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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) and Mike Carey (R-OH-15) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to renew the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – a federal program that helped low-income households afford access to high-speed internet. The Affordable Connectivity Program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, ran out of funding in May – ending assistance for over 23 million American households. Bipartisan companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), J.D. Vance (R-OH), Peter Welch (D-VT), Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV). For nearly three years, the Affordable Connectivity Program helped families afford the high-speed internet services they need to work remotely, complete online coursework, attend telehealth appointments and more. The Secure and Affordable Broadband Extension Act would restore the program and provide eligible households

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BELLEVILLE - Caritas Family Solutions is celebrating the 77th anniversary of its founding as an Illinois nonprofit human services agency on July 31. The agency serves more than 6,300 people, is the largest provider of foster care in the southern Illinois region and touches the lives of 1,700 foster children annually. The day, known as Caritas Day, is dedicated to raising awareness about the lives they touch through its programs and services. The nonprofit also has other service lines which include pregnancy care for women experiencing homelessness, adoption, counseling, community family stabilization for families experiencing homelessness and independent living for adults with disabilities. “Every year as we celebrate Caritas Day, our staff takes a moment to reflect on all of the lives our agency has touched,” said Caritas Family Solutions CEO Gary Huelsmann. “We are so proud of the growth and milestones we’ve achieved within the past year, like moving

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ALTON - Get ready for a day of fun, community, and giving! On Saturday, August 3, from 9 am to 11 am, Beyond Basketball is teaming up with YWCA and the Alton Community Boxing Club for an exciting Back-to-School Giveaway at the YWCA GYM, located at 304 E. Third St., Alton. This event promises to be a fantastic morning for the whole family, with free backpacks and supplies perfect for youth in grades K-12. But that's not all! We're also firing up the grill for a delicious barbecue, featuring free hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, and drinks for all attendees. Meet representatives from Beyond Basketball, YWCA, and the Alton Community Boxing Club, who will be on hand to share information about various fall youth programs. This is a perfect opportunity to learn about the amazing activities and support available to your children this coming school year. Since 2022, Beyond Basketball has been dedicated to enriching the lives of youth aged 11-17 through competitive basketball and other engaging

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ALTON – In preparation for the annual Duck Pluckers Ball, Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation is hosting an online raffle that will open Monday, Aug. 5. The event website where raffle tickets may be purchased starting Aug. 5 is www.virtualauction.bid/duckpluckers The featured item is a 2024 CF Moto Camo C600 four-wheeler from Midwest Motor Sports in Hartford. There will only be 500 chances available for that raffle. Cost is $50 per ticket. Other online raffle items will include: Booze Boat: An inflatable boat filled with a variety of liquor donated by area bars and restaurants. Freezer of Beef: Donated by B&M livestock and AMHSF, the freezer is 5 cubic feet for a quarter beef. Bourbon collection: A collection of hard-to-find bottles of bourbon donated by Colman’s Country Campers and Barry and Gaye Julian. Tickets for these three raffles are $20 each. You must be 21 years or older to win and present a valid state-issued ID to collect your winnings.

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ALTON - The Summer Reading Program might be over, but the Hayner Public Library District still has lots of great activities and events planned for the community to enjoy. Mary Cordes, Hayner’s executive director, noted that the Summer Reading Program went well and the kids and teenagers who participated had fun. She said the kids read almost 5,000 books and the teens read 150 books during the six-week program. “I am so proud,” Cordes said. “I’m really proud of our teens and kids this summer…I’m proud of the staff. For six weeks, there was something every single day for six weeks for the kids to do. That’s a lot of work, so huge, huge, huge props to because they were amazing this summer.” Cordes pointed out that the Summer Reading Program allows kids to stay engaged and practice their reading skills. This ensures that they don’t lose any of these skills in between school years. The Summer Reading Program is als

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CASEYVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced the proposed lane restrictions on southbound I-255, at the I-64 interchange, have been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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BELLEVILLE — Schnuck Markets, Inc. said on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, that it is recalling Schnucks 90/10 Fresh Lean Ground Beef produced and sold on July 29, 2024, at its 800 Carlyle Avenue store in Belleville. The ground beef may contain plastic wrap, according to company officials. Customers who purchased the product between 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on July 29, 2024, with a sell-by date of July 30, 2024, are advised to return it to the Carlyle Avenue Schnucks store for a full refund or exchange. To date, there have been no reported illnesses or injuries linked to the recall. The company emphasizes that this is an isolated incident and does not affect any other Schnucks locations. For further information, customers can contact the Schnucks Customer Care team at 314-994-4400 or 1-800-264-4400.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY — Authorities have identified the victims of a double homicide that occurred in the 9400 block of Olive Boulevard in the city of Olivette. The deceased are Mason McMahan, 16, of the 1700 block of Spruce Drive in High Ridge, and Teriq Lewis-Rushing, 18, of the 2400 block of Rustic Ridge Drive in St. Louis. A handgun was recovered next to McMahan at the scene. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation as detectives continue to seek witnesses. “We ask that anyone with information please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators regarding this incident,” said a representative of the department. For those who wish to remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward, CrimeStoppers can be contacted at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

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BELLEVILLE - The City of Belleville has listed multiple cooling sites within the community with the Excessive Heat Warning in effect until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Residents are urged to take precautions as temperatures are expected to soar. Cooling sites have been set up throughout the City of Belleville to provide relief from the extreme heat. These sites offer a safe and air-conditioned environment for those in need. The locations of these cooling centers are critical for residents who may not have access to adequate cooling in their homes. The Fire Department's advisory emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun. It is recommended that residents check on vulnerable neighbors, including the elderly and those with health conditions, to ensure their safety during this period of excessive heat. The Belleville locations for relief during the excessive heat are as follows: Belleville Public Library Main Branch, 121 E. Washington

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ALTON – Residents of Ward 1 are invited to join Alderwoman Betsy Allen for a town hall-style meeting this Wednesday, July 31, at 6:30 p.m. at Alton City Hall. The monthly gathering, typically held on the third Wednesday of each month, offers an opportunity for community members to discuss various activities and concerns related to the City of Alton and Ward 1. "I hope you will attend our monthly town hall-style meeting," Allen said. "All are welcome." The meetings are designed to be casual and unscripted, providing a platform where everyone can speak or simply observe. Allen has committed to addressing questions from attendees to the best of her ability. For those unable to attend, Allen encourages residents to reach out with their questions or concerns via phone at 618-567-1451 or email at eallen@cityofaltonil.gov .

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GLEN CARBON - Chris Wetherington has made a name for himself in the mixed martial arts community, but he’s not in it for fame. The MMA instructor has an impressive resume, including many Hall of Fame honors, a starring role in the upcoming movie “The Karate Breaker,” a host spot in “The Masters Council” television show on Talk About It TV, and features in multiple best-selling books about martial arts. But Chris and his wife, Valerie, are more interested in the humanitarian side of martial arts. Their anti-bullying and suicide prevention efforts have guided them through all of their work. “I was already still doing the good that I’m doing now. It’s just getting more around the world,” Chris explained. “With that platform, I’m able to help more people. It’s awesome. I’ve got a TV show. I’ve got a second one coming out. I’ve got a movie. I’ve got multiple movies that are going to come

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ALTON - Cha llenge Unlimited, an Alton-based organization helping those with disabilities find employment and housing opportunities, recently launched their redesigned website at cuinc.org with an emphasis on accessibility. Challenge Unlimited’s work to match employers with job candidates with disabilities is increasingly important as the unemployment rate for those with disabilities is about twice the rate of those without disabilities, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . Stephanie Schrage with Challenge Unlimited said that’s just one of the many “wraparound services” they offer. “From an employment standpoint, from a housing standpoint … is it just an independent living question?” Schrage said. “Employment is a piece of that, but we also offer skills training, we offer job placement, job coaching, housing, so we definitely are wraparound services.” Schrage shared more about the organization and its revampe

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 will introduce new policies regarding IDs and cell phones for the 2024–2025 school year. “This year, we’re going to be tightening the focus in two areas of our handbook at all of our schools, but especially our secondary schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton during the Board of Education regular meeting on July 29, 2024. Starting on the first day of school, students must wear IDs at all times in District #7 schools. Elementary students will keep their IDs at school, while secondary school students will take them home every night. Elementary students will also receive a temporary ID to use as a library card. If middle school and high school students forget their IDs, they will be issued a temporary ID to wear during the school day. Shelton said there will be a “progression of consequences” if students consistently forget their IDs. “There’s also the delineation

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FARMERSVILLE – Farmersville Community will host a Community Blood Drive in collaboration with ImpactLife on Wednesday, August 14. The event will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, located at 104 S. East St. in Farmerville in Montgomery County. ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals, is urging residents to participate in the drive. Potential donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment by contacting ImpactLife Springfield at (800) 747-5401 or by visiting www.bloodcenter.org and using code 60000 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested to streamline the donation process. Donors must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being at least 17 years old (16 with parental permission available through www.bloodcenter.org ), weighing more than 110 pounds, and presenting a photo I.D. For questions about eligibility, individuals can call ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401. Donors who last gave blood on or before June 19,

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July 30th is a date that has witnessed a myriad of significant historical events, spanning the globe and touching various aspects of human life, from politics to science, sports to culture. St. Louis Spotlight: The Founding of Washington University in St. Louis (1853) Another notable event for the St. Louis Metro Area is the founding of Washington University in St. Louis on July 30, 1853. Established by a group of influential St. Louis citizens, including waymaker William Greenleaf Eliot, the university has grown to become one of the nation's leading research institutions. It has played a critical role in the educational and cultural development of the region, contributing significantly to the intellectual and economic vitality of St. Louis. Sports Triumph: Uruguay Wins the First FIFA World Cup (1930) On the sporting front, July 30, 1930, is remembered for the historic victory of Uruguay in the inaugural FIFA World Cup. Held in Montevideo, Uruguay defeated

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MADISON COUNTY - At 8:50 p.m. Monday, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for parts of Madison County. According to the NWS, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Alhambra and was moving southeast at 35 mph. It is unclear whether a tornado touched down or if any damage has been reported. Residents in the affected areas were advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions. These storms have moved out of the Madison County area. These photos were taken in the Alhambra area.

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O’FALLON - Andria’s Steakhouse hopes to open a new location in The Old Base Factory in O’Fallon, Illinois. The famous restaurant is known for its community feel. They hope to expand their menu and their customer base with Max and Muggs, an Andria’s Family Restaurant that would serve gourmet burgers, sandwiches and local brews. The new restaurant would be located inside The Old Base Factory off Obernuefemann Road in O’Fallon, which is in the process of being transformed into a food hall. Max Kenison, third-generation owner of Andria’s, said they are excited about the prospect of being included in the new food hall space. “We’ve been around for almost 46 years. Community members have become like family,” Kenison said. “Not only would this expand on what we’re currently known for, but it would also reinstate our commitment to our community.” Kenison promises that Max and Muggs would draw from the “historic

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that inspection of westbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 30. One lane will remain open. All lanes will reopen by 4 p.m. 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 X, formerly known as Twitter, at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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HIGHLAND — Annalyse Richter was crowned the 2024 Miss Madison County Fair Queen by retiring Queen Laini Bock during the pageant held on July 27, 2024, at the county fairgrounds in Highland. The event also saw Brooklyn Carter named Jr. Miss and Lyric Daniels of Collinsville awarded the title of Little Miss Madison County Fair. "Our 2024 queen family is complete," said a pageant spokesperson, celebrating the culmination of the competition. The pageant, a highlight of the Madison County Fair, draws contestants from across the county, providing a platform for young women to showcase their talents and community spirit. This year’s event continued the tradition, with participants vying for titles in various age categories. The newly crowned queens will represent Madison County at various events and functions throughout the year, promoting the fair and engaging with the community. The Madison County Fair, an annual event held in Highland, features a variety of attractions including

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– U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA)—Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging—along with U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) this week to introduce the Section 508 Refresh Act . This new bill would require federal agencies to take a series of actions to ensure people with disabilities can use the federal government’s technology. While Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires agencies to make federal technology accessible, a 2022 Senate Aging Committee investigation found that department and agency technology, particularly within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is often out of compliance. The investigation revealed how these accessibility failures were creating barriers for people with disabilities who rely on federal technology for essential services, including health care, employment services and Social Security benefits. “ So many Americans rely on programs an

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