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BELLEVILLE - To support operations and expand specialized investigations into carjackings and vehicle thefts, the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force (MEATTF) is receiving more than $2.4 million in new grant funding, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced today. MEATTF was reestablished in 2019 and is based out of the St. Clair County Sheriff’s office. The taskforce consists of partnerships with area law enforcement agencies and Madison, Monroe and St. Clair counties. The grant funding will enable MEATTF to continue operations and expand specialized investigations into crimes related to vehicular hijacking, auto theft, insurance fraud and recyclable metal theft. “For many of us, our vehicle serves as a lifeline. We depend on it for work, running errands, shuttling our kids around to practices and camps and visiting loved ones,” said Giannoulias. “To have it stolen can have terrible consequences for families and upend their lives. This

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ALTON – On Wednesday, August 7, Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs met with nearly two dozen regional leaders and business professionals to promote economic prosperity, innovation, and job growth in the southern Illinois region. Frerichs shared information about the Illinois Growth and Innovation Fund (ILGIF), which is an evergreen, $1.5 billion impact investment fund that invests in ways to attract, retain and assist quality technology-enabled businesses in Illinois. The treasurer’s office does this by making targeted investments with venture capital (VC), growth equity, and private credit firms with a nexus to the State of Illinois. “A key component to my job as Illinois State Treasurer is to bring government and business leaders together to inspire and invest in opportunity and economic growth in the State of Illinois,” said Frerichs. “I’m hoping this visit will help lay a solid foundation in southern Illinois that we believe

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EDWARDSVILLE - The City of Edwardsville announced today (Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024) that an intersection near downtown has been closed for road repairs. The intersection of Oak Lane and West High Street is currently closed, with work expected to last two or more weeks. The closure will allow the City to make repairs stemming from a previous water main break. A map of the affected area is available below and at the top of this story. North Second Street, Clay Street, Scott Street and other surrounding roads are still open and available to bypass the closure. The announcement was also made on the city's Facebook page , where they thanked the public for their patience and apologized for the inconvenience.

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ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE), in partnership with the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson/Franklin Region Job Centers, is excited to host the first annual St. Louis Regional Job Expo for veterans on Thursday, August 22, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, 1315 Chestnut Street, Downtown St. Louis. This year’s Expo will feature more than 30 businesses seeking to hire veterans and more than 15 resource providers offering essential services in areas such as housing, health care, and VA claims. The event is open to veterans, military spouses, transitioning military, and Guard and Reserve members, as well as all job seekers. “Veterans often face challenges in finding civilian roles that match their skills, as well as navigating essential services like mental health support, housing, healthcare, and education. Our Expo on August 22 brings together the best resources and employment

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As we delve into the annals of history, August 20th stands out as a day marked by significant events that have shaped our world in various ways. On August 20, 1968, a monumental event took place that would alter the course of the Cold War. The Soviet Union, along with Warsaw Pact allies, invaded Czechoslovakia to crush the Prague Spring, a period of political liberalization and mass protest against the communist regime. This military intervention was a stark reminder of the geopolitical tensions of the time and highlighted the lengths to which the Soviet Union would go to maintain its influence in Eastern Europe. The invasion led to widespread international condemnation and had lasting implications for the region's political landscape. In the realm of science and exploration, August 20th marks an important milestone. In 1977, NASA launched the Voyager 2 spacecraft, one of the most ambitious and successful space missions in history. Voyager 2 was designed to take advantage of a rar

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EDWARDSVILLE - These are three artists who will be spotlighted at the upcoming Edwardsville Art Fair in City Park on Sept. 27-29. These are today's featured participants: Artist #1 Artist Name: Katherine Likos Artist Medium: Jewelry Artist #2 Artist Name: Erika Moeglich Artist Medium: Jewelry Artist Statement: " My goal is to provide wearable piece of art in a way that is not typically seen at art fairs. To achieve this I use traditional bead weaving techniques to create bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Every piece is carefully designed to give a look of sophistication by using modern/trendy color palettes and classic designs that complement your wardrobe." Artist #3 Artist Name: Lois Neal Artist Medium: Jewelry Artist Statement: " I have always been intrigued by the continuity of patterns. The circle is a symbol of protective containment and healing. Working with rings in silver and other metals creating chains is rewarding and exciting because o

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TROY – Dawn Mushill, a highly regarded customer service trainer and now author, shared her insights on effective customer service strategies during a recent interview with the Our Daily Show! host C.J. Nasello. The Troy Maryville St. Jacob Marine Chamber of Commerce director focused much of the discussion on the importance of comprehensive training and ongoing development for employees. Mushill, who authored "Customer Service and Beyond: It is All About the Wow," emphasized the need for businesses to invest in proper training to ensure employees can deliver exceptional service. "I believe people have not been trained adequately in customer service," Mushill said. "You have to figure out how to train it and also execute it." Mushill discussed the significance of hiring passionate individuals and providing them with the necessary training to excel. "I think if you hire someone for their passion for the job you can train them, but if you hire passion, make sure you train them,"

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O'FALLON, Ill. — The O'Fallon Police Department invites area residents to visit Texas Roadhouse to enjoy dinner while supporting a good cause on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024. From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, the restaurant, located at 1412 Central Park Circle in Shiloh, will donate 10% of all food sales to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois. The O'Fallon Police Department will also be present, selling Torch Run merchandise to further support the initiative. According to the O'Fallon Police, 100 percent of the donations collected during the event will go directly to Special Olympics Illinois. "Let Texas Roadhouse take care of dinner tonight and support Special Olympics of Illinois," said the O'Fallon Police in a statement. "The community is encouraged to participate and contribute to the cause. "O'Fallon Police Department will be out there selling Torch Run merchandise as well. We hope to see you there."

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August 19th has seen its fair share of monumental events that have shaped the course of history across the globe. 1960: The First Successful Recovery of a Spacecraft On August 19, 1960, the United States achieved a significant milestone in space exploration with the launch and successful recovery of the Discoverer 14 satellite. This mission was part of the Corona program, which was a series of American strategic reconnaissance satellites produced and operated by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Directorate of Science & Technology with substantial assistance from the U.S. Air Force. The Discoverer 14 satellite played a crucial role in providing invaluable intelligence during the Cold War by capturing high-resolution photographs from space. This successful recovery marked a significant leap forward in space technology, proving that it was possible to retrieve objects from orbit, a capability that would be essential for future manned space missions. 1942: The Start of the

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EDWARDSVILLE - Laughter and cheers filled the air during the annual Kids Race at the Edwardsville Rotary Criterium event, bringing joy to participants and spectators alike. This year marked the 14th running of the Criterium, which has evolved into one of the most anticipated events in the Edwardsville region. Held each week, the Criterium features various races, with the Kids Race being a standout. Dubbed "The Greatest Race In The World," the event seems to live up to its name for children, parents, and fans. The atmosphere was electric as parents and onlookers shared in the excitement and enthusiasm of the young racers. The event's continued success underscores its importance to the community, providing a platform for children to engage in healthy competition and for families to come together. As one of the largest events in the area, the Criterium and its Kids Race have become a cherished tradition, drawing smiles and fostering a sense of camaraderie among all who attend.

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MADISON COUNTY - Illinois State Police are investigating after a pedestrian was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer late Saturday on Interstate 70 in Madison County, Illinois. Troopers responded around 11:26 p.m. Saturday to mile marker 18 on Interstate 70 westbound, where they found a pedestrian who had been fatally struck by a tractor-trailer, according to Illinois State Police. The identity of the person has not been publicly released, and the investigation remains ongoing. Traffic on the interstate was diverted for several hours overnight to Illinois Highway 4 as troopers conducted their investigation. The affected section of Interstate 70 was reopened around 3:20 a.m. Sunday, according to the state police.

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GRANITE CITY - Leon Owens is an offensive and defensive lineman for Granite City High's football team who's feeling confident about helping the Warriors turn their program around after going a winless 0-9 season in 2023. Owens is a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of Month for Granite City. Owens is a senior who will provide needed leadership and support to his fellow linemen and teammates when it's needed most in 2024, and expressed that confidence in an interview conducted during preseason practice on Aug. 13, as the Warriors prepare to host Triad in the season opener on Aug. 30. "I am feeling pretty confident that our defense can get it all done," Owens said. "Offensively, we need a little work, but we can get it done coming into our new game." It was truly not the best of seasons for the Warriors, but confidence abounds now, as Granite prepares for the new season under new head coach Steve Roustio. Owens himself has many goals he wishes to accomplish. "For me, myself,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Offensive lineman Hayden Volz, tight end Jack Weaver, and wide receiver-defensive back Clayton Lakatos are three of the seniors who hope to take the Edwardsville High football team to new heights as the 2024 season starts on Aug. 30 at Chatham Glenwood. The three players opened up with their preseason practice session this past week on a rainy and overcast day at Tiger Stadium, and they felt that things went well on the opening day. The trio are Spencer Homes Male Athletes of Month for the Edwardsville Tigers. "I think it went well," Volz said in a joint interview that followed practice. "It's definitely a mental day, since we don't have all the pads on, but knock the rust off, come out, fly around, have fun." Weaver felt the same way as Volz. "I think things went well today," Weaver said. "It was a little rainy out, but we got some good mental work in, and breaking that rust off from a week off." Lakatos made it unanimous among his teammates. "Yeah, same as them,"

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville D.A.R.E. Car Show was extraordinary again on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, drawing a large crowd and featuring numerous impressive entries. With over 40 vehicle classes and 8 motorcycle classes, the show provided a diverse array of cars, trucks, tractors, and motorcycles. The first 350 vehicles to enter received a commemorative 2024 Dash Plaque. This was the 32nd time of Edwardsville Police hosting this important event. "A huge thank you to our amazing 2024 D.A.R.E. Car Show sponsors," the Edwardsville Police Department said. "Your generous support helps us continue educating and empowering the youth in our surrounding districts," the Edwardsville Police said. The annual car show serves as the primary fundraiser for the Edwardsville D.A.R.E. program, which has had a significant impact over the years. The program is taught in over 15 public and private schools, reaching more than 1,500 students each year. Proceeds from the event will go toward educational

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August 17 and 18 have been days of profound significance. Let's dive into these historical events and understand their impact on our world. 1988: Pakistan's Zia-ul-Haq Dies in Plane Crash On August 17, 1988, Pakistan experienced a significant political upheaval with the sudden and tragic death of its President, General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq. Zia-ul-Haq, who had been in power since a military coup in 1977, died in a mysterious plane crash near Bahawalpur, along with several top military officials and the U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, Arnold Raphel. Zia's death led to a per iod of political instability in Pakistan, ultimately resulting in a return to civilian rule with the election of Benazir Bhutto as Prime Minister. The circumstances surrounding the plane crash remain a subject of speculation and conspiracy theories, adding an element of intrigue to this already dramatic historical event. 2008: Michael Phelps Breaks Record at Beijing Olympics August 17, 2008, was a da

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ST. LOUIS - From illusion rooms like the Reversed Room to installations such as the Cloning Table, the Museum of Illusions St. Louis offers hands-on, mind-bending fun to expand your perception of what’s possible. General Manager Steve Garmon shared more about how the museum got started and what sets it apart on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . “If you come in, you’ll see what I’m talking about - you’ll smile from the time you walk into the door to the time you walk out,” Garmon said. “We have over 65 exhibits of illusions, mind-benders, mind-blowing stuff that will get your brain actually thinking … you’re going to learn how the human mind works and how your brain is kind of teasing you to make you see false reality sometimes.” The Reversed Room at the St. Louis Museum of Illusions is appropriately styled like a St. Louis-style barbeque restaurant - if that restaurant were hanging upside down

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Friday that a 20-year-old Collinsville man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison in connection with a fatal shooting in the State Park Place area outside Collinsville. Albert Campos of Collinsville received the sentence after pleading guilty Friday to first-degree murder in the shooting death of Miguel D. Villegas-DeSantiago, 18, also of Collinsville. The shooting happened outside a residence on Princeton Avenue on the afternoon of Jan. 1, 2023. Villegas-DeSantiago was seated in a pickup when he was shot. A co-defendant, Matias L. Herrera, 27, of Granite City, was sentenced in January to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and unlawful possession of weapons by a felon. Herrera drove Campos to the shooting location. “I pray that the resolution of these cases can be a step toward healing for the family and loved ones of Miguel, who by all accounts was a completely innocent

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WASHINGTON PARK – The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigations Zone 6 has arrested Vincent E. Brown, 61, of Belleville, in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred earlier this week. Brown faces a charge of First Degree Murder, a Class M Felony. On August 11, 2024, the Washington Park Police Department requested the assistance of Zone 6 agents to investigate a homicide in the 5000 block of North Park Drive. The victim, 66-year-old Leon Richardson of Washington Park, was found deceased from a gunshot wound. Following a thorough investigation, ISP agents identified Brown as the suspected shooter. On August 15, 2024, less than a week after the incident, ISP agents located Brown’s vehicle and conducted a traffic stop in Madison, IL. Brown was subsequently taken into custody. The case was then presented to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office, which filed the murder charge. Brown is currently being held at the St. Clair County Jail.

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GLEN CARBON - It’s been a historic year for Father McGivney Catholic High School’s track team. Over the past year they have grown to over 35 members, became the first team to accomplish a state championship in school history, earned two individual state championship medals, earned two relay state champion teams, earned two fourth place finishes, and a fifth-place finish. Father McGivney Principal, Joseph Lombardi explained, “It’s incredible to see the hard work payoff for these young men and women. It’s been an honor to watch them flourish and succeed.” He continued, “Hearing Fr. McGivney Catholic High School mentioned at the girls' state track meet in front of a packed O'Brien Stadium at Eastern was truly amazing. I couldn’t be prouder.” This great success didn’t come easy. The athletes had to practice off campus and at several different locations. A hail-storm in March of this year raised awareness of a safety aspect o

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GRANITE CITY – The opening day celebration for educators and then what followed for students at Granite City Community Unit School District 9 was more than just a kick-off; it was an opportunity to build a strong school community. An event for Granite City School staff brought them together, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. "The sense of unity and shared purpose among our staff is inspiring. We are stronger together," said Granite City School District 9 Superintendent Don Harris, who also expressed excitement about the potential positive impact of the event on the school's climate and culture. Harris is a 1994 graduate of Granite City High School. The highlight of the day was a speech by guest speaker David Flood, who delivered a heartfelt message to the staff. "I’m excited to see the positive impact it will have on our students," Harris remarked, reflecting the overall sentiment of optimism and enthusiasm among the attendees. Harris shared his personal

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