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CHICAGO — Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of`18 attorneys general in filing a brief in support of a substitute teacher at a North Carolina Catholic high school whose employment was terminated after announcing plans to marry his same-sex partner. The coalition argues that the First Amendment does not give an employer the right to illegally discriminate against an employee because of their sex. The brief , filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit in Billard v. Charlotte Catholic High School et al., supports a ruling by the North Carolina federal district court in favor of the teacher’s arguments that the school violated Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act by discriminating on the basis of sex. “No employer has the right to fire an employee based on who they love or who they are,” Raoul said. “I am committed to standing with my fellow attorneys general to fight workplace discrimination by ensuring that all employers

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CHICAGO - A Macoupin County man - 22-year-old Allyn Matthew Burtle - prosecuted was sentenced to six years in prison for solicitation of child pornography followed by two years of probation for possession of child pornography, Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced today. Burtle was prosecuted by Raoul's office. Burtle was sentenced on Thursday by Macoupin County Circuit Court Judge Joshua Meyer after pleading guilty to one Class X felony count of child pornography solicitation and one Class 2 felony count of possession of child pornography with a victim under the age of 13. “Every day, members of my Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force work tirelessly to identify and track down individuals who assault and exploit children,” Raoul said. “This sentencing highlights the vital work of this task force. I will continue to partner with law enforcement and state’s attorneys throughout Illinois to ensure justice for victims of exploitation and sexual assault.&rdquo

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EDWARDSVILLE - The City Council will convene for its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at the R.P. Lumber Center, 6289 Tiger Drive. The meeting is open to the public and will be held in the first-floor community room. Ongoing repairs at City Hall, 118 Hillsboro Avenue, will prevent the City Council from gathering there for the December 6 meeting. The R.P. Lumber Center is operated by the City’s Parks and Recreation Department, and includes an ice rink, track and fitness area, study and game room for teens, and community meeting space. It opened in June near Edwardsville High School. A portion of the first and second floors of City Hall incurred water damage the day before Thanksgiving when an upstairs faucet overflowed overnight. The City Council chamber and the adjacent Governor Edwards Conference Room on the first floor sustained damage. The City is in the process of compiling cost estimates and making updates and repairs to the space. City committee and

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ALTON - Ameren Illinois spokesperson Brian Bretsch confirmed Friday after there was a 90-minute power outage earlier today in Alton. "Approximately 2,700 customers were affected at 12:30 p.m.," he said. "The cause was determined to be a piece of equipment that malfunctioned and fell into a power line. "Crews quickly found the cause and were able to have the power safely re-routed from another circuit at 2 p.m. Friday." Bretsch continued and said one customer will remain without power until approximately 4 p.m. to allow crews time to replace the piece of equipment. "The outage location was near the Alton Lock and Dam," Bretsch said.

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JERSEY - New Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns was sworn-in in Jersey County on Thursday by Judge Allison Lorton with his wife, Robin, at his side. Manns made this statement about Thursday's special event: "I would just say that while I have been blessed to travel and work around our country, it was a very special honor to be sworn in as the Sheriff for the County that raised me by Judge Lorton in a courtroom I first visited as a child on a school field trip. "To top it all off, I was surrounded by my family, friends, and coworkers from over the years, which included those who helped me campaign and good friends from the East St. Louis community." Manns enters the new position with 28 years of federal and state law enforcement experience. He has extensive experience in drug and violent crime investigations. He was once part of a counterterrorism mission in Iraq. He has also been a Major Case Squad investigator and federal and Illinois State Police Supervisor and instructor. He also

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ALTON – Andrew Chu MD, medical director of the Alton Memorial Hospital lab, is the winner of the 2022 Alton Memorial Hospital Chairman’s Award. Dr. Chu won based on nominations submitted by employees and his fellow physicians. He received the award recently from Gary Ayres, chairman of the AMH board of directors. Dr. Chu succeeded Dr. Susan Rayne, who retired in March 2021. “I am honored to be in this position and grateful that so many people value what we are doing in the laboratory,” Dr. Chu said. “Having been at AMH for nearly seven years, I have had the privilege of working with many physicians who I feel are deserving of this recognition. I owe a special thanks to the entire lab team, and, in particular (manager) Ruth Tepen and (supervisor) Melissa Crouch. Dr. Chu has been on staff at AMH since 2016 and has served as chief of pathology and laboratory medical director since April 2021. He is also the director of flow cytometry, hematology, and molecular

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CHICAGO – With COVID-19 cases and other respiratory viruses on the increase around Illinois, the Illinois Department of Public Health is reminding the public to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones during the holiday season. This includes being fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 and the flu and getting tested for COVID-19 before attending holiday gatherings, especially if you’ll be visiting someone at high risk for severe outcome. Public health officials also urged Illinoisans who test positive to immediately contact a healthcare provider and discuss whether they should take one of the widely available and effective treatments for COVID-19. IDPH is stressing these safety reminders as the CDC reported 63 Illinois counties are at an elevated Community Level for COVID-19 as of November 18, up from 46 counties at an elevated level in the previous week, with 12 counties at a High Community Level and 51 counties at a Medium Level. IDPH is reporting

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Consistent with ISP’s commitment to integrity and public transparency, the videos of the incident are being made available to the public. LITCHFIELD - The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Internal Investigation (DII) continues its investigation into an officer-involved shooting in Litchfield. Today, ISP released video footage from the situation that occurred on November 24, 2022. Litchfield Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and ISP officers responded to a suspicious person at the McDonald’s in Litchfield. These videos are being released after consultation with and authorization from the Montgomery County State’s Attorney. ISP said when officers arrived, the individual fled and attempted to hijack a vehicle using a weapon. The subject, identified as 41-year-old Shane M. Boston, displayed a firearm and two Litchfield police officers, a Montgomery County Sheriff’s deputy, and an ISP trooper discharged their firearms. Boston

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced today on World AIDS Day that a new, long-acting HIV treatment called Cabenuva will become available to thousands of people in Illinois starting in January 2023. The injectable medication, which is being added to the list of treatments that are available through the State’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), is administered once a month or every other month and replaces oral medications that need to be taken daily. “In recognition of World AIDS Day, Illinois is stepping up and making it possible for thousands of Illinoisans to benefit from this new treatment that is highly effective and easier to use than traditional medications,” Governor Pritzker said. “This demonstrates our commitment to improving the care and quality of life for those impacted by HIV and reaching the goal spelled out in our Getting to Zero Illinois plan to end HIV in Illinois by 2030.”

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s J.T. Snipes, PhD, assistant professor of educational leadership, has been honored as one of the American College Personnel Association’s Diamond Honorees Class of 2023. The honoree program recognizes dedicated individuals who have outstanding and sustained commitment to higher education through student affairs and student development. “Oftentimes, the work that we do as university faculty goes unheralded and unrecognized,” said Snipes. “It means the world to me that my colleagues here at SIUE and around the country see value not only in my labor but in my personhood as well.” Snipes worked in higher education administration for 15 years and his previous research interest focus on religion and spiritually in higher education, African American collegiate students and critical race theory in education. He currently is pivoting his research focus toward affect, abolition and pedagogy.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Chris Slusser is thankful to voters to be back in the office he served since 2016 - the Madison County Treasurer position. On Thursday, Chris stood by his wife Megan as Associate Judge Andrew Carruthers swore him into his position for the third time. In December 2016. Slusser was appointed before winning his first election in 2018 and his second in November. Slusser thanked his wife for “standing” beside him even though she’s not a fan of politics. He thanked his parents and said because family is important he’s created that atmosphere in his office, thanking his staff for creating one of the best treasurer’s offices in the state. Slusser said he does his best to empower them to do their job with excellence and asked they be recognized. “They are a hard-working dedicated bunch,” he said. “I truly enjoy working with them every day.” He said everyone takes great pride in their work and they serve the taxpayers of

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EDWARDSVILLE - Circuit Judge Amy Sholar administered Linda Andreas' oath for her new role as Madison County Clerk and Recorder on Thursday as she stood with pride by her husband, Mike. Andreas thanked all those who attended the swearing-in ceremonies as well as congratulated new Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor and County Treasurer Chris Slusser. “It is a great honor to be a part of this institution,” she said. “I want to pay respect and a tribute to my predecessor and predecessors for their contributions through the years.” Andreas said she will “faithfully and impartially” serve the residents of Madison County. “I will be steadfast, loyal, and fair and I undertake the functions of this office,” she said. She said she is thankful and grateful for the support she has received. Andreas ran for the Madison County Clerk/Recorder race against Debbie Ming Mendoza and prevailed. “It will be an extraordinary privilege to serve as

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EDWARDSVILLE — New Sheriff Jeff Connor promised to “faithfully” serve the residents of Madison County today in a ceremony at the courthouse. Connor became the 47 th sheriff of Madison County as former Third Judicial Circuit Judge James Hackett administered his oath of office. Jeff's wife, Elizabeth, stood beside him. Retired Sheriff John Lakin presented him with a new badge. “I am humbled to serve you,” Connor said. “The county has come a long way in the last 220 years since the first sheriff was elected in 1812. I expect the sheriff’s office here today to continue being one of the finest law enforcement agencies in this region.” The new sheriff said he never thought about being a police officer when he was young, but then someone approached him about it and he was hired at age 23. Connor said his childhood dream wasn’t to go into law enforcement, but rather to follow in his father's and grandfather's footsteps and become a steelworker.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Senior running back Jordan Bush played well in what turned out to be his final game as a Tiger, running for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Tigers' 49-21 loss to Wilmette Loyola Academy in their IHSA Class 8A second-round playoff football game Nov. 5 at Tiger Stadium. Bush is recognized today as an iCAN Clinic Male Athlete of the Month for the Tigers for his efforts on the gridiron this past season. Although the Ramblers dominated play, especially in the first half in building a 35-0 lead at halftime, the Tigers displayed their trademark determination and never gave up until the end, a characteristic of Edwardsville football teams. In his postgame interview, Bush had many mixed emotions following the game. "Honestly, it's kind of heartbreaking that our season's over," Bush said that day, "but gotta stay positive, honestly, because we did what we could to get here. And honestly, it's a good feeling knowing I had my brothers behind my back. That's mainly what

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(Pictured above: JCHS students in the school’s Career and Technical Education program, including Welding, Auto, Machines, and Drafting courses. The JCHS Workforce Development Program is looking to connect skilled/talented students such as these with local businesses/stakeholders for internships that will help them prepare for after graduation). JERSEYVILLE - If you’re a local business owner or stakeholder in need of some interns, the JCHS Workforce Development program has you covered. Their program aims to help students plan for their future after graduation by giving them real-world experience, and they are seeking paid internships for their students to help achieve this goal. “We are aiming to be able to have meaningful internship opportunities available to any qualifying senior who wants field experience while earning high school credit - and ideally, a paycheck too,” Workforce Development Coordinator Erica Heitzig said. “We have talented kids,

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a pedestrian struck on Chambers Road near Green Valley Drive that resulted in the death of an adult male. The deceased has been identified as Demonte Rucker, 29 years of age, of the 300 block of Millman Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63135. On November 29, 2022, at 6:18 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service for a person struck near the intersection of Chambers Road and Green Valley Drive. Responding officers located an adult male who had been struck by a motor vehicle. The male was pronounced deceased at the scene. Preliminary investigation has revealed a vehicle was traveling westbound on Chambers Road approaching Green Valley Drive when a male entered the roadway and was struck. The driver remained on scene. No other injuries were reported. This is an active investigation. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes

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ST. LOUIS - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred in the 200 block of Northport Hills Drive which resulted in the death of a child. On November 12, 2022, at 2:22 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for a sick case in the 200 block of Northport Hills Drive. Responding officers located an unconscious female child. The victim was transported to an area hospital for life saving treatment but later succumbed to her injuries. The victim has been identified as LilinnaLeak, 21 months of age, of the 200 block of Northport Hills Drive in Florissant, Missouri, 63033. On Wednesday, November 16, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Amanda Tufts, 35 years of age, of the 200 block of Northport Hills Drive in Florissant, Missouri 63033, for one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child - First Degree - Death of a Child and one count

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County Treasurer Chris Slusser is reminding taxpayers that the final installment of their tax bill is coming due. “With the due date quickly approaching, I want to remind everyone that the fourth and final tax installment will be due Wed, Dec. 7,” Slusser said. “Remember, there are many ways to pay including the option of paying by phone at 1-844-919-4300.” Slusser reminds taxpayers of payment options: at one of the participating collector banks or credit unions throughout the county, by mail, through your financial institution’s online bill pay service, the Treasurer’s website at www.madcotreasurer.org, or in person at the Treasurer’s Office in Edwardsville. “No penalty will be applied for payments mailed and postmarked by the due date,” he said. “I would encourage taxpayers to take a payment inside the post office to have it postmarked if they are planning to mail it on the actual due date. Mai

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jerseyville City Council moved one step closer to amending part of the city code regarding the sale of drug paraphernalia at their meeting on Tuesday night. Before Tuesday’s meeting, the Jerseyville City Code strictly prohibited the sale of all drug paraphernalia. This local law has somewhat conflicted with Illinois state law ever since recreational cannabis became legalized in the state. A new business opening in Jerseyville is seeking to sell paraphernalia from their shop and was planning to sue the city if the code had not been amended. The amendment in pamphlet form received a motion and a second, but the actual city code will not change until the amendment has been officially published on Dec. 9. Additional ordinances are also being worked out to continue prohibiting the sale of synthetic cannabis and regulating other items. Lots of discussion preceded the council’s decision to advance this amendment. A question was raised as to whether thi

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JERSEY - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced the Attorney General’s office has charged a Brighton man with the alleged dissemination of child pornography. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child pornography online. Raoul’s office charged Jerry Newby Jr., 24, in the Jersey County Circuit Court with five counts of dissemination of child pornography, Class X felonies, each punishable by up to six to 30 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines. Newby’s bond was set at $1 million and he is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 1. Newby currently resides in Wood River in Madison County. “Perpetrators who exploit innocent children must be held accountable, which helps prevent further abuse and can be critical to helping abused children and their families heal,” Raoul said. “The

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