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ST. LOUIS - The Missouri Department of Revenue announced that the state’s 2025 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday will take place from 12:01 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1, through Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025. During this period, all state and local sales and use taxes on qualifying back-to-school items will be exempt, marking a change from previous years when only state and some local taxes were exempt. Under Missouri state law, the sales tax holiday begins on the first Friday in August and lasts through the following Sunday. Qualifying items include clothing, school supplies, computers, and certain computer accessories, each subject to specific price limits. Clothing items such as diapers and shoes qualify if their taxable value is $100 or less. School supplies are exempt up to $50 per purchase. Computer software priced at $350 or less, personal computers costing $1,500 or less, and other computer devices like mice, keyboards, and external disk drives under $1,500 are also included. Graphing calculators

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CHICAGO — The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) approved a number of gaming licenses and other measures today including issuing a gaming license for the State’s first racino and welcoming the first African American woman as IGB Chairperson. The IGB approved the Organizational Gaming License for the racino, Fairmount Park, Inc. d/b/a Fairmount Park Casino and Racing in Collinsville. The IGB received upfront fees of $9,950,000 in May, which was deposited into the Rebuild Illinois Fund, which funds infrastructure projects statewide. Fairmount Park is the seventh newly authorized casino the IGB licensed since November 2021 and the State’s 17th casino. Fairmount Park Casino and Racing began casino operations in Collinsville in April and was licensed today. Also at today’s meeting, Illinois Gaming Board Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter welcomed Dionne Hayden to her new position as Chairperson. She was appointed by Governor JB Pritzker following the July resignation of Chairma

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WASHINGTON PARK, Ill. — Authorities responded early Thursday morning, July 31, 2025, to a fatal shooting in the Metro East, where a 46-year-old man was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Police were called to a residence in the 5000 block of Warren Avenue near Kingshighway in Washington Park shortly before 5:40 a.m., Illinois State Police said. St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. said that Demario D. Walker was the victim. Dye Sr. said Walker was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the coroner, Walker’s last known address was in the 5000 block of Warren Avenue. The Illinois State Police were requested by Washington Park police to investigate the shooting. No additional information about the circumstances of the shooting or potential suspects has been released. The investigation remains ongoing.

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Did you know that the concept of picnicking dates back thousands of years, with evidence of outdoor feasts found in ancient civilizations from Mesopotamia to the Roman Empire? Despite its long history, the simple act of sharing food outdoors remains a timeless way to connect with nature and each other. National Picnic Month offers a perfect opportunity to rediscover this tradition and elevate it beyond the usual sandwich-on-a-blanket routine. Reimagining the Picnic Experience Picnics often conjure images of casual gatherings in a park, but celebrating National Picnic Month invites us to rethink what a picnic can be. The essence of a picnic is communal enjoyment of food in an outdoor setting, but this can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes, moods, and locations. Whether you prefer a quiet escape with a book or a lively get-together with friends, embracing creativity can turn a simple meal into a memorable event. Choosing the Perfect Location The backdrop of your picnic plays

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August 1 stands as a day rich with historical significance. Moving back in time, August 1 marks a significant moment in 1914 when Germany declared war on Russia, triggering the escalation of World War I. This declaration set in motion a series of alliances and conflicts that engulfed much of the world, reshaping borders, societies, and international relations for decades to come. The Great War's profound impact is still studied and remembered as a cautionary tale about the complexities of global politics and warfare. On a different note, August 1 has also been a day of notable achievements in exploration and innovation. In 1774, the element oxygen was discovered independently by both Joseph Priestley in England and Carl Wilhelm Scheele in Sweden. This discovery was pivotal in advancing the fields of chemistry and biology, deepening our understanding of respiration and combustion. In the sports world, August 1, 1980, is remembered for the opening ceremony of the Moscow Summer Olympics.

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BETHALTO — Civic Memorial High School’s girls softball catcher Grace Burton delivered a standout performance during the 2025 season, excelling both offensively and defensively for the Eagles. Burton recorded 14 hits and 12 RBIs this season, contributing significantly to the team’s overall success. She has amassed 34 hits in her three-year career with CM and hit one home run in 2025. Defensively, she achieved a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, underscoring her reliability behind the plate. Her achievements have earned her recognition as a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete of the Month for Civic Memorial. Civic Memorial Head Girls Softball Coach Raigen Linton praised Burton’s impact on the team. “She was one catcher that I could trust to call the game,” Linton said. “She really knows the game and sees the field well. She is also a good leader on the field, which is sometimes hard to come by. Her fielding percentage was also very

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Today's high will reach 80 degrees with a low near 56. Expect hazy sunshine with less humidity throughout the day. Winds will come from the northeast at about 8 mph, gusting up to 23 mph. The air quality will be very unhealthy today due to particle pollution, so it’s best to limit prolonged outdoor activities, especially if you have respiratory issues. Allergy indexes show moderate levels for grass and mold, with low levels for ragweed and tree pollen. UV index is very high at 10, so don’t forget your sunscreen if you plan to be outside. Tomorrow's outlook calls for a high of 78 degrees and a low around 58. The day will feature hazy sun with continued reduced air quality from wildfire smoke. Winds will be lighter, coming from the east-northeast at about 7 mph with gusts near 21 mph. Allergy levels remain similar to today. If you’re sensitive to air quality or allergies, consider staying indoors or taking precautions like keeping windows closed. For more details,

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COLLINSVILLE – Two men from St. Louis face charges in Madison County after fleeing from local authorities during traffic stops while illegally possessing weapons and ammunition. Morton Kimble, 46, of St. Louis, was charged on July 24, 2025 with two counts of felon in possession of a weapon (both Class 2 felonies), unlawful possession of a stolen firearm (a Class 2 felony), and aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer (a Class 4 felony). On July 23, 2025, Kimble allegedly recklessly fled from a police traffic stop while in possession of a stolen Taurus G2C 9mm handgun and a firearm magazine loaded with 10 9mm bullets. Kimble’s possession of the weapon was illegal not only due to the firearm being stolen, but also due to Kimble’s prior felony conviction for first degree robbery in St. Louis County. The state’s petition to deny his pretrial release describes the events leading up to Kimble’s arrest: “Defendant was identified a

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BRIGHTON - Lillian Cambron is seeking community support for the family of Eric Ottwell, who died in a motorcycle accident on the night of his birthday. She said Ottwell, a disabled veteran and father of two, was known for his strong character and dedication to his children. Riding a motorcycle was an activity Eric greatly enjoyed, Cambron said. He is survived by his two children, Noel and Eric Jr., both graduates of Southwestern High School. Noel is set to begin studies in the nursing program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville this fall. Cambron described Ottwell as a devoted father and a loyal friend who frequently went out of his way to help others. "In light of this tragedy, I encourage donations to assist Ottwell’s children during this difficult time," she said. Contributions can be made through a GoFundMe page set up to support the family. PLEASE donate to help this family in a time of need: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-erics-kids-after-tragic-loss

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ALTON – Alderwoman Martha Pfister is proposing an ordinance to close all bars in Alton at 1 a.m. after late night liquor licenses were revoked for two downtown bars . The late night liquor licenses for Pour Decisions and Hiram’s Bar previously allowed the businesses to sell alcohol as late as 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends. Business owners associated with both establishments have indicated these were some of their most profitable hours. Before the late night license for Pour Decisions was revoked, co-owner Brian Trust accused the city of unfairly targeting his business over loitering and other issues that have persisted throughout downtown even before the bar opened. He suggested the city either allow Pour Decisions to keep its license or shut down all bars at 1 a.m., leading to the launch of his Stand Up Alton movement. After meeting with Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford about the topic earlier this summer, Pfister is now introducing an ordinance to close

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ALTON - The Board of Directors of the Oasis Women’s Center has named Marcy Jacobs as Interim Executive Director after the sudden passing of longtime Executive Director Margarette Trushel. Jacobs, who retired from Oasis Women’s Center in 2024 after thirty-five years serving as Client Services Coordinator, graciously stepped back into her leadership role at the center, providing stability and familiarity during an uncertain time. “The Board is extremely grateful to Marcy for returning to Oasis to serve as the Interim Executive Director,” says Board of Directors President, Mary Cordes. “Marcy has the experience, compassion, and dedication which we need at the helm after Margarette’s death.” “To say that the staff at Oasis are the best is an understatement,” says Cordes. “Margarette served our community for forty years in her role as Executive Director. Her dedication to serving and advocating for victims of domestic violence

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GRAFTON - Grafton’s inaugural Spanky Fest encourages everyone to come out and enjoy an evening of live music, raffles, a silent auction and more fun in honor of Police Chief Eric “Spanky” Spanton. From 5–11 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, at the Grafton Pub, the community is invited to celebrate Spanky’s birthday by donning their best Hawaiian shirts and spending the evening with the community. All proceeds from the raffle and auction will go back to the Grafton Police Department. Christine Spanton, who helped organize the event, expressed her appreciation for the community’s support following Spanky’s passing. “We want to honor his birthday in a way he would want, and that is to support the Grafton Police Department,” Christine said. “The community, Grafton and all of Jersey County, has been so supportive.” Outlaw Opry will play from 7–11 p.m. Grafton Pub will offer drink specials and their full menu wil

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ALTON - Alton resident Gary Chronister is seeking financial assistance as he battles advanced liver cirrhosis, a condition he attributes to untreated hepatitis C contracted during his incarceration in the Missouri prison system. Now living at home and reliant on Social Security, Chronister faces mounting medical expenses and basic living costs that exceed his income. “I’m on Social Security now, but it’s not enough. My monthly check doesn’t cover the basics — mortgage, water, electricity — let alone medical costs,” he said in a personal statement. He describes daily pain and exhaustion as he confronts the progression of his liver disease. Chronister has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover housing and medical expenses during this critical health crisis. In his appeal, he emphasized the importance of dignity and stability as he fights for his life. “I’m not asking for much — just a chance to stay in my home, keep

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EDWARDSVILLE - Thijson Heard, a senior for the Metro-East Lutheran baseball team, returns to the club for his final year, coming off a successful basketball season for the Knights, advancing to their first Sweet Sixteen bid in Class 1A before losing the sectional final to Greenfield Northwestern at White Hall North Greene. Heard hit .410 in the 2025 baseball season for the Knights and had 25 hits, 21 RBI, eight doubles, two home runs, and posted a 1.60 ERA on the mound with 42 strikeouts. Heard joined the team after the Knights' successful basketball season ended, where he was one of the stars of the team. Heard is a BJ's Printables Male Athlete of the Month for the Knights for his baseball efforts this past spring. "I'm excited to pitch," Heard said during the baseball season, expressing a love of the game both on the mound and at the plate. "I just wanted to have fun in the season, and just compete." Heard said his success on the basketball court this past winter motivated him

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ALTON — Alton Main Street, the Sierra Club Illinois’ Three Rivers Project, and Jacoby Arts Center are excited to announce the return of the Mississippi Earthtones Festival, taking place at the Alton Amphitheater on Saturday, September 20th, from noon to 10:00 p.m. This beloved event draws approximately 5,000 community members and visitors to Downtown Alton to celebrate the river through art, music, and conservation efforts. Throughout the day, live performances will fill the air, featuring local musicians and entertainers. Visitors can explore nature-inspired, handcrafted, and eco-friendly wares from local artists. Jacoby Arts Center has curated an engaging lineup of performances and interactive art experiences, and commissioned installations will transform the festival grounds. Booth space is fully booked, hosting over 25 environmental education exhibits, more than 70 eco-conscious artists and makers, and 12 culinary vendors, all dedicated to celebrating our river and

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are urging residents to use caution when outdoors because of unhealthy air quality. According to the national Air Quality Index (AQI), air quality values for particulate matter, also known as particle pollution, in multiple Illinois Sectors are higher than anticipated due to impacts from Canadian wildfire smoke, triggering a Red Air Pollution Action Day. The Red Air Pollution Action Day applies to the following Illinois counties: Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Carroll, Whiteside, Rock Island, Mercer, Henry, Bureau, Putnam, Henderson, Warren, Hancock, McDonough, Knox, Stark, Marshall, Peoria, Woodford, Fulton, Tazewell, Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, De Kalb, Lee, La Salle, McHenry, Lake, Kane, DuPage, Cook, Kendall, Will, and Grundy. Additionally, Illinois is downgrading air quality forecasts for Bloomington and Normal (McLean County) from Moderate (Yellow) to Unhealthy

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GRANITE CITY – Domestic battery cases filed against two Granite City residents include a woman accused of battering a pregnant victim and a man charged with attacking an elderly family member. Iraesha J. Oliver, 28, of Granite City, was charged on July 22, 2025 with one count each of aggravated battery (a Class 3 felony) and battery (a Class A misdemeanor). On July 21, 2025, Oliver allegedly caused bodily harm to the victim, who was pregnant at the time of the offense, by striking them about the head with her hands and grabbing the victim’s hair. Oliver’s case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. She was granted pretrial release from custody with additional conditions. Under the conditions of her release, Oliver is ordered to have no contact with and remain at least 500 feet away from the victim in this case at all times. She was also ordered to refrain from entering or remaining at the victim’s residence and cannot possess any firearms while

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TROY — The Troy Police Department announced a full closure of approximately 300 feet of Country Lane in Troy from Thursday, July 31, through Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, for necessary reconstruction work aimed at improving roadway safety. The closure will affect the section of Country Lane east of Troy Road. Residents and motorists are advised to use a detour route by continuing east on Country Lane to Baurer Road, then heading north on Baurer Road to access Highway 40. “We kindly request the understanding of all residents and motorists during this time,” the Troy Police said in a statement. “The work is essential for improving roadway safety and keeping disturbances to the shortest duration possible.” During the construction period, residents within the closure may experience temporary loss of driveway access. The department noted there will be a drop in elevation greater than one foot as the new pavement is reconstructed. Drivers are urged to exercise patience

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert Monday for ham salad products containing recalled breadcrumb items that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The alert covers “RESER’S FINE FOODS Ham Salad” in 12-ounce tubs with a sell-by date of Sept. 1, 2025, and “Molly’s Kitchen Ham Salad” in 5-pound tubs with a sell-by date of Aug. 31, 2025. The recall stems from Reser’s Fine Foods, Inc., a Topeka, Kansas-based establishment, which found that it used FDA-regulated breadcrumb products subject to a recall by Newly Weds Foods due to potential Listeria contamination. FSIS is warning consumers that these products, which bear the USDA mark of inspection, should not be consumed. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause listeriosis, a serious infection primarily affecting older adults, pregnant women and their newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

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ALTON - A local band has released their second EP to rave reviews. Rock Crown, a rock band based out of Alton, recently released the EP “Better Late,” available on all streaming platforms as well as local stores Mojo’s Music and Riverbend Records. In a recent interview on “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello , band members shared their favorite songs and recounted the story behind the music. “It’s kickass,” said one band member. “It’s going to blow you away.” The band released their first EP, “A Good Place for Zen,” in 2024. But as they started work on their second, they quickly realized that while the second EP is more “coherent,” the recording process was more difficult as they were a band of “perfectionists.” The band ultimately recorded each song three times. While this was complicated, it was possible because they’re “doing it DIY,” meaning they

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