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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Alton Police Award Detective Stewart Officer Of The Month

1 week ago
ALTON - The Alton Police Department has named Detective Jacob Stewart as its Officer of the Month for June 2025 in recognition of his role in a complex armed robbery and assault investigation. On June 8, 2025, at the Oakwood Estates Housing Complex, Detective Stewart demonstrated leadership and investigative skill by quickly identifying multiple suspects involved in the incident. His efforts included conducting critical interviews in Springfield and collaborating with fellow detectives and the U.S. Marshals Service. This teamwork led to felony charges against four individuals. Additionally, Detective Stewart helped coordinate tactical warrant operations that resulted in the arrest of the four offenders and the recovery of six firearms. The department highlighted his professionalism, initiative, and commitment to public safety as qualities that exemplify the best of the Alton Police Department. Detective Stewart’s work has been formally recognized as a significant contribution

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Despite widespread interest, only 3 states passed license plate reader laws this year

1 week ago
Lawmakers in at least 16 states this year introduced bills to regulate the use of automated license plate readers responsible for collecting large amounts of data on drivers across the country. But just three states — Arkansas, Idaho and Virginia — enacted laws this session that establish or amend rules for law enforcement agencies using […]
Madyson Fitzgerald

Troy Police Swears In New Officer T.J. Wilson; Recognizes CIT Trucking

1 week ago
TROY, Ill. — The Troy Police Department welcomed a new officer and recognized a community partner during a recent ceremony. The department recently held a swearing-in ceremony for Officer T.J. Wilson, who recently graduated from the police academy and has begun his field training. Members of the Troy Police Department expressed pride in welcoming Wilson to the team. During the event, the department also presented an award to CIT Trucking in appreciation of the company’s ongoing support of local initiatives. CIT Trucking has contributed to community events such as the Special Olympics and the department’s annual golf tournament. The Troy Police Department acknowledged CIT Trucking’s generosity and commitment, highlighting the importance of partnerships between law enforcement and the community.

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