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SPRINGFIELD - Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to announce the inaugural Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Program awards totaling $5 million to 16 grantees across the state. This funding will allow fire departments or fire protection districts to repair, upgrade, or construct new fire stations. “I am proud to be celebrating inaugural Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Program awards, a crucial lifeline for fire departments across the state – particularly those in rural areas – to upgrade their facilities and equipment,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our firefighters put their lives on the line every single day, and these investments can make all the difference in keeping our communities safe and protected.” “This was the inaugural year of the grant program, established as part of the OSFM’s ongoing commitment to assist the Illinois Fire Service in identifying

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 20 states, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its attempt to illegally shut down the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) bipartisan Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, designed to protect communities from natural disasters before they strike. For the past 30 years, the BRIC program has provided communities across the nation with resources to fortify their infrastructure against natural disasters. By focusing on preparation, the program has protected property, saved money that would have otherwise been spent on post-disaster costs, reduced injuries and saved lives. “We can look to the many recent natural disasters, such as the devastating California wildfires in January and the tragic flooding that occurred in Texas earlier this month, and witness the heartbreaking destruction and loss of life these events can cause,” Raoul said. “We

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Sylvia Jenkins as the new Chair of the Board by Governor J.B. Pritzker. Dr. Jenkins becomes the first woman to serve as board chair, succeeding Dr. Lazaro Lopez, who completed his term as Chair on June 30. A long-standing champion of student success, workforce development, and institutional excellence, Dr. Jenkins brings decades of leadership experience to her new role. She served as President of Moraine Valley Community College from 2012 until her retirement in 2023, when she was honored with the title of President Emeritus. Her appointment as Chair marks a continued commitment to advancing Illinois’ community college system with a student-centered and equity-driven approach. She has served as a member of the Illinois Community College Board since 2022. “Dr. Jenkins is a proven leader with a deep commitment to student success and equity. Her experience and steady

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ALTON — Human remains found in a wooded area near 7th and Market Street in Alton, Illinois, have been identified as Angela M. Coyle, a 50-year-old unhoused white female, Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich announced Wednesday, July 16, 2025. The remains were discovered on July 13, 2025. Senior Investigator Kelsey Jones and Ashley Reed responded to the scene and pronounced Coyle deceased at 2:40 p.m. that day. The Office of the Coroner was notified immediately following the discovery. The investigation involved coordination with the Alton Police Department Criminal Investigations Division, Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit, and the St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s Office Forensic Anthropologist. The scene was secured until July 14, 2025, when a full-scale recovery of the remains took place. Evidence and personal effects were collected, and radiological comparisons were conducted to confirm the positive identification. The case remains under active investigation

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EDWARDSVILLE – Members of the Edwardsville Moose Lodge donated the proceeds of a highly successful barbecue to local first responders at Tuesday’s City Council meeting. Three checks, each for $2,800, were proudly presented to the Edwardsville Police and Fire Departments, as well as the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Police Department. Leigh Ann Acra, Vice President of Edwardsville Moose Lodge, said one of their members had the idea to host a barbecue to support first responders. The event was a massive success, with bounce houses, 38 vendors, a cornhole tournament, Madison County first responder vehicles, and a large turnout from the community. Plans are already in the works to make the barbecue an annual occasion, with next year’s event set for Sept. 12, 2026. In addition to the trio of $2,800 checks, the lodge also donated three cases of “Tommy Moose” plush toys for each department to give to children in distress. “ W

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that repairs on eastbound and westbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, July 18, 2025. One lane will remain open in each direction. All lanes are expected to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, July 21. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville Police Department reported a recent increase in vehicle break-ins and thefts in the area and urged residents to take precautions to protect their property. The department advised vehicle owners to lock their cars both at home and in public places, especially when parked outside. They emphasized the importance of removing valuables such as purses, keys, firearms, and key fobs from vehicles to reduce the risk of theft. Parking in well-lit, visible areas was also recommended, as was closing garage doors at night or when the vehicle cannot be monitored. The police characterized vehicle break-ins as crimes of opportunity and encouraged the public to make it more difficult for thieves to target their vehicles. “We’re here to help,” the department said, reminding residents to call 911 in emergencies or the non-emergency number at 618-656-2131 for situations requiring less urgent police response.

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CARLINVILLE — On Friday, July 18, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) will convene a roundtable with local stakeholders to address growing concerns about food access in Central and Southern Illinois. The discussion comes in response to recent actions by the Trump administration, including the cancellation of the Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) and Local Food for Schools (LFS) contracts, as well as newly signed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The roundtable will bring together farmers, food banks, and leaders in the food and agriculture sectors to discuss current challenges and identify solutions to expand access to locally grown food and strengthen regional food systems. WHAT: Budzinski to Host Roundtable on Threats to Food Access in Central and Southern Illinois WHO: U.S. Congresswoman Budzinski, Illinois’ 13th District Austin Flamm, Owner of Flamm Orchards John Williams, Illinois Farmers Union/Sola Gratia Melanie Martin,

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GODFREY – A case of identity theft against an elderly victim has yielded felony charges for a Godfrey resident. Cory M. Breuer, 43, of Godfrey, was charged on July 11, 2025 with one count each of aggravated identity theft (a Class 2 felony) and deceptive practices (a Class 4 felony). From April 1, 2024 to May 30, 2024, Breuer allegedly possessed the personal identifying information of a victim who was 60 years of age or older, knowing the information had been stolen or illegally produced. He also possessed two checks made out in the victim’s name, one for $1,200 and the other for $2,500. Breuer was also found in possession of a digital copy of a $750 check made out in another person’s name. He reportedly possessed each of the checks with the intent of accessing the funds of another person, according to charging documents. The East Alton Police Department presented the case against Breuer, who was ordered released from custody. All individuals charged are presumed

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BELLEVILLE — Anz Edmundson, a rising junior at Belleville East High School, had an art piece accepted into the 2025 Annual High School Ceramics Exhibition hosted in May 2025 by the American Museum of Ceramic Art (AMOCA). The exhibition featured 53 students from 32 high schools across 15 states, highlighting emerging ceramic artists from around the country. The AMOCA Exhibition received nearly 500 applications this year, with Edmundson’s work selected among the 53 pieces chosen for inclusion. The selection underscores the artistic talent present at Belleville East High School and places Edmundson among a distinguished group of young artists. The virtual awards ceremony premiered on Saturday, May 17, 2025. The event included a presentation of the entire exhibition, showcasing the diverse range of ceramic works. Funding for the program was provided in part by grants from the Ruth and Joseph C. Reed Foundation for the Arts and the DEW Foundation.

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EDWARDSVILLE – A highly anticipated shared use path in Edwardsville is one step closer to construction after the City Council approved a related agreement on Tuesday. Aldermen unanimously approved a Professional Services Agreement for Preliminary Engineering for the New Poag Road Median and Shared Use Path project. The full project total of $149,695 will be paid out of the Edwardsville Enhancement Fund. Ward 4 Alderman SJ Morrison said residents of his ward have been looking forward to this project as a way to calm traffic and make their neighborhood more bicycle and pedestrian friendly. “This is an exciting project for Ward 4 residents,” Morrison said. “It’s been a priority of mine for a while in an effort to try to calm traffic as people come off of New Poag Road and onto St. Louis Street, but also add some beauty to the entrance and enhance walkability and bikability on St. Louis Street and New Poag Road.” Mayor Art Risavy agreed area residents

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — A 12-year-old child was injured Monday night, July 14, 2025, after a bullet passed through an apartment at Greystone Apartments in Cahokia Heights, police said. The shooting occurred just after 6 p.m. Monday, according to the Cahokia Heights Police Department. The bullet struck the child inside the apartment. The child was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and was reported to be in stable condition as of Tuesday morning. The investigation into the shooting remains active, with authorities pursuing multiple leads and persons of interest, the Cahokia Heights Police said.

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ROXANA — The Roxana Street Department announced it would close Old Edwardsville Road from West Thomas Street south to South Central Avenue at around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, due to heavy rainfall and flooding. The Roxana Police said the closure was effective immediately and will remain in place until the flooding subsides. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes while the road is closed. The Roxana Police Department is monitoring the situation and will provide updates as conditions change.

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ALTON — The public boat launch ramps at Alton Marina have been closed effective July 15, 2025, due to low water levels on Pool 26 of the Upper Mississippi River Basin, marina officials announced on Tuesday. The current river level at Alton Marina is 413 feet above sea level, resulting in approximately four feet of water within the harbor. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ latest forecast, water levels are expected to reach Maximum Drawdown within the next seven days, prompting the closure of the launch ramps to all vessels during this period. Rob Honke, operator and general manager of Alton Marina, said the marina is closely monitoring river conditions and will provide updates as they become available. “Please refer to the USACE forecast data for the most up-to-date information, keeping in mind that conditions may change with rainfall in the upper river basin,” Honke said. Boaters and visitors are encouraged to check Alton Marina’s Facebook

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ST. LOUIS, MO. - It doesn’t matter if you’re a Republican, a Democrat or somewhere in between, you’re sure to enjoy Soulard Art Gallery’s upcoming “Politically Incorrect” show, which opens on Friday, August 8, 2025. St. Louis Mayor Kara Spencer will judge the exhibit at St. Louis’ number one gallery, located at 2028 S. 12th St. “Whether you’re on the left side of the fence, the right side of the fence, or just straddling the middle, we are interested in your artwork and your point of view,” says curator and resident artist, Claudia Ruth Burris. “Make a statement, express a viewpoint, illustrate your side of the story… Whatever your political beliefs, this show is for you.” This show is something different for the Soulard Art Gallery, which exhibits work from artists all over the bi-state region in rotating shows which change every six weeks. “Instead of the typical art subjects featured in our gallery,

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Band continues its summer season with a free concert on Thursday, July 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand in City Park. This week’s performance, titled “A Musical Potpourri,” offers a lively mix of pieces that reflect the range and interests of the band’s musicians. The program features a blend of concert classics and stage favorites, including Holst’s Second Suite in F, the lively Amparito Roca, and Mancini Magic. Broadway medleys from Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music, and Man of La Mancha round out the evening with familiar and beloved melodies. Concessions for the evening will be provided by Glen Ed Pantry, a local nonprofit serving families in Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, and nearby communities. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a relaxed evening of music in the park. Follow the Edwardsville Municipal Band on Facebook and

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ST. LOUIS, Mo. – As St. Louis continues to recover from the May 16th severe storms and tornadoes, two local organizations, Evolution Festival and the United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL), have partnered to provide further relief for those in urgent need. This year, proceeds from all ticket, concession, merchandise and parking sales at Evolution Festival will directly benefit the UWGSL disaster recovery efforts. The funds will be used to help local families and neighbors rebuild in the wake of the devastating storm. Evolution Festival has pledged a minimum, guaranteed donation of $100,000 to UWGSL for this crucial initiative. “Evolution Festival is about more than just music, it’s about community. Coming together to support our neighbors in need is what truly defines us,” said Steve Schankman, Evolution Festival Founder and Executive Producer. “This partnership shows the power of community in action; every ticket, beverage and t-shirt sold

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ALTON - Senior Services Plus, Inc. will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Monday, July 21st, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2603 North Rodgers Avenue in Alton. Blood donations are needed year-round, especially during emergency blood shortages. Right now, hospital demands continue to outpace donations and organizations like the American Red Cross are reaching out for the community’s assistance and are especially calling on those with Type O to donate. As an incentive, the American Red Cross is gifting donors a Fandango Movie Ticket by email (up to $15 ticket price and fees). For more information or to make an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter code ‘SPP’. Walk-ins are also welcome, although appointments are encouraged to help manage donor flow.

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MARYVILLE – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) has teamed up with the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office to host an ICASH event this Thursday at the East Alton Municipal Building. Constituents are encouraged to stop by to check if they are owed unclaimed property and receive assistance filing a claim. ICASH Event Details Who: Senator Erica Harriss; Illinois State Treasurer’s Office When: Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 9AM-12PM Where: East Alton Municipal Building, 119 West Main Street, East Alton, IL 62024 ICASH events help residents across Illinois locate and reclaim unclaimed property. Since 2015, more than $2 billion in assets have been returned to Illinoisans. Unclaimed property can include everything from forgotten bank accounts and uncashed checks to insurance payments, stocks, and even the contents of safe deposit boxes.

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ALTON – Simmons Hanly Conroy , a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, is pleased to announce that the SHC Foundation Golf Tournament had its most successful year ever, raising $40,000 on June 6 to benefit Annie’s Hope and Overnight Warming Locations (OWLs). Each organization received $20,000 from the tournament held at the Spencer T. Olin Golf Course in Alton. Over the last 18 years, the annual event has raised more than $357,000, benefiting area organizations and charities. “We are thrilled that the SHC Foundation Golf Tournament had its biggest fundraising success ever,” said SHC Foundation Director Tamara Jesse. “We want to offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported or participated in the event that enhances the amazing work that Annie’s Hope and Overnight Warming Locations do in our community. We also are grateful to the Spencer T. Olin Golf Course for hosting the tournament

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