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SPRINGFIELD - The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) announced today that the application period is now open for the Small Equipment Grant Program. A total of $6 million will be awarded to eligible fire departments and ambulance services to assist with the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. This year, departments will be required to apply online only with applications due no later than November 14, 2025. “As first responders, it's vital that firefighters and EMS providers in every corner of Illinois have the necessary funding and equipment they need to serve their communities,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I'm proud to support our state's dedicated emergency service workers, and I encourage all eligible departments to take advantage of this successful state program.” “This grant program is essential for fire departments and EMS providers, allocating critical funding for equipment that not only protects our firefighters but

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ST. LOUIS – Today, Mayor Cara Spencer announced a plan to invest the remaining $12 million in allocated Rams interest funds for tornado relief, with the vast majority going to debris removal and housing. “Private property debris removal and intermediate housing remain top priorities for the Recovery Office,” said Mayor Spencer. “These funds are a starting point to a larger tranche of funding to ensure we remove all debris from our communities and ensure our impacted residents have access to safe housing by winter.” The remaining $12 million in Rams interest funds for tornado relief will support efforts in the following areas. $5.35M Private property debris removal: Dumpsters and for non-profits and community groups, and consulting services for right-of-entry and site assessments to allow City-supported demolition and private property debris removal. $5M Intermediate housing: This will fund repairs to make hundreds of affordable, public and non-profit

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CHICAGO — Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter opposing the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) proposed federal rule that would eliminate abortion care and counseling at VA facilities and from benefits packages for veterans and their families. “Those who have served in the military have made countless sacrifices to protect our freedoms and deserve the protection of their rights to reproductive freedom,” Raoul said. “That’s why I am joining my fellow attorneys general to advocate for access to abortion care for veterans and their families, regardless of what state they live in. I will not stop defending their rights, and the rights of all women, to access abortion care.” In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade, the Biden administration implemented the “Reproductive Health Services Rule,” which currently allows veterans

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 PLAY IT AGAIN SPORTS SCOREBOARD BOYS SOCCER Belleville Althoff Catholic 4, Quincy 1 Lebanon 3, Waterloo Gibault Catholic 1 Mascoutah 0, Chicago Von Steuben 0 GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Columbia 25-25, Bloomington 14-17 Edwardsville 25-25, Decatur Eisenhower 14-7 Mascoutah 25-25, Edwardsville JV 15-11 O'Fallon 25-25, Lincoln 13-20 New Lenox Lincoln-Way West 20-25-15, Freeburg 25-20-10 Breese Central 25-19-17, Washington 18-25-15 Freeburg 25-25, Nashville 20-20 Breese Central 25-25, Edwardsville 23-15 Columbia 25-25, Lincoln 14-22 Mascoutah 25-25, Pleasant Plains 15-13 O'Fallon 25-25, Bloomington 12-16 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL San Francisco Giants 8, St. Louis Cardinals 2 Chicago Cubs 11, Washington Nationals 5 Chicago White Sox 7, Detroit Tigers 5 Milwaukee Brewers 5, Pittsburgh Pirates 2 New York Mets 5, Cincinnati Reds 4 Baltimore Orioles 2, Los Angeles Dodgers 1 Toronto Blue Jays 7, New York Yankees 1 Philadelphia Phillies 9

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ALTON — A vehicle struck a guardrail and caught fire Friday night on Landmarks Boulevard in Alton, according to local authorities. Firefighters received a call at 10:03 p.m. reporting the incident. Upon arrival, responders found a Dodge Magnum engulfed in flames. Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire. First responders searched for the driver but found that the individual had left the scene before their arrival. The Alton Police Department helped with traffic control. No injuries were reported.

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ST. LOUIS – On Friday, Mayor Cara Spencer signed Executive Order 91, which resumes under a strong legal framework the City’s issuance of minority/women-owned business enterprise (“M/WBE”) certification. Following its pause on issuing new M/WBE contracts implemented in early August, the City hired legal consulting firm Griffin & Strong, recognized nationally as experts in economic development disparity programs. The firm was hired to not only analyze the City’s M/WBE program and 2024 Disparity Study , but also to craft legally sound recommendations enabling the City to fully resume all M/WBE contracting activities in the near future. Griffin & Strong conducted a thorough analysis of the City’s ordinances, the 2024 Disparity Study and case law. The firm also held numerous discussions with members of the minority contractor community, organizations including the NAACP St. Louis, and members of the Board of Aldermen. Following this process, Griffin

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MILLSTADT - Buttercup Ranch and Creamery has rescheduled its balloon glow. The glow, originally scheduled for Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, will now take place from 6:30–8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, due to forecasted winds and rain. Tickets to the glow cost $20 per car. Scott Vignassi and The Big Little Big Band will still play as scheduled at 6 p.m. on Sept. 5. This is free to attend. The concert will be followed by the CiderMan Sprint Triathlon at 7 a.m. on Sept. 6. For more information about the triathlon, including how to participate, click here . A percentage of the proceeds from the balloon glow and triathlon will go to Millstadt’s first responders. “We want people to enjoy themselves,” added Mary MacKeen, who owns Buttercup Ranch and Creamery. “We’re excited.” For more information about the rescheduled balloon glow, click here .

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If you experience sudden, severe pain in the chest, back or shoulder, you might think heart attack. Alvise Bernabei, MD , an OSF HealthCare cardiothoracic surgeon, says a collapsed lung could also be the culprit. And he wants you to remember two main points: one, a collapsed lung is not as simple as a balloon deflating. And two, it’s a medical emergency. Get care right away. The basics Dr. Bernabei says a lung can collapse when air or fluid leaks into the space between the lung and the chest wall, preventing the lung from fully expanding. Smoking, being male, being tall and skinny and a family history of lung issues can make someone more likely to have the problem. And it can strike at young ages. Dr. Bernabei says he often sees the issue in people in their teens, 20s and 30s. He adds that pain associated with a collapsed lung (medical term: spontaneous pneumothorax) is usually toward the left or right sides of your chest. It also usually comes with shortness of breath and

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Diabetes: a recap Singer Lance Bass is among the people who have shared their story about a diabetes diagnosis that was later found to be Type 1.5. Now, health care providers are continuing to educate the public about this relatively new term - one that deserves as much attention as Types 1 and 2. Aminat Ogun, MD , a family medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, recaps Types 1 and 2 diabetes and where Type 1.5 fits in: Type 1: Dr. Ogun says the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. “Insulin is a hormone that brings glucose from food from the blood to the body’s cells for energy. So in Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas isn’t producing insulin,” Dr. Ogun explains. “This type of diabetes is usually seen in childhood and adolescence. It’s sudden onset. Symptoms are increased urination, increased thirst, weight loss and blurry vision. A lot of these people are dependent on insulin shots.” Type 2: The

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ALTON - Chloe Freeman of Girl Scout Troop 325 completed her Silver Award by leading a project to improve campsite latrines at Camp Warren Levis during July and August 2025. Recognizing the latrines had not been repainted in many years, Freeman organized a team of volunteers to power wash, scrape off chipping paint, and repaint five latrines serving the Illini, Ouatoga, Rotary, Optimist, and Ranger campsites. Freeman and her troop, who have spent significant time at Camp Warren Levis, aimed to make the latrines more welcoming and less intimidating for younger campers. The project took place amid the summer heat and involved several weeks of dedicated work.

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Federal, state, and local leaders joined the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), Mt. Sinai Development Corporation, and Rise Community Development in late August to celebrate the grand opening of Winstanley Park, a transformational new affordable housing development delivering 38 modern apartments and townhomes, plus a range of community amenities close to downtown East St. Louis. “Winstanley Park shows what is possible when state and local stakeholders, regional community organizations, and residents come together with a shared vision,” said Karen Davis, Deputy Executive Director of IHDA. “This development doesn’t just provide quality housing. It restores hope, stability, and opportunity to families while transforming once-abandoned property into a cornerstone of community pride.” Located at 1100 Martin Luther King Drive, Winstanley Park offers one, two, three, and four-bedroom units primarily serving families earnin

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ALTON/MARYVILLE – Residents of Alton and Maryville have been released from custody pending weapon-related charges in two unrelated felony cases. Cordaral D. Segrest, 34, of Maryville, was charged on Aug. 22, 2025 with one count each of unlawful possession of a stolen firearm (a Class 2 felony) and aggravated unlawful possession of weapons (a Class 4 felony), as well as two Class A misdemeanor counts of driving while under the influence. Segrest allegedly knowingly possessed a stolen Chiappa Firearms Model PAK-9 pistol on May 18, 2025. He was additionally accused of unlawfully carrying the weapon in a vehicle while it was uncased, loaded, and immediately accessible. Segrest also had no valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card at the time of the offense. In addition to the weapon offenses, Segrest faces two DUI charges for allegedly operating a Ford Mustang on I-55 in Maryville while under the influence of alcohol. He was granted pretrial release from custody

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JERSEYVILLE – Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns officially announced his plans to seek re-election in a letter to Jersey County residents. Manns, who was first elected Sheriff in 2022 to replace then-incumbent Mike Ringhausen, previously worked for the Sheriff's Office as a detective before returning to the office to serve as Sheriff. Manns plans to collect petition signatures this spring for his re-election run in the Nov. 3, 2026 elections. His letter to the community reads as follows: "Citizens of Jersey County, "I am writing to announce my candidacy for re-election as Jersey County Sheriff and am humbly asking for your continued support. It hardly seems possible that December will mark my third year as your Sheriff and 2026 will bring another election year. I am so thankful for your support and encouragement during my first term and consider myself blessed to live and serve in our community. "In my first term, I tried to use my training and experience to bring positive

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EDWARDSVILLE, IL (September 3, 2025) – Philly Pretzel Factory is proud to announce its grand reopening in Edwardsville under the new ownership of Justin and Kate Hawkins. The store will open its doors on Monday, September 8, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, September 9, at 11 a.m., followed by the grand reopening celebration on Friday, September 19, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Both events are open to the community, and all are encouraged to attend. After serving 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, Justin Hawkins was ready to embark on a new chapter, one that combined his love for family, community, and tradition. He found that opportunity with Philly Pretzel Factory. “It’s long been a dream to own my own business, and Philly Pretzel Factory felt like the perfect fit—it’s a brand built on integrity, tradition, quality, and community connection,” said Justin. “Pretzels bring people together, whether it’s at school events, games, or family

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Did you know that Americans consume approximately 350 slices of pizza every second? Amid this staggering statistic, one particular variation reigns supreme: the cheese pizza. Its simplicity and universal appeal have earned it a dedicated celebration—National Cheese Pizza Day. But where did this day originate, and what makes it deserving of its own spotlight? Delving into the history of National Cheese Pizza Day reveals not just a tribute to a beloved dish, but a reflection of pizza’s cultural journey. The Origins of Cheese Pizza: A Culinary Foundation To understand National Cheese Pizza Day, it’s essential first to appreciate the origins of cheese pizza itself. Pizza as a concept dates back centuries, with flatbreads topped with various ingredients consumed in ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Egyptians. However, the modern pizza we recognize today was born in Naples, Italy, in the 18th and 19th centuries. The classic cheese pizza—specifically Margherita

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September 5th is a date rich with historical significance, spanning centuries and continents. In the realm of science, September 5th, 1977, saw the launch of Voyager 1 by NASA. This spacecraft was destined to become one of humanity’s most ambitious explorations of the solar system. Voyager 1 provided unprecedented data on the outer planets and continues to send information back to Earth from interstellar space, helping us understand the vastness beyond our solar neighborhood. In sports history, September 5th, 1936, featured the debut of the first NFL game played under lights, when the Brooklyn Dodgers hosted the Philadelphia Eagles. This innovation brought a new dimension to American football, allowing games to be played in the evening and increasing accessibility for fans. September 5th also holds significance in technological advancements. In 1978, the world's first GPS satellite was launched, signaling the dawn of a new era in navigation and geolocation that would revolutionize

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in support of a challenge to the Trump administration’s unlawful attempt to terminate Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation and strip legal immigration status from hundreds of thousands of Haitians living and working in the United States. “Haitian Temporary Protected Status holders have been forced to flee their home country due to conflicts and environmental disasters,” Raoul said. “I am the proud son of Haitian immigrants, and I know firsthand that Haitians make key contributions to our state and national economies. TPS helps them contribute to their new communities while working toward a better life for their families. Removing their protected status would throw their lives into uncertainty and chaos. I join my colleagues in asking the court to extend these protections.” TPS is a humanitarian immigration status created

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CARROLLTON – For the first time in many years, volunteer staffers got to explore a second-floor storage room this summer. Not yet renovated, the room is full of artifacts and historical items from years ago. These items have been donated by families committed to artifact preservation and accurate genealogy materials about their own family legacies. In addition to seeing items not usually on display, visitors will also encounter some clutter. There is still plenty to see and a tour of the museum rooms, renovated a decade ago, are dusted, mopped and full of donated items in top condition. Everyone who comes out for Greene County Days activities are cordially invited to visit the Historical Society located in the historic Lee-Baker-Hodges House on the northwest corner of the Carrollton Public Square. It will be open to visitors on Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6, from 9 AM to 3 PM (or longer) both days. New displays this year include a piece of hardtack from the

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ALTON - The Alton Expo kicked off today and promises fun throughout the weekend. From Sept. 4–7, 2025, community members can access the Expo for free and enjoy live music on the riverfront at the Alton Amphitheater. A carnival, provided by Luehrs’ Ideal Rides, with rides, games and food vendors will be available all weekend. “It’s really just turned into another chance for the community to come together,” said Dan Herkert, Alton Amphitheater Commission Chair. “It’s a lot of family fun. It’s a safe opportunity and a positive opportunity to show off our community and our riverfront.” On Thursday, Sept. 4, the Expo opened from 5–10 p.m. and CLUless performed from 7–10 p.m. The carnival opens from 5–11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5. DJ She BEATz will spin tunes from 5:30–7:30 p.m., followed by Dirty Muggs from 8–11 p.m. On Saturday, Sept. 6, the fun kicks off from 1–11 p.m. NGK performs from 3:30–6:30

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WOOD RIVER – Separate felony cases of burglary in Wood River involve a city resident accused of breaking into a local business and a South Roxana man charged with burglarizing a vehicle. Jeffrey M. Porter, 55, of Wood River, was charged on Aug. 29, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of burglary. On Aug. 22, 2025, Porter allegedly entered Moe’s Corner at 851 Wood River Ave. in Wood River without legal authority and with the intent to commit a theft. Randal L. Mamino, 58, of South Roxana, was charged with one count of burglary, a Class 3 felony. Mamino is accused of knowingly entering an individual’s motor vehicle, a 2012 Ford Econoline E-350, with the intention of committing a theft on July 20, 2025. The Wood River Police Department presented the cases against Porter and Mamino, both of whom were ordered released from custody pending trial. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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