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SIUE Nursing Students Host Roundtable with Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski

4 months 2 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE - SIUE nursing students sat in on a roundtable discussion with Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski. On Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, five students from SIUE’s Department of Nursing spoke with Budzinski about their experiences in the healthcare industry and the policies that would help them. Student loans, safety in hospital settings, and the importance of preventative care were a few of the main topics that students addressed. “I enjoyed the opportunity to visit with the nursing students at SIUE,” Budzinski said. “They're amazing young women, all going into a profession where we know, in particular, we have a nursing shortage in all of our communities. So I applaud them for the work that they're doing and the work that they're going to continue to do.” Budzinski opened the roundtable by noting that she believes there is a “crisis in our healthcare system that is only going to get exponentially worse.” She acknowledged the nursing shortage

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Fan-Favorite Randy Of 'Trailer Park Boys' Discusses Upcoming Cheeseburger Picnic Tour

4 months 2 weeks ago
ALTON - Randy, known from the television series "Trailer Park Boys," is bringing a unique event called Randy’s Cheeseburger Picnic to Peoria on Oct. 27 and Carbondale on Oct. 30, 2025. The gatherings promise a blend of food, music, games, and lighthearted entertainment, reflecting the spirit of the show and its fans. Randy recently appeared on Riverbender.com's "Our Daily Show!" with host C.J. Nasello. Randy described the event as “a night of a little bit of silliness, which is what the world needs,” and said attendees can expect “some jokes and we sing some songs, have some contests and play some games, it is short of like a variety show.” He expressed hope that many fans, some even dressed as characters like Julian, Ricky, or Bubbles, would come out to join the festivities. During an interview with Nasello, Randy shared insights about his love for cheeseburgers, emphasizing a preference for thinner “Smash Burgers” over thicker patties.

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Beginners Night

4 months 2 weeks ago

Looking to try out chess in a welcoming, judgment-free environment? Come to the Saint Louis Chess Club to learn and play with other beginners! Led by our friendly and experienced […]

The post Beginners Night appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

Myranda Levins

St. Mary's Oktoberfest Draws Large Crowds With Varied Activities

4 months 2 weeks ago
ALTON - Kathy Budde emerged as the top raffle winner in the $10,000 Sweepstakes at St. Mary's Oktoberfest, held Friday through Sunday, Oct. 10-12, 2025, on the church grounds in Alton. The annual event, overseen this year by new Chairman Ryan Downey, featured a range of activities including a 5K race, live music, games, and traditional German ceremonies. The full raffle sweepstakes winners will be released once everyone is notified, Carolyn Simansky, a spokesperson for the event, said. Simansky described the weekend as having “great weather and really good” attendance. She noted that the event saw strong support from sponsors and participants, with sweepstakes sales potentially breaking previous records. “It is such a good fundraiser for both church and school building updates,” Simansky said. The festivities began Friday evening with a 5K Race and 1-mile walk, followed by a performance from The Glendale Riders. On Saturday at 1 p.m., Fr. Chris Uhl, OMV,

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Trump, US leaders celebrate end of hostilities in Gaza

4 months 2 weeks ago
WASHINGTON — After just over two years in Hamas captivity, the surviving Israeli hostages were released Monday as President Donald Trump visited Israel and Egypt to celebrate a U.S.-brokered peace deal to end the war in Gaza. In remarks to Israel’s Knesset, the country’s parliamentary body, Monday afternoon Jerusalem time, Trump hailed “the golden age […]
Ashley Murray

Breast Cancer Awareness Expands to Include Men

4 months 2 weeks 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

4 months 2 weeks 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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