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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker met with leaders and volunteers from Community Violence Intervention (CVI) organizations across the Chicago area to discuss the progress of their programs in reducing crime and violence. This comes as the Trump administration has significantly cut federal funding for such programs while threatening to deploy armed military personnel into the streets of Chicago. “Community Violence Intervention Programs have a clear and demonstrated track record of reducing crime and making our communities safer – which is why my administration has invested historic amounts into them,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “President Trump’s deep cuts to these programs are another indication that his administration is not serious about fighting crime.” Governor Pritzker’s meetings were hosted at the Metropolitan Peace Academy, a program of Metropolitan Peace Initiatives, that trains individuals for community violence intervention

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SMITHTON, Ill. – State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) donated his pay raise to the FFA Can-Do Challenge, which is a statewide initiative to work together to help those in need. Donations were collected at Smithton Grade School, Smithton Fire Department, Freeburg Country Mart, and Freeburg High School, and will be delivered to various food pantries throughout the region. Since voting against pay raises for legislators, Rep. Schmidt gives his pay raise back to community organizations each month. “The FFA is an outstanding organization, and I was thrilled to work with them to donate and collect 150 cans of food to help families in need throughout the region,” Schmidt said. “I'm passionate about fighting food insecurity and am committed to doing what I can to make a difference.” The FFA Can-Do Challenge is an annual event where FFA chapters use canned goods to build creative farm-themed structures, with all donations going to local food banks

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SPRINGFIELD - Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointment in his administration: Michelle Gibson will continue to serve as a Member of the Illinois Pollution Control Board.* Gibson was first appointed to the board in November 2021. She is a registered environmental health specialist with over 15 years of experience in environmental consulting, waste diversion, resource management, and environmental and public health. In her time as an environmental consultant, she implemented recycling and waste-reduction programs at hospitals, universities, residential facilities, military bases, manufacturing sites, and large office complexes. She advised statewide environmental organizations on strategies for waste handling. Gibson has also managed the Dekalb County solid waste program, and she has supervised a team of Boone County environmental health inspectors enforcing clean water standards. At the height of the COVID-19

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) has announced the names of 435 graduating students for the 2025 summer term. Summer graduates traditionally participate in the fall commencement ceremony. The full list of honorees for summer 2025 is available on the SIUE News Dean’s List webpage . To explore students by location, use the dropdown menu to filter by state, then sort within the table by city or municipality. SIUE continues to foster future leaders through outstanding academic programs and dedicated faculty. Each semester, undergraduate students who achieve remarkable academic performance are recognized on the Dean’s List. To qualify, students must complete at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher (an A is valued at 4.0 and a B at 3.0). Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides students with a high-quality education that powerfully transforms the lives of all individuals who

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COLLINSVILLE – The American Cancer Society’s Farm to Table Metro East, presented by MRHFM, returns on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville, IL. Tickets are on sale now at www.acsfarmtotable.com . This unique tasting event features seasonal dishes from top local restaurants, live music by Corey Evitts, and a variety of interactive experiences including a wine toss, heads or tails game, key to recovery challenge, silent auction, and a Reflections of Hope tribute area. In its history, the event has raised over $650,000 to support the mission of the American Cancer Society—funding groundbreaking cancer research, patient support services, and advocacy efforts. This year’s featured speaker is Mark Joiner, Chief Firefighter of the Granite City Fire Department, who will share his personal cancer journey and experiences. 2025 Participating Restaurants Include: Bella Milano 1933 House of Bourbon

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BELLEVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place on Illinois 161 from Illinois 159 to Illinois 158 in St. Clair County, weather permitting, on Wednesday, Sept. 10, and Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. The lane closures are necessary for the evaluation of pavement conditions. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all signage and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced that former Boone County Clerk and Recorder Julie Bliss pleaded guilty to charges related to the alleged theft of cash from the county and misuse of county funds on personal expenses. Bliss was sentenced to 180 days in jail after pleading guilty to one count of Class 1 felony theft of governmental property and two counts of Class 3 felony official misconduct on Tuesday. Winnebago County Circuit Court Judge Scott Paccagnini also sentenced Bliss to 48 months of probation for the charge of theft of government property and 30 months of probation for each charge of official misconduct, to be served concurrently. In addition, Bliss was ordered to pay $28,919.05 in restitution to Boone County. “Taxpayers must be able to trust that those who serve on their behalf will use their authority for the public good and not to enrich themselves,” Raoul said. “I remain committed to holding accountable public officials who abuse

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SPRINGFIELD – With Newborn Screening Awareness Month underway in September, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is celebrating 60 years of the program in Illinois. Beginning in 1965 with testing for a single condition, Illinois’s newborn screening program now checks for more than 50 conditions, offering the hope of early diagnosis and intervention when needed. More than 100,000 newborns are tested annually in the state. “IDPH is proud to be a leader in supporting families with our newborn screening program,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “For the past 60 years in Illinois, newborn screens have detected potentially life-threating conditions in healthy babies before they show symptoms. Each year, more than 500 babies in our state are diagnosed through this vital public health service. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions can prevent serious health outcomes, enabling Illinois’s children to reach their ful

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GODFREY - During the Godfrey Village Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 2, 2025, the trustees honored Jeff Weber with this month’s Good Neighbor Award. Weber expressed his appreciation for the recognition and emphasized that the experience of giving back has been “a real pleasure.” He shared his gratitude for the Riverbend region. “You’ve got to give back to the community that allows you to make a living and get along with everybody else here and whatnot,” Weber said. “That’s the main thing, just giving back to the community that’s been so good to me and my family and my wife. That’s the whole point. Weber previously served four terms on the Godfrey Village Board of Trustees. He has made a name for himself in the community as a former president of the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education, Junior Achievement of Illinois, and the Nelson Foundation, in addition to serving on many boards and volunteering

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a multistate coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief opposing a new federal policy that mandates indefinite detention of many undocumented immigrants without the opportunity for a bond hearing. In the brief filed in Bautista v. Noem , Raoul and the coalition challenge the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) unprecedented reinterpretation of immigration law, arguing it violates due process and federal statutes, and inflicts widespread harm on families, communities and state economies. “Undocumented immigrants have significantly contributed to our economy for years. This new federal policy mandating indefinite detention without an option of a bond hearing will disrupt our labor force while wasting taxpayer dollars and harming families,” Raoul said. “I will continue to work with my fellow attorneys general protecting the rights of immigrants and their families.” For

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) strongly condemns actions by the Trump administration to roll back federal minimum wage and overtime protections for millions of home health care workers. “These reckless rollbacks undermine the economic security of working families across the country,” said IDOL Director Jane Flanagan. “While Illinois has robust minimum wage and overtime protections for home health care workers, if the proposed rule is adopted, it will create inconsistency and confusion across the country. As the federal government weakens worker protections, IDOL is committed to protecting and promoting the wages of all workers in Illinois.” On September 2, 2025, Illinois joined Pennsylvania and states across the country in formally opposing the U.S. Department of Labor’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Application of the Fair Labor Standards Act to Domestic Service. The Trump administration’s efforts to change federal

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WATERLOO, Ill. — Charges have been filed in connection with the fatal shooting of 14-year-old Emma Schultheis, who died after being struck by a bullet on July 21, 2025, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department. At approximately 1:34 p.m. on that day, deputies and emergency medical personnel responded to a medical emergency at 5925 State Route 3 in Waterloo, Illinois. Emma Schultheis of Prairie Du Rocher was transported to a hospital in the St. Louis area, where she was pronounced dead despite life-saving efforts. An investigation determined that the shooting resulted from David A. Schultheis, 34, of Prairie Du Rocher, discharging a handgun in an attempt to shoot a buzzard inside a brick building. Schultheis reportedly inserted only his arm into the building to avoid a ricochet before firing. The bullet passed through the bird, exited the building through a window, and struck Emma Schultheis, who was outside. On Sept. 2, 2025, Monroe County State’s

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JERSEYVILLE – The Jerseyville City Council underwent a change in membership on Tuesday. Commissioner of Public Property Zach Crawford submitted his resignation later, which was read by Mayor Kevin Stork at the Sept. 2, 2025 City Council meeting. “Serving as a council member has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and choosing to step away from this role is not an easy decision,” Crawford wrote in his resignation letter. “When I first took the seat, I promised myself that I would carry the voice of our community in every discussion, every vote, and every project. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together, from revitalizing spaces like Lions Club Park, supporting our city’s growth, and ensuring that Jerseyville continues to be a place where families want to live, work, and belong.” Crawford was first elected to the City Council in 2019 after filling a prior vacancy for Public Property Commissioner left by former council

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ALTON - Alton Community Unit School District #11 is implementing new internship and vocational training opportunities for its students. Superintendent Elaine Kane outlined plans for a new internship program that will allow students to get experience outside of the classroom. She emphasized the importance of giving students these opportunities wherever possible. “Our goal is to help students develop the skills that lead them to any opportunity they want to pursue when they graduate,” she explained. “We’re thinking about preparing our graduates. One of the things that we need to do more intentionally is create opportunities outside of the school walls.” Developed in partnership with the Alton Educational Foundation, this internship program will collaborate with local employers so students can spend 60 hours a semester in their place of work. The application process will take place during the fall semester, and the students will intern during the

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ALTON - Alton Community Unit School District #11 has chosen to become a phone-free district, and Superintendent Elaine Kane explains what this means and how it impacts student learning and safety. In Spring 2025, the district announced that they would be cell phone-free for the entire instructional day, including during passing periods and lunchtime. Students at the middle and high schools have been issued Yondr pouches, which have magnetic locking mechanisms. They lock their devices in the pouch during the school day and have access to their pouch all day, until dismissal, when the pouches are unlocked. Kane said that while it’s “a big adjustment,” students at both schools have quickly met the new expectations. “Our students have adjusted very quickly and very well,” she said. “We’re really happy about how things are looking and feeling at Alton High School and Alton Middle School.” She added that she has heard from many

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GODFREY – N early 30 new rules and regulations for the Godfrey Dog Park were made official at Tuesday’s Village Board meeting. Trustees unanimously approved an ordinance to establish rules and regulations for the village’s dog park after giving the item a first reading in August. As previously reported on Rivebender.com , the full list of new regulations covers membership terms, guidelines for dogs and dog owners, and more. One of these rules states that “all dog owners/handlers who fail to comply with these rules may be asked to leave the dog park and their privileges revoked.” Additional terms and conditions are included in the Village of Godfrey Dog Park Application , which individuals must fill out and submit to the village for consideration of a membership to use the dog park. The membership fee for village residents is $10, while the non-resident fee is $20. All dog park m embers must be 18 years of age or older, and any

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Officer Elementary School in East St. Louis School District 189 recently celebrated its first year as a community school with a Back2School Block Party. The event was aimed to showcase school pride, strengthen community connections, and honor families within the district. Families and staff gathered at Officer Elementary to participate in a variety of activities, including games, bounce houses, face painting, bubble machines, and a foam party. Attendees also enjoyed food provided during the festivities. More than 30 vendors contributed to the event, which drew enthusiastic participation from school families and staff alike. East St. Louis School District officials expressed gratitude to the staff, families, volunteers, and community partners who helped organize and support the celebration. The Back2School Block Party marked a milestone for Officer Elementary as it continues to build community engagement and foster a supportive environment for students

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SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin will visit Scott Air Force Base on Friday, Sept. 5, to launch a nationwide program aimed at distributing excess food to reduce waste. The event will take place at 11:30 a.m. in the Base Commissary parking lot. The program represents a collaboration between the EPA and Frey Farms of Illinois, which will provide a truckload of excess watermelon, sweet corn, and watermelon juice to members of the base. The initiative is part of the EPA’s broader effort to address food waste across the country.

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TROY — Troy Police conducted an impaired driving enforcement effort over the Labor Day weekend, resulting in 51 traffic stops, the department announced Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. The enforcement campaign, which took place throughout the holiday weekend, led to the issuance of 26 seat-belt citations, including four during nighttime hours. Additional citations and arrests included one arrest of a suspended driver, seven distracted driving citations, six speeding citations, and 10 other citations. “Through the Labor Day safety campaign, we helped make our roads safer and spread the word about the risks of impaired driving — ‘It’s Not a Game,’” Troy Police said in a statement. The effort was part of the statewide initiatives “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI,” and “Click It or Ticket,” funded by federal highway safety funds administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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HIGHLAND - Highland Fire Department has named firefighter/engineer Ron Staroscsak as the recipient of the 2025 Albert’s Diamond Jewelers Hero Award. Staroscsak was recognized for his leadership and dedication during the department’s recent five-year fire insurance ISO audit. The ISO (Insurance Services Office) rating evaluates a fire department’s ability to respond to fires by assessing training, equipment, and water supply. Maintaining a high ISO rating is crucial as it helps keep insurance premiums lower for both the fire department and the local business community. “His commitment and leadership to the five-year fire insurance ISO audit are invaluable to the fire department and business community we serve,” the Highland Fire Department said in a statement. High ISO ratings are considered a direct reflection of a fire department’s commitment to safety and operational performance. The department’s achievement in this area benefits

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