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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County is now taking applications for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) starting next month. Madison County Community Development announced funding is available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems. The program will begin by taking applications Oct. 1 for: Adults 60-year-old and older, Individuals with disabilities, Families with children under the age of six and Households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank. All other income eligible households can start applying Nov. 1. Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through Aug. 15, 2026, or until funding is exhausted. Households that receive a one-time benefit may return during the program year for a Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefit(s), if needed. T

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined students, alumni, and administrators from the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) at Harold Washington College to discuss the impact of heightened federal immigration enforcement efforts on community college students, particularly those with vulnerable legal status. With federal deployments growing in Chicago, the Governor spoke directly to the fears and needs of undocumented students, faculty, and staff navigating new challenges and uncertainty. “City Colleges is a tremendous example of an institution providing effective systems of support for immigrant students—especially as they are being targeted by the federal government in this turbulent time,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “Right now, our communities are facing genuine fear as Trump intensifies his federal deployments, and the State of Illinois remains committed to lifting up organizations and institutions that are helping people know their rights and providing

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – America’s Blood Centers (ABC), the national organization of community-based, independent blood centers that supply 60 percent of the nation’s blood, is marking Sickle Cell Awareness Month this September with a nationwide call for more diverse blood donors to meet the critical needs of patients living with sickle cell disease and other conditions requiring precisely matched blood. Donated blood from communities of color is essential for patients whose transfusion needs go beyond basic blood type matching. For individuals with sickle cell disease—an inherited blood disorder affecting about 100,000 people in the United States —regular blood transfusions are often the difference between crisis and survival. Yet, fewer than 12 percent of all U.S. blood donations today come from communities of color, even though one in every 365 African American births is affected by sickle cell disease. “Community blood centers are dedicated t

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METRO EAST ST. LOUIS – Governor JB Pritzker has signed Illinois House Bill 1910, a measure amending the Illinois Local Library Act to help combat the state’s opioid epidemic. Beginning January 1, 2026, all public libraries will be required to keep an opioid antagonist — such as naloxone (NARCAN®) — available at all times. The law also requires that libraries take reasonable steps to have at least one trained person present during operating hours who can recognize an opioid overdose and administer the medication. Under the Illinois Good Samaritan Act , library personnel who administer naloxone in good faith are protected from liability, helping ensure they can respond without hesitation during an emergency. To help libraries meet these requirements, Chestnut Health Systems™ offers free naloxone (NARCAN®) resources and training where attendees will: Learn about the opioid epidemic Learn when and why to administer naloxone Learn how to administer

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Weeks into the start of the new year, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School’s (CHS) New Director Kimberly Allen shares her vision, along with goals for students, faculty and the school. SIUE alumna Allen, who worked at the CHS for four years as a faculty associate for special education, has returned to the school with a wealth of knowledge. Allen earned a bachelor’s in special education in 2008 and a Master of Educational Administration in 2012, both from SIUE. The new administrator answered questions about her new role. What is your education expertise background? My expertise lies in both special education and educational administration, which has equipped me with a deep understanding of how to support diverse learners, while also leading school-wide initiatives that promote equity, achievement and organizational effectiveness. With experience and an educational background in both the public schoo

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ALTON - The Alton and Greater Godfrey Democrats will host their 45th annual banquet. On Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, community members are invited to the Alton VFW for the event. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the banquet starts at 6 p.m. Attendees can enjoy food, a 50/50 raffle, a wine pull raffle, and networking. “It’s about awakening and reconnecting the Democratic Party, bridging the gap between the old and the young, empowering each other, collaborating, mentorship, community service, and just getting back to the roots of why the Dems are here for the people,” explained Carolyn Caruthers. Tickets to the banquet cost $55 and you can purchase tickets online . Caruthers noted that the banquet’s theme is “Awakening and Reconnecting the Democratic Party.” Caruthers said they hope to attract younger people who want to be involved in local politics. She said the region’s voting count has been lower in recent years, and the banquet’s

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CARLINVILLE - Community members are invited to a candlelight vigil in honor of Charlie Kirk. On Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, the Macoupin County Courthouse will serve as the meeting spot for a prayer vigil. The prayer starts at 7 p.m., but organizer Rawley Eldridge encourages people to come as early as 5:30 p.m. for conversations. “What I would like it to look like, and what it should look like, is just everybody gathering together and showing remorse for the family that lost their father and their husband,” Eldridge said. “We can all pray together, share stories on why we believe he made an impact and how he reached us in different ways.” Bibles, candles and rosaries will be available while supplies last. Eldridge also hopes to order t-shirts; you can message him through the official Facebook event page for more information or to place your order. He shared that Kirk’s work had “a pretty big impact” on his own life. He resonated

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ALTON - A man was seriously injured late Sunday night, Sept. 14, 2025, after being trapped beneath his vehicle following a rollover crash in the 800 block of Oakwood in Alton. Firefighters responded quickly to the scene at 11:30 p.m. on Sunday after receiving a call reporting the rollover crash with the vehicle on top of the victim. Firefighters said upon arrival, they found the man lying beside the overturned vehicle. According to officials, a group of bystanders who heard the crash came to the man’s aid and lifted the vehicle to free him before first responders arrived. The injured man was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. Authorities are currently investigating the crash.

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Community members have one last chance to sign up for the 2025 Walk for Mental Health Awareness. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Moody Park in Fairview Heights, NAMI Southwestern Illinois (SWI) will host their annual walk fundraiser, complete with raffles, a silent auction, a picnic lunch, face-painting, a tie-dye station and plenty more fun. Kaleigh Peery can’t wait to celebrate the organization and raise money for their work to promote mental health awareness. “It’s that community. I keep bringing that up because that’s what NAMI is,” said Peery, Business and Communications Manager for NAMI SWI. “It’s just going to be a wonderful day of togetherness.” NAMI, or the National Alliance on Mental Illness, prioritizes education and advocacy. Peery said they are “one of the largest grassroots mental health awareness nonprofits in the country,” with over 600 affiliates in the U.S.

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Agency for Community Transit (ACT) honored Jamall Arnold, a recent Edwardsville High School graduate, during its board meeting Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, recognizing his successful completion of a one-year apprenticeship program. The ceremony, attended by family, friends and local officials, highlighted Arnold’s transition from apprentice to full-time ACT employee. Launched in partnership with Madison County Employment and Training and the U.S. Department of Labor, the apprenticeship program began in August 2024 to provide high school students with practical job skills and professional experience in the transit industry. Arnold worked as a bus cleaner under the guidance of experienced ACT staff, participating in paid training several hours after school. Arnold completed the program in August and has since accepted a full-time position with ACT. “Once again, an apprentice from this impressive program has come to work for ACT on a full-time basis,”

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Avant Elementary School in East St. Louis has opened a new School Food Pantry, a development aimed at increasing access to essential food and resources for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The pantry, launched in partnership with the St. Louis Area Food Bank, seeks to provide support with dignity, compassion, and care. The initiative reflects the district’s commitment to addressing food insecurity among its students and their families. “Avant families by increasing access to essential food and resources. The school is committed to distributing items with dignity, compassion, and care — because every family deserves to feel supported,” the district said in a statement. The district expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the project, emphasizing the collective effort to strengthen the school community. “We’re deeply grateful to everyone who helped make this vision a reality. Together, we’re

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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating George Redshaw, who has an active warrant for his arrest after allegedly violating conditions of his Pre-Trial Release. Redshaw faces multiple charges related to an arrest several months ago, the Collinsville Police said in its "Fugitive Friday" on Facebook on Sept. 12, 2025. He was released under the Safe-T Act, which requires compliance with specific conditions. Authorities say Redshaw failed to adhere to these rules, prompting the issuance of a warrant. Police urge anyone with information about Redshaw’s whereabouts to contact the department at 618-344-2131, extension 5209. Tips can be submitted anonymously. The department also encourages Redshaw to turn himself in to resolve the matter. “These charges and statements made herein are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty,” the department said in a statement.

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SPRINGFIELD — Jim Edgar, the two-term Republican governor who led Illinois through much of the 1990s with a steady focus on fiscal responsibility and bipartisan cooperation, died Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. He was 79. Edgar died in Springfield after suffering complications from treatment for pancreatic cancer, a diagnosis he received in January, according to friends and associates. His family released a statement saying, “It is with heavy hearts we share the news that our beloved husband, father and grandfather Jim Edgar passed away this morning in Springfield from complications related to treatment for pancreatic cancer. We are deeply grateful for the love, support and kindness so many have shown to Jim and our family over these last several months.” Edgar was known for his reserved demeanor and meticulous attention to fiscal matters. He was born in Vinita, Okla., and raised in Charleston, IL. He is remembered as one of the state’s most popular governors, providing

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MADISON COUNTY - The Madison County Sheriff’s Office held a retirement ceremony today to honor Sgt. Darren Onwiler, who concluded a 20-year career in law enforcement. Sgt. Onwiler began his service with the department in 2005 and retired after serving in several roles, including Community-Oriented Policing (C.O.P.) officer, K-9 handler, Taser instructor, and member of the Court Security Division. In 2019, Onwiler was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the Court Security Division, where he remained until his retirement. The recent retirement ceremony took place at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Jeff Connor expressed gratitude for Onwiler’s service, and said, “Sgt. Onwiler, we thank you for your 20 years of service and congratulate you on your retirement.”

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COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville parents Megan and Zack Atchison are facing an uncertain medical journey after their son, Maverick, stopped eating on Sept. 1, 2025. Initially suspecting reflux or colic, the family sought care at Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis, where a series of tests and procedures revealed a complex and unresolved condition. Maverick underwent MRIs, scopes through his nose, chest and brain X-rays, and surgery to remove extra tissue in his throat. Doctors also placed a nasogastric tube to assist with feeding, conducted a brain scan to rule out mini seizures, performed extensive bloodwork, and sent stool samples to California to test for botulism. Additional support included oxygen therapy to protect his lungs and the insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). As Maverick approaches 15 days in the pediatric intensive care unit, his condition remains stable but uncertain. The family acknowledges the medical team’s ongoing efforts

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ALTON - Alton hosted its annual Pride Festival this weekend. On Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, community members gathered on Belle Street for a day of support and unity. Organized by Alton Pride, the festival aims to bring people together and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. “I think it’s going great,” said Festival Director Anne McCoy midday on Saturday. “All our vendors are happy and our food vendors are happy.” Throughout the day, attendees could talk with vendors, listen to live music, enjoy drag shows, and watch wrestling matches. McCoy noted that the festival welcomed back many vendors and sponsors this year. Alton Pride received “a tremendous response” from vendors who wanted to be a part of the festival. This year’s theme — “Together, We Rise” — spoke to the unity that Alton Pride hopes to foster in the community. Organizers emphasized that the goal is to bring people together. “We just have

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GRANITE CITY – Wilson Elementary School has been recognized as a National PTA School of Excellence for the 2024–26 term, one of only eight schools in Illinois to earn the distinction. A new banner displayed at the school’s front entrance celebrates the achievement. Wilson is one of two Metro East schools honored, joining Twin Echo Elementary in Collinsville. Other Illinois schools recognized include Helen Keller Jr. High (Schaumburg), Hunting Ridge (Palatine), Jane Addams Jr. High (Schaumburg), Jane Stenson (Skokie), Lincoln Prairie PTSA (Hoffman Estates), and Whiteley PTA (Hoffman Estates). "National PTA School of Excellence program is designed to build strong partnerships between families and schools and create meaningful family engagement," said Wilson Principal Ann Wilson . "This honor reflects the dedication of our staff, families, and PTA in working together to support student success." Through National PTA’s School of Excellence program, PTA

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EAST ST. LOUIS — On Friday, Sept. 12, 2025,, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) hosted a Community Day in East St. Louis alongside Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) . The event focused on water infrastructure in the Metro East, providing an opportunity for residents to hear the latest progress on flood mitigation and prevention efforts and learn about the resources available to them in the wake of disasters, including stormwater and wastewater backups. Federal, state, and community organizations, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5, 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 Office of Community Engagement, and the East Side Health District, also attended

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville High School Tiger Talk Podcast Network received a $1,500 grant through the Illinois Press Foundation and Illinois Farm Bureau, which was used towards a custom-build, professional podcasting desk for their recording studio. The grant was presented to the podcasting students by Mr. Jeff Rogers, Executive Director of the Illinois Press Foundation and Capitol News Illinois, and Ms. Emma Brown, representative of the Madison County Farm Bureau. The custom-build desk was designed and built by a local craftsman, Mr. Adam Wessel. The students welcomed the new feature to their recording studio to elevate and enhance the function and professionalism of their podcast production as they kick off a new season. Sponsored by Mrs. Nicole Pontious and Mr. Dave Lipe, the EHS Tiger Talk Podcast Network produces two mainstream productions: The Jungle - The Official Sports Podcast of Edwardsville High School and Tiger Spotlight – A Podcast Highlighting our Tiger

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Did you know that nearly 30% of household energy loss occurs through poorly insulated windows and doors? This staggering figure highlights a frequently overlooked aspect of home maintenance that becomes especially critical as external conditions shift. Preparing your living space to handle these changes not only preserves comfort but also improves energy efficiency and safeguards your investment. Assessing and Enhancing Insulation The first step in readying your home involves a thorough evaluation of insulation. Walls, attics, basements, and crawl spaces often harbor weak points where heat escapes or cold infiltrates, leading to increased energy consumption and discomfort. Identifying Trouble Spots: Start by inspecting your attic insulation; the U.S. Department of Energy recommends an insulation level of R-38 or higher in colder regions. Look for compressed, damp, or missing insulation. Similarly, check basement and crawl space walls for gaps or cracks. Using a thermal imaging

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