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GRAFTON - Community members and firefighters with QEM Fire Protection District climbed 2,071 steps to honor the first responders lost on Sept. 11, 2001. On Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, the QEM Fire Protection District’s burn tower was set up so firefighters could climb the stairs 34 times, or the equivalent of 110 floors. Firefighters from Medora and Centralia joined the QEM firefighters, and a few community members also participated to honor 9/11 first responders. “It’s just honoring all those that gave their lives for strangers, complete strangers,” said QEM Firefighter Cameron Mank. “We just thank you guys for taking time out of your evening to come and honor those people, and then also just to support us. It’s a lot going up and down the stairs, and when you get gassed and you look at people watching you, it’s like, oh, this is why we do this.” Firefighter Victoria Westfall echoed Mank. She expressed her admiration for the first

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Did you know that the vibrant colors of autumn leaves are the result of chemical processes within the trees that transform their pigments into a spectacular palette of reds, oranges, and yellows? This natural phenomenon creates some of the most breathtaking landscapes, making fall hikes a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature’s artistry. But where exactly should you go to witness these vivid displays, and how can you make the most of your foliage adventure? Understanding the Science Behind Fall Foliage Before diving into the best hiking spots, it’s helpful to understand what causes the dazzling colors of fall. As daylight decreases and temperatures drop, chlorophyll (the green pigment in leaves) breaks down, revealing other pigments such as carotenoids (yellow and orange) and anthocyanins (red and purple). The intensity of these colors depends on several factors, including temperature, moisture, and sunlight. For hikers, this means timing and location are crucial

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September 12 has long been a date marked by pivotal events that have shaped our world in profound ways. On September 12, 1998, the first satellite phone network was launched, forever transforming global communication. This event marked a significant leap in technology, offering reliable voice and data services in even the most remote and inaccessible regions of the planet. Before this, communication in isolated areas was often unreliable or impossible, hampering everything from emergency response efforts to everyday connectivity. The satellite phone network bridged this gap, enabling instant communication regardless of geography and laying the groundwork for the interconnected world we live in today. The launch of this network was the culmination of decades of research and development in satellite and telecommunications technology. It opened new possibilities for global business, disaster response, and even personal communication, ensuring that no matter where someone was, they coul

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) today met with U.S. Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan to discuss the limited logistical support provided by Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL) to U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials as they ramp up increased immigration enforcement operations across the Chicago area during “Operation Midway Blitz.” At DHS’s request, NSGL has agreed to provide limited logistical support, to include office space, parking, and storage space for nonlethal munitions. No Navy personnel or resources will be involved in immigration raids directed by DHS in the Chicago area. During the meeting, the lawmakers underscored that transparency is essential as the Trump Administration increases ICE’s presence in the Chicago area and continues to threaten to deploy the National

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent the following statement after Senate Republicans voted against releasing the Epstein files: “The American people have asked for the truth about the Epstein files, but the Trump Administration has stalled, distracted, and fabricated falsehoods to prevent the release of the files. It’s about transparency in government and holding abusers accountable,” Durbin said. “The Epstein files must come to light, in a manner that protects survivors of his abuse—that’s why I joined my Democratic colleagues in voting in favor of releasing them.” Durbin is a cosponsor of Merkley’s Epstein Files Transparency Act , legislation to provide full transparency for the American people, accountability for individuals involved with Epstein, and justice for all victims harmed. As story after story trickles out about the Trump

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ALTON – Two Alton-area residents are among four charged last week with possession of various stolen vehicles. May E. Lewis, 41, of Alton, was charged on Sept. 4, 2025 with one count of offenses related to motor vehicles, a Class 2 felony. Lewis allegedly possessed a 2019 Infiniti vehicle bearing an Illinois registration number which she reportedly knew had been stolen on July 19, 2025. Michael A. Proffer, 46, of East Alton, was also charged on the same day with a Class 2 felony count of offenses related to motor vehicles. Proffer is accused of knowingly possessing a stolen 2007 Dodge Dakota with an Illinois registration number on May 9, 2025. 68-year old Rickey D. Hayes of Hartford, was also charged on Sept. 4 with one count of offenses related to motor vehicles, also a Class 2 felony. On July 30, 2025, Hayes was reportedly knowingly in possession of a stolen 2025 Nissan Versa bearing an Ohio vehicle registration number. Steven W. Callender, 44, of Gillespie, was charged two

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — After Donald Trump effectively declared war against the city of Chicago, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—called out this dangerous, wasteful and unconstitutional abuse of the military against American cities. During Duckworth’s questioning at General Christopher J. Mahoney’s confirmation hearing to serve as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mahoney agreed that it wasn’t appropriate for troops to police their fellow Americans. Not only did Duckworth underscore that abusing our military this way was wholly unconstitutional, but that it is also a waste of resources and distracts our servicemembers from their core mission of keeping Americans safe from adversaries who wish us harm. Duckworth’s full remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube . “Our servicemembers did not sign up for Donald Trump’s war against

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered remarks during today’s Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting where he spoke on President Trump’s extreme and unqualified judges. During his opening statement, Durbin first reflected on the anniversary of September 11th. The Committee voted on the nominations of Joshua Dunlap, nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit; Eric Tung, nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; William Mercer, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana; and Stephen Chad Meredith, nominated to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “This 24th anniversary brings to mind that fateful morning when I was in the Capitol building. I was in a meeting with then-Senator Daschle. We looked out the window, down the Mall, saw black smoke billowing from the Pentagon, realizing something

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ALTON - Myrtle Stiles walked away from her life on Tuesday, September 8, 1925: her 42nd birthday. Her husband, Elmore, reported her missing to the police the next day. He was very anxious to get in touch with anyone who could give him an update on his wife’s whereabouts. An article in the Alton Evening Telegraph on September 10, 1925, told of the disappearance and quoted Mr. Stiles as having said that for the past year or more, Mrs. Stiles had been in poor health and on several occasions threatened to leave her family. The Stiles family had lived in Alton for the past five years after moving to the area from Hardin (Calhoun County). They lived at 1209 ½ Belle Street. Elmore was at work at the Bluff City Brewery Company ice plant when his wife departed. She took many of her clothes with her. Their oldest daughter, Vera, came by the house on Tuesday evening and found the children (11, 6, and 4) in bed and her mother gone. Myrtle was still away almost a week later.

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BELLEVILLE - The Belleville community gathered for a ceremony to remember the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks today. On Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, community members and leaders met at the September 11 Memorial Walkway of Southern Illinois in Belleville. This memorial stands year-round outside of the Belleville Fire Department, but the space took on special significance on the 24th anniversary of 9/11 as community members, first responders and elected officials commemorated the bravery and sacrifice of those who were affected. “Today, we come together in Southern Illinois to remember those who were killed and those who survived the attack,” said Sharon Strausbaugh, chairperson of the September 11 Memorial Walkway of Southern Illinois Committee. “We’re here to honor the sacrifices of the first responders and the recovery workers who ran toward danger to aid and to rescue, and to recapture the spirit of unity and service that developed in the aftermath of

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JERSEYVILLE – Jersey Community High School (JCHS) is proud to announce our National Merit Recognition Award winners from the Class of 2026! 36 JCHS seniors have been recognized for their outstanding academic achievements by the College Board National Recognition Program. This program celebrates students' hard work in academic performance and showcases their strong performance on standardized tests. Criteria: GPA of 3.5 or higher and score in the top 10% on the PSAT/NMSQT assessment in the state of Illinois. Award Winners in alphabetical order: Zoey Barnett, Abigail Behl, Matthew Bishop, Madalyn Bodenbach, Cali Breden, Abigail Chin, Kale Downey, Ethan Edwards, Jescie Fitzgerald, Kimberlee Ford, Shayla Friedel, Cooper Gillis, Chloe Hartman, Bryce Hutchens, Jeremiah Kanallakan, Shane Lamer, Ava Little, Hayden Longley, Samantha Lott, Emma Lyons, Brady Maxeiner, Willow McCoy, Alyson Muscarella, Izabelle Peuterbaugh, Abigail Piazza, Mallory Plunk, Mylie Ramirez, Hannah Samples,

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MARYVILLE — Students and staff at Maryville Elementary School gathered at the flagpole Monday to observe the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and Patriot Day. The event included the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, which took on special significance as the school community honored the day. Many participants expressed their patriotism by wearing flag-themed shirts and homemade patriotic hats. The gathering aimed to remember the events of 9/11 and to reflect on the importance of national unity. VIDEO: https://youtu.be/i4wNKy-jnio

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul secured a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration’s attempt to gut essential health, education and social service programs for low-income families. In July, Raoul joined 20 other attorneys general in challenging the federal government’s reinterpretation of a decades-old law governing access to social services. On Wednesday, a federal court granted the coalition’s request for a preliminary injunction, blocking sweeping new rules that threatened to strip funding from programs like Head Start, Title X family planning clinics, food banks, domestic violence shelters, adult education and community health centers. “I am pleased with the court’s decision, which ensures Illinoisans will continue to have access to these vital programs and services,” Raoul said. “I will continue to oppose arbitrary and illegal actions by the Trump administration and will use all the tools at my disposal to

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SWANSEA - Swansea Police Department welcomed a new officer this week as George Atanasov graduated from the Southwestern Illinois Police Academy in Belleville. Officer Atanasov is scheduled to begin the department’s field training program in the village shortly. The department expressed pride in Atanasov’s achievement and encouraged community members to offer a warm welcome when they see him on patrol. “We are proud of his hard work and excited to have him join our police family,” the Swansea Police Department said in a statement. Atanasov’s addition comes as the Swansea Police Department continues efforts to strengthen its presence and service within the community.

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OREM, Utah — Authorities released photos Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, of a person of interest in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, where the conservative activist was killed Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, while speaking on campus. Law enforcement officials believe the sniper fired one shot with a high-powered, bolt-action Mauser .30-caliber rifle before jumping off a roof and fleeing into a nearby neighborhood. The rifle was later found concealed in a towel in wooded terrain near the university. Investigators are analyzing the weapon and ammunition at a federal lab to gather forensic evidence. The Utah Department of Public Safety described the suspect as appearing to be college-aged and blending in with the campus environment. The FBI released two images of the person of interest, showing someone wearing a hat, sunglasses and a long-sleeve black shirt, and asked the public to assist in identifying the individual. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI

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WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, urged his Senate colleagues to pass his bipartisan STOP CSAM Act . The Committee advanced the bill unanimously in June. Durbin began by highlighting the grave concerns parents have about their kids online, saying: “Protecting our children is one of the most important duties of public service. When families send their kids to school, or let them play outside, or allow them to go online, they should be confident that their kids are safe. But today, too many parents have a sinking feeling every time their child logs onto a phone, tablet, or video game console. They know that the internet has become a dangerous opportunity for predators looking to exploit the young and vulnerable. This is not a problem of the future. It is the crisis now.” Durbin then expounded on the magnitude of the online child safety crisis, citing

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ALTON — This week, the Alton Police Department participated in “Chalk the Walk,” an initiative aimed at raising awareness for suicide prevention month by spreading messages of hope, encouragement, and support on local sidewalks. The chalk drawings outside the Alton Police Department serve as visual reminders that no one faces struggles alone and that help is always available. The effort reflects the department’s commitment to standing with individuals who are struggling, those who have lost loved ones, and everyone working to break the stigma surrounding mental health. The Alton Police Department encourages anyone in crisis, or those who know someone in need, to contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. The department emphasized that assistance is accessible through this resource at any time.

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SPRINGFIELD – President Mark Guethle and the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association (IDCCA) strongly condemned the assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah earlier today. “Let me be perfectly clear: nothing justifies the horrific violence we saw today. While we may never have agreed with Charlie Kirk, there is never an excuse for violence. Full stop,” said President Guethle. “We are shocked and horrified by what seems to have been a politically motivated murder and we extend our deepest sympathy to Charlie’s wife and family as well as the students and community members who had to endure this tragic event.” He continued, “We are the party of democracy. That means we believe in the democratic process as the way to settle political differences and make change. We will never condone, excuse or tolerate violent tactics in the political arena.” McCombie Responds To Charlie Kirk Assassination CHICAGO – After Illinoisan and

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BETHALTO – Bethalto is the latest local municipality to approve the replacement of an expiring state-level sales tax on groceries with the village’s own 1% grocery tax, starting next year. Village Board members unanimously approved an ordinance at this week’s meeting which “implements a 1% grocery sales tax effective Jan. 1, 2026, to replace the same tax(es) that are to be discontinued by the State of Illinois on that date.” Since it was first imposed in 1990, the State of Illinois sent 100% of the proceeds collected from the 1% grocery tax directly back to local municipalities. In 2024, the Illinois General Assembly voted to eliminate the grocery tax and set it to expire in 2026, which also eliminated a major source of revenue for communities across Illinois. State legislators later passed a law allowing municipalities to implement their own locally collected grocery taxes to offset the loss in state revenue. This would not amount to a sales tax increase

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.) will host a Community Day focused on water infrastructure in the Metro East on Friday, Sept. 12, at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) East St. Louis Center. The event, scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. CT, aims to provide residents with updates on flood mitigation, stormwater management, and wastewater backup prevention. Budzinski will be joined by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Major General Jason Kelly, deputy commanding general for civil and emergency operations with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). State agencies and community organizations, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Illinois Department of Insurance, Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

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