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ALTON – Alton officials are set to consider $10,000 in ARPA funds for a 40-day initiative to host six weeks of nonviolent events and programs to curb violence in the city. A resolution appears on the Alton Committee of the Whole agenda for tonight, Sept. 8, 2025, authorizing the disbursement of $10,000 worth of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to the 40 Days of Nonviolence Initiative. The resolution was referred to the committee by Alderwoman Rosetta Brown at the last Alton City Council meeting. According to the group’s mission statement, 40 Days of Nonviolence is “a faith-based and community-driven initiative whose purpose is to deter and ultimately eliminate violence in our communities through education, awareness, and job creation.” Since its founding in 2014, 40 Days has partnered with several state and local organizations to host events and improve recreational facilities, starting in East St. Louis. Among other initiatives, the group facilitated

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College’s Professor of Mathematics Molly Freimuth is the winner of the 2025 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. Each year, Emerson Electric Company sponsors the Excellence in Teaching Awards program to recognize educators in the St. Louis metropolitan area – from kindergarten teachers to college professors – who are examples of excellence in their field. Freimuth feels honored to be recognized for doing something she loves. “I was totally surprised,” she said. “We have so many amazing teachers on this campus, and I feel like mathematics is a subject that is not always considered the most exciting. Our department has been recognized several times before, but I feel so special that it was me this time.” Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Tom Steinmann believes Freimuth is very deserving of the honor. “Molly exemplifies all of the characteristics of an Emerson

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MIDDLEFIELD, OHIO - The Middlefield Original Cheese Co-Op facility in Middlefield, OH is recalling one lot of Sunrise Creamery Dilly Pickle Monterey Jack Cheese with Dill Pickles in 6 oz. and 1.25 lb. packages, one lot of Organic Gouda Cheese in 8 oz. packages, and specific lots of Mozzarella/Provolone Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese, Swiss Cheese, and Monterey Jack Cheese packaged as 5 lb. loaves or 5 lb. shredded bags because of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes , an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. The recalled products were produced on May 30th, 2025 and August 13th, 2025 and distributed in Ohio, Minnesota,

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MOUNT OLIVE — Trey W. Fenton, 34, of Mount Olive, was charged Friday with felony Criminal Trespass to a Residence Fenton allegedly entered a home in Mount Olive without permission on September 4, 2025. The case was presented to the Macoupin County State’s Attorney’s office by the Mount Olive Police Department. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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CHICAGO – As National Grandparents’ Day approaches, Attorney General Kwame Raoul urges consumers to be aware of scams targeting older adults. Raoul is encouraging people to avoid responding to unsolicited phone calls, emails or text messages, and to hang up immediately if they are suspicious about a call. “Scammers often prey on older adults,” Raoul said. “This Grandparents’ Day, as we celebrate all that grandparents and community elders do for our homes, workplaces, and neighborhoods, I also encourage them and their families to be informed and vigilant about avoiding financial fraud and identity theft.” Most scams start with an unsolicited or unexpected contact, try to elicit intense emotions and claim a need for an urgent response. For example, scammers may threaten to revoke a driver’s license unless there is immediate payment to address alleged unpaid tolls. Scammers also might reach out with a supposed one-time offer for

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced an $8.4 million settlement with Clearview Electric Inc. (Clearview Energy) that resolves allegations the alternative retail electric supplier (ARES) engaged in fraudulent, unfair and deceptive business practices to mislead Illinois consumers into paying millions of dollars more for electricity than consumers who stayed with their default public utility. The settlement will provide restitution to eligible Illinois customers who received residential electricity supply services from Clearview Energy. The restitution amounts will largely be based upon eligible customers’ electricity usage during the period in which they purchased electricity from Clearview Energy. “Companies like Clearview Energy must be held accountable for deceiving Illinois residents into overpaying for the energy they need,” Raoul said. “My office is committed to protecting consumers from deceptive practices like misrepresentations

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ALTON – OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center is pleased to announce that it has received the prestigious Energy to Care® Sustained Performance Award from the American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) of the American Hospital Association. OSF Saint Anthony’s was recognized for this achievement at ASHE’s Health Care Facilities Innovation Conference in Columbus, Ohio, on July 30. Energy to Care is ASHE’s award-winning program dedicated to helping health care facilities track their energy, water and emissions reduction efforts and celebrates hospitals and health systems that go above and beyond in achieving their environmental impact reduction goals. The Sustained Performance Award recognizes past Energy to Care Award winners that have continued to see progress in these efforts by further reducing or maintaining reduced emissions. OSF Saint Anthony’s is one of 267 facilities to earn the Sustained Performance Award in 2025, representing

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CHICAGO — While two fortunate Powerball ® players from Missouri and Texas matched all six numbers in Saturday night’s historic drawing to share the record-setting $1.787 billion jackpot, several Illinois Lottery players are also celebrating big wins. The winning numbers for the game’s second-largest jackpot were: 11-23-44-61-62 and the Powerball 17. Two lucky Illinois players each won $1 million after matching five numbers. One winning Powerball ticket was purchased at Skokie Citgo, located at 5343 Touhy Ave. in Skokie, while the other winning ticket was purchased through the Illinois Lottery app. In addition, four players won $100,000 each after matching four numbers and the Powerball, plus the game’s Power Play ® feature. And five players won $50,000 each by matching four numbers and the Powerball. The Powerball roll began on June 2, 2025, and in that time, nearly 1.7 million winning tickets have been sold, and over $20 million in prizes were

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CARLINVILLE — A Carlinville man was charged with violating an order of protection after allegedly entering a protected property on September 2, 2025. Kyle W. Bennett, 38, of Carlinville, is accused of violating an order of protection that was filed in 2024. According to the complaint, Bennett entered a home in Carlinville that he was legally prohibited from entering under the terms of the order. Bennett was formally charged on September 3, 2025, following the alleged incident. Authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances of the violation. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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BRIGHTON - Local florist Leanne’s Pretty Petals wants the world to know that they’re not who you think they are. Located in Brighton, Leanne’s Pretty Petals was recently mistaken for LeAnn’s Local Petals, a shop in Kentucky that has faced criticism for allegedly mishandling the firing of an employee according to a TikTok video. Due to the confusion, Leanne’s Pretty Petals in Brighton has seen an influx of negative comments and reviews. Owner Leanne Muenstermann asks community members to speak up to clear up the confusion and improve their ratings. “With all this that’s been going on, the people that have reached out to me has just been very humbling,” Muenstermann said. “It makes me cry to think about it, how they’ve all come out and said, ‘You don’t deserve this, and we support you, and we’re glad that you’re here.’ It’s just been really humbling, and I’m grateful for them.”

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CARLINVILLE - An acclaimed writer and journalist will present a free, one-hour program at the Carlinville Public Library on Thursday, Sept. 25 at 5:30 p.m. Walt Harrington of Carlinville, a former journalist at The Washington Post Magazine, will discuss his 2022 book, The Detective: And Other True Stories . “It’s a collection of eight of my in-depth, narrative non-fiction articles from The Washington Post Magazine,” remarked Harrington. “I’ll talk about where the ideas came from, how the stories were done, and what subjects thought of their stories.” Harrington will also read excerpts from some of his stories, to demonstrate his style and approach. He will also sign books. The recipient of numerous journalism awards, Harrington authored profiles of Rosa Parks, Carl Bernstein, Jesse Jackson, Rita Dove, and President George H.W. Bush. He also penned numerous in-depth accounts for the Post of ordinary people who live extraordinary lives. Harringto

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GRANITE CITY — The Granite City Police Department has welcomed Freddy Edwards back after he graduated from the Southwestern Illinois College Police Academy and is preparing to begin field training with the department. Edwards, a Granite City High School alumnus and former college football player at Culver-Stockton, officially joined the department and will start his formal law enforcement training in the coming months. In addition to his new role in law enforcement, Edwards has been added to the Granite City High School football coaching staff as an assistant under head coach Steve Roustio. Edwards is one of the most multi-dimensional athletes to ever hail from Granite City High School and is now preparing to give back to his community in law enforcement and as an assistant football coach at Granite City High School, mentoring young athletes. Granite City High School Athletic Director John Moad has praised Edwards’ contributions both on and off the field. “Freddie

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) issued the following statement after U.S. Steel management alerted Granite City Works that, by October, they will no longer be receiving slabs. This comes after the Nippon Steel deal to acquire U.S. Steel failed to include any assurances or investment for Granite City Works. “Once again, President Trump has turned his back on America’s working men and women – and today, no community feels that betrayal more deeply than Granite City. Workers there have just been notified that, come October, no more slabs will be delivered to the mill, drastically impacting their operations. “Back in 2018, President Trump came to Granite City to boast about the supposed revival of American steel manufacturing. Now, he’s sold U.S. Steel to a foreign company and has put the very jobs he claimed to be saving on the chopping block. “Granite City Works deserved more than empty

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Grandparents Day at James Avant Elementary School in East St. Louis School District 189 on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, brought students and their grandparents together for a day filled with celebration and connection. The event honored the important role grandparents play in the lives of students, providing inspiration and support. Throughout the day, students, known as Thundercats, shared hugs, smiles, stories and special moments with their grandparents, creating memories intended to last a lifetime, East St. Louis School District 189 said in a statement. The district expressed its gratitude to all the grandparents and family members who attended, recognizing their presence as a vital part of the school community. The celebration underscored the district’s commitment to fostering strong family ties and support networks for its students.

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ALTON – Local authorities have charged residents of Alton and Highland in separate but similar cases of home repair fraud involving elderly victims. Austin T. Frasier, 28, of Alton, was charged on Sept. 5, 2025 with one count each of aggravated home repair fraud and theft of property by deception from an elderly person (both Class 2 felonies), as well as a violation of the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act (a Class A misdemeanor). On March 1, 2025, Frasier allegedly entered into a fraudulent contract with an elderly victim to perform roof repairs on her Granite City home using new roofing materials. Frasier reportedly entered into the $8,259.26 contract knowing he had no intention of performing the work. In addition to stealing over $8,200 from the elderly victim, Frasier also allegedly represented himself as a roofing contractor without being properly licensed as required under the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act. Frasier’s case was presented b

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EAST ALTON — The 30th annual East Alton Soapbox Derby took place Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, drawing a sizable crowd to Berkshire Boulevard under clear skies. The event began with the National Anthem and a silent prayer to honor those who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Several area fire trucks and police cars paraded down Berkshire Hill with sirens wailing, setting the stage for the races. Racers paired off to navigate the course lined with safety cones, finishing amid hay bales. “This is awesome and the best day of my life,” one young racer said. The East Alton Fire Department sold its popular pulled pork, adding to the event’s offerings. Alongside the races, attendees enjoyed food, drinks, an inflatable obstacle course, and new this year, race cars on display for children to explore. Longtime attendees noted that the favorable weather contributed to a strong turnout for the annual community gathering.

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BRIGHTON - A motorcycle was struck by a car at 7:29 a.m. Monday on Crystal Lake Road just east of Grange Hall Road in Brighton, resulting in a head injury to the motorcyclist, authorities said. The victim, a 38-year-old man, was riding the motorcycle when he was hit by a car driven by an 18-year-old male, according to Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns. Sheriff Manns said the injured motorcyclist was flown to St. Louis University Hospital for treatment. “We do not believe it is a life-threatening injury,” Sheriff Manns added. The circumstances leading to the collision remain under investigation.

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ALTON - Keith Short isn’t like most attorneys. Short, of Keith Short and Associates, P.C., in Alton, regularly tries his cases in front of a jury — and wins. He works hard for his clients to help them with injury and workers’ compensation cases. In a recent interview on “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello , Short reflected on his career and shared more about his 30 years of experience as a local attorney. “I’ve tried probably more jury trials than anyone I know,” Short said. “I did five last year. Most lawyers don’t do five in their whole career.” Short explained that jury trials are becoming increasingly rare. It’s much more common to settle. As a result, Short regularly sees lawyers who have never been in the courtroom before. He encourages people to do their research when choosing an attorney, especially if they think it might go to trial. “People don’t realize how few trials actuall

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CASEYVILLE — The Caseyville Police Department announced the arrest and charging of two men in connection with a series of burglaries and thefts targeting local businesses between May and September 2025. On September 5, officers apprehended Jerry L. B. McCallister, 39, of Granite City, and Gabriel E. Valades-Gonzalez, 25, of State Park-Collinsville, following a vehicle pursuit and investigation into multiple break-ins. The arrests came after months of coordinated efforts by Caseyville officers, detectives, and the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force. The investigation began with a burglary reported at Bobby’s on the Rocks, 1050 South Main Street, on May 7, 2025. Two male suspects forced entry overnight, stealing merchandise, cash, and money from gaming machines. On September 2, 2025, Triple J Towing at 1880 Black Lane reported a burglary and theft, with surveillance footage capturing the suspects. The following day, officers responded to a forced entry and theft from three

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JERSEY - Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100 recently recognized Abby Chin, a senior and Adobe intern, for her innovative bulletin board design at Jersey Community High School. Chin’s work, which now enhances a hallway at the school, was publicly acknowledged by the district. The design project reflects a collaboration between the student’s internship experience and the school environment. The district expressed gratitude for Chin’s contribution, highlighting the positive impact of student involvement in school improvement efforts.

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