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EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt announced 13 libraries across St. Clair and Madison counties are set to receive a combined total of over $400,000 for library services and programming. Belleville Public Library will receive $62,546 and East St. Louis Public Library $127,530. “Libraries are essential learning environments where children and students can explore, grow and thrive,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Investing in libraries means investing in the next generation, giving them the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.” Through the Illinois Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants program, 639 public libraries statewide received nearly $18 million in grants. Libraries may use the funds to support resources and services for their communities, including books, e-books, online resources and internet access, personnel, public programming and capital expenditures. Thirteen libraries

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GRAFTON - The Kurt Allen Band will travel to Grafton for a show at Hawg Pit BBQ this weekend. From 2–6 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2025, the band will pause their cross-country travels for a show in Grafton. Kurt Allen himself shared that he looks forward to exploring Grafton and sharing their “Rockin’ the Blues Across America” tour with the Riverbend region. “We’re going to go all different directions,” Allen said. “We’re going to give you some soul, we’re going to give you some funk, we’re going to give you some hard rock, we’re going to give you some blues and everything in between. My thing has always been, I kind of want to groove first. Got to be a little funky. It’s got to have groove to it, you know?” Allen expressed his excitement to visit Grafton and experience the town. He noted that he has played in St. Louis before but has never spent much time in Grafton or the Riverbend region.

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MORO – An East Alton woman faces felony charges in connection to two alleged burglaries in Moro. Joanne M. Hibbs, 37, of East Alton, was charged on July 1, 2025 with two count of burglary, both Class 2 felonies. On May 5, 2025, Hibbs allegedly entered a residence in Moro without authority and with the intent to commit a theft. Just over a week later on May 16, Hibbs allegedly entered the same Moro residence without authority, intending to commit another theft. The case against Hibbs was presented by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and she was granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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ALTON - A candlelight vigil invites the community to come together against gun violence. At 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2025, community members can come out to the 800 block of Oakwood Estates for the second annual Gun Violence Awareness Event. Organized by Patricia Brown and Alton United, the event aims to start conversations about gun violence and offer healing to the community. “What people can expect is for people in the community, all different races of people, coming together to love on each other, to interact with one another, to just love and heal each other and educate one another about gun violence,” Brown said. “That’s what we can expect on that night: compassion, encouragement, hope and unity. Unity is the number one thing we’re hoping for.” June is Gun Violence Awareness Month, which is what encouraged Brown to organize the event last year. The event will include a candlelight vigil to honor those who have been lost to gun violence

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What if you could satisfy your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen or waiting for an oven to cool? The idea that desserts require long preparation or complicated techniques is a pervasive myth. In reality, many delicious, refreshing desserts can be assembled in less than half an hour, using simple ingredients and minimal equipment. This article explores several easy-to-make summer desserts that deliver on taste, presentation, and speed, proving that indulgence doesn’t have to be time-consuming. No-Bake Fruit Parfaits: Layers of Flavor in Minutes Fruit parfaits are a go-to dessert for quick preparation and customization. The beauty of parfaits lies in layering textures and flavors—creamy yogurt, crunchy granola, and fresh fruit—into a visually appealing treat. Example: A classic summer parfait might include Greek yogurt, honey, mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries), and a sprinkle of toasted almonds or granola. Simply layer the ingredient

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July 11 has been a day marked by pivotal moments that have shaped the course of history across the globe. We begin our journey in the early 20th century, a time when the world was on the cusp of incredible technological progress. On July 11, 1928, the first scheduled passenger airline flight took off in the United States. This pioneering event marked the beginning of commercial aviation as we know it today. The flight was operated by the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line, flying from St. Petersburg to Tampa, Florida. This short journey heralded a new era of transportation, shrinking distances and connecting people in ways previously unimaginable. Moving forward to the political landscape, July 11 has witnessed several key developments. In 1804, a pivotal duel occurred between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, two influential American statesmen. The duel, which took place in Weehawken, New Jersey, resulted in the mortal wounding of Hamilton, who was a former Secretary of the Treasury

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SPRINGFIELD - As Illinois marks Lottery Week from July 14 to 18 and approaches National Lottery Day on July 17, the Illinois Lottery has released notable statistics from fiscal year 2025, highlighting significant winnings and contributions to state programs. Between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, 38 Illinois residents became millionaires by winning $1 million or more. Overall, players claimed a total of $2.6 billion in prizes during this period. Retail partners also benefited, earning an estimated $172 million in commissions and bonuses. A substantial portion of lottery proceeds, approximately 99%, was allocated to the Common School Fund, which supports K-12 education funding across Illinois. Additionally, specialty scratch tickets generated funds for various charitable causes, including The United Negro College Fund, Alzheimer’s and breast cancer research, homelessness prevention, HIV/AIDS support services, Special Olympics Illinois, veterans’ assistance, and multiple

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GODREY - Charles Joseph Schildroth, 83, known affectionately as “the Gator Guy,” left a legacy devoting his life to the Village of Godfrey baseball programs, the Parks and Rec department, and as a devoted family man. Charlie died on July 8, 2025, in St. Louis. The Village of Godfrey Parks and Recreation Department had comments about Charlie in a post on Thursday, July 10, 2025. "It’s with a heavy heart that we share the passing of Charlie Schildroth, someone who meant so much to our Parks and Recreation family. Charlie wasn’t just an employee —he was the heartbeat of the baseball diamonds. He poured his heart into the work, showing up day after day with unmatched dedication and care. To him, the ballfields weren’t just a job — they were his second home. "More than that, Charlie was one of the kindest souls you could meet. He had a way of making everyone feel welcome, whether you were a longtime friend or a stranger just passing by. His

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EVANSVILLE, IN – Hartford Bakery, Inc. is voluntarily recalling six lots of its “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” as this product may contain undeclared hazelnuts. People with a nut allergy or severe sensitivity to hazelnuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products. Out of an abundance of caution, Hartford Bakery, Inc. is removing all units of product included in the six effected lot codes noted below. Hartford Bakery, Inc has determined that no other lot codes were affected. The recalled “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” products were distributed in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, and Mississippi retailers, including Kroger and Walmart. The product comes in a flexible plastic bag marked with the following information: Lot code T10 174010206, T10 174010306, T10 174010406, T10 174020206, T10 174020306, T10 174020406

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EDWARDSVILLE – Seven total Riverbend residents were charged with stolen vehicle offenses from July 1 to 3, 2025. Three individuals were charged on July 3, 2025 with offenses related to motor vehicles, each Class 2 felonies: Mariah C. Moore, 27, of Alton Rosemarie A. Baker, 29, of Alton Gary J. Mauer, 46, listed as homeless out of Alton Moore and Baker allegedly possessed the same 2021 Jiangsu Baodiao moped on June 2, 2025 which they knew had been stolen. Mauser is accused of knowingly possessing a stolen carry-on trailer with a fold-down gate on April 15, 2025. All three of these cases were presented by the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force. Another two individuals were charged with similar offenses the day prior on July 2, 2025. Tess R. Young, 36, of Vandalia, Mo., was charged with offenses related to motor vehicles, a Class 2 felony. On June 18, 2025, Young reportedly knowingly possessed a stolen 16-foot 2023 General Motors box truck with an Indiana registration

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ALTON - Dustin Terry won last year’s Alton Midwest Nationals F1 Powerboat Championship, and he’s returning this year with the goal to do it twice. The championship is scheduled for July 18–20, 2025, with events and races throughout the weekend that spectators can enjoy from Riverfront Park. Terry races across the country. He noted that Alton was a great experience and he looks forward to returning to the city. “It ended up being a really, really challenging race, but a fun one,” he remembered. “Alton was my little lucky place. So I’m hoping to come back and repeat.” Terry grew up watching powerboat races with his father. Now, his own 14-year-old son will also be competing in the Alton Midwest Nationals F1 Powerboat Championship alongside him. He is eager to share the experience with his son and take him around town to see all the exciting things that Alton has to offer. “Alton was a huge highlight for me. There’s

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JERSEYVILLE — A two-car collision at the intersection of Illinois Route 109 and Hagan Road in Jersey County caused extensive damage to both vehicles on Thursday morning, July 10, 2025. Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns reported that the vehicles were driven by an elderly male and an elderly female. Despite the severity of the damage, Manns confirmed that there were no serious injuries resulting from the crash. The cause of the collision remains under investigation. Authorities have not released additional details about the incident.

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) , the state’s college access and financial aid agency, is pleased to host the 15th annual College Changes Everything® (CCE) Conference on Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Tinley Park Convention Center. The State's preeminent college access and career readiness event, sponsored by ISAC and statewide partners, brings together a diverse audience from across Illinois and beyond to focus on educational opportunity and student success. This year’s conference theme will focus on building community and inspiring hope. In these uncertain times, hope is a critical anchor enabling people to navigate challenges with resilience and purpose and with a sense of belonging and community. “Our students are part of the fabric of our communities, and they are our future,” said ISAC Executive Director Eric Zarnikow . “When schools, families, community organizations, neighbors,

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ALTON – A “repeat felony offender” found hiding in the attic of an Alton home faces new felonies for illegal weapon possession. Shaquille R. Kirkendoll, 32, of Alton, was charged on June 30, 2025 with one count each of possession of a firearm by a repeat felony offender (a Class X felony), felony in possession of a weapon (both Class 2 felonies). On June 26, 2025, Kirkendoll allegedly unlawfully possessed a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm pistol and a Taurus G3C pistol, as well as multiple rounds of 9mm, .380, and .45 caliber ammunition. Kirkendoll’s possession of the weapons and ammo was illegal given his prior convictions of first degree robbery in St. Louis City Circuit Court from 2011 and felon in possession of a firearm in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri in 2021. He was also on parole or mandatory supervised release at the time of these latest offenses. According to the state’s petition to deny his pretrial release from custody,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Renowned area artist Rocky Pardo is back with mixed metal fine art jewelry entries in the upcoming Edwardsville Art Fair set for Sept. 25-28, 2025, at Edwardsville City Park. Artist #1 Artist Name: Rocky Pardo Medium: Jewelry Artist Statement: "I create mixed metal fine art jewelry with an emphasis on silver, gold, and the creation of my own precious metal alloys. I use a variety of techniques including hand fabrication, forming, alloying, reticulation, soldering, and stone setting to manipulate metal into miniature wearable skyscapes. "I put a high priority on ethically-sourced metals and gemstones, often recycling and reusing my own metal. I hand-select various precious and semi-precious gemstones to create and emphasize balance in my pieces. "My designs are driven by the desire to strike a balance between the rough and refined, creating effortlessly elegant pieces that are comfortable and easy to wear. I enjoy mixing metals with age-old techniques

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BELLEVILLE - Belleville East High School students earned recognition at the recent Art on the Square event in Belleville, with six of the school's 56 participating artists winning awards out of 250 total entries. Belleville East's Aubrey Heins, a rising senior, distinguished herself by receiving six awards for her colored pencil drawing titled "Hope Persists." Heins captured the following honors at the Art On The Square event: Art on the Square Award of Excellence. Art on the Square Artist’s Choice Award. Art on the Square Founders Award. Art on the Square People’s Choice Award. Jane Pusa Memorial Award. Gateway East Artists Guild Award. The event, which drew over 100 artists, the Art on the Square committee, and approximately 4,000 visitors, featured 40 awards in total. Belleville East secured 11 of those honors. Belleville East's school community expressed pride in all the participating artists for their dedication to creating impactful artwork. Additionally,

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QEM "Big Red Day" on July 11th We're celebrating our First Responders with "Big Red Day" from 6:00 - 9:00 pm. Be One of the First 200 Kids to Receive a Firefighter Fun Helmet! Bring the whole family and join us for fun and excitement! Get creative with our coloring activities Climb aboard real fire engines and snap photos with our incredible professional firefighters Enjoy up-close experiences with fire trucks DJ and so much more! Think you have what it takes to win? Enter our very first QEM Inaugural Cornhole Tournament for your chance to take home the trophy and a $500 cash prize. Proceeds from the night event will benefit the QEM Fire Protection District. Firework Fridays & Family Fun Nights on July 11th Experience Family Fun Night on July 11th from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. with a spectacular fireworks show! You can play all day and night with a Season Pass or a full day admission ticket. The evening admission at 6 pm is $24.99. Sensory Sundays at Raging Rivers o

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ST. LOUIS – Today, Mayor Cara Spencer announced a plan to invest $19.2 million in the next phase of recovery from the May 16 tornado. She also announced a new contract to scale up the City’s debris removal efforts. This plan is for $19.2 million, including $18 million in allocated Rams funds and $1.2 million in Community Development Block Grant funds. Those funds will support efforts in the following areas. $2.5 million for resource hubs needs such as meals and supplies, including coolers, port-a-potties, dumpsters, and more. $2.2 million for unmet needs such as storage of personal belongings, rental assistance, and non-congregate temporary housing. $5 million for home repairs for uninsured and underinsured. $3.5 million for case management, mental health, and legal services. $1 million to provide cooling through water stations and water sprinklers. Up to $5 million for non-profit support, including for resource hub and distribution staffing. “The

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ALTON - On July 10, 1925, Winkler Tire Service filling station opened at Seventh and Belle Streets in Alton, complete with a bear cage. “Winkler said that he noticed long ago when autos came up to get gas the process was tiresome to the children.” His solution was to build a bear cage and place two real live bear cubs in it. There was a water feature for them to play in and trees to climb. A smaller section of the cage also contained squirrels. In addition to the animal entertainment, Winkler had a big balloon floating over the lot for the opening and 2,000 small balloons to hand out to children. “The bears were the main attraction, especially for the children, but many of the elders went through the fire proof building.” The new filling station was fireproof, with concrete floors, brick walls and metal lath construction. The station also had a ladies’ restroom and a men’s restroom, a telephone for use by the public, a Western Union clock, and

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JERSEYVILLE - Ashlen Scott has been named the 2025 Miss Jersey County Fair Queen. Scott is the daughter of Robert and Marian Scott. She was sponsored by Allen’s Greenhouse and Garden Supply. She expressed her gratitude for a fun pageant and her excitement to represent Jersey County. “I’m just so honored and proud of myself,” Scott said. “It really feels like all the work that I put in definitely paid off.” In addition to being named Miss Jersey County Fair Queen, Scott was honored with the People’s Choice Award and the Crew Award. She was also named Miss Congeniality. Looking forward, she plans to attend Lewis and Clark Community College to study Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and then attend Lincoln Land Community College for Agribusiness. Scott is excited to share Jersey County with the rest of the state by representing the county at upcoming parades and events. She also looks forward to spending time with Little Miss Jersey Count

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