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CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker's administration and AFSCME Council 31—the largest union of frontline Illinois state employees—have announced the ratification of a new contract after membership voted overwhelmingly in favor. The agreement was tentatively reached by negotiators for the state and the union in the early morning hours of July 1. Over the past two weeks, members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31 attended local union meetings throughout the state to review and vote on its terms. The four-year agreement is now in effect. “Illinois is a pro-worker state—and when it comes to workers’ rights, my administration is committed to ensuring that every Illinoisan has access to good-paying opportunities,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This contract represents a partnership that won’t just expand our pool of state employees—it will strengthen our state’s workforce and

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, today applauded the Biden Administration’s announcement that it will designate the church that held Emmett Till’s pivotal open-casket wake in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood as a national monument. In a White House ceremony tomorrow, President Biden will designate Bronzeville’s Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ as a national monument to be managed by the U.S. National Park Service to ensure that the historic church will be preserved and continue to tell Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley’s critically important story as part of American history. “Roberts Temple Church of God In Christ is of both extraordinary and incredibly heartbreaking historical importance to Chicago, our state and to this country—which is why I’ve been working for years to make this site a national monument,”

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ALTON - Alton Little Theater is very excited to bring a little "circus" to town on Saturday, August 12th at 7 p.m. Yes, CIRCUS KAPUT will be on stage to the delight of families and kids of all ages, featuring headliner, OH MY GOSH JOSH, a unicycle act, juggling act, hula hoop act, a still parade, comedy, audience participation and so much more! "Party on Broadway" will be on hand, starting at 6 p.m. for some face painting and complimentary refreshments will be served. This family friendly event is simply the best way to celebrate summer fun before the start of school. All tickets are just $20 for the 90-minute Regional Circus Troupe started by Josh Routh and highly recommended by our local tourism bureau. Executive Director of ALT, Lee Cox is thrilled that so many new audience members are showing up to see ALT's big summer musical, SPAMALOT, but admits that the theater recommended attendance as a PG-13 production. The Board of Directors felt strongly that the theater wanted

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Band is excited to announce its upcoming concert, "From the Big Screen," taking place on Thursday, July 27, at 8:00 PM on the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand at City Park. Under the baton of co-conductor Dr. John Korak, the Edwardsville Municipal Band will transport the audience into the captivating worlds of cinema as the band showcases themes from timeless classics such as Harry Potter, Jurassic World, Superman, and many more. "We are thrilled to present a celebration of the indelible musical contributions that have graced our favorite films. The program is sure to resonate with audiences of all generations," said Mark Haun, trombone player and board member. Concessions available during the event will directly benefit the ED of the PEO Sisterhood. For more information about the Edwardsville Municipal Band and its upcoming events, please visit them on Facebook, Instagram, or on the City of Edwardsville website.

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JERSEYVILLE - The Public Library Association, a division of the American Library Association, has awarded $1.27 million to more than 200 Public Libraries for digital literacy workshops. This national initiative was offered with expanded support from AT&T to help families build online skills. Powered by a contribution from AT&T, the Public Library Association (PLA) has selected more than 200 public libraries across 45 states to host digital literacy workshops. The Jerseyville Public Library was one of the libraries chosen to receive this grant which supports public libraries in their work improving digital skills within their communities. The workshops leverage the online digital literacy courses, created by PLA in collaboration with AT&T, that are freely available to anyone through DigitalLearn.org. DigitalLearn.org online courses and training materials were developed with and for library staff and their patrons. Workshops funded by the PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive will

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MADISON - The Major Case Squad has been requested to assist the Madison, IL., Police Department in the investigation of a murder that occurred around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. The shooting occurred in the 1700 block of Edwardsville Road in Madison. Nick Novacich of the Major Case Squad said: "At this time two individuals were shot and one succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The other was transported to Gateway Regional Medical Center and was determined to have sustained non-life-threatening injuries. At this time the suspect(s) remain at large and an investigation is underway." The identity of the victims will not be released at this time nor will further information regarding the investigation be either. The Major Case Squad said additional information will be developed as the case progresses.

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GLEN CARBON - Glen Carbon Mayor Bob Marcus made several announcements at the Village Board meeting on Tuesday about upcoming events, award nominees, online surveys, and more. Mayor Marcus said the Comprehensive Plan Survey and the Parks and Trails Master Plan Survey are now available online at glencarbonil.gov . The Comprehensive Plan is meant to articulate “the community’s vision for Glen Carbon for the next 10 to 15 years,” according to the survey. The Parks and Trails Master Plan Survey similarly helps “plan for the future of the park and trail system for the next ten years.” The Village of Glen Carbon is also sponsoring the Edwardsville Futures professional tennis tournament happening now at Edwardsville High School, which Mayor Marcus added is “the only high school to host a Pro Circuit tournament.” Tournament matches are set to continue the rest of this week before culminating with a singles match final on Sunday. A full

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MATTOON — First Mid Bank & Trust is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mandy Lewis as its new Executive Vice President (EVP), Chief Operations Officer. Lewis is making a transition from her previous role as EVP, Chief Deposit Services Officer within the organization, demonstrating First Mid's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering growth from within. Lewis assumes the role previously held by Laurel Allenbaugh, who will be retiring at the end of the year. During Allenbaugh’s 33-year tenure at First Mid, she has served in multiple roles including Controller, Head of Retail, and Chief Operations Officer. Joe Dively, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at First Mid, says, “Laurel’s invaluable contributions and unwavering dedication have been truly impactful to our entire organization. Laurel leaves behind a remarkable legacy, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation for her exceptional leadership. We will be sad to see her step away, but her retirement

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WOOD RIVER - Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine and Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells announced Tuesday that a 19-year-old from Alton has been charged with first-degree murder has been filed in connection with a shooting death in Wood River. Austin L. Mullins has been charged with first-degree murder. The charges state that Mullins discharged a firearm, causing the death of Jacob Wall, 23, on Monday, July 24, 2023. The facts of the case were presented to State’s Attorney Haine’s Office after an investigation into the incident was started by Wood River Police Detectives and Madison County Sheriff’s Office Detectives. At 4:09 a.m. Monday, July 24, 2023, the Wood River Police Department received a 911 call to respond to 834 Tennyson Street, Wood River, for a report that a person had been shot. Police and emergency personnel immediately responded. Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said the Wood River Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services responded

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RIVERBEND - If you’ve experienced domestic violence or other forms of intimate partner violence, keep reading. There are resources in the area that might be able to offer you some help. There are two local organizations that specialize in domestic violence. These organizations offer a variety of resources and can also connect you with other groups or support services as needed. The Oasis Women’s Center explains that despite the title, they also work with men and boys; about 25% of their client base is male. They offer a 24-hour hotline, emergency housing, assistance looking for work and housing, counseling, and other resources and supportive services such as food, clothing and school supplies. The shelter is located in Alton, but they have outreach offices in Edwardsville, Carlinville and Jerseyville. Visit their official website to learn more about their work. The Violence Prevention Center of Southwestern Illinois (VPC) is located in Belleville and

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville District 7 Board of Education on Monday evening formally accepted the resignation of former assistant principal Erin Hamilton-Foley at a board meeting. Foley, 50, was released from her position as of July 21, 2023. An Edwardsville School official confirmed Foley's resignation acceptance. Foley has a trial date in Madison County Court on Aug. 7 and faces charges of two counts of criminal sexual assault that allegedly involved a 17-year-old student victim. Both charges are considered Class 1 felony offenses. Foley has entered a not-guilty plea in Madison County Court to the charges. Edwardsville Police arrested Foley on May 23, 2023, and she posted $25,000 bail on May 25, 2023.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton and Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dr. Cornelia Smith presented new inclusivity initiatives for the upcoming school year to the Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 (ECUSD7) Board during their meeting on Monday, July 24. “We want all kids to feel included,” Smith said. “They come to us as they are, and we want them to feel included in our schools.” These initiatives come after several reports of racial discrimination and harassment at Edwardsville High School. Multiple parents spoke at the June 26 board meeting and outlined the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives they wanted to see, including more consequences for racial discrimination. The school board could not respond to specific comments at that time, but the district released the following statement on June 27: “Any instance of racism undermines the inclusive and welcoming environment District #7 strives t

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ST. LOUIS - The National Weather Service in St. Louis is recommending those in the region take seriously the Heat Advisory that was issued today and runs through Friday. Heat Advisories are in effect Wednesday across the country for the Northeast, including New York City, Boston and Philadelphia. Fred Glass, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in St. Louis, explained the difference between a Heat Advisory and Heat Warning is that temps have to have higher values of 110 degrees to be a warning. "We are looking at this being the hottest weather all summer for the entire area and it will last until Friday," Glass said. "Temperatures could be close to 100 degrees on Wednesday, 101 degrees on Thursday and 102 degrees on Friday. The heat index all three days will be over 105 degrees." Glass recommended that people not be outside through Friday unless they have to, especially in the afternoon and the first part of the evening. "Wear light-weight clothes and not dark clothes,"

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EDWARDSVILLE - Duels were a common, though gruesome, part of 19th-century life, and often featured leading figures of history. Among them was Charles Lippincott, an Edwardsville native who held state offices in both Illinois and California – where he fought a duel in 1855 that left his opponent dead. Lippincott was also a high-ranking officer in the 33rd Illinois Infantry, the famous “Teachers’ Regiment” that originated at Illinois State University in Normal. The duel, though, overshadows many of his life’s achievements. Born on Jan. 25, 1825, Lippincott’s father was a leading Presbyterian minister and businessman who also owned an Edwardsville newspaper. One of Charles’ sisters, Abia, married Wintrhop Gilman, the Alton-area investor and business partner of Benjamin Godfrey. Young Charles attended Illinois College in Jacksonville without graduating, and later earned a degree from St. Louis Medical College in 1849. He opened a practice in Chandlerville

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SAINT JACOB – The Illinois Department of Transportation announces a lane closure on IL 4 at the US 40 intersection beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, July 31, 2023, weather permitting. Two-way traffic will be maintained by temporary traffic signals. This work is needed for bridge painting, and it is expected to be completed by the end of September. 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. The contractor on this project is Civil Coatings and Construction, Inc. of Valparaiso, IN. 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.nn

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) was awarded the Innovative Initiative Award by the Illinois Council for Continuing Higher Education (ICCHE). The Innovative Initiative Award recognizes and promotes best practices across Illinois while providing the opportunity for two-year and four-year institutions to showcase outstanding new programs and outline the path to that success. Though active in various forms since the 1980s, the LLI has evolved to offer educational programs for area retirees designed for a lifetime of learning and personal growth. The programming includes a weekly speaker series, trips, a Library Speaker Series and a Summer STEAM Tour. Nominated for its initiatives to increase community engagement and participation in educational outreach opportunities, the LLI implemented a hybrid delivery model for its signature Library Speaker Series. “This initiative promotes lifelong learning to community

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ALTON - Residents of Alton’s fourth ward have raised concerns about what Fourth Ward Alderwoman Rosie Brown described as “vicious” cats and dogs in the area. Possible solutions, including a change in the city’s no-kill policy, were discussed at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday. “My concern is that in my ward, these dogs and cats are vicious,” Brown said. “People are scared to walk the streets.” Alton Public Works Director Mike Parsons said he was concerned about unlicensed and unvaccinated animals. “So many people have dogs in our town that are not licensed, that don’t have rabies shots, and we really don’t have any way to follow up on that,” Parsons said. Parsons added that he’s against the city’s no-kill policy because a “runover of cats” is leading to “cat colonies.” “We literally, in our town - and I don’t know when this happened - but the

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Anna Forbes, Granite City, has been chosen to represent Illinois at American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls Nation in Washington, D.C. July 22-29. Forbes is one of 94 high school seniors selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Girls Nation July 22-29 in Washington, D.C. The weeklong program, founded in 1947, has provided exceptional civic education to thousands of students, teaching them about how the federal government works. Forbes is one of two participants who will represent Illinois as a “senator” at ALA Girls Nation. Two delegates from each ALA Girls State program are chosen to represent their state after participating in an ALA state-level program held across the country. At ALA Girls Nation, senators will participate in mock Senate sessions complete with caucuses and debating bills that range from personal to political interests. Other activities on the agenda include a visit to Arlington National Cemetery where they will place a wreath

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ALTON - Senior Services Plus will be hosting its second annual Glow Bingo Fundraiser on Friday, August 11, 2023, at SSP Headquarters in Alton. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with bingo starting 7 p.m. and going until around 9 p.m. Bingo prizes are items and baskets donated by local businesses. A baked good silent auction will start at 6 p.m. along with a wheelbarrow of booze raffle. Tickets are $20 per person and are available in single tickets or by purchasing a table. Various table sizes are available. No refunds are permitted. You must be 18 years old to play. Please bring your own drinks and snacks. Alcohol is permitted. To purchase tickets please visit https://www.seniorservicesplus.org/glow-bingo . Last year’s event sold out prior to the event, so get your tickets soon! Funds raised will go to support the 14 programs and services that Senior Services Plus provides throughout 8 counties that benefit nearly 30,000 older adults annually. These programs include Meals on Wheels,

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SPRINGFIELD - Catholic Charities, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, recently received 1,596 cases (38,565 pounds) of food from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in June. The food will be provided to clients through our six food pantries and seven mobile food pantries throughout the Diocese. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a mission of “Loving Our Neighbor” by striving to follow the example of Jesus Christ to feed the hungry, take in the stranger, and clothe the naked. Catholic Charities has a similar mission to “Extend to all the healing and empowering presence of Jesus”. It was a simple decision for the two organizations to partner in an effort to help with food insecurity by feeding those in need. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Springfield in Illinois has seven regional offices in our 28-county Diocese that offers 22 different programs. These programs have served thousands of hard-working families that struggle to afford

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