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TROY — Six individuals were arrested during a two-day anti-human trafficking operation conducted by the Illinois State Police (ISP) in the Troy area of Madison County on April 23 and 24, 2025. The operation targeted individuals attempting to engage in sex acts with minors. The arrests were made by the ISP Division of Criminal Investigation Trafficking Enforcement Bureau in collaboration with ISP special agents, officers from Troops 8, Zone 6, ISP SWAT, ISP Analysts, MEGSI, Intelligence Support Unit, and the Troy Police Department. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office also supported the effort. Those arrested and charged include Brian P. Tilson, 43, of Highland; Justin A. Kuehnel, 41, of Glen Carbon; Kyle T. Altevogt, 30, of Panama; Gregory L. Robinson, 34, of Fairview Heights; James A. Walker, 40, of Effingham; and Ulises Mendieta-Galindo, 36, of O’Fallon. All six face multiple felony charges, including indecent solicitation of a child, traveling to

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SPRINGFIELD – Ratish Kumar, a biomedical engineer at Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, accepted the TechNation 2025 Humanitarian of the Year award at the annual MDExpo in Temecula, California, on Wednesday, April 16. Kumar was selected for the honor from nominees throughout the United States in the fields of bioengineering, administration and education. Kumar has been the biomedical engineer at Mission Outreach since 2017. Kumar’s role at Mission Outreach is to prepare equipment for international shipment to partners in low-resource areas around the world and provide technical support, ensuring the items last as long as possible for safe patient care. “Ratish’s work to provide high-quality biomedical equipment and technology sets Mission Outreach apart from other medical surplus recovery organizations,” said Erica Smith, executive director of Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach. “Every piece of equipment we send has been tested and is prepared according

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ALTON – OSF HealthCare Rehabilitation Services in Alton will be holding its monthly lymphedema education meeting on Thursday, May 1. Riverbend region residents are invited to join the OSF Lymphedema Therapy Team for this free educational session about lymphedema and meet other people with lymphedema. The May lymphedema education meeting will be held: Thursday, May 1, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. OSF HealthCare Rehabilitation Services 228 Alton Square Mall, Alton, IL Enter the Rehab office from the upper mall parking lot, facing Alby Street, under the "OSF HEALTHCARE" sign Interested individuals should direct questions or requests for additional information to OSF Rehabilitation Services at (618) 463-5171. Lymphedema refers to tissue swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid that is usually drained by the body's lymphatic system. Some lymphedema facts include: It most commonly affects the arms or legs, but it can also occur in the face, neck, or trunk.

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MARYVILLE, Ill. — The Second Annual Maryville MusicFest will take place from 1 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, featuring 10 local bands performing across two stages. The event aims to raise funds for a new permanent entertainment pavilion and major upgrades at the park, according to incoming Mayor Wayne White. Tickets for the all-day festival are $20, with free admission for children 12 and under. Organizers ask attendees to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the music and note that no outside food or drinks are allowed. Food trucks, beer, and other beverages will be available on site. Additional parking will be offered at Maryville Grade School, 6900 W. Main, with a shuttle bus transporting attendees between the school and the park. White, who will serve as emcee throughout the event, said 100 percent of the proceeds will go toward building the pavilion, which he described as a key part of transforming Firemen’s Park into a “true summer square” with live

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ALTON — On Sunday, April 27, at approximately 9 a.m., the Alton Police Department responded to a residence in the 2100 block of Mulberry Street following a report that a woman had been battered by her boyfriend and was being held against her will. Upon arrival, officers found no one answering the door. They continued attempts to communicate with the occupants while requesting tactical assistance from the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS) due to the potential domestic hostage situation. At about 12:15 p.m., just before ILEAS arrived, the woman exited the residence and was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Shortly thereafter, the male suspect voluntarily surrendered to police without incident. He was taken into custody and transported to the Alton Police Department Jail pending criminal charges. The incident remains under investigation by the Alton Police Department. The department expressed gratitude to the Madison County Sheriff’s

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April 26 and 27 have marked a variety of significant moments throughout history, spanning scientific breakthroughs, political shifts, and cultural milestones. Arguably the most impactful event associated with April 26 occurred in 1986, when the Chernobyl nuclear disaster unfolded in the Soviet Union. This catastrophic nuclear accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant near Pripyat, Ukraine, remains one of the worst nuclear disasters in history. On April 26, the reactor number four exploded during a safety test, releasing massive amounts of radioactive material into the atmosphere. The event had immediate and long-term consequences, including widespread evacuation, health crises, environmental contamination, and a reevaluation of nuclear safety protocols worldwide. The disaster underscored the risks associated with nuclear energy and triggered international efforts to improve nuclear plant safety. Going back several centuries, on April 26, 1607, the English ship Godspeed set sai

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SPRINGFIELD — As the U.S. Department of Education announced it will resume collections of defaulted federal student loans in its portfolio, Attorney General Kwame Raoul urges student loan borrowers to avoid collections by taking the necessary steps to avoid or get out of default. Raoul is also warning student loan borrowers to be on the lookout for scam calls, emails and letters from fraudsters pretending to be loan servicers or promising debt relief. “The last thing any student borrower needs when attempting to address their student loan debt is to become a victim of student loan repayment scams,” Raoul said. “Reviewing key information, including checking your servicer’s contact information, website log-in credentials and the status of your loan, is a first step to protecting yourself from scammers. If your loan is in default or you are at risk of defaulting on your loan, contact your student loan servicer to discuss your options.” Getting

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois students struggling to obtain traditional college loans have a new option to borrow money for in-state higher education costs thanks to a new program Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs unveiled today. The new Funding U Illinois No-Cosigner Loan is part of the Student Empowerment Fund , Treasurer Frerichs’ plan to provide private college loans for Illinois residents at lower rates than private competitors and help bridge the gap with federal financial aid. The No-Cosigner Loan joins ISL Education Lending’s Illinois Partnership Loan and Illinois College Family Loan options. “The costs of college continue to rise, and the chaos in Washington is hurting, not helping our families,” Frerichs said at a Thursday news conference at 555 W. Monroe. “Financial aid often doesn’t cover all of the costs, and we are offering a solution to help students bridge the gap.” Funding U is working with the State Treasurer’s Office

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MASCOUTAH – MidAmerica St. Louis Airport today announced a new record of more than 40,000 passengers served during the month of March, continuing an overall trend of positive passenger growth. The airport saw a 47% increase in passenger traffic compared to March 2024, when 27,000 passengers traveled through its terminal. This noteworthy milestone in passenger growth also marks a 23% increase from March 2022, which held the previous record of more than 32,000 passengers. “The sustained growth at MidAmerica Airport is very exciting and it’s due to numerous factors,” said St. Clair County Chairman Mark Kern. “Passengers can count on easy access from Interstate 64, hassle-free parking and efficient airport and security operations, and they appreciate Allegiant’s strong route network serving several popular vacation spots at affordable rates.” MidAmerica St. Louis Airport offers nonstop flights year-round or on a seasonal basis to a host of popular

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced today that Summer EBT benefits will be issued to families for the 2024-25 school year starting in May. The Summer EBT program aims to provide essential support to economically disadvantaged children during the summer months, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals. IDHS and ISBE are working together to inform families facing food insecurity about the eligibility process for Summer EBT this year. Each eligible school-aged child will receive a one-time benefit of $120. "No child should ever have to wonder where their next meal will come from — not during the school year and not during the summer. With the Summer EBT program, Illinois is ensuring our most vulnerable children have access to the nutritious meals they need to thrive," said Governor JB Pritzker. "After becoming one of the first states to successfully launch this assistance program last summer,

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EDWARDSVILLE – Nominations are open for the City’s long-running Green Thumb Awards program, which honors some of the most eye-catching gardens, landscaped areas and floral settings in Edwardsville. Have you spotted a beautiful yard that dazzles with color and contrast? Is there a flower-filled patch, a gorgeous garden or an artfully landscaped spot at a residence, business or other site that deserves recognition? The Green Thumb Awards are an easy way to honor the time and effort that has gone into projects that help beautify the City. Nomination categories include residential, neighborhood (or block or subdivision), commercial and civic settings. Self-nominations are welcome and encouraged. Green Thumb recipients receive an award sign to place on site for about a month to publicly tout the recognition. Award eligibility guidelines, an online nomination form and photos and lists of recent winners are available at: www.cityofedwardsville.com/greenthumb The deadline

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted a violent crime suppression detail on April 16-18, 2025, in St. Clair and Madison counties, focusing its efforts on East St. Louis and neighboring Metro East communities. The operation utilized intelligence and technology to target known high crime areas, violent offenders, and structured criminal groups in the communities of the Metro East. Detail Results Arrests 34 Felony Charges 37 Criminal Charges 60 Firearm Related Charges 31 Firearms Seized 18 Controlled Substance Seized 9.7 grams Stolen Vehicles Recovered 2 There were several notable events and arrests during the detail. On April 16, 2025, troopers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for Illinois Vehicle Code (IVC) violations. A probable cause search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a loaded firearm and a large amount of illegal cannabis. One subject was taken into custody.

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EDWARDSVILLE - SIUE’s Lovejoy Library will host a special event to commemorate Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month. At 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, community members are invited to Lovejoy Library on the SIUE campus for “An Afternoon of Traditional Chinese Music.” Four artists with the Nanjing Music Ensemble will perform traditional Chinese music and share history about Chinese musical traditions. “I would just encourage people to show up,” said Simone Williams, Diversity and Engagement Librarian at SIUE. “ It’s a way to have community with other people, to learn other people’s cultures.” Williams explained that she didn’t originally plan to bring the Nanjing Music Ensemble to campus. But after a successful Lunar New Year celebration at Lovejoy Library, a few students and faculty members asked if she would consider collaborating with the ensemble for APIDA Heritage Month. Not onl

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HIGHLAND – The Highland Jaycees will host their annual Schweizerfest on June 6 through 8, 2025, at the town square in Highland. The event runs Friday evening from 5 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. A total of 100% of all profits are donated back to many different organizations that make up our wonderful community of Highland. The event will kick off Friday night with food and beer vendors opening around 5 p.m. and rides from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. (wristbands). Vendors will be selling a variety of cuisines and beverages, including BBQ, Tacos, Empanadas, Corn Dogs, Funnel Cakes, Burgers, Philly Cheesesteaks, and Lemon Shake-ups. There will be plenty of games, rides, and entertainment for both children and adults all three days. On Saturday, the Jaycees will kick things off with food and beverages open around noon and run till close. Ride hours are 2-11 p.m. There are several events for everyone to enjoy throughout Saturday.

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SPRINGFIELD – Today, the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and the national non-profit Freedom Reads announced the opening of 22 new Freedom Libraries in Decatur and Illinois River Correctional Centers. Six were installed in housing units at Decatur Correctional Center, a women’s prison, and 16 were installed in housing units in Illinois River Correctional Center, a men’s prison. The new libraries make a total of 28 Freedom Libraries in four IDOC facilities, with five in Logan Correctional Center and one in Lincoln Correctional Center, opened in 2022. Freedom Reads also facilitated book discussions, voting, and author events for the second annual Inside Literary Prize at Decatur and Western Correctional Centers. Launched in 2023 by Freedom Reads, the National Book Foundation, and the Center for Justice Innovation with support from Lori Feathers, the Inside Literary Prize is the first-ever US-based literary prize awarded exclusively by currently incarcerated

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CHICAGO- Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced his appointment of emergency management executive Theodore ‘Ted’ D. Berger to lead the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), pending Senate approval. Berger joins the agency with decades of experience in emergency management and homeland security, most recently serving as Executive Director of the Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security. “Our Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security is on the front lines every day, working to equip our communities with the programs and resources needed in times of crisis,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With decades of emergency management experience and a wealth of knowledge about our State’s many regions, Ted Berger is an exceptionally qualified candidate to lead Illinois’ critical support efforts.” Berger began his career in state government with the Office

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SPRINGFIELD - The annual Illinois Peace Officers Memorial Service to honor law enforcement officers killed in Illinois in the line of duty, including nine who died during 2024, will be held Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the Illinois Peace Officer Memorial sculpture on the Illinois State Capitol grounds in Springfield. For the first time, K-9 partners killed in the line of duty will also be recognized during the May 1 ceremony. “This annual ceremony honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities,” said Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) State Lodge President Chris Southwood. “Every man and woman in this difficult and dangerous profession knows the risks they face every time they put on the badge. Like their human partners, the faithful dogs who serve in police K-9 units are also brave public servants who sometimes pay the ultimate price to keep citizens safe. As a former K-9 officer myself I’m proud and humbled to recognize

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VIRDEN – North Mac High School will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 231 W. Fortune St., inside the ImpactLife Donor Bus. What: North Mac High School Community Blood Drive When: Wednesday, May 7th, 8:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Can’t make it to the Blood Drive? Stop by our ImpactLife Springfield Donor Center at 1999 Wabash Ave. to donate & credit North Mac High School on the Sign In Sheets! Where: ImpactLife Donor Bus, 231 W. Fortune St., Virden, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact Tina Leonard at (217) 965-4127 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60085 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. You may also call ImpactLife at 800-747-5401 to schedule. 2801 S. 10th St. | Springfield, Ill. | (217) 753-1530 Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of

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CHICAGO – Today, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) sent a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon expressing alarm about potential delays to the timely delivery of critical student financial aid caused by the Trump Administration’s dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). The letter also conveys deep concerns about the potential risks to student loan borrowers if the $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio is moved to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The letter shares concerns about significant cuts in staffing at ED that can put in peril not only students’ ability to access financial aid, but also the timely disbursement of that aid to students and institutions that rely on it. Indeed, recent news reports indicate that calls and emails to ED are going unanswered and systems to disburse grants and loans are experiencing more frequent outages. The letter also flags risks to borrowers of the President’s plan t

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JERSEYVILLE – An upcoming “Needle and Thread Workshop” l ead by Joannie and Meredith Dougherty will guide Jerseyville area residents on how to make some of their own alterations. S et for Monday, April 28, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m., participants are asked to bring an item from home they’d like to mend or hem; instructors will offer their expertise to help teach the hand sewing skills needed to complete your project. Needle and Thread Workshop classes will be held in the Jersey County Arts Council (JCAC) space in the First Presbyterian Church at 400 S. State St. in Jerseyville. These classes are for ages 8 and up, but class sizes are limited. A non-refundable donation of $25 to the JCAC is required to secure your spot and help cover the cost of supplies. To register and get more details on the upcoming Needle and Thread Workshop, contact sewingismysuperpower8@gmail.com . For other upcoming class offerings and more, visit sewingismysuperpower.com

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