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CHICAGO — The U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals today ordered the lower court to vacate the 1972 Shakman Consent Decree, citing Governor Pritzker’s significant progress “instituting and supporting several remedial measures in recent years to minimize the risk of political patronage in employment practices.” The ruling acknowledges that the administration has instituted long-term policies and procedures that will ensure “compliance sticks.” This ruling means the state will no longer be under federal court supervision related to hiring practices, saving taxpayer dollars and ensuring state government can better serve the people. “I’m gratified that the Court recognized my commitment to hiring practices that fully live up to the principles of the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “From the time that I took office, my administration has worked to strengthen the state’s hiring practices and ensure

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined two separate coalitions of attorneys general supporting LGBTQ+ students against discrimination in the classroom, filing legal briefs opposing an Indiana school district’s efforts to bar a transgender student from using the restroom consistent with the student’s gender identity and against Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law, which limits classroom discussions and has serious implications for LGBTQ+ students. “Across the country, we are seeing increased attacks on the rights of LGBTQ+ youth,” Raoul said. “Discrimination has no place in the classroom – period. I will continue to work with fellow attorneys general from across the country to stand up for the rights of all students and will vehemently oppose unjust policies that jeopardize the education and emotional and physical well-being of LGBTQ+ students.” Raoul joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in filing

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GLEN CARBON - T&C Ultrasound opened for business this week after holding a ceremonial ribbon cutting for their brand new business. About The Business: We are a family-owned ultrasound imaging studio. Newly opened in January. We provide quality images for expecting mothers in 2D/3D/4D and HD Live. We offer a multitude of different packages that can be customized to each mother's expectations. We are here to curate an experience for our clients unlike any other. We aim to please every person that comes through our doors by giving them a great experience and images to take home and share with their families. About The Team: This was a completely new journey for all of us. We weren't expecting to open up such a blessing in disguise until the opportunity presented itself, and we knew it was the path we needed to be on. Our team consists of 5 major people that help make T & C all that it is. Our names are Chuck and Thomas, we are the owners of the business. Macy, Diane, and Rebecca

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ST. LOUIS - Today, Municipal Courts Administrative Judge Newton McCoy signed a dismissal order for more than 24,000 older, low-level cases at the municipal court. The cancellation, which happens annually, allows the Municipal Courts to turn their focus to more serious crimes while freeing up cases from the records of St. Louisans, which can impede employment, housing, and more. The cases pre-date July 1, 2018. Municipal offenses like DWI’s, DUIs, leaving the scene, and dumping in unlicensed areas are ineligible for dismissal. “This annual dismissal helps the court do its job more efficiently in the months ahead,” said Administrative City Court Judge Newton McCoy. “City Court is also pleased to support our public safety mission by offering our Warrant Reset Day program for the fifth consecutive year.” The dismissal comes as St. Louis announces its fifth consecutive Warrant Reset Days, a proactive initiative designed to reduce the backlog of 160,000 outstanding

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced a total of $4,957,465 in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grants to support Head Start services for children under the age of five in receiving wrap-around support in early learning and development. The two recipients of these grants are Community Action Agency for McHenry County, Inc., receiving $2,919,470, and Proviso Leyden Council for Community Actions, Inc., receiving $2,037,995. “Head Start is a federal investment that has put young kids on the path to lifelong success through programming that supports their early learning, health, and family well-being,” said Durbin. “With this federal support, I hope to see these organizations expand and fortify their existing programming to help Illinois families thrive.” “Head Start and Early Head Start programs are crucial for kids throughout Illinois to have the tools

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FLORISSANT, MO. - On July 12, 2022, Yvonne Campbell departed this life while doing something she loved, vacationing in Montego Bay, Jamaica, with her family. There was immediate support from the community , her friends and family, and beloved customers of her business My Just Desserts. All these people met to celebrate Campbell's life on Friday, August 5, at Shalom Church (City of Peace). Hundreds of people came to that church in Florissant to celebrate her life and show their support for Yvonne and her family. Visitation was held from 9 a.m. to the time of service at 11 a.m. Shalom Church's full choir kicked off the service with songs starting around 10:45 a.m. Shortly after ministers Terrence Clark and LaJuana Morris each gave a scripture reading. That was followed by minister Juanita Robinson leading the family and guests into prayer before another musical selection from the choir. After that Shalom Church gave their acknowledgments and condolences before the special tributes

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ALTON - The Annual Alton Fourth Ward Annual Book Bag Giveaway is from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, at Hellrung Park in Alton. There will be enough items for 300 children at the book-bag event on a first-come, first-serve basis. "As the Alderwoman of the Fourth Ward, I see the need to serve the youth in my ward who are seldom underserved," Brown said. "Giving them the tools necessary to have a quality education is of utmost importance. I, along with other concerned citizens are helping to make this happen." Brown said a speaker from the Alton Middle School and Ameren Illinois will engage the students on the importance of a good education. "Representatives from area businesses will be there to give our youth items to assist them in being successful in school," she said. "Food will be served. Everything is free." The event is sponsored by Brown, community sponsors, and Kennedy Smith.

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WOOD RIVER - The Wood River Police Department received notification that a male subject, identified as Vernon L. Law is considered a missing person as of July 27, 2022. Law was last seen at 2:40 p.m. on July 21, 2022, by a coworker, departing Economy Boat Store, 200 S. Amoco Road, Wood River. Law worked as a deckhand on the riverboat "Kevin Michael." Law left property on the boat. His wallet and identification were not left behind. He possibly left with these items in his possession. Vernon is from Chester, Illinois, with associates in Columbia, Illinois, and O’Fallon, Missouri. Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said Vernon L. Law was last seen wearing a blue t-shirt, blue jeans, and work boots. A check of his cellphone has been conducted. The last time his phone was active was on 2:40 p.m. July 21, 2022, in Wood River, Illinois. Investigators with the Wood River Police Department found a video of Vernon L. Law walking southbound on Illinois Route #3 in Hartford Illinois,

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ST. LOUIS — The American Red Cross shelter in East St. Louis closed at 10 a.m. today (Friday). The individuals staying at the shelter at Mason Clark Middle School 5510 State St. have found other places to stay. One individual stayed there last night. The shelter at St. Vincent Community Center, 7335 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Louis, MO, remains open. Twelve individuals stayed there last night. The American Red Cross provided a shelter for a total of 13 people, Thursday night, impacted by recent flooding in the St. Louis area. Since opening a shelter in the metro on Tuesday, July 26, the Red Cross has provided for a total of 217 overnight stays. Multi-Agency Resource Centers are available to anyone impacted by recent floods. These centers (MARCs) are “one-stop shops” for people needing assistance to recover from flooding. The Red Cross and partner agencies registered and assisted: 800 people representing 279 families at Tuesday’s MARC in Wentzville, MO

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ALTON – OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton will have one last celebration before school starts on August 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free event is open to the entire community. There will be a fire truck, MICU ambulance, UPS truck, K-9 unit, shark dissection, vaping danger education and many more fun activities. Hot dogs and snow cones will be available. School supplies including paper, pens, pencils and crayons will be available to the first 300 kids ages 4-12. OSF Saint Anthony’s is hosting this event to build up the community after a difficult couple of years. OSF Mission Partners (employees) hope to educate and provide services to kids in their community through fun games and family activities. Some competitions include a self-portrait contest and bean bag toss. The event is sponsored by Dwight and Cheryl Werts in partnership with: Alton Police Department Alton Fire Department ARCH Helicopter Boys and Girls Club of Alton Lakeside EM

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CHICAGO – It's been almost a week since a single Mega Millions ticket sold in Illinois won the third largest jackpot of all time, an incredible windfall of $1.337 billion. Everyone is wondering who the lucky winner is - and the Illinois Lottery is also still wondering, as the winner is yet to come forward. "For a prize of this magnitude, it's not unusual for the winner to take a while to claim," said Illinois Lottery Director, Harold Mays. "I'm sure they're going through a range of emotions." The Lottery has three key pieces of advice for the lucky winner on what to do next: Sign the back of the ticket and keep it somewhere safe Seek professional financial and legal advice Call the Lottery Player Hotline on 1-800-252-1775 to arrange a private appointment to claim the prize. For more information on what happens after a big win, the Lottery has provided a helpful Winner's Handbook, which is available for download on the Illinois Lottery website . Lottery winners of prizes

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ALTON - The holiday transformation of Rock Spring Park in Alton will begin in early September, and new Christmas Wonderland volunteers are always needed to help put together displays to ensure the holidays sparkle in 2022. An informational meeting for volunteers is planned for 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 9 at Meunstermann Pavilion in Gordon Moore Park, Alton. The Grandpa Gang, which coordinates the annual Christmas event, is looking for volunteers to help with tasks like setting up wooden displays and hanging lights throughout the park. Volunteers are able to work any time between 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday and work continues through the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Volunteers are not required to work each day of set up. Set up in the park is expected to begin Monday, Sept. 12 at 8 a.m. If interested in volunteering but unable to attend the August 9 meeting, volunteers should contact Dick Alford at 618-781-2482 or Dave Davis at 618-419-1969. “We always look forward

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JERSEYVILLE - Active work continues on Illinois American Water's new Jerseyville Distribution Center. Above and below are photos of the steel erection and the start of interior construction. Illinois American Water previously announced the construction of a new operations and distribution facility in Jerseyville. Karen Cotton, a spokesperson for Illinois American Water, said the new facility will be located at 501 Mound Street in Jerseyville. She added that this is an additional investment in the region of approximately $8 million. "Construction is underway for the new facility which will support improved operational efficiencies and excellent customer service," she said. "The 16,000-square-foot facility will include a customer payment window, maintenance garage with six garage bays, storage of tools and equipment, and dedicated operations and maintenance areas."

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ALTON - Ameren Illinois spokesperson Brian Bretsch once again praised the linemen and field personnel for their dedicated work to restore power Wednesday and into Thursday after a serious storm left thousands in the dark. "I can never say enough about them," Bretsch said of the linemen and field personnel. "When Mother Nature throws a curve ball with rain and wind, I think our group always does their best work for family and neighbors. They take great pride in restoring power as safely and efficiently as possible." Ameren Ilinois spokesperson Brian Bretsch said the areas of Brighton and Bunker Hill had about 1,600 customers out Wednesday for 25 minutes after a breaker inside a substation tripped, but they were able to close it and those customers were back on. Bretsch said the Wednesday outage impacted 2,000 customers around Alton (Alton (1,700) Cottage Hills (50) and Godfrey (235). East Alton had about 930 without power and there were an estimated 70 in Wood River. Storms knocked

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ALTON - Alton Police officers responded to the Clark Bridge for a call from a passing motorist about a man in distress and after a quick response, they talked the man out of the dangerous situation. The call to Alton Police came in around 5:15 p.m. Thursday. Deputy Police Chief Jarrett Ford said the Alton officers did a great job of remaining calm and talking to the man. “They had a good conversation and convinced him that mental health treatment was his best option,” Ford said. “I am very proud of the officers and they arranged for him to have transportation for mental health treatment.” The Suicide Prevention Lifeline number is 988.

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ALTON - Executive Director Al Womack, Jr., describes the Boys & Girls Club of Alton Great Futures Golf Classic as an "always top-notch" charity event. The legendary tournament is scheduled for August 12 at Spencer T. Olin Golf Course, at 4701 College Avenue in Alton. Check-in on the Spencer T. Olin Driving Range is at 10 a.m. with an 11 a.m. shotgun start. Womack says the golf event is one of the top fund-raisers for his club, which benefits Alton area children with many after-school programs and much more. Womack says the Boys & Girls Club of Alton's mission is simple but so needed in this area: "To inspire all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens." If one thinks about it, aren't those three words what all parents and families likely want for their children? Womack the long-serving director of the club, has meant a considerable amount to children of the Alton area and has shepherded the organization

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JERSEYVILLE - Josselyn Allen, a 14-year-old axe-thrower from Jerseyville, will compete in the World Axe Throwing League’s 2022 Commissioner’s Cup Tournament, “The Ocho," which will be streamed live on ESPN2 at 8 a.m. Friday. Allen will be competing in the Big Axe - Youth tournament on the Red Team and will face against the Blue Team for the Commissioner’s Cup. While Allen said she was “very nervous” about the competition tomorrow, she added big axes are one of her favorite things to throw. She started throwing axes two years ago at 12 years old in the Riverbend Axe Throwing League along with her father and grandfather. After competing in some other tournaments in Springfield, she was invited to join this invitation-only competition. Allen’s grandfather, Jim Nanney, said this competition is different than a usual tournament and will be perfect to highlight Allen’s axe-throwing talents. “It’s more of an exhibition

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EDWARDSVILLE - A new commander for the Cross River Crime Task Force was named Wednesday in the lobby of the Madison County Administration Building in Edwardsville. Major Jeff Connor has led the Cross-River Crime Task Force comprised of law enforcement officials from federal, state, county, and local agencies for the past year. As he steps into the role of Madison County Sheriff, a new commander was unanimously chosen to lead the task force with the goal of combining resources and manpower to protect Madison County from criminals who cross state lines to commit violent crimes. Granite City Police Department's Assistant Chief Nick Novacich was announced on Wednesday as the new Commander of the Cross River Task Force. Novacich's deputy commanders will be Madison County Sheriff's Office Capt. Brian Koberna and Alton Police Department Capt. John Franke. On a steering committee for the Cross River Crime Task Force will be Pontoon Beach Police Chief Chris Modrusic, Alton Deputy Police

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), introduced the Reproductive Healthcare Accessibility Act to help ensure women with disabilities—who face discrimination and extra barriers when seeking care—can access reproductive services and get the informed care they need to have control over their own reproductive lives. “For too long, Americans with disabilities have faced persistent barriers to healthcare services, equipment and providers—and with right-wing efforts underway to go even further to undermine these rights in the wake of the overturning of Roe—many are rightfully worried about having an even harder time accessing the reproductive care they need,” said Duckworth. “Today, I’m proud to join Senator Murray and colleagues in introducing the Reproductive Healthcare Accessibility Act to

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CHICAGO –Today Governor Pritzker announced an increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates for abortion services and a new expansion of Title X funding through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for family planning and reproductive health service providers across the state. The 20% Medicaid reimbursement rate increase will give additional resources to providers facing new burdens in the wake of increased restrictions on reproductive care in surrounding states. The Governor also eliminated a requirement for providers to receive a Medicare denial before requesting Medicaid payment, expanding provider options for patients receiving both Medicare and Medicaid. “Illinois abortion providers have been working overtime since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “They need support as they take on this new burden on the frontlines of this fight. Supporting them with reimbursement increases allows them to focus on their important

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