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NASHVILLE, TENN. – Two of the most influential nonprofit behavioral health providers , Brightli and Centerstone, have entered into a non-binding agreement with the intent to merge and create a unified organization. The due diligence process is underway, and upon the transaction’s anticipated close in November 2025, the combined organization will serve a quarter million people annually and be the largest nonprofit provider of mental health and substance use disorder care across the country. Brightli is a Springfield, Missouri-based company with more than 6,000 associated employees working at more than 220 locations in five states. Its multiple subsidiaries and affiliates include Adult & Child Health, Burrell Behavioral Health, Clarity Healthcare, Firefly Supported Living & Employment Services, Places for People, Preferred Family Healthcare, and Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health. Centerstone is a Nashville, Tennessee-based company with 4,300 employees working

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today nonfarm payrolls totals reached a record high in June, increasing over-the-month up +9,400 to 6,175,200. June’s record payroll job total surpassed the previous high set in March, marking another milestone in Illinois’ record-setting year for total payroll employment. The May monthly change in payrolls was revised slightly from the preliminary report, from +100 to -200. The industry sectors with over-the-month jobs increases included Government (+10,600) and Private Education and Health Services (+6,200). The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll jobs decreases included: Leisure and Hospitality (-3,500), Manufacturing (-1,300), and Professional and Business Services (-1,100). Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +35,000 jobs. The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included: Private Education and Health Services (+22,900), Government

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EDWARDSVILLE – Three individuals from around the Riverbend and beyond have been charged in separate cases with knowingly possessing stolen vehicles. Scott M. Perryman, 37, of Granite City, was charged on July 8, 2025 with unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle, a Class 2 felony. Perryman allegedly possessed a Honda motorcycle with an Illinois registration number on June 1, 2025 which he knew had been stolen or converted, according to court documents. Gregory A. Watt Jr. was also charged with a Class 2 felony count of unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle in a separate case filed on July 8, 2025. Watt is accused of knowingly possessing a stolen Ford Edge with a Missouri registration number on June 24, 2025. The Madison Police Department presented both cases against Perryman and Watt, both of whom were ordered released from custody. In a third, unrelated case, Brian A. Dallefield, 41, of Lewistown, Ill. was charged on July 10, 2025 with offenses related to motor

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County prosecutors have charged Koran Adams, 31, with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death following a fatal collision at the intersection of Earth City Expressway and Rider Trail South. The incident occurred on June 21, 2025, when Adams, of the 5500 block of Natural Bridge Avenue in St. Louis, allegedly left a gas station on Rider Trail South after prepaying for fuel and then collided with a motorcycle at the nearby intersection. Jennifer Eggering, a passenger on the motorcycle, died approximately 24 hours after the crash. According to the probable cause statement, Adams was wearing a reddish-orange durag at the time and fled the scene immediately after the collision. Surveillance footage from the gas station captured Adams and his vehicle both inside the store and at the moment of the crash. The vehicle was later found at an address linked to Adams, and law enforcement seized it for investigation. A search warrant executed at Adams’

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WOOD RIVER – The Wood River Business Alliance (WRBA), in partnership with the Wood River Library, invites local business owners, residents, and community leaders to join them for What’s Up Downtown , a relaxed and engaging community event on Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Wood River Library. This open-to-the-public gathering provides a casual setting for people to connect, share updates, and learn what’s happening in downtown Wood River. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur, a long-time business owner, or simply someone interested in the growth and development of the community, this event is for you. “We’re excited to offer a space where people can build relationships and stay informed about everything going on downtown,” said Kristen Burns, Executive Director of the WRBA. “From new business openings to upcoming projects and events, this is a great opportunity to engage with the future of Wood River.” Attendee

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BENTON – Five men from Mississippi were sentenced in southern Illinois federal court after admitting to using spotlights to illegally hunt white-tailed deer in Massac, Jefferson, Union, Pope and Clark counties. Lee J. Johnson, 54, of Saucier, Mississippi, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful transport of wildlife in violation of the Lacey Act and was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay $75,000 in restitution and a $10,000 fine. Steven J. Pique, 56, of Biloxi, Mississippi, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution. Gerald B. Moran, 40, of Saucier, Mississippi, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful transport of wildlife in violation of the Lacey Act and was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution and a $2,500 fine. Joshua A. Marshall, 30, of Saucier, Mississippi, pleaded guilty to one coun

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ALTON - There’s still time to buy your raffle tickets and make donations to the Christmas in July fundraiser , which benefits local nonprofits like The Salvation Army through the Community Christmas initiative. From 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, you can stop by Freer Auto Body in Godfrey to donate and enjoy sloppy joes and cheesecake at their Christmas in July event. All the proceeds go back to Community Christmas, a United Way initiative that supports 17 organizations in the Metro East region. Major Cassy Grey with The Salvation Army noted that these fundraisers go a long way in helping their families. “This could not get done without the community,” she said. “The Lord just provided through this incredible community and through Community Christmas to make sure we could wrap around these families and make sure they have an amazing Christmas.” Last year, the Freer Auto Body fundraisers raised over $75,000 for Community

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COLUMBIA, IL., - Michael Klaus of Columbia is grieving the loss of his 19-year-old son, Andrew Klaus, who was fatally shot in the Greater Ville neighborhood of St. Louis. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department reported that officers responded shortly after 7:20 p.m. last Tuesday to the 3100 block of Vine Grove Avenue, where they found Andrew Klaus with a fatal puncture wound to his head. Andrew Klaus, a resident of Imperial, Mo., was pronounced dead at the scene following the reported shooting. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation by authorities. In the wake of this tragedy, Michael Klaus has established a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs of a celebration of life for his son. Michael Klaus said the fundraiser aims to provide Andrew with a meaningful farewell amid the family's profound grief. GoFundMe Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-my-sons-life-after-tragedy

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - The Fairview Heights Police Department is partnering with the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police with the support of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Illinois Department of Transportation and more than 300 state, count and local law enforcement agencies for the Illinois Speed Awareness Day on July 23, 2025. The Fairview Heights Police said motorists can expect to see increased patrols looking for speeding as well as other traffic violations. This campaign is an effort to address the drastic increase in speed-related crashes and moving violations. IDOT said speeding is involved in 44.9 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities, 36.3 percent of all injury crashes and 31.1 percent of all roadway crashes. “Speeding is a choice that puts everyone at risk,” Fairview Heights Police Chief Steve Johnson said. “It reduces the driver’s ability to steer safely around other vehicles, increases stopping distance, and can lead

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HIGHLAND - Brittany Horrell is organizing a fundraiser for a Highland family to support them after they lost their home in a fire. The family, described as "one of our own," experienced a devastating loss when their house was destroyed. Horrell emphasized the urgency of the situation and said, "We are trying to help raise some money to help one of our own. This family tragically lost everything in a house fire last night." She encouraged community members to contribute, saying, "Anything and everything helps at this time. Let's come together as a community and help raise them up." Donations are being accepted to assist the family in recovering from the fire. Horrell expressed gratitude for the support received so far, thanking donors for their contributions and assistance. Click here for the GoFundMe.

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ALTON - The Alton Municipal Band continues its 135th season of concerts in the parks with “Into the Woods,” a musical adventure that is sure to delight audiences of all ages. In addition to songs from the hit musical of the same name, the band will take a tour of the forests, evoking the sounds of nature. Guest soloist Kate DeMonica, euphonium, will dazzle audiences with her virtuosic playing, accompanied by the band, which is directed by Brad Eston. This week marks the seventh week of the band’s eight-week summer concert series. Performances will take place on Thursday evening at beautiful Riverview Park (7:30 pm), and Sunday evening at historic Haskell Park (7 p.m.) Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy a free music on a summer’s evening. For more information about the Alton Municipal Band, search for “Alton Municipal Band” on Facebook, or visit the band’s website at www.cityofaltonil.gov.

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker led an effort with governors from 16 states calling upon Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to release approximately $6.8 billion that the Trump Administration is withholding from schools and students across America, including in Illinois. Governors from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Maine, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin all signed onto the letter, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of the withholding. In a new letter, the governors detailed the impact of these missed payments across the nation’s education system and urged the Department to follow the law and fulfill their basic obligation to distribute funding appropriated by Congress. “The Trump administration is not only openly flouting the law, they are abandoning their responsibility to our students,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This unprecedented and irresponsible

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) yesterday met with leaders and members from the Illinois Corn Growers and the Illinois Soybean Producers to discuss their shared priorities to grow Illinois’s agriculture industry and support our farmers. Duckworth and the members discussed the importance of supporting our family farmers by expanding the biofuels market, increasing agricultural exports and improving farm safety net programs as Donald Trump continues to threaten critical federal agricultural programs. Photos from yesterday’s meeting with the Illinois Corn Growers can be found on the Senator’s website . Photos from yesterday’s meeting with the Illinois Soybean Producers can be found on the Senator’s website . “America has always depended on our nation’s farmers to grow the food and fuel we need, and I’m proud to advocate for them on both the national and international stage,” Duckworth said. “The

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) voted against Republican spending cuts that would cancel $9 billion in federal funding that supports foreign assistance and public news stations that millions of Americans depend on. Senate Republicans passed the rescissions package by a vote of 51-48. “Whether it’s his illegal funding freeze or empowering unelected bureaucrats to take a chainsaw to basic needs programs, Donald Trump has been on a mission to cut critical government services and lifelines that millions depend on from day one. “Not only does this rescission package make DOGE and other cuts permanent, it puts everything—from our national security to global health and public radio and television stations—on the chopping block. Public broadcasting is critically important for Illinoisans across our state, especially in our rural communities, it’s a lifeline of information and engagement. Cutting funding isn’t a cost-saving

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GODFREY - Centerstone will host their annual Life;Story 5K to raise money for suicide prevention. On Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, community members can enjoy the 5K and program in Marion, Illinois, or check out the satellite race at Glazebrook Park in Godfrey. The goal, explained organizer Erin Camfield, is to raise awareness, money and hope. “There’s more to your life. There’s more to your story,” Camfield said. “This is what we consider one of our signature events, which really embraces our mission of delivering care that changes people’s lives and the work that we do, especially around suicide prevention.” At the Marion event, attendees can enjoy a health and wellness expo and will hear from Centerstone CEO Anne Tyree and Alton-based artist Charles Mooneyham , a suicide attempt survivor. These speakers will be streamed so those at the Godfrey satellite location can listen in. While Centerstone has sponsored a Life;Story event in

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EDWARDSVILLE – As part of an ongoing safety effort, the Edwardsville Police Department will conduct a weekend enforcement initiative along North Main Street aimed at risky or unlawful behaviors, including speeding, cellphone use while driving, failure to yield to pedestrians and jaywalking. The initiative is aimed at making the roads safer for everyone, and is part of a three-pronged approach: awareness, education and enforcement. The targeted enforcement efforts will be carried out on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 18-20. North Main Street in downtown Edwardsville was identified as one of the more active roads for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians, with numerous crosswalks and intersections, plus events that typically attract crowds. “Whether on foot or in a vehicle, everyone needs to be aware of and follow the rules of the road. Safety is a shared responsibility, and drivers, pedestrians and cyclists may be subject to citations for not following traffic laws,”

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Did you know that spending just two hours in natural settings like beaches or lakes can significantly reduce stress and improve mental clarity? Yet, many overlook the simplicity and benefits of a spontaneous day trip to these serene environments. Whether you crave the rhythmic crashing of waves or the tranquil stillness of a lake, planning a day trip to a nearby water body can rejuvenate your mind and body. Here's how to make the most of your excursion with thoughtful preparation and practical insights. Selecting the Perfect Destination Before packing your bag, the first step is identifying the ideal beach or lake that fits your interests, travel time, and amenities. Consider factors such as distance, accessibility, crowd levels, and available facilities. Distance and Travel Time: Aim for destinations within a 1-2 hour drive to maximize your time outdoors rather than in transit. For example, if you live near Chicago, a trip to Lake Michigan’s beach areas like Indiana Dunes

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July 17th has witnessed some of the most pivotal moments in global history, spanning scientific triumphs, political transformations, and cultural milestones. Going back, July 17th marks a transformative moment in the political landscape of Europe. On July 17, 1918, during the Russian Civil War, the Romanov family, including the last Tsar Nicholas II, were executed by Bolshevik forces in Yekaterinburg. This brutal act ended centuries of Romanov rule and paved the way for the establishment of the Soviet Union. The event remains a poignant symbol of revolutionary change and the profound upheaval of early 20th-century Russia. In the realm of technology and communication, July 17, 1990, saw the birth of the World Wide Web when Tim Berners-Lee published the first web page. This breakthrough laid the foundation for the internet as we know it, revolutionizing how people connect, share information, and conduct business globally. Berners-Lee’s innovation has had an immeasurable impact

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BELLEVILLE, Ill. — Two women were shot during an altercation Wednesday evening at a McDonald’s restaurant in Belleville, according to police. The shooting occurred shortly before 5 p.m. at the McDonald’s located in the 100 block of South Belt East. One of the victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital. The condition of the second victim is unknown, but she was taken to a St Louis hospital. A female employee of the restaurant is currently in custody as authorities continue their investigation.

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GRANITE CITY – Two people from Granite City face felony charges in separate cases of illegal weapon possession and vehicular burglary. Martez D. Moss, 19, of Granite City, was charged on July 8, 2025 with two counts of aggravated unlawful possession of weapons (both Class 4 felonies) and a Class A misdemeanor count of driving on a suspended license. On June 7, 2025, Moss allegedly carried a tan FN Five-Seven 5.7 caliber pistol in his vehicle, which was uncased, loaded, and immediately accessible at the time of the offense. His possession of the weapon was unlawful as he was under 21 years of age and had no valid Fireram owner’s Identification (FOID) card or Concealed Carry License (CCL). Moss was additionally accused of driving on I-255 in Madison County while his driver’s license had been suspended. The Illinois State Police presented the case against Moss, who was granted pretrial release from custody. Another Granite City resident was charged in a separate

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