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EDWARDSVILLE - The second annual Edwardsville Unity Festival combined fun and friendship for attendees on Saturday, Sept. 30. People could check out informational booths, connect with local organizations and enjoy free food and live music throughout the day. This year’s Unity Fest grew from last year’s and saw several hundred attendees. The organization Edwardsville Unity hosted the festival and chose the theme “Unity begins with U.” “The idea was originally to just have a big party for Edwardsville, but also to get people talking to each other, communicating, finding space where we have similarities because there’s a lot of strife happening right now,” said Natalie Casey, a member of Edwardsville Unity. Unity Fest invited organizations to set up a booth in Leclaire Park so they could share resources and information about their services. There were several speeches and performances from community members, including opening remarks by

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today led a coalition of 13 attorneys general supporting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposal to strengthen dust-lead hazard standards and post-abatement clearance levels, as authorized by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). In a comment letter , Raoul and the coalition strongly support the EPA’s efforts to strengthen its dust-lead hazard standards and clearance levels, two important regulations that help protect the public against dangerous dust-lead and lead paint exposures. These stronger regulations are especially important for environmental justice communities, such as low-income communities and communities of color, that currently bear a disproportionate burden from exposure to lead. “The EPA should quickly adopt its proposal to protect communities in Illinois, and across the nation, from dangerous lead exposure while addressing long-standing dust-lead inequities,” Raoul said. “This

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On Tuesday, Oct. 3, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Consumer Financial Protection Bureau v. Community Financial Services Association of America. CFSA is asking the Supreme Court to affirm the 5th Circuit’s ruling that threatens the CFPB’s funding and existence. Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 16 attorneys general, is asking the Supreme Court to reverse the 5th Circuit’s decision and maintain the CFPB’s existence because it is vital to protecting consumers and ensuring a fair financial system. Earlier this year, Attorney General Raoul and a group of state attorneys general filed an amicus brief in this case . The CFPB serves several functions that are invaluable to states and state attorneys general. It provides necessary transparency and clarity to consumers seeking to navigate a confusing and opaque financial marketplace. It provides educational resources that aid consumers with questions or issues related to their various

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ALTON - As law-abiding gun owners are required to register their specific firearms with the Illinois State Police between October 1, 2023, and January 1, 2024, State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) filed legislation to protect the rights of law-abiding gun owners pending the outcome of Constitutional challenges on Illinois’ gun ban. “My legislation ensures that if certain gun-related provisions are found unconstitutional, the information collected from law-abiding gun owners when registering their firearms is immediately destroyed,” said Rep. Amy Elik. “This protects the privacy of law-abiding gun owners, preventing the government from retaining their personal information.” Rep. Amy Elik’s legislation (HB 4150) would require the Illinois State Police to immediately and permanently destroy the gun registry of all law-abiding gun owners if Illinois’ gun ban is found unconstitutional. Constitutional challenges are working their way through

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JERSEYVILLE - A Jerseyville woman has been charged with residential arson in connection to a Jersey County home that burned down last Friday, September 29, 2023, according to recent court filings. Rochelle K. Maltimore, 31, of Jerseyville, was charged with one count of residential arson from the incident. According to court documents, Maltimore “knowingly located a blanket just inside the residence”, which was located in the 28,000 block of McClusky Road in Jersey County. She then “draped it through a window, and set it on fire, totally destroying the residence.” Maltimore was arrested and charged with a Class 1 Felony. She has been taken into the custody of the Jersey County Sheriff until her initial appearance in court - her hearing in this case is set for Nov. 6. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects charged with criminal offenses are considered innocent until proven guilty in

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ALTON - Residents of Alton’s Ward 6 are planning a community meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 3 to address crime, drug use and homelessness in their neighborhoods. Residents say there have been many break-ins and gunshots fired in recent months, which they believe is a result of the substance abuse and unhoused population in the area. They have held a few community meetings with over 35 attendees, and Ward 6 Alderwoman Stephanie Elliott and Alton Mayor David Goins have been invited to the Oct. 3 meeting to hear their concerns. “It’s just citizens in the neighborhood getting together because there is a lot of crime going on, a lot of homelessness and a lot of drug abuse, and a lot of vacant houses that are so bad that the vines are taking them over,” Robyn Hamlin said. “That provides places for these homeless drug addicts to sleep, who then turn around and go steal. People have had their houses broken into, gunshots are starting to be fired…It’s

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CHICAGO – With National Breast Cancer Awareness Month underway across the country, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are reminding the public that early detection is the most effective way to prevent the deadly disease. The Governor has issued a proclamation declaring October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and October 20 as Mammography Day in Illinois. However public health officials are urging Illinoisans not to wait and to schedule a comprehensive exam as soon as possible. “Regular mammograms can help detect breast cancer at an early stage when treatment is most successful. That’s why it’s important that anyone who delayed screenings during the pandemic should schedule an exam with their provider,” Governor Pritzker said. “And for those who are uninsured or underinsured, IDPH operates the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program which offers free mammograms and other important services.” While

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul co-led a coalition of 23 attorneys general in support of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) new proposed rule aimed at combatting deceptive practices concerning the use of consumer reviews. “Consumers rely on accurate information to make decisions that are in their best financial interest. When companies attempt to manipulate the marketplace with fake or misrepresented reviews of products, consumers suffer and pay the price,” Raoul said. “I am proud to stand with my fellow attorneys general in support of the Federal Trade Commission’s efforts to crack down on fake or misleading reviews.” Raoul and the coalition filed a comment letter with the FTC in response to the FTC’s notice of proposed rulemaking. In the letter, the attorneys general were supportive of the proposed Trade Regulation Rule on the Use of Consumer Reviews and Testimonials, which, if enacted, will specifically prohibit: Fake or false

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) are encouraging eligible families to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to support with utility bill assistance for natural gas, propane, and electricity. Applications opened today, October 2, for income-eligible households with seniors age 60+, Illinoisans with a documented long-term disability, and/or children under age 6. “As energy costs continue to rise, Illinois families deserve support to keep the lights on—and that’s exactly what my administration is doing,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity opened applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to supplement utility bills—especially important as we gear up for the winter season—and I encourage all eligible families to apply.” “Through LIHEAP, the State

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a lawsuit against Residents Energy LLC (Residents), an alternative retail electric supplier (ARES), alleging the company’s telemarketers and in-person sales agents used deceptive and unfair tactics to switch customers from their public utility company to more expensive contracts with Residents. Raoul’s lawsuit , filed in Cook County Circuit Court, alleges that Residents’ sales representatives used a variety of deceptive tactics to lure customers into switching to Residents. During sales solicitations, agents allegedly made false promises of low rates and savings, when in fact Raoul alleges Residents’ customers almost always paid higher rates than they would have if they had remained with their original public utility company. “Residents used false promises to lure consumers away from their public utility companies. Instead of lower rates, customers ended up paying significantly more than if they had stayed

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WOOD RIVER - The City of Wood River has appointed Karen Weber as its new Treasurer and Finance Director, replacing Chris Sobrino, who formerly held both positions. Weber was officially sworn in and took the Oath of Office at last night’s City Council meeting. Councilman Bill Dettmers thanked Sobrino for his years of service and wished him the best for the future. “Tonight is Chris Sabrino’s last meeting, and I want to thank him for his years of service,” Dettmers said. “I’ve very much enjoyed working with him and I wish him the very best at his new job.” Mayor Tom Stalcup agreed and added Weber will “do a great job.” “It’s a sobering day to see Mr. Sobrino leave,” Stalcup said. “Chris is moving on to bigger adventures and we will all miss him. Chris did a wonderful job as Finance Director and we wish him well and the very best in the future. “On top of that, Karen Weber will take his place

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BETHALTO - Junior Bella Thien has been an aggressive hitter and server this year for the Civic Memorial girls' volleyball team, head coach Kristie Ochs says. Ochs believes the junior is hitting her stride and is showing more confidence every day in her play. "Bella is emerging as a team leader," the coach added. "She is a fantastic overall athlete and can also score quickly." Bella is a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete of the Month for Civic Memorial. Bella is an outstanding softball player for Civic Memorial in the spring. "She is driven to succeed," Coach Ochs said. "She really wants to see this team improve and overpower some of the other teams. She works really hard in the front row as a middle blocker in her rotations." Congrats to Bella Thien for her selection as a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete of the Month for the Eagles.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Monday, October 2, 2023, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Tommy Boyd, 45 years of age, of the 11500 block of State Highway O in Mineral Point, Missouri 63660, for Escape from Department of Corrections, Unlawful Possession of Firearm, and two counts of Stealing. A booking photo of Boyd is attached. Boyd is being held on $500,000 cash only, no 10%, bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: The defendant, while in the custody of Missouri Department of Corrections Officers, and serving a Department of Corrections sentence for Enticement of a Child, was being treated at Mercy South Hospital. The defendant stole a set of restraint keys from one of the Corrections Officers and freed himself from his restraints, put on a Corrections Officer's jacket, and escaped the officers' custody by fleeing

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EAST ALTON - The first East Alton Food Truck Fest on Sunday was a rousing success, East Alton Public Works Director Mike Moore, one of the event organizers, said on Monday. Moore said anywhere from 500 to 1,000 attended the event and they thought the turnout was well above what they were expecting. EAWR Junior AnnaLeigh White had the winning T-shirt drawing for the event, Moore said, and he thanked the high school's participation in making it a success. "The school had contests for the T-shirt design and White won the contest," he said. "I also thank Jeremy Sheppard of Street Eatz for his help organizing the event. We also had a bounce house and a lot of activities for children. Overall, it was a great event."

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ALTON - The 16th annual St. Mary’s Oktoberfest will combine all the fun of the German tradition with Alton history this weekend. From Friday, Oct. 6 through Sunday, Oct. 8, community members can enjoy live music, a keg tapping, German and American foods, inflatables, games, auctions and a raffle for up to $10,000, with proceeds going back to St. Mary’s Catholic Church and School . Organizer Carolyn Simansky explained that the Oktoberfest tradition began in 2008 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of St. Mary’s in Alton and is still “going strong.” “When our parish started back in 1858, it was started by German immigrants, so that’s why we decided to have an Oktoberfest, to kind of celebrate that German heritage that started our parish,” she said. “We want to get together as a parish family to celebrate our parish, but we also want to celebrate with the wider family of the whole Alton community.” The weekend kicks off at 5:30

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ALTON – Raising another $35,000 for the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), the 15th Annual Alton Miles for Meso 5K Race and 3K Fun Run/Walk on Sept. 23 was a huge success in helping to continue the national, nonprofit ADAO’s mission of securing a U.S. ban on asbestos and supporting families impacted by asbestos-related diseases. The event was hosted by Simmons Hanly Conroy , one of the nation's largest mass torts firms and a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, and Metro Tri Club. “We are humbled each year by the outpouring of support for Miles for Meso from our friends and neighbors, and the community’s enthusiasm for the 2023 event was no exception,” said Todd Adamitis, Miles for Meso Committee chair and Simmons Hanly Conroy’s chief operations officer. “Equally vital to the event’s success are the numerous donors, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who generously

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CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. - Newbridge Retirement Community held a Raising of the Flag & Ribbon Cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of their newest senior living facility in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The new 75,000 square foot luxury retirement community providing assisted living and memory care for seniors is now open and ready for new residents. Newbridge will provide resident centered care in an activity-based environment that will allow a healthy community for seniors for years to come. The resort-style retirement community has 83 apartments with 47 Assisted Living apartments, 11 second-person accommodations for couples, and 36 units in two households, that are private apartments designed for Memory Care to care for residents for Alzheimer’s and dementia. The community focuses on lifestyle activities and person-centered care. An assisted living enhanced life enrichment program will provide activities to help maintain independence and individualized interest and hobbies,

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JERSEYVILLE - October is full of frightfully delightful fun for everyone at the Jerseyville Public Library located across from the County Courthouse at 105 North Liberty Street. Grab a Passport at the Library for the 5 th Annual Library Crawl where you will find 158 libraries listed across central and southern Illinois. Visit at least five, have your Passport stamped and you will receive an exclusive, commemorative Library Crawl pin. The Crawl takes place from October 1-31. There are two Illinois Libraries Present events taking place in October. October 4 features Chills & Thrills with author Stephen Graham Jones and on October 17 ILP presents Grace Lin children’s author and illustrator as she talks about Food, Family and Folktales. Both events will begin at 7:00 pm and are available to watch live from home by calling the Library to register to receive the Zoom link. This month’s LEGO Club on Saturday, October 7 at 10:00 am will also feature special YouTube videos all

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ALTON - The ROAR (Reach Out and Read) announced today information about the success of the program in Alton and Godfrey. With additional practice and the support of an encouraging adult, children make greater gains in reading, the Alton organization said today. These are points emphasized by local ROAR organizers: "ROAR is a flexible volunteer opportunity that supports literacy in your community," they said. "Please consider joining our team." The program meets before school Tuesdays through Fridays from October 3, 2023 to April 26, 2024. Volunteers are encouraged to pick the day of the week that is most convenient in their weekly schedule. Each building has staff members who facilitate the routine every morning. Volunteers sign in and out of the school visitor’s binder and wear a ROAR lanyard when in the school. Volunteers read with one student at a time. The student is reading from a book at his or her level. Each student will spend approximately 5 minutes with the volunteer.

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ALTON – The next American Red Cross blood drive at Alton Memorial Hospital will be from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, in the AMH café meeting rooms. To register, go to https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=AltonMemorial . or contact Dave Whaley in Communications at Alton Memorial, 618-433-7947 or david.whaley@bjc.org . Everyone who registers for this blood drive will receive a $15 Amazon gift card via email. For more information, please visit www.rcblood.org/together . The Red Cross is experiencing a severe blood shortage. Low donor turnout and blood drive cancellations due to weather in the winter months have led to the blood supply reaching extremely low levels. The Red Cross needs donors of all blood types — particularly type O blood, the blood group hospitals need most — to give blood to help meet daily hospital demands. Each blood donation can be divided into components, including red blood cells, plasma and platelets,

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