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ST. LOUIS — Four endangered Mexican spider monkeys seized from smugglers near the U.S. southern border have found a home at the Saint Louis Zoo where staff hopes their story can spread awareness about the devastating illegal wildlife trade. Federal authorities in spring 2024 seized the monkeys as infants in three separate confiscations. Each was likely poached from the wild to be sold as an exotic pet, becoming a victim of a global criminal network that typically kills the infants’ mothers during capture. “This has to stop. These monkeys remind us that the sale of primates as pets must end once and for all,” said Regina Mossotti, Vice President of Animal Care at the Saint Louis Zoo. “Buyers may not realize it, but the illegal wildlife industry causes incredible suffering to so many animals. It not only harms endangered species, it also puts their native habitats in peril.” After their seizure, the four monkeys were initially taken to Gladys

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SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) to prevent school gun violence was signed into law on Friday. Representative Davidsmeyer filed his legislation after hearing of an incident in his district where a student threatened to commit an act of gun violence against another student. The victim told the school staff about the incident, but they did not report it to the principal because it was just a threat. House Bill 1316 requires all school officials to immediately notify the principal’s office in the event of any threat of gun violence on school grounds. The principal shall attempt to notify the offending student’s parents as soon as possible so that the parents may ensure that the student does not have access to a firearm. “I don’t want to take any threats of violence lightly,” Rep. Davidsmeyer said. “My legislation will help prevent school gun violence while not impeding on the Second

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ST. LOUIS – On Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer announced a series of updates to the structure of the Mayor’s Office. On the occasion of outgoing Chief of Staff Nancy Hawes’ last day as interim chief of staff, Mayor Spencer announced Casey Millburg as the incoming chief of staff. Hawes began her service as interim chief of staff with the mayor’s inauguration, and Millburg has served as the mayor’s policy director. “Nancy Hawes has shown fantastic dedication to St. Louis by stepping away from a highly successful legal career to lead the build-out of my administration and my staff through the intense transition and the massive challenge of responding to the May 16 tornado,” said Mayor Spencer. “I am both proud of and grateful for her excellent leadership. My administration and our city are better positioned for the future thanks to her cool head and hard work.” Hawes’ many achievements during her time

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SPRINGFIELD — Yesterday, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) participated in a naturalization ceremony at the Illinois State Fair in which more than 400 individuals took the oath of allegiance to become U.S. citizens. Governor J.B. Pritzker , Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) , and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) also spoke at the ceremony. “It was a true honor to welcome these new citizens today,” said Congresswoman Budzinski . “Their path to this moment was no small feat. It required dedication, resilience, sacrifice, and courage. But with citizenship comes a powerful voice in our communities, schools, workplaces, and in our democracy. In these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever that we come together to support our immigrant communities—not just here in Illinois, but across the nation.” “We are a nation of immigrants, and I proudly display my mother’s naturalization certificate on my desk in the Capitol a

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ELSAH – Principia College is pleased to announce Dr. Meggan Madden as Interim College President. Dr. Madden served as Dean of Academics at Principia College from 2019 to 2025. A distinguished academic leader, Dr. Madden brings more than 25 years of experience in higher education, with a focus on international education, student success, and academic excellence. “Dr. Madden brings remarkable competence and institutional continuity that will propel Principia College’s progress,” said Principia Chief Executive Barbara Blackwell. “Her deep ties to Principia—as an alum, scholar, and leader—inform her vision for a vibrant and forward-looking academic community. Her leadership reflects a dedication to honoring Principia’s long tradition of academic excellence, preparing students to be creative, collaborative thinkers and doers who thrive in a rapidly changing world.” Dr. Madden earned her BA from Principia College before completing her

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EDWARDSVILLE – A resurfacing project along an approximately half-mile section of Esic Drive and several nearby streets will get underway on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. No road closure is planned as part of the project, but drivers could experience intermittent delays while the work is ongoing. The improvement project is planned for the northern section of Esic Drive, between University Drive and Illinois Route 157. Other nearby roads that also will be resurfaced include Lancashire Drive, Cheshire Court, Wiltshire Court and Durham Court. Milling of the existing surface of Esic and the other roads is expected to happen on Monday and Tuesday, August 18-19. No substantial road operations are planned for Wednesday, August 20, which is the first half-day of school for the Edwardsville School District. The school’s bus transportation providers have been notified of the upcoming roadwork. Resurfacing is expected to take place on Thursday and Friday, August 21-22. During the project,

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today, as part of a coalition of 19 states, sued to block the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) from imposing a new funding cap that slashes support for vital state-run energy programs. The coalition argues that by capping certain funding for these programs, the DOE is jeopardizing states’ ability to keep them running. The states are asking the court to vacate this unlawful cap and restore the legally required reimbursement rates for these essential energy programs. In Illinois, the new cost cap would endanger long-running programs promoting energy resiliency and efficiency. These programs include the Public Water Infrastructure Energy Efficiency Assessment Program, which helps publicly held water treatment facilities conserve energy and reduce costs for customers, and energy code training for homebuilders, contractors, architects and others in the construction industry to ensure that renovations and new building projects meet the

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CHICAGO – The Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS)—one of the largest state associations serving the certified public accountant (CPA) community—is proud to share that its legislation to evolve Illinois’ CPA licensure framework in response to talent pipeline issues, shifting demographics, and changing financial and audit regulatory standards, has been signed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. The legislation, House Bill (HB) 2459 , originally introduced in March by Reps. Natalie Manley, CPA (D-Joliet), and Amy Elik, CPA (R-Edwardsville), and supported by Chief Senate Sponsor Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Oakbrook Terrace) and Co-Sponsor Sen. Chris Balkema (R-Pontiac), passed unanimously in both chambers earlier this year. The legislation amends the Illinois Public Accounting Act to create two additional pathways to CPA licensure in Illinois. Scheduled to be implemented starting in 2027, these new pathways include: Obtaining a bachelor’s degree with a concentration

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville- An SIUE-led research team is taking a statewide look at what lingers in the tap—measuring and mapping potential contaminants in Illinois drinking water using advanced chemical and geospatial analysis. The initiative, “Sustaining Illinois through Safe Drinking Water for All: A Detailed Chemical and Geospatial Analysis of Agricultural and Pharmaceutical Contaminates in Drinking Water Across Illinois” brings together faculty and students from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Illinois State University. Milena Di Blasi, a recent graduate of SIUE’s biochemistry program (’25), and her research mentor, Carrie Butts-Wilmsmeyer, PhD, director of the Center for Predictive Analytics and associate professor of Biological Sciences, are leading the project. The team is analyzing 250 water samples collected from all Illinois counties to detect endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), a class

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced that her Improving Veterans’ Experience Act was signed into law as part of a broader package of veterans legislation, S.423 . The bill, introduced with Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) and Congresswoman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), codifies the Veterans Experience Office (VEO) within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VEO, established in 2015, gathers feedback directly from veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors on their experiences with VA services. VEO has been crucial to improving veterans’ trust in VA, enhancing digital experiences with the VA Health and Benefits Mobile App, and expanding direct outreach to veterans about resources, special eligibility windows, and other important information. “I’m thrilled to see our bill to codify the Veterans Experience Office signed into law,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “Since it was established ten year

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SPRINGFIELD – Get Covered Illinois announced today that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved Illinois’ transition to a state-based health insurance marketplace. Launched in 2013 as a branded portal to access Healthcare.gov , Get Covered Illinois will now operate as a full state-based marketplace. “Today marks a pivotal step towards bringing quality, affordable healthcare to all Illinoisans,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Operating a state-based marketplace will allow our state more flexibility to provide health insurance coverage that is tailored to the needs of our residents.” “It was an honor to carry the bill establishing the state-based marketplace while I was a member of the General Assembly and is even more of an honor leading the Department to implement it,” said Illinois Department of Insurance Director Ann Gillespie. “At a time when the federal government is announcing healthcare cuts, Illinois is investing

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SPRINGFIELD – In direct response to the deadly tornado that struck an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville in December 2021, State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure creating the Warehouse Tornado Preparedness Act was signed into law. “This tragedy revealed major shortcomings in emergency planning at large warehouse sites,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “New warehouse developments will now have to keep workers safe during tornadoes, no longer leveraging workers’ lives for cost savings.” Under Belt’s measure, warehouse operators must develop and file tornado safety plans for each facility within 120 days of the law’s effective date. Plans must include detailed evacuation procedures, shelter locations, emergency equipment inventories and post-disaster response protocols. Shelters must be stocked with supplies like food, water, first aid kits and communication tools. Newly constructed warehouses are also required to meet higher safety standards

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Did you know that the average American household accumulates over 300,000 items in a lifetime? Many of these belongings quietly gather dust in storage spaces, closets, and garages, often outliving their usefulness. A garage sale can be more than just a way to declutter—it’s an opportunity to connect with your community, earn extra cash, and give your unused items a second life. However, pulling off a successful garage sale requires more than simply putting your things on a table and hoping for the best. Strategic planning is key to maximizing both your profits and your satisfaction. Setting Clear Goals and Expectations Before diving into the logistics, it’s crucial to define what success looks like for you. Are you aiming to make a specific amount of money? Or is your primary goal to clear out space quickly? Perhaps you want to attract neighbors and build community ties. Your objectives will shape the scope and style of your sale. For example, if maximizing profit

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Did you know that expressive writing can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, sometimes as effectively as therapy? According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology , individuals who engage in regular journaling report significant improvements in mood and emotional regulation. Yet, despite its proven benefits, many people hesitate to start journaling because they’re unsure how to begin or fear their thoughts won’t “make sense.” If you’ve ever wondered how putting pen to paper might help you better understand your mind and improve your mental well-being, this article will guide you through the essentials of starting a journaling practice tailored for mental health and self-reflection. The Power of Journaling for Mental Health Journaling is more than a daily to-do list or a diary of events; it’s a tool that enables introspection and emotional processing. When you write about your thoughts and feelings, you externalize internal

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Did you know that Americans consume millions of fajitas every year, making this Tex-Mex favorite a staple across the country? Yet, few pause to consider the story behind the sizzling strips of grilled meat wrapped in warm tortillas or the significance of the day dedicated to celebrating this beloved dish. National Fajita Day, observed annually on August 18th, offers a perfect opportunity to explore the origins of fajitas and discover ways to honor this flavorful culinary tradition. The Origins of the Fajita: From Ranch Hands to Restaurant Menus The fajita’s story begins in the ranchlands of Texas during the mid-20th century. The term "fajita" derives from the Spanish word "faja," meaning “strip” or “belt,” referring to the cut of meat traditionally used—skirt steak, a relatively inexpensive and tough cut that ranch workers were often given as part of their pay. These workers devised a method to marinate and grill the meat, making it tender and flavorful

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August 18 marks a day rich with historical significance, echoing moments that have shaped our modern world in profound ways. Moving back in time, August 18, 1587, saw the founding of Roanoke Colony, the first English settlement in the New World, located in present-day North Carolina. Although the colony famously disappeared under mysterious circumstances, its story captivated imaginations and highlighted the challenges of early colonization. The fate of the “Lost Colony” remains one of America’s oldest unsolved mysteries and continues to be a subject of historical inquiry and popular legend. August 18, 1920, was a milestone when the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote. This was a monumental achievement in the struggle for gender equality and women's rights, marking a significant expansion of democratic participation. The suffrage movement’s victory on this day inspired similar efforts worldwide

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Today, expect a hot and humid day with a high of 94 degrees and a low of 72 degrees. It will be mostly sunny. However, the heat and humidity put us under a heat advisory until 8 p.m. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible, and avoid prolonged sun exposure to prevent dehydration and heat stroke. Allergy reports show moderate ragweed levels, low mold, and low grass pollen, so allergy sufferers should take note. Tomorrow's Outlook: High 87°, Low 70°, partly sunny with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Looking ahead to tomorrow, temperatures will drop a bit but remain warm, with a high near 87 and a low around 70 degrees. Expect a mix of clouds and sun with a chance of scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. It will continue to feel humid. Be prepared for changing weather and stay updated at https://riverbender.com/weather .

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EDWARDSVILLE — The 15th Edwardsville Rotary Criterium bike race took place Saturday in Downtown Edwardsville, drawing large crowds despite temperatures nearing 100 degrees. Race director Brian Mulhall described the event as “another fantastic event,” noting the unique character of each year’s race. The competition featured reigning national champion Lucas Bourgoyne, 24, who Mulhall said “absolutely loved the race course and the energy of the huge crowd” and is expected to return. Local restaurant and bar owners, along with their employees, made extra efforts to keep attendees hydrated during the hot conditions, contributing to an enjoyable experience for fans. Mulhall also praised the dedication of more than 100 volunteers and various Downtown Edwardsville businesses, whose efforts were critical to the event’s success. “Even with the oppressive heat and humidity, they performed flawlessly,” he said. “I have many positive

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EDWARDSVILLE - Avery Simaytis is the only senior on this season's girls volleyball team at Metro-East Lutheran High School, and she, along with the rest of her teammates, are preparing for the challenges of the new season ahead, a season which she feels will be a successful one. Simaytis is a middle hitter for the Knights, and is expected to take charge of the team leadership role, which she plans on helping the team improve from a 7-27 season in 2024, including a 1-9 mark in the Gateway Metro Conference, a rapidly up-and-coming league in all sports. In an interview that was held during a break in preseason practice at Hooks Gym on Aug. 14, 2025, Simaytis expressed confidence that the new season ahead will be a successful one for the Knights. Avery is a BJ's Printables Female Athlete of the Month for MELHS. "I think we've been practicing very well," Simaytis said. "We're definitely working very hard in practice to prepare for the games, and I'm excited to see how we perform on th

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COTTAGE HILLS — Emergency responders were called to the intersection of Stanley Road and 3rd Street Sunday afternoon, Aug. 17, 2025, in Cottage Hills after a bicyclist was struck by a vehicle. "Bicyclist claimed he was struck from behind by a vehicle. No damage was done to the bike and minimal injury to the bicyclist. Bicyclist said the vehicle left the scene," Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said. The Cottage Hills Fire Department arrived at the scene and found the victim with a possible head injury. Alton Memorial Ambulance transported the individual to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment. The Madison County Sheriff’s Department and Alton Police Department also responded. Because the incident occurred on Stanley Road, the Alton Police Department is leading the investigation. The severity of the victim’s injuries has not been disclosed.

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