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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today charged a Mt. Vernon, Illinois man for allegedly disseminating child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office charged Dustin Phillips, 33, in Jefferson County Circuit Court with five Class X felony counts of dissemination of child pornography, each punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. Phillips is currently detained at the Jefferson County Jail. “Children who have been exploited by predators who trade child sexual abuse material can face a lifetime of trauma. Helping survivors and their families receive justice can be essential to the healing process,” Raoul said. “My office’s Internet Crimes Against

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GRANITE CITY - Dean Webb, President, Greater Madison County Federation of Labor AFL-CIO (GMCFL) is pleased to announce the upcoming Labor Day Celebrations. This year’s theme is “WORKERS DESERVE: Freedom, Fairness & Security”. Union members and their families are invited to enjoy a morning of fun at the Annual Wood River Labor Day Parade to be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025. This year’s parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Emerick Sports Complex in Wood River, Illinois, and proceed south along 6th Street and will turn West on Feguson Avenue, and end at North Haller in Wood River. Wood River Township Chairman, Robert Pollard is this year’s Wood River Parade Marshall. The celebration continues at Gordon Moore Park in Alton, Illinois, where the James Stanley Charity Softball Tournament will wrap up and union members and their families are welcome to enjoy food and refreshments (wrist bands are required to attend the Picnic – see your local union).

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today, as part of a bipartisan coalition of 22 state attorneys general, submitted a comment letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health and Human Services supporting continuation of the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS). The NYTS is an annual study to assess the use of smoking and vaping among middle and high school students. The survey provides valuable insight into youth tobacco use and emerging products and has shaped efforts led by attorneys general to curb youth tobacco use for over two decades. “Attorneys general need reliable and rigorous data on e-cigarette use among youth and teens to combat this public health epidemic,” Raoul said. “I will continue to partner with advocates, lawmakers, and state and federal regulators to enact policies that protect minors from e-cigarettes and other addictive tobacco products.” The CDC recently eliminated its Office on Smoking

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SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today led nine Senators in a letter to Appropriations Committee leadership urging robust funding for federal defenders in the FY26 appropriations bill. As outlined in the letter, the Senators urge the Committee to mitigate the continued funding shortfall for federal public defenders, including filling the significant funding gap as proposed and approved by the House Appropriations Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Subcommittee on July 21, 2025. The Senators began with their request, writing: “As you develop the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) appropriations bill for Financial Services and General Government (FSGG), we ask that you provide robust funding to Defender Services. We also ask that in the event of any FY25 supplemental appropriations bills or a continuing resolution permitting anomalies,

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) today announced that youth in custody earned certifications in various career fields, including solar installation, personal training, shipping and receiving, construction, and culinary arts. Classes offered by community partners on topics such as public speaking, podcast production, music production, audio engineering, and constitutional law also contributed to skill building and knowledge for high school graduates working to make the most of their time while incarcerated. “IDJJ continues to expand opportunities for youth in our custody to attain skills and certifications that create career pathways and increase employability,” said IDJJ Acting Director Rob Vickery . “When a young person reenters the community and gains meaningful employment, they are much more likely to be successful long-term.” Solar Installation Training Program- Two young adults at the Illinois Youth Center (IYC)

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SPRINGFIELD – The annual Governor's Sale of Champions at the Illinois State Fair spotlighted the state's top youth livestock exhibitors Tuesday evening, auctioning off animals that earned the title of Grand Champion, the highest accolade for livestock exhibited in Illinois. For the sixth year in a row, Governor JB Pritzker and First Lady MK Pritzker purchased the Grand Champion Steer. Their $105,000 contribution secured the top prize-winning animal, which will be donated to Feeding Illinois and distributed to food banks throughout the state to support families in need. “Earning the title of Grand Champion is the pinnacle of excellence in livestock exhibition,” said Jerry Costello II, Director, Illinois Department of Agriculture. “Reaching this level means countless hours of hard work and sacrifice. To see our youth in agriculture recognized for the effort that they put into these animals is beyond gratifying.” Grand Champion exhibitors, along with the

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GREENE COUNTY — Charles Huff, 68, of rural Rockbridge, died Saturday afternoon, Aug. 16, 2025, following an all-terrain vehicle accident in Greene County, authorities confirmed. Greene County Coroner Brady Milnes reported that Huff was pronounced dead at 3:57 p.m. Saturday after being ejected from the ATV he was operating in rural Rockbridge. The Greene County coroner said preliminary findings indicate Huff died from blunt force trauma sustained in the accident. Further details about the circumstances of the crash have not been released.

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to stop gyms and fitness centers from canceling or changing benefits of a promised lifetime membership has been signed into law. “When gyms offer lifetime memberships, they shouldn’t penalize members for actually using the facility,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “If you sign up for a lifetime membership at a set price, the gym shouldn’t be able to come back a year later and raise your fees.” Gyms and fitness centers advertise lifetime memberships, but under state law, gym contracts can only be a maximum of one year. Functionally, these lifetime memberships are just one-year contracts that auto-renew. This is where the hidden price increases or benefit reductions can happen without the consumer knowing. Belt’s law is designed to prevent fitness centers and gyms from changing prices or reducing benefits for any lifetime membership price they advertise. Under the new law, if a fitness

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that total nonfarm payrolls were nearly unchanged over-the-month in July, down -2,500 (0.0%) to 6,165,600. The June monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +9,400 to +2,300. The industry sectors with the largest over-the-month jobs increases included: Construction (+2,900), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+1,700), and Private Education and Health Services (+1,100). The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll jobs decreases included: Professional and Business Services (-3,500), Government (-2,900), and Leisure and Hospitality (-1,200). Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +20,300 jobs. The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included: Private Education and Health Services (+17,400), Government (+7,900), and Information (+3,900). The industry groups with jobs decreases included: Professional and Business Services

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MILLSTADT - Buttercup Ranch and Creamery has an impressive history, and you can be a part of their story at the upcoming balloon glow and triathlon. On Sept. 5, 2025, community members are invited to the Millstadt farm for the balloon glow, food trucks and a concert by Scott Vignassi’s Big Little Big Band, for $20 per car. On Sept. 6, the fun will continue with the fifth annual CiderMan Sprint Triathlon throughout the property. Twenty percent of all funds raised will go to the local police and fire departments in honor of Patriot Day. “Every bit counts,” said Rich MacKeen, who owns the farm with his wife, Mary. “We don’t make money on this. We go in the hole every year, but that’s not the point.” Rich served in the Air Force alongside Jim Ogonowski, the brother of John Ogonowski, who was the pilot on the first plane to hit the World Trade Center. It’s important to the MacKeen and Ogonowski families to remember 9/11, which is why

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BETHALTO — Sgt. Cole McMichael of the Bethalto Police Department retired last night after 20 years of service, the department announced. During his two decades with the department, McMichael served in multiple roles and was recognized as a mentor to many colleagues. The Bethalto Police Department credited him with making a positive impact on the community and contributing to public safety. “Sgt. McMichael filled many roles at this agency and will be missed at the Police Department,” the department said in a statement. “All of us wish him the best of luck in his next journey. Thank you for your service Sgt. McMichael.” The Bethalto Police Department did not provide details on McMichael’s future plans.

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EAST ST. LOUIS — The East St. Louis School District 189 has appointed Robbie Edmond as the new Director of Family Engagement and Attendance Services, a role focused on strengthening connections between families, schools, and the community. Edmond’s work will support the district’s Strategic Plan goals of fostering a safe and healthy learning environment and building strategic partnerships. In her position, Edmond will address family concerns, resolve challenges, and lead initiatives aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism and promoting a nurturing school climate. She will collaborate closely with the family engagement team as well as Homeless Attendance and Truancy Officers and clerks. A proud graduate of East St. Louis School District 189, Edmond holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree, along with post-graduate coursework. She has held multiple leadership roles within the district, demonstrating a commitment to educational excellence, community advancement,

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ALTON - On August 12, 1925, Capt. William D. Fluent, 71 years old, dove 22 feet to the bottom of the Mississippi River to retrieve a piece of boat machinery. The dive was witnessed by a reporter and several others who were on the docks at the time. “Most, if not all, young Alton men who consider themselves good swimmers and divers would not go so far under water as Capt. Fluent did…Very few men in the world, except for those who make their living from pearl diving, would venture to such depth as did this man who is so old in years and yet so young in mind and body,” stated an Alton Evening Telegraph article the next day. Earlier in the week, Capt. Fluent had been on his way down the river when the engine in his boat failed. A mechanic, who was working on the engine, slipped on the dock while he was carrying a large flange wheel from the motor and dropped the wheel into a foot-wide gap between two sections of the dock. Fluent joined a six-foot rod to a 16-foot

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GODFREY - Earline Hopkins started sewing Barbie doll dresses when she was 8 and was wearing her own handmade clothing by the time she was in middle school. These days, she is the premier seamstress for heirloom and children’s clothing in the Riverbend region. Hopkins owns Earline’s Originals, which recently moved to Godfrey. She loves taking on custom sewing projects and teaching smocking and sewing classes. As she grows her business, she hopes to instill her passion for custom and heirloom sewing into her students and clients, who love the clothes she creates for them. “Sewing for special clothes and special dresses, that is something that becomes a keepsake, an heirloom,” Hopkins explained. “You pass it on down to your family, and you feel like it’s worthwhile to pay the price for the fabric and the way to put it in there, because it’s more than a one-time dress, it’s a keepsake.” Hopkins’s passion is children’s

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Residents with outstanding warrants or in need of record expungement or sealing can access free legal and social services Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, at the T.A.K.E. Center. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the T.A.K.E. Center, located at 1798 Summit Avenue in East St. Louis. Organizers aim to provide convenient access to resources that assist with clearing criminal records and addressing warrants. “We’re bringing the resources to you, don’t miss your chance to get your record cleared up and connect with people who want to help,” event organizers said. In addition to legal assistance for expungement and warrant issues, attendees can receive free haircuts, clothing, mental health support, insurance guidance, and enjoy live entertainment. The event is hosted by a coalition of local organizations including The Chosen Ones (ESTL), Land of Lincoln Lawyers, CSSJ, OBK, Pure Living, T.A.K.E Center, I Am ESL The Magazine, Muhammad

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SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 2907 into law today, creating the Child Welfare Disclosure to Parents Act. The bi-partisan bill strengthens the rights of birth parents by empowering birth parents at the time of their first contact with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), at which time a case is open. A parent has an open case with DCFS if they are subject to investigation or receive intact or placement services. Parents will be informed of their right to participate in their open case, which will help improve services to children and families in Illinois. HB 2907 was created with input from the DCFS parent advisory group with the goal of ensuring that parents who were experiencing an open case with DCFS could better understand their role and expectation as it relates to the care of their child. This bill represents a major shift in how Illinois approaches family involvement, recognizing that birth parents, when supported, are

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SPRINGFIELD – Today, Governor JB Pritzker took the following bill action: Bill Number: HB3756 Description: Creates an Easy Enrollment process to the Illinois Health Benefits Exchange by allowing a special enrollment period for uninsured taxpayers who voluntarily seek health insurance information through their tax forms. Action: Signed Effective: Immediately Bill Number: HB0079 Description: Deems that a retired sheriff returning to work is once again a participating employee as a school security guard if they are employed by a participating employer and work more than 999 hours annually. Action: Signed Effective: Immediately Bill Number: HB1226 Description: Raises the minimum age that drivers in Illinois are required to take annual driving tests from 75 to 79. Action: Signed Effective: July 1, 2026 Bill Number: HB1270 Description: Enables a health care professional to place their active license into a fee-exempt, volunteer status.

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is announcing major updates to several laws impacting the ability to combat human trafficking and help those who have been trafficked with the signing of Senate Bill 2323 , the Illinois Statewide Trauma-Informed Response to Human Trafficking Act. The Act addresses human trafficking through prevention, intervention, and establishing standards for survivor support, and impacts laws governing ISP, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL), Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ), Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board (ILETSB), Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs), the Office of the State’s Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor, the Illinois Secretary of State, and other stakeholders. “As Illinois continues to enhance its strategies to combat human trafficking, it’s

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EDWARDSVILLE - In a highly competitive process, forty-one public policy leaders from across Illinois, including Madison County Board Member Chris Guy, were selected for the 2025 class of the Edgar Fellows Program. Chris Guy recently completed the program, a bipartisan initiative designed to improve the effectiveness of Illinois' government and political leadership. "The Edgar Fellows Program was an invaluable experience, packed with policy sessions on the issues impacting every Illinois resident," said Chris Guy. "It's given me new perspectives and tools to tackle the issues that matter most to Madison County taxpayers, from fiscal responsibility to effective governance. I am proud to represent Madison County in this year's class of Edgar Fellows." Established in 2012, the Edgar Fellows Program is a leadership initiative designed by former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar to inspire respectful collaboration in addressing the state's major challenges. The Fellows selected for the class

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to stop gyms and fitness centers from canceling or changing benefits of a promised lifetime membership has been signed into law. “When gyms offer lifetime memberships, they shouldn’t penalize members for actually using the facility,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “If you sign up for a lifetime membership at a set price, the gym shouldn’t be able to come back a year later and raise your fees.” Gyms and fitness centers advertise lifetime memberships, but under state law, gym contracts can only be a maximum of one year. Functionally, these lifetime memberships are just one-year contracts that auto-renew. This is where the hidden price increases or benefit reductions can happen without the consumer knowing. Belt’s law is designed to prevent fitness centers and gyms from changing prices or reducing benefits for any lifetime membership price they advertise. Under the new law, if

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