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ALTON - The Alton City Council moved quickly through passing several items on Wednesday night’s agenda during their first City Council meeting with newly-seated Alderman John Meehan. Among the items passed were several street closures to facilitate upcoming events, as well as improvements to a few streets around the city. The council unanimously approved the closure of 3rd street to facilitate the Funky Butt Brass Band Concert on Friday, July 14. The concert will be hosted by Alton Main Street and held from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Park, located on the corner of East 3rd and Easton Street in Alton. Also approved were the closures of 3rd Street, State Street, and Belle Street to facilitate the All-Wheels Drive-In Car Show. The event was originally scheduled earlier this summer but was rescheduled due to rain - it will now be held this Sunday, July 16 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cars will be lined up along 3rd Street between Piasa and State Streets in downtown Alton.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today introduced new legislation to improve national security by strengthening our United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC). The Parity for Public Health Service Ready Reserve Act would empower the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to recruit, retain and mobilize an elite sustainment force of Public Health Service uniformed servicemembers in response to public health emergencies. The Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is one of the nation’s eight uniformed services, and is the only uniformed service with an exclusive focus on protecting our nation during public health emergencies, such as such as Ebola, natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) joined Duckworth in introducing this legislation. “One of the most critical lessons we can learn from the COVID-19 pandemic is how important it is for our country to be prepared

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that road repairs on eastbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 14. One eastbound lane will remain open at all times. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, July 17. 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 Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07) today reintroduce the Federal Death Penalty Prohibition Act of 2023, bicameral legislation to prohibit the use of the death penalty at the federal level and require re-sentencing of those currently on death row. “The death penalty is deeply flawed and disproportionately imposed on Black and Brown and low-income people in America,” said Durbin. “Our bill follows the lead of 23 states, including Illinois, by finally putting an end to this failed and unjust policy at the federal level. I thank Congresswoman Pressley and our colleagues who are joining us in this effort.” “State-sanctioned murder is not justice, and it’s time we abolish the cruel, racist, and fundamentally flawed death penalty that has been weaponized against Black, brown and low-income people for far too long,” said Pressley.

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) launched $10 million in funding for the third round of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program provides training opportunities, expands the talent pipeline, and boosts diversity in the construction industry and building trades. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Since we first launched the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program two years ago, hundreds of underrepresented Illinoisans have learned new skills and advanced their careers—further strengthening our world-class workforce that is as diverse as our great state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As we continue to Rebuild Illinois—from roads and bridges to airports and transit systems—my administration is committed to ensuring that every resident, no matter their background

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ALTON - OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines ® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability. Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned

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WOOD RIVER - As the new Wood River recreation center nears completion, Parks and Recreation Director Jason Woody explained what the building will offer Wood River residents. “We’re obviously excited, and can’t wait to get some things out there for the kids of this community,” Woody said. Inside the rec center, an elevated walking track will circle the gymnasium. Two gym floors will be outfitted with lines for a total of six pickleball courts, two volleyball courts and two basketball courts. The Parks and Recreation Department also plans to move into the building, and multipurpose rooms will be available for rent. Woody predicts that construction will be completed October or November, with plans to open the center closer to the end of the year. Talks about this project began in 2017. Wood River’s sales tax and a $2.5 million grant have provided the funding needed for the building. The Parks and Recreation department recently partnered with

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ALTON - Listed as the “home-town favorites” The Harmans Bluegrass will open up for famous country music star Mo Pitney at this year’s first annual Foster Fest held at The Woodlands Golf Club & Banquet Facility on Saturday, July 29 th . Tickets for the show are $20 pre-ordered or $25 at the door. The show begins at 7 p.m. while doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for the show can be found at www.fosterfestalton.com . The Harmans Bluegrass has been playing music for a long time, to say the least. Through many iterations, the group just celebrated 45 years of their annual show played at Lewis and Clark Community College earlier this year. Mo Pitney, a Nashville recording artist, has been named an “Artist To Watch” by Rolling Stone and Billboard. He has amassed a following of 217,000 on Facebook and has over 50,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Pitney has seen past success with his latest albums, especially 2016’s Behind This Guitar and 2020’s

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EDWARDSVILLE - After nearly 50 years in law enforcement, Madison County Coroner Steve Nonn announced today he will retire after his term ends in the fall of 2024. Nonn had this statement: “I have been fortunate to work with incredibly dedicated and professional police officers and deputy coroners throughout my career. The men and women of the Madison County Coroner’s Office are the absolute best in the field of medicolegal death investigations. I am so very proud and honored to have been their leader. For me, leaving this outstanding group of dedicated investigators will be the hardest part of retiring." Nonn was elected Coroner (with 64 percent of the vote) in 2000, campaigning on his law enforcement credentials, including his 26 years with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department and 20 years serving as an investigator and Deputy Commander on the St. Louis Area Major Case Squad. Nonn’s first act after being sworn in was staffing the Coroner’s office

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CARLINVILLE - Shawn M. Evans, 36, is facing first-degree murder charges in the death of Dana Morgan Jr., 37, who died of gunshot wounds in a shooting in Carlinville on Wednesday night. Evans remains on the loose as of around 4 p.m. Thursday, Carlinville Police said. A $2,000,000 warrant has been issued by the Honorable Joshua A. Meyer. Evans is alleged to have intentionally and without lawful justification killed or done great bodily harm to Dana Morgan, Jr., thereby causing his death. "The public is asked to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity," the Carlinville Police said. "Members of the public are reminded that the allegations are not proof of the defendant's guilty," Carlinville Police said. "A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government's burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt." Read more in these related stories: 37-Year-Old Man Shot and Killed In Carlinville Wednesday Night GoFundMe

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WORDEN - A pair of rainbows were spotlighted in the sky for a brief period close to Worden and Interstate 55 early Thursday morning. These are the photos of the sky at that time. Mark Britt, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in St. Louis, said: “A rainbow is caused by sunlight and atmospheric conditions. Light enters a water droplet, slowing down and bending the light in a way of refraction and causing the light to break up into individual colors. That is why we see the colors.” Britt said most people are lucky enough to see a rainbow a couple of times a year, but it all depends on your perspective and where you are either standing or driving. A full rainbow is a complete circle, but from the ground, we see only part of it. From an airplane, in the right conditions, one can see an entire circular rainbow. “You have to be around rain or a thunderstorm and be able to have sunlight near to see the rainbow,” the meteorologist said. Britt said

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GRAFTON - Alton Alderwoman Rosie Brown organized and sponsored her First Annual Raging Rivers Trip, and it was well-attended with around 75 attendees. Brown, who also organizes an annual Socks For Tots campaign, Unity In The Community, and Next Step CDC, said the event at Raging Rivers was "a huge success." "It was fun, exciting, educational and safe for all who attended," she said. "The weather was beautiful. We were able to provide transportation and lunch for all who attended. "Thank you to all the volunteers, parents, children and sponsors." Brown closed and said: "Investing in our children is very valuable to the well-being of these young people."

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CARLINVILLE - A GoFundMe has been established for a man who was fatally shot on Wednesday, July 12, in Carlinville, as reported in this related story . The GoFundMe was organized by Chey Jones. The GoFundMe page says the following: "Dana Morgan Jr. was unexpectedly taken from his loved ones at only 37 years old. He was a loving son, grandson, father and brother. We are asking that people come together and please help his mother, Karen Eller, with the costs it will take to cremate and bury her son. "Please donate anything you can. Thank you."

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ALTON — Argosy Casino Alton is expanding its dinning offerings with the opening of River Side Grille, a new casual fare restaurant specializing in comfort foods and local favorites. The restaurant was named by the Argosy Casino team members to celebrate the property’s long-standing site along the banks of the Mississippi River. “We are thrilled to be offering another great dining option for our guests,” said Randy Peterson, Vice President and General Manager of Argosy Casino Alton. “We have worked diligently to create an exciting new food outlet for both local and regional visitors to enjoy fantastic offerings created by our culinary team.” River Side Grille’s menu will feature appetizers like shrimp cocktail and soups such as “Maggie’s Award Winning” White Chicken Chili, alongside cooked-to-order steaks and “Joy’s Famous” Chicken Fried Chicken, which will be made from scratch daily. A soft opening is

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is increasing crime fighting resources in the Metro East and making communities safer. ISP formalized a Special Operations Group operating in the Metro East earlier this year consisting of the Statewide Anti-Violence Enforcement (SAVE) South Unit, a Highway Interdiction Team (HIT), and a Fatal 4 Team. Additionally, ISP Troop 8 has increased the presence of patrol to deter crime. These additional resources are building on the successes already achieved through the Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG), which is comprised of ISP and the East St. Louis Police Department, with assistance from federal law enforcement agencies. “ISP is dedicating additional resources to the Metro East – specialty units, increased officer presence, and technology – to reduce shootings and violent crimes in this area,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. The SAVE South Unit began operations on February 16, 2023 and

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CARLINVILLE - The Carlinville Police reported today that a man was shot and killed in Carlinville on Wednesday and he later died at Carlinville Area Hospital. The report to Carlinville Police came in at 7:20 p.m. Wednesday and once the man was found in the 1,000 block of Johnson Street near the Blackburn College campus, first responders performed life-saving measures. However, he was pronounced dead at Carlinville Hospital. Carlinville Police said the man was identified as 37-year-old Dana Morgan. Officers from the Carlinville Protection District and Gillespie Benld Area Ambulance responded to the scene and the victim was then transported to the hospital. There is a person of interest in the case. Carlinville Police will release more information whenever possible. Contact Carlinville Police at (217() 854-3221 if you have any information in regard to the case or Macoupin and Madison County Crimestoppers at 1-800-352-0136. The Carlinville Police e-mail is info@carlinvillepolice.com

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ALTON - Thanks to the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural event, OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center will host their 2 nd annual Back-to-School Celebration on Saturday, August 5, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Due to scheduled parking lot construction at the hospital, this year’s event will be held at Alton Square Mall on the upper level. This year’s Back-to-School Celebration, sponsored exclusively by Dwight and Cheryl Werts, and Werts Welding & Tank Service, Inc., will distribute school supplies including (but not limited to) paper, pens, pencils, and crayons to the first 500 kids ages 4 to 12 – last year’s event provided school supplies to 300 students. Admission is FREE and the event is open to the public. A hot dog lunch complete with chips, cookies, and bottled water will be available while supplies last. “Last year’s Back-to-School Celebration was an overwhelming success, so we wanted to make this year’s event bigger

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ALTON - The Alton Municipal Band’s 133rd concert season hit a bump in the road this July, as construction at Riverview Park rendered the historic gazebo inaccessible. The remaining Thursday concerts for the 2023 summer series will take place at the Alton Amphitheater. Sunday concerts at Haskell Park are unaffected by the change. This week, director Jennifer Shenberger leads the band in “Shades of Summer,” a musical journey that takes us to summer destinations and brings back memories of warm-weather activities. Guest artist Gary Gackstaqer will join the band on the journey as he plays several compositions for brass instruments. He will then direct the band in one of his own new compositions. On Sunday, the band will pay tribute to L. Linton Luetje. Luetje directed the band for over 30 years and passed away this year. Friend and local musician Bud Schultz will join the band in remembrance of Linton and his constant dedication to music in Alton and the greater St.

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ALTON - Alton Police announced today the retirement of Sgt. Joel Bromaghim after 21 years of service."After 21 years with the department, Joel is retiring and will be starting a new career in security services for a professional sports club," the Alton Police Department said. "We know he will be great in his new role. "Joel has done a variety of positions within the department. He started as a corrections officer, moved on to a patrol officer, K9 handler, SWAT operator, patrol sergeant, traffic division supervisor, and is ending his career as our training supervisor."No matter the role, Joel has always been a great employee, supervisor, and leader. He’s the type of guy who can be placed in any role and he will work hard to succeed. And beyond that, he’s a great father, husband, and human." The Alton Police closed with this statement: "Thank you for your service Sgt. Bromaghim. You will be missed greatly. Wishing you and your family nothing but success, health, and happiness."

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County Coroner Stephen P. Nonn has released the identity of the three victims of the fatal Greyhound Bus crash that happened on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the Silver Lake Rest Area, on Interstate 70, Highland. The first victim has been identified as Juan E. Vasquez-Rodriguez, 34, of Passaic, N.J. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by Madison County Coroner’s Office Investigator Kelsey Jones at 3:15 a.m. on July 12, 2023. An autopsy examination was conducted on the decedent and the preliminary findings showed that he sustained craniocerebral, thoracic and abdominal blunt trauma as a result of the crash. The second victim has been identified as Buford Paya, 71, of Supai, Ariz. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by Madison County Coroner’s Office Investigator Kelsey Jones at 3:16 a.m. on July 12, 2023. An autopsy examination was conducted on the decedent and the preliminary findings showed that he sustained blunt head trauma as well as thoracoabdomina

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