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EDWARDSVILLE – The Madison County Third Judicial Circuit is implementing a series of improvements to its jury selection process in response to the Final Report of the Illinois Judicial Conference Juror Experience Task Force, issued in October 2024. The new measures are designed to enhance fairness, accessibility, and overall juror satisfaction, aligning with the statewide effort to modernize and strengthen public trust in the jury system. Key changes include the introduction of compliance mechanisms to ensure consistent participation, expanded online access to juror questionnaires, the development of short YouTube videos to answer frequently asked questions about jury service in Madison County, and the establishment of a compliance docket for individuals who fail to appear after being summoned for jury duty. "Juries are a cornerstone of our justice system, and we are committed to ensuring that all citizens have equal opportunity and access to serve," said Chief Judge Chris Threlkeld.

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SHILOH – Newly elected officers of the Looking Glass Prairie Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, were installed and are looking forward to a new year of service. Pictured are: Regent Kimberly Dalrymple, Vice Regent Margaret Truitt, Chaplain Amy Chrisenberry, Secretary Carol Gorecki, Treasurer Cori Croteau, and Historian Peggy Sternberg. Also elected but not available for the photo was Librarian Mary Kearney. Officers and members of the Looking Glass Prairie Chapter, as well as citizens around the country, are gearing up for the United States 250th anniversary celebration in July 2026. The DAR, founded in 1890, and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children. Looking Glass Prairie Chapter members come from several nearby towns with service concentrated in O’Fallon,

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WOOD RIVER — Abby Lou, a 13-year-old rescue dog who was found malnourished and abused eight years ago and rescued by an area family, now faces a critical health challenge. Kayla Stanton, Abby Lou’s owner, has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to raise $1,000 for urgent surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in Abby Lou’s back left leg. The injury has left Abby Lou unable to walk, requiring her family to carry her for basic needs such as bathroom trips and feeding. Stanton described Abby Lou as still spirited despite her age, saying she “thinks she’s a spry young pup.” The surgery is considered necessary to alleviate Abby Lou’s pain and improve her mobility. Stanton said the family’s financial situation has been strained due to rising living costs, making the unexpected veterinary expense difficult to cover. “We are asking please for our Abby Lou-Lou, help us achieve our goal to get the procedure she needs to be

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Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, with over 5 million cases diagnosed annually in the United States alone? This alarming statistic underscores the critical role of sun protection in our daily lives. While many associate sunscreen with beach days or prolonged outdoor activities, the importance of sun protection—and subsequent after-sun care—extends far beyond those moments. Understanding how to effectively shield your skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage and properly care for it afterward is essential for long-term skin health and overall wellbeing. Understanding the Impact of UV Radiation on the Skin Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is divided into UVA and UVB rays, each impacting the skin differently. UVA rays penetrate deeply, accelerating skin aging and contributing to wrinkles and sunspots, while UVB rays primarily cause sunburn and play a more direct role in causing skin cancer. Both types contribute to DNA damage in skin cells, increasing

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August 12 has marked many significant moments throughout history, spanning the realms of science, politics, culture, and more. In 1851, on this same day, the first edition of the 'New-York Daily Times' was published, which would later become 'The New York Times.' This publication has played a pivotal role in journalism and shaping public discourse globally, emphasizing the importance of press freedom and investigative reporting. August 12, 1898, saw a significant event in the Spanish-American War when U.S. forces captured Guam. This marked an important territorial acquisition for the United States as it expanded its influence into the Pacific, signaling new geopolitical dynamics and the country's emergence as a global power. In the realm of culture and entertainment, August 12, 1949, is remembered as the birthdate of British icon, Mark Knopfler, whose music with the band Dire Straits left a lasting impact on rock music worldwide. While more recent, his contributions highlight how

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Today in the Riverbend area, expect a high around 89°F and a low near 69°F. The day starts off mostly cloudy with a passing morning shower. Later this afternoon, a heavy thunderstorm is likely. These storms may bring heavy rain and possible flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Humidity will be high, making it feel very hot during storms, with feels like temperatures reaching up to 101°F. Winds will be light and variable. Allergy indexes show moderate ragweed levels at 30, low mold and grass counts, and good air quality. Tonight, partly cloudy skies continue with more chances for thunderstorms and humid conditions. Some evening storms could bring additional rainfall. Lows will hover around 69°F, feeling like 71°F. Tomorrow's Outlook: Partly Sunny and Humid Tomorrow's weather will bring a bit of a break from storms with partly sunny skies and highs near 85°F. Lows will drop to about 64°F. Despite the sun, humidity remains noticeable; surfaces

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BETHALTO - Roma’s Pizza will be hosting the Second Annual “Dine to Donate” fundraiser benefitting Madison County Catholic Charities on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Mention Madison County Catholic Charities or show the flyer at checkout and the charity earns 10% of sales. Roma’s Pizza is located at 121 E Bethalto Dr in Bethalto. “We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community for over 70 years now. Support a great cause and join us at Roma’s for some of the best pizza in the Midwest,” said Area Director Denise Burton. Proceeds from the Dine to Donate event will go towards supporting our programs, including Professional Counseling Solutions, MedAssist, Guardian Angel Food Pantry, Mobile Food Pantry, Homeless Prevention, Transportation and Identification assistance, and Legal Services. Since 1941, Catholic Charities has provided services in Madison, Bond, Jersey, and Calhoun counties, with offices

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ALTON – A proposal to eliminate late night liquor licenses for all Alton bars is on hold for now after several local bar owners spoke out against it. A resolution on Monday’s Committee of the Whole agenda called for an ordinance to remove a section of the city code allowing for “late night liquor licenses,” which currently allow businesses to sell alcohol as late as 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends. If passed, this would effectively ban all Alton bars from selling alcohol later than 1 a.m. Michelle Oerter, a bartender at Danny’s Lounge, presented city officials with a petition that gained 367 signatures calling on the city not to revoke every bar’s late night liquor license. She said the ordinance would create an unfair financial burden local bars can’t afford. “Those late night hours, especially after 1 a.m., they make up a significant portion of our revenue,” Oerter said. “You don’t punish an entire

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DECATUR — A former substitute teacher in Decatur has pleaded guilty to predatory criminal sexual assault after admitting to having sex with an 11-year-old student during multiple visits to her home, authorities said. Alley Bardfield, 34, who worked for Decatur Public Schools, is scheduled to be sentenced in September 2025.The incidents occurred during what were described as “play dates” at Bardfield’s residence in Mt. Zion throughout 2023 and 2024, according to a lawsuit filed by the victim’s parents. The boy’s mother became concerned after noticing changes in her son’s behavior following a visit to Bardfield’s home. Upon reviewing his phone and social media accounts, she found messages between the student and Bardfield and discovered that Bardfield had sent $700 to the boy via CashApp. During a subsequent conversation, the child disclosed a sexual encounter with Bardfield on March 29, 2024, Mt. Zion Police said. The victim was a sixth-grade

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EDWARDSVILLE — Officials are warning Edwardsville residents about a telephone scam involving false jury service notifications, according to Ryan M. Anderson, Trial Court Administrator. The scam involves callers leaving messages claiming the recipient missed jury duty. The caller provides a fictitious name, phone number, and email address, urging the recipient to respond. Authorities advise people to hang up immediately and avoid sharing any personal information. “If you have missed jury duty, you would receive a letter from the Circuit Court requesting you to come into court in front of a judge to explain why you were unable to make it to a scheduled jury service,” Anderson said. The warning comes amid an increase in reports from residents receiving these fraudulent calls in Edwardsville. Court officials emphasize that official jury notifications are sent by mail and do not involve phone messages requesting personal details.

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SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) , a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and Congressional Labor Caucus, sent a letter to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins expressing outrage over the Department’s decision to terminate collective bargaining agreements for the majority of VA bargaining-unit employees. To view the letter, click HERE . In her letter, Congresswoman Budzinski questioned the rationale behind the decision and emphasized its potential consequences on both the VA workforce and the quality of care and services provided to our nation’s veterans. Budzinski is requesting data on all employee departures from January 1, 2025 through August 8, 2025 within the VA Iliana and St. Louis Health Care Systems, as well as the VBA and NCA facilities serving Illinois’s 13th district. The Congresswoman wrote, “Your announcement on August 6, 2025, that VA is terminating most collective

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is celebrating the signing of House Bill 2586 , known as Alicia’s Law, named after Alicia “Kozak” Kozakiewicz , the first widely reported internet-related child abduction victim. Internet crimes against children involve crimes that exploit or endanger children through the use of the internet, including luring children online to meet for sexual activity, cyberstalking to harass or intimidate children, creating child sexual abuse materials, and soliciting children for sex through online chat rooms or social media. Alicia’s Law ensures the State of Illinois will devote resources and support ISP’s continued investigation of internet crimes against children, making the investigations a permanent function of ISP that will be sustained over time with consistent resources. “The internet is ubiquitous and not going anywhere, which means internet crimes against children can proliferate, and ISP

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EDWARDSVILLE - These are three additional artists who will be featured at the upcoming Edwardsville Arts Fair Sept. 26-28, 2025, at Edwardsville's City Park. The artists featured today are Kara Hayes, Allison Norfleet Bruenger and Kimberlyn Renee. Artist #1: Kara Hayes Medium: Jewelry Artist Statement: "My intention is to create timeless, wearable art that strikes an emotion and sparks a conversation of wonder. These conversations are meant to connect strangers through the shared admiration of art. I challenge my medium to include layers of precious metals fused into hand cut and individually designed fused glass stones. I am a dual artist marrying my metal fabrication skills with my fused glass stones. "Through my many techniques, I create an illusion within my stone work and strong durable metal designs that stand the test of time. This year's collection is inspired by time. How time is measured & valued shows repetitively through each design. Time is our only true

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MADISON COUNTY - At 8:06 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, Madison County Sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the area of the Mississippi River near Interstate 270, regarding a report of a body found. Sheriff's deputies and detectives met with employees from a construction company who directed law enforcement to a body floating at this location, Chief Deputy Marcos Pulido said later on Monday. Madison County Sheriff's detectives and Madison County Coroner's Office investigators recovered the body, Chief Deputy Pulido said. The investigation remains active, and attempts to identify the body are ongoing.

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ALTON — Alton Police Officer Jacob Beuttel has been awarded the Life Saving Award for his swift and courageous actions that prevented potential injury or death in a dangerous situation that developed on July 5, 2025. At approximately 5:43 a.m. on July 5, 2025, Officer Jacob Beuttel responded to a structure fire in the 3400 block of Meridocia Street in Alton, where two individuals were reported trapped inside. Upon arrival, the officer found heavy smoke and large flames emanating from the rear of the residence and discovered Deborah J. Richardson and Steven M. Harris stranded on a deteriorated second-story deck with no safe means of escape. The Alton Police said the deck of the home involved was missing steps, lacked a handrail, and had rotted boards, posing a significant danger to anyone attempting to descend. "Officer Beuttel bypassed the missing stairs, removed lattice from the side of the deck, and climbed the unstable structure to reach the trapped occupants and their two

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , Mike Roper spoke about his philosophy on life based on his relationship with God. Roper shared that he doesn’t regularly go to church, but he grew up in the church and still has a close relationship with God. He explained that he mostly tries to emulate Christ through his interactions with others by being kind. “At the end of the day, I just try to be a good person,” he said. Roper believes that he has “some bigger purpose,” and he is “constantly trying to figure out” what that purpose is. He feels he was “spared” by God. This is why Jeremiah 29:11 — “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” — resonates so strongly with him. Roper isn’t afraid to talk about his past, and he hopes his story helps other people

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WOOD RIVER – A man from Wood River remains in custody on felony domestic battery charges, his latest in a history of domestic violence against the same victim. Jonathon E. Harszy Sr., 32, of Wood River, was charged on Aug. 5, 2025 with one count each of aggravated domestic battery (a Class 2 felony) and his second offense of domestic battery (a Class 4 felony). On Aug. 4, 2025, Harszy allegedly intentionally strangled a household or family member by wrapping his arm around the victim’s neck and applying pressure to impede the victim’s normal breathing. He was additionally accused of pushing the same victim to the ground and kicking them while on the ground. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to deny Harszy’s pretrial release from custody, noting he was previously convicted of domestic battery in 2021, also in Madison County. The petition states Harszy claimed he needed “a place to stay” and was allowed back

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is reminding motorists about school zone speed laws and sharing the road safely with buses as schools around the state prepare to open their doors for the new academic year. ISP reminds motorists they are required to slow down in school zones. Posted school zones have a speed limit of 20 miles per hour and are in effect from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on school days when children are present. Driving while talking or texting on a hand-held cellular device is strictly prohibited and fines are increased within a school zone. ? Adults are encouraged to promote safe walking habits with their children, including using sidewalks, crossing the street at designated crosswalks, and not walking in-between cars. The majority of students transported by bus to or from school are injured or killed while outside the bus. Most children injured in the area around the bus, often called the “danger zone,” are struck by motorists who fail to stop

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A new study reveals that Illinois ranks eighth for juvenile drug abuse arrests in the U.S. The research conducted by Florida-based personal injury lawyers Anidjar & Levine analyzed juvenile arrest data from 2016 to 2020, sourced from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). The average annual juvenile arrest rates for drug abuse were calculated to identify the top 10 states with the highest rates per 100,000 youths. Illinois ranks eighth with an average of 442 arrests per 100,000 youths, which is 49.5% higher than the national average of 295.7. Between 2016 and 2020, Illinois recorded its peak rate of 822 arrests in 2019 and a low of 281 in 2018. Looking at the study, a spokesperson at Anidjar & Levine commented, “The data shows that Illinois reported the eighth-highest juvenile arrest rates for drug abuse in the U.S. “These figures highlight a growing trend of substance exposure among children and teenagers. Factors such as peer pressure,

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ST. LOUIS, MO. — During National Wellness Month, the American Red Cross encourages people to prioritize their personal health and well-being while helping to save lives with a blood or platelet donation. Donors of all blood types – especially those with type O positive or B negative blood – are asked to make an appointment now to prevent a further drop in donor turnout. In August, the Red Cross will provide free A1C screening – a test commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes – for all donors who make a successful blood, platelet or plasma donation. Fasting is not required for this test, and donors will be able to view their confidential results one to two weeks after their donation in the Blood Donor App or their donor account at RedCrossBlood.org. Donors will receive one A1C test result in a 12-month period. August also brings changes in routines. Back-to-school plans, the start of fall sports and final summer vacations may be top of min

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