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ST. LOUIS - For the people who are involved with the Metro Trans Umbrella Group, it’s more than just a resource. It’s a life-saver. The Metro Trans Umbrella Group, or MTUG, is a nonprofit that serves transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals throughout the Greater St. Louis area. The organization has a variety of services and support groups, as well as opportunities for people to connect with one another. “It saves lives, just having the space to exist with others who are like you,” Ramona Riley, MTUG’s volunteer coordinator, said. “It’s a common story that I hear, that people get up to the point where they’re going to start transitioning, and it is literally a choice between transitioning and dying…That is how crucial these things and these spaces are to trans people.” MTUG offers a range of free services, including a food pantry and STI testing. They provide assistance with legal name changes, and they also distribut

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GODFREY - Family Fun Fest is returning to Glazebrook Park in Godfrey for 2023 on July 4 starting at 5 p.m. The event will feature food trucks, live music, a watermelon-eating contest, and much more family-friendly fun, capping off with a fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. Chris Logan, director of the village’s Parks and Recreation Department, gave more details on the event on an episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . “All of our vendors will be set up, BB the Clown’s going to be there, there’s going to be some face-painting, we’re going to have some more inflatables again - quite a few inflatables, actually - a big slide, obstacle course, these kids really like them,” Logan said. “We’re going to have a dunk tank, we’re going to try and get some of our baseball and softball coaches in there.” Logan added that at 5:30 p.m., the design for the Great Godfrey Maze will be revealed at the event. He said the maze will

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CARROLLTON - Greene County was hit by strong thunderstorm winds and the Fitzgibbons' house in the 1300 block of Sixth Street in Carrollton encountered serious damage. High winds ripped the home owned by William and Debbie Fitzgibbons just after noon on Thursday. The Fitzgibbons' home had a pole power knocked down, and the high winds tore guttering, shingles and part of the roof where the electricity box was located. “My husband, Daniel, was on the phone with William and was telling them they better take cover because of a storm and about that time he said, ‘Oh it is here,’” William’s sister, Lisa Wieneke of Jerseyville, said. “The storm hit them hard." Ameren Illinois was at the Fitzbiggons location around 5:45 p.m. Thursday, along with an electric company from Jerseyville," Lisa said. “They hope to have it restored sometime tonight,” she added. Ryan Knutsvig, a Lincoln National Weather Service meteorologist, said winds hit areas

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WEST ALTON - Fireworks City’s sales are booming ahead of the July 4th weekend. With their famous “buy one get four free” deal, the family-owned West Alton, MO., location invites other families to celebrate Independence Day with their products. “Fourth of July has always been my favorite holiday,” Owen Thomeczek, son of the owners and longtime employee, said. “Seeing everyone come in every year, all my friends working with me, it’s always a good time here. I hope to keep doing this forever.” Owen’s grandfather opened Fireworks City in 1964. Today, the store is owned by Owen’s father and aunts. Since his mother, Jody, started dating his father at age 15, she has had a front-row seat behind the counter as the store’s popularity soared and her family grew. Jody remembers that they used to sell mainly firecrackers, Roman candles and bottle rockets, with a limited supply of bigger fireworks. But the store blew

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ALTON - The latest ghost spotting at McPike Mansion is raising hairs (and eyebrows) on social media. The McPike Mansion is known for being one of the most haunted places in Alton. When owner Sharyn Luedke posted the most recent picture of the mansion on Facebook, even skeptics were second-guessing what they saw. Many people report that they can make out an old man in the second-story far-left window. “I think it’s either Henry or his dad,” Luedke said. “We do think we have about 12 spirits.” Henry Guest McPike built the mansion in 1869. Luedke said that the spirits of McPike, his parents, his two wives, his son, his grandchild and a servant likely haunt the house, as well as a few other people and children who once lived on the property but weren’t related to McPike. Luedke explained that they use old photographs and newspaper articles to piece together information about McPike’s life and the other spirits in the mansion. She and he

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County State's Attorney Thomas Haine announced on Thursday that the 5th District Appellate Court has rejected an appeal by two former Madison County employees who sued over their termination. The Appellate Court upheld a circuit judge’s dismissal of litigation filed by Robert Dorman, former director of information technology, and Douglas Hulme, former county administrator. “The appellate justices resoundingly agreed that Hulme’s and Dorman’s long-running litigation needs be dismissed,” Haine said. “That is good news for county government and county taxpayers. Madison County and the State’s Attorney’s Office have been forced to expend considerable time and resources defending against the self-serving arguments of these two disgruntled ex-employees who were fired by an overwhelming bipartisan majority of the County Board. Our resources would be better spent serving the needs of the citizens.” Haine continued,

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CARROLLTON - The past week has seen a range of criminal charges filed in Greene County, including drug-related charges, criminal damage to property, criminal trespassing, and more, according to the latest Jail Booking Report from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. Joshua E. Simpson, 37, of Jerseyville, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, and he had a warrant for his arrest out of Greene County. He was arrested by the Greene County Sheriff’s Department on June 28 and remains in custody. Renael C. Molohon, 38, also of Jerseyville, was also arrested for possession of methamphetamine and having a warrant for her arrest out of Greene County. She was taken into custody on June 26 by the Greene County Sheriff’s Department and has since been released on recognizance. Chad R. Cordes, 36, also of Jerseyville, was charged with aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, two counts of criminal trespass

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EAST ALTON - When Woodrow Peterson received a phone call from his 12-year-old stepson Bentley Mayer last Friday night, he had no idea that Mayer and his friend were about to save a life. Mayer and Kamden Balicki, also 12, were walking home from the East Alton Ice Arena when they found a man on the sidewalk, dying from an overdose. The two boys sprang into action. Mayer called Peterson, who called 911. Their actions are likely the only reason the man is still alive. “My son sat there with him until the paramedics arrived. Once I got to the scene, I talked to the police… said that the guy barely made it,” Peterson said. “I’m just really proud of both of them. They’ve both seen stuff that they, as youth, should not see. But it’s a growing problem here in Madison County.” Mayer immediately recognized the signs of an overdose because he often helps Peterson pass out harm reduction kits. Peterson runs a Facebook group called

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Faculty Association ratified its first successor agreement to a new contract on Monday, June 25. Details of the contract have not yet been released, but SIUE Communications said once the contract is finalized, information will be dispatched to the media. The SIUE Faculty Association said on Wednesday that more than 93 percent of its members voted in support of the new contract. “It has been a long patch,” the SIUE Faculty Association said. “Thank you to everyone who has helped us get to this moment.”

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EDWARDSVILLE - The City of Edwardsville and American Legion Post #199 are teaming up for a “fireworks spectacular” on Saturday, July 1. The fireworks display will kick off at dusk, between 8:30–9 p.m., but the festivities last all evening. American Legion Post #199 will start welcoming people at 4 p.m. at the On the Hill Golf Course & Lounge. They invite the community to enjoy music, vendors and food trucks. “I like to think of it as a bridge between the city government and the veterans,” Commander Wes Sterling of American Legion Post #199 said. Sterling said they will be launching $13,500 of fireworks. The City of Edwardsville contributed $10,000, with an additional $1,000 donation from the Edwardsville Township. Post #199 thanks the other people who have donated to make the fireworks display possible. But before the big show, acoustic duo Lanny & Julie will take the stage from 4–6:30 p.m., followed by the Edwardsville Municipal Ban

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GLEN CARBON - The Glen Carbon Fire Protection District with the Village of Glen Carbon has issued a temporary prohibition of opening burning for all residents and businesses within the boundaries of Glen Carbon Fire Protection District. The burn ban is in effect through 4 p.m. Friday, June 30, 2023. “With the extremely dry conditions and moderate wind conditions, even a small fire can become a cause for concern,” Glen Carbon Fire Protection District Chief Jason Whitaker said. “The ban includes but is not limited to all opening burning of brush, leaves, etc., and all recreational fires, to include but not limited to bonfires, campfires, cooking fires, etc.” Should you have any questions, contact the chief at (618) 288-1220.

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GRANITE - A 29-year-old woman - Emily R. Kendall - faces multiple charges including unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and retail theft under $300 from a local retail establishment - CATO Fashions on Nameoki Road in Granite City. The charges state that she knowingly possessed less than 15 grams of a substance containing cocaine, a controlled substance, and also less than 15 grams of a substance containing acetaminophen and oxycodone hydrochloride. She also faces a count of unlawful possession of contraband in a penal institution - acetaminophen and oxycodone hydrochloride - and another count of containing an item of contraband - alprazolam, a controlled substance. Bond for Kendall was set at $100,000 on June 28, 2023.

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River Mayor Tom Stalcup has announced a busy summer event schedule for the city, including an Ice Cream Social event and a series of Farmers Markets, both coming up in July. The Ice Cream Social is set for July 9 from 3 to 6 p.m. The event will be held at Central Park, located at 633 N. Wood River Ave. in Wood River. Mayor Stalcup encouraged visitors to “come and enjoy ice cream and an afternoon of fun with your neighbors, friends, and family.” The Ice Cream Social is co-sponsored by the City of Wood River & the Wood River Women’s Club. Call (618) 251-3130 for more information, or visit the city’s Parks and Recreation Department website . July will also bring a weekly Farmers Market to Wood River, which will take place each Thursday starting on July 6 and running until September (weather and crops permitting) from 4 p.m. to dusk. The Farmers Market will take place in the parking lot on 1st Street between Route 143 and Ferguson Avenue

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois State Police (ISP) announced today it conducted an anti-human trafficking operation in the Metropolitan East St. Louis Area and it resulted in seven arrests. Between June 22-23, 2023, the ISP Division of Criminal Investigation Trafficking Enforcement Bureau and the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois led a human trafficking suppression operation focused on identifying individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts with minors. “ISP has a responsibility to protect those vulnerable to human trafficking, forced labor, and sexual servitude,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “The arrests of these individuals serve as notice to anyone who thinks about feeding the demand for human trafficking that ISP could be waiting behind a door for them with handcuffs.” As a result of the operation, the following individuals were arrested and charged. Donald A. Dececco (43) – St. Louis, Missouri –

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ALTON - Hit it out of the park in Alton and Collinsville during All Star Restaurant Week July 7 – 16 featuring 34 locally owned and operated restaurants serving up delicious dining specials. A total of 24 restaurants in Alton, Grafton, Bethalto, East Alton, Godfrey are participating in this popular dining event. Ten restaurants will serve up great specials in Collinsville. All will feature a lunch and/or dinner special for the 10 day dining event. And once again diners can receive a free commemorative pint glass with a receipt from a participating restaurant to the Alton Visitor Center, 200 Piasa St., Alton or Uptown Scoops, 403 W. Main St., Collinsville. Glasses are available while supplies last. “Restaurant Week is a great way to celebrate all the amazing locally owned and operated restaurants in the Great Rivers & Routes region,” Cory Jobe, President & CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau said. “From Alton to Collinsville, we are able to highlight

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CHICAGO – Today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, met with members of March Fourth, a gun violence prevention organization that was founded in the aftermath of the Highland Park shooting on July 4, 2022. “Next week marks one year since the horrific mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park. That gunman scarred a community for a lifetime, shooting more than 80 rounds in 60 seconds, at what was supposed to be a joyful community celebration of America’s beauty and her freedoms. Mass shootings are a uniquely American experience, and it doesn’t have to be this way. Since that day, Illinoisans have mobilized and garnered a swell of grassroots support for gun violence prevention policies. I’m grateful for community leaders and members of March Fourth for their efforts as we work to address gun violence as a major public health threat,” said Durbin. Last week, the Senate unanimously pass

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SPRINGFIELD - The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is reminding Illinoisans to make sure they are following proper safety practices when using their grills this holiday weekend and throughout the rest of the summer. July is the peak month for grill fires followed by June, May and August. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), reports around 64% of U.S. households own at least one outdoor BBQ, grill or smoker. Gas grills contribute to a higher number of fires than charcoal grills. The NFPA reports 61% of households own a gas grill. On average, 10,200 home fires are started by a grill each year. In 2017-2021, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 11,421 home fires involving grills, hibachis, or barbecues per year, including an average of 5,763 structure fires and 5,659 outside or unclassified fires. During the same time, an average of 22,155 patients per year went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills. Nearly half (10,342 or 47%) o

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SPRINGFIELD— With smoke from wildfires in Canada traveling down into the region, the air quality has deteriorated rapidly, leading the National Weather Service in Lincoln to issue an air quality alert. HSHS Medical Group pulmonologist Dr. Brian Reichardt shared, “People can see that it looks smoggy in the air but may not realize the affect wildfire smoke can have on the lungs, especially for older adults, pregnant women, children, and people with preexisting respiratory and heart conditions. If there is enough smoke in the air, it can affect someone who is healthy if they are exposed to it long enough.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breathing in smoke can have immediate health effects, including: Coughing Trouble breathing normally Stinging eyes A scratchy throat Runny nose Irritated sinuses Wheezing and shortness of breath Chest pain Headaches An asthma attack Tiredness Fast heartbeat Those whose age or health

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today led a coalition of 24 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief to protect a key provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) that guarantees access to critical preventive care for millions of Americans. Congress enacted the ACA’s preventive services provision because, previously, many Americans struggled to afford preventive care, which can be lifesaving but was often not covered by insurance. The preventive services provision eliminated this financial barrier by requiring most private insurance plans to cover certain preventive services and treatments, such as cancer screenings and vaccinations, without charging out-of-pocket costs, including copayments or deductibles. “Access to preventive health services saves lives, reduces disparities in health care and improves public health and safety for everyone,” Raoul said. “I am proud to lead this coalition of my fellow attorneys general calling

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WEST ALTON – The US Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, will temporarily close overnight access to Riverlands Way and Lincoln Shields Recreation Area in West Alton for the Fourth of July Weekend. Riverlands Way will be closed each of the following timeframes: July 1 st from 7:00pm through July 2 nd at 7:30am July 2 nd from 7:00pm through July 3 rd at 7:30am July 3 rd from 10:00pm through July 4 th at 7:30am July 4 th from 7:00pm through July 5 th at 7:30am Lincoln Shields Recreation Area will be closed each of the following timeframes: July 1 st from 7:00pm through July 2 nd at 7:30am July 2 nd from 7:00pm through July 4 th at 7:30am July 4 th from 7:00pm through July 5 th at 7:30am Both Riverlands Way and Lincoln Shield Recreation Area will again remain open beginning July 5 th at 7:30am. For more information, please contact the Rivers Project Office at 636-899-2600.

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