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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 20 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in support of a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for unlawfully terminating the Environmental and Climate Justice Block Grant Program. In their brief , Raoul and the coalition explain that the EPA’s mass cancelation of the environmental and climate justice grant program violates clear congressional mandates and fundamental constitutional principles. “The EPA’s congressionally mandated grants are essential to communities that face overlapping environmental and public health crises. Residents of these often rural or low-income communities deserve equal environmental justice, regardless of geographic location or family income,” Raoul said. “I will continue to stand with my fellow attorneys general to fight for critical funding that continues to be unlawfully withheld from those who need it most.” The gran

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Citizens for Modern Transit, AARP in St. Louis and the St. Clair County Transit District have selected MetroBus Stop #13101 – located in the retail corridor of East St. Louis in front of Walgreens at 2510 State Street – for its next Transit Stop Transformation Project. The stop is served by MetroBus #1 – State and Main and MetroBus #8 – Alta Sita, which connects 47% of all transit riders in St. Clair County to shopping destinations, places of employments, four Metro Transit Centers and other destinations. The site will be transformed into a colorful, user-friendly space that cultivates community, promotes safety and further increases ridership. Transit riders, area residents, elected officials and other stakeholders are encouraged to weigh in on the types of enhancements they would like to see at the site by completing a short online survey at www.cmt-stl.org by August 30, 2025. Public input will play a key role in the development o

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What if the next great literary conversation took place under an open sky rather than within four walls? Hosting a book club meeting outdoors can transform the typical gathering into a memorable experience, blending the joy of reading with fresh air, natural light, and a relaxed atmosphere. But creating the perfect outdoor book club requires thoughtful planning to ensure comfort, engagement, and a seamless conversation flow. Choosing the Perfect Outdoor Venue Selecting the right location is the foundation of a successful outdoor book club meeting. Consider spaces that offer both aesthetic appeal and functional convenience. Parks and Public Gardens: These spaces often provide picnic tables, benches, and ample shade. For example, a local botanical garden can infuse the meeting with tranquil surroundings that stimulate thoughtful discussion. Backyards or Private Gardens: Hosting at a member’s home allows for greater control over amenities such as seating arrangements, lighting,

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July 9 has been a day of remarkable events across the globe, marking significant turning points in history, culture, and science. Moving back in time, July 9 witnessed the birth of the United States' first capital. In 1790, the Residence Act was signed, which established Washington, D.C., as the nation’s capital. The significance of this decision cannot be overstated, as it laid the foundation for the political center of the United States, a city designed specifically to serve as a symbol of democracy and federal governance. In the realm of science and exploration, July 9 has its own share of milestones. On this day in 1962, Telstar 1, the world's first active communications satellite, was launched into orbit. This breakthrough ushered in a new era of global telecommunications, enabling live broadcasts and data transmissions across continents—a precursor to the interconnected world we experience today. July 9 has also been marked by significant cultural moments. For instance

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ALTON - Following a July 4, 2025, shooting that left a 17-year-old dead , community members gathered at the Alton Housing Authority for a protest. On July 7, 2025, protest organizers called for increased policing and a gate around Alton Housing Authority properties. The shooting on July 4, 2025, claimed the life of a 17-year-old girl whose name has not been released, though those at the protest described her as “a shining star.” “We lost a shining star, a beautiful young lady, well-mannered, focused, and it's a shame,” said Donald Mason El. Mason El is the founder of the 100 Man Movement Crime Prevention Initiative and the F.L.Y. Mentorship Program. The 17-year-old victim was a mentee, and he said she acted as “a big sister” to many of the other young girls in the program. Lee Barham, who organized the July 7 protest, stressed the importance of accountability. He emphasized that elected and appointed officials must be held accountable,

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GLEN CARBON – Glen Carbon trustees on Tuesday unanimously approved more than $200,000 for improvements to a major intersection in the village. The project will consist of widening Illinois Route 159 to the east and Glen Carbon Road to the south to establish a northbound and an eastbound right-turn lane at the intersection of Route 159, Glen Carbon Road, and Cottonwood Road. The improved area will cover an approximate length of 0.19 miles, according to the village’s Resolution for Improvement Under the Illinois Highway Code. The Village Board has allocated $209,627 for the project, which will be paid using Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds. Mayor Bob Marcus asked if the village had more MFT funds available, which was confirmed. Public Works Director Scott Slemer explained at Tuesday’s meeting that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) asked the village to adopt a resolution authorizing the use of MFT funds for the project, which trustees did shortly afterwards.

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HIGHLAND - The Highland Police Department is investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred Sunday, July 6, 2025, at approximately 12:40 p.m. on Veterans Honor Parkway at Michael Road. Officers responding to the scene found that two vehicles were involved in the collision. The Highland Fire Department and EMS personnel from multiple agencies were called to provide care and treatment to the victims. One individual was later pronounced deceased. Authorities are withholding the victim’s identity out of respect for the family. The police department is working with the Metroeast Crash Assistance Team to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash. The investigation remains ongoing. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic incident,” the Highland Police Department said in a statement. Officials are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has information to contact the department at 618-654-2131, extension 1.

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JACKSONVILLE — State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) is pleased to announce the first winning entry in his 100th District Photo Contest. The winning photograph was captured by Theresa Crouch of Brighton and will be proudly displayed in Rep. Davidsmeyer’s Springfield office at the Illinois State Capitol. The contest invited residents from across the 100th District to submit photographs that reflect the character and charm of the region. Submissions included images of local landmarks, scenic views, and vibrant community life, all showcasing the diverse beauty of the district. The photo, which beautifully captures the morning fog settling over the landing in Grafton, Illinois, was selected from dozens of entries submitted by talented residents across the district. The contest invited constituents to showcase the landscapes, people, and communities that make the 100th District unique. “This photo truly represents the heart of our district,”

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY — The Illinois State Police announced the results of a month-long Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement operation targeting underage alcohol sales in St. Clair County. Conducted in June 2025, the surveillance aimed to identify businesses selling alcoholic beverages to minors and enforce underage drinking laws to reduce impaired driving incidents. Illinois State Police Zone 6 Commander Jamie Brunnworth revealed that 13 establishments were found to have sold alcohol to individuals under the age of 21. Employees cited for unlawful delivery of alcoholic liquor to a minor, a Class A misdemeanor, included Autumn M. Marish, 28, of Mascoutah at Scooter’s; Octaviano Jeronimo Mariscal, 27, of New Baden at Camino Real Mexican Cuisine; and Margarete A. Hund, 64, of Mascoutah at The Vault. Other employees cited were Jameel D. Johnson, 22, of East St. Louis at Green Mount Moto Mart; Margarita Reyes, 32, of Columbia at Zapata’s Mexican Restaurant; Tamaziah Hood, 18,

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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has a variety of free databases available for community members to utilize. In a recent interview on “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello , Hayner’s executive director Mary Cordes explained that the databases offer free, verified resources for a variety of professions, studies and more. From studying for the ACT to learning about home repair, Hayner’s databases have a lot of information available. “We have a ton of databases. I’m always trying to promote them because I feel like they’re one of the most valuable things we have in our collection that people just don’t know about,” Cordes said. “They’re not super glamorous, but they’re super helpful.” All of these databases can be accessed with your Hayner Library library card. You can access them at home or come to the library and use the computers there. Cordes pointed to Learning Express , an onlin

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JERSEYVILLE - Brogan Kanallakan is displaying talent at both the plate and in his first base role this summer. Joe Kallal, one of the summer coaches for Jerseyville's American Legion teams, sees great potential in the rising junior for Jersey Community High School. Brogan is a Sparklight Male Athlete of the Month. Brogan's older brother, Drake, was an outstanding athlete and was a towering 6-foot-6 player. He played at Jersey Community High School under Coach Darren Perdun and went 6-1 his senior year with a 2.19 ERA. He pitched at Rockhurst and also had success from 2017-2021. Brogan is following in the footsteps of Drake and has the physique and also athletic talent to be a great baseball player, Coach Kallal said. "He will be a junior this year," Coach Kallal said. "He has a lot of baseball potential." Brogan is also an honor student at JCHS.

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CARLINVILLE - Blackburn College has announced its Dean’s List for the Spring 2025 semester. Students named to the Dean’s List must earn a grade point average of 3.6 or higher for the semester. Area students include: HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME Alton, IL Justin Atkinson Brighton, IL Cassidy Gaither Erika Pfitzner Carrollton, IL Diana Varble Godfrey, IL Ashley Richardson Megan Van Deusen Granite City, IL Bryan Chrisos Ashley Schardan Emalee Shubert Jerseyville, IL Clayton Brunaugh Abigail Droege Caroline Gibson Shelby Koenig

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ALTON — Authorities arrested Joshua L. Glen-Colley, 18, of Alton on Monday, July 7, 2025, in connection with the July 4, 2025, homicide of 17-year-old Shabrya L. Hudson, who was fatally shot inside her home in the 900 block of Oakwood Avenue. Detectives from the Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division took Glen-Colley into custody at approximately 11:30 p.m. Monday in the 600 block of Stowell Street without incident. The arrest came following a day of intensive investigation and interviews with individuals connected to the suspect. Glen-Colley faces multiple charges filed earlier Monday by Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine, including two counts of first-degree murder, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and aggravated unlawful possession of weapons. Also charged in relation to the incident is Morgan E. Booth, 23, of Alton, who was taken into custody Monday and charged with obstructing justice. She was subsequently released in accordance wit

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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has a busy summer ahead. Executive Director Mary Cordes expressed her excitement to offer all the great activities, programs and more fun that the library has planned through July and August. She encourages people to come out and enjoy all the free events. “We’ve got a lot of people who are using us and just doing a lot of different things,” she said. “What I love about our staff is, it’s like, you know what, let’s just try it. Just try something new, and if it works, great, and if it doesn't, we’ll try something else different. We’ve come up with some good programs that way.” At 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Hayner Library’s Alton Square Mall location, community members are invited to the bimonthly X’s and Sews: A Crafting Program event. Cordes said this “perennially popular” event allows crafters to work on their projects while chatting with

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ALTON – Organizers for the 4th annual OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center Back-to-School Celebration on Saturday, August 2, 10:00 a.m. – Noon, are expecting a crowd of at least 800 for this year’s event at Alton Square Mall. Why? Because that’s how many attended last year’s Back to School event which was also held at Alton Square Mall. This year’s Back-to-School Celebration, sponsored exclusively by Dwight and Cheryl Werts, and Werts Welding & Tank Service, Inc., will distribute school supplies including (but not limited to) paper, pens, pencils, and crayons to the first 500 kids ages 4 to 12 – last year’s event provided school supplies for 500 students. Admission is FREE and the event is open to the public. A pizza lunch complete with chips, cookies, and bottled water will be available while supplies last. “The impact and popularity of this event is best demonstrated in that we’ve seen attendance increase

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ST. LOUIS - The American Red Cross of Greater St. Louis together with BJC HealthCare urges people to give blood as an act of kindness to those who need it most. Donors of all blood types, especially those with type O blood, are needed every day to maintain an adequate blood supply for patients in need. Once a donor has made the commitment to give blood, it is important to take a few simple steps to prepare and help ensure a good donation experience. Get a good night’s sleep, drink an extra 16 ounces of water, eat iron-rich foods to maintain a healthy iron level and consume a low-fat meal before donating. The community is invited to help save lives by donating blood on the dates and times listed below. Those who present to donate will receive a custom BJC HealthCare x Red Cross T-shirt. Friday, July 11, 2025 · Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital-Medical Office Building #1: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. · Progress West Hospital-Conference Room B: 11

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O’FALLON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that lane closures will be in place on both directions of Interstate 64 between Illinois 159 and one mile east of West Highway 50 in St. Clair County beginning, weather permitting, Monday, July 14. Traffic will be reduced to two lanes in each direction. The closures mark the start of a multi-phase improvement project along the I-64 corridor from Illinois 157 to one mile east of West Highway 50. The $76.87 million project consists of milling and pavement resurfacing and various overhead bridge repairs. Work will be broken down into the following phases: Phase 1 : Resurfacing I-64 in both directions between Illinois 159 and one mile east of West Highway 50. This work is expected to be completed in late fall 2025. Phase 2 : Repairs to various overhead bridges within the project limits. Work is expected to begin in fall 2025 and be completed by summer 2026. Phase 3 : Resurfacing I-64 in

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BELLEVILLE - Doula Lab will offer a baby supplies giveaway and back-to-school event. Located in Belleville, Doula Lab is a pregnancy resource center that offers education and support for pregnant people, postpartum care, and family resources. As they prepare to move to a new location, they will offer a baby supplies giveaway from 3–6 p.m. on July 10 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 12, 2025, at their current spot at 6400 West Main Street Suite 1D in Belleville, followed by a back-to-school kickoff and community baby shower on Aug. 9, 2025, at Belleville West High School. “We want to make it an all-in-one-stop-shop,” said executive director Charity Bean. “When we put these events on, we’re thinking of the entire family dynamic as well as what all resources do people actually need. We wanted to make sure we not only get fun for the entire family experience, but also people leave feeling like the entire dynamic has been served.” The baby supplies

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GODFREY — The highly anticipated Midwest Best of Black Awards Gala returns for its third year on Saturday, July 19, 2025 , at the elegant Lewis & Clark Trimpe Bldg . Known as one of the Midwest’s premier Black excellence celebrations, this black-tie gala will spotlight exceptional entrepreneurs, leaders, and community builders who are making an undeniable impact across the region hosted by K Miller Foundation. This year’s theme: "Legacy in Motion" speaks to the power of honoring the past while building the future through collaboration, innovation, and visibility. The 2025 Gala Highlights Include: · Dynamic Panel Discussion During Dinner Featuring an inspiring lineup of speakers: o LaTonya AnNoor – Executive Business Marketing Strategist & Founder of “Level Up with LaTonya” o Deletra Hudson – The Financial Guru, CEO of Deletra Hudson LLC & Founder of Lipstick and Legacies o Porscha Anderson – Business

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ALTON – Two Alton residents accused of recklessly discharging firearms face felony charges in separate cases. Jashawn B. McLemore, 19, of Alton, was charged on July 1, 2025 with reckless discharge of a firearm and aggravated unlawful possession of weapons (both Class 4 felonies). McLemore allegedly fired a weapon in a reckless manner near the 3300 block of Belle Street in Alton, endangering the bodily safety of nearby residents. His possession of the weapon was unlawful as he had no valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card or Concealed Carry License (CCL) at the time of the offense. The state’s petition to deny McLemore’s pretrial release from custody states officers were dispatched to a report of shots fired on Belle Street, where “26 shell casings were collected from the area.” Two nearby witnesses then gave authorities their accounts after seeing McLemore firing a weapon outdoors. “Officers spoke with a witness who advised she

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