Month

2 months 1 week ago
ALTON - The most recent Art Fahrner-Edward Jones Alton High School Remarkable Redbird Senior Sam Caughran has stayed busy through his high school career in music and academics. Sam is an integral part of the Wind Ensemble, the pit orchestra for the plays, Marching 100 and also the Symphonic Orchestra. He is also involved in Spanish Club and Biology Club. Sam is also a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. Sam has been selected as the head drum major for the Marching 100 and also plays trumpet for the symphonic band. He enjoys the leadership that goes along with being the head drum major after being a member for the previous three years. Sam shared about a recent competition that he and the Marching 100 attended at the Dome at the America's Center in downtown St Louis called Bands of America. He really enjoyed the experience, as it is something that happens every other year and includes about sixty bands that come from high schools across the country. Sam also has

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Nutrition program for women, infants and children to stay afloat through end of month

2 months 1 week ago
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is infusing $300 million into a key federal nutrition program to keep it running through October, while a government shutdown continues without an apparent end point.  USDA’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children — known as WIC — has relied on short-term funds amid the […]
Shauneen Miranda

Edwardsville Police Strengthen Community Bonds at National Night Out

2 months 1 week ago
EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Police Department hosted its annual National Night Out event Tuesday evening, Oct. 7, 2025, at City Park, aiming to strengthen community ties through collaboration and partnership. The event featured participation from multiple local agencies, including the Edwardsville Fire Department, Glen Carbon Police Department, SIUE Police Department, and Illinois State Police Troop 8. Residents gathered to enjoy free food, giveaways, activities, and services provided by a range of business and organization sponsors. Among the contributors were Prairie Farms Dairy, First Community Credit Union, Bank of Madison County, Junior Service Club of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon, Goldenberg Heller & Antognoli, P.C., Nu Way, Cargill, and Edley's Bar-B-Que. Additional on-site participants included ADT, Chiro One, Clean Eatz, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Dieterich Bank, Dollar Tree, EHS Peer Influence Club, Madison County Child Advocacy Center,

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Temporary Closure Of Caseyville Road At Morrison Drive Is Set To Begin Oct. 13, 2025

2 months 1 week ago
COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that Caseyville Road between Morrison Drive and Glendale Drive in St. Clair County will be closed beginning, weather permitting, Monday, Oct. 13. The road closure is necessary to allow the city of Collinsville, in coordination with Collinsville High School, to install water lines across Caseyville Road. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure. The closure is expected to conclude Sunday, Nov. 30. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to detour signs in work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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New All-Abilities Playground Coming To Edwardsville

2 months 1 week ago
EDWARDSVILLE – Every child in the Edwardsville area, regardless of their ability, will soon have a new place to play. The Edwardsville City Council approved the installation of a new all-abilities playground after hearing passionate public comments from three family and community members last week. First to address the aldermen was Grace Morrison, who emphasized how important this playground would be for her cousin, Henry. “I’m supporting the playground for kids in wheelchairs, like my cousin, Henry,” Grace said. “It’s really sad when Henry has to watch us play, and so that is why I want one.” Another supporter, Madison, underscored the need for more accessible playgrounds in the city. “I have a brother who’s in a wheelchair, and he can’t use a lot of the playgrounds here in Edwardsville, so it would be really nice if he could come and have somewhere to play in Edwardsville too,” she said. Carrie Morrison outlined

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Watchful Waiting Not Recommended For Childhood Obesity

2 months 1 week ago
While some of the options like surgery and medication may raise parents’ eyebrows, experts are making a few things clear. Obesity can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, asthma and diabetes. But it is treatable, and each family should talk to a health care provider about what course is best. The AAP says waiting and hoping things get better is not a good choice. The guidelines fall back on the proven methods of diet and exercise. But other suggestions include: In-person, family-based behavioral health treatment over a three-to-12 month period For children 12 and up, physicians should consider prescribing weight loss medication. For children 13 and up with severe obesity, providers should consider recommending weight loss surgery. Carly Zimmer is a registered dietician-nutritionist at OSF HealthCare in Pontiac, Illinois . She says it’s not easy for kids to eat right and exercise. Less healthy foods are more easily accessible, portions have gone up and

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Letter To The Editor: Supporter Defends Madison Board Resolution Honoring Charlie Kirk

2 months 1 week ago
Letter To The Editor: In defense of the County Board's Resolution celebrating the life of Charlie Kirk. I am writing in response to the statement recently made by the NAACP Alton Branch President Leon Smallwood. I will also address his attacks on the Madison County Board. The purpose of this letter is to bring unity to all the communities in Madison County. Mr. Smallwood's comment about Charlie Kirk building his Platform on belittling the African American Community is completely false. I am not sure if Mr. Smallwood did not watch the videos at all or took little pieces out of context. Charlie Kirk often talked about strengthening the Black Community through improving education and family. He stated that many African Americans go to failing schools in our country's major cities. Charlie argued that they should be able to pick their schools instead of being forced into failing ones. Charlie Kirk also talked about how he thought the number of abortions in the African American Community

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Letter To The Editor: Charlie Kirk Praised as Champion for Conservative Speech

2 months 1 week ago
Letter To The Editor: The Madison County Board voted to honor Charlie Kirk with a day of remembrance. A few letters spoke out against it. I appreciate them airing their views. Isn't freedom of speech great! We can still be friends even though we disagree. I have a different opinion on the Madison County vote. To be sure, diversity is an important issue - a very important one. But the issue of diversity is not the only serious issue to be concerned about. Freedom of speech, foreign policy, and the economy are others. Even though Charlie made some controversial statements, which I do not completely agree with, he was much more than that. He saw how the liberal ideology was so dominant in universities that it suppressed free speech from conservatives. Overall, Charlie Kirk was a powerful force for good. That is why I agree with the board's decision to honor him. Charlie championed free speech. Charlie Kirk was assassinated by a man who hated Kirk for political reasons. He was driven

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