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Senator Erica Harriss' Bill Ensuring Care for Retired Police K9s Signed into Law

2 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD, IL. - Retired police K9s in Illinois may soon receive the veterinary support they deserve, thanks to a new law sponsored by Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon). “Our police K9s give everything they have to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Harriss. “After years of dangerous and demanding work, many face costly health challenges. This law makes sure they’re cared for in retirement, just as they cared for us.” House Bill 3140 creates the Care for Retired Police Dogs Grant Program, providing up to $1,500 each year to reimburse handlers or adoptive families for veterinary expenses. To qualify, a K9 must have served at least five years, or three years if injured in the line of duty. “Most retired K9s are adopted by their handlers, who already share a deep bond with them,” said Senator Harriss. “By helping cover the cost of veterinary care, this program not only eases the burden on families but also honors these

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Granite City Felon Charged After Apartment Burglary

2 months 1 week ago
GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man with a serious criminal past faces new charges after breaking into an apartment on Cleveland Boulevard. Deshawn L. Bell, 34, of Granite City, was charged on Aug. 21, 2025 with one count each of residential burglary (a Class 1 felony) and criminal trespass to property (a Class A misdemeanor). Bell allegedly knowingly entered a Granite City residence in the 2000 block of Cleveland Boulevard without authority, intending to commit a theft and causing less than $500 worth of damage to the victim’s property on June 13, 2025. Bell reportedly tried entering the victim’s residence earlier that day while the victim was at work before Officer James Hart of the Granite City Police Department arrived on scene. The victim had already made it clear to police that Bell “no longer resided at the apartment and had been kicked out, requiring police supervision for any entry,” according to the state’s petition to deny Bell’s

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Legendary Mustang Sanctuary Calls For Support After Fire Incident

2 months 1 week ago
ALHAMBRA, Ill. — The Legendary Mustang Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating wild mustangs and burros, is seeking urgent assistance after a fire damaged their home and essential supplies on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. The fire occurred on Monday, destroying one room and causing widespread smoke damage throughout the residence. The sanctuary’s feed supply, stored in the basement, was also compromised, leaving the organization without food for its animals. “We desperately need some help! Our house caught on fire on Monday. Luckily, only 1 room was burnt. However, everything is smoke-damaged, so we have nothing until the insurance takes care of it, which we don't know how long it will take,” the sanctuary owners said in an official statement. The Legendary Mustang Sanctuary owners are requesting donations of personal items, kitchen supplies such as pots and pans, and animal feed, including dog, cat, chicken, and horse food.

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Millstadt Balloon Glow and Triathlon to Raise Money for First Responders

2 months 1 week ago
MILLSTADT - Buttercup Ranch and Creamery invites the community to join them for their annual balloon glow and CiderMan Triathlon. At 6 p.m. on Sept. 5, 2025, community members can come out to the farm for a balloon glow and concert by Scott Vignassi’s Big Little Big Band. This will be followed by the triathlon at 7 a.m. on Sept. 6, 2025. Mary MacKeen, who owns the farm, can’t wait to share the experience with people from across the Millstadt region. “We’re excited,” MacKeen said. “Of course, we’re a little frazzled, but we're getting ready. It’s looking great.” MacKeen explained that both the balloon glow and the triathlon are fun, family-friendly experiences that aim to bring the community together. MacKeen’s family started these events in honor of John Ogonowski, the pilot of Flight 11, who died on Sept. 11, 2001. Proceeds from both events will go toward the local police department and fire department in honor

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Update: Authorities Continue Search For Missing Bill Crispin In Swansea

2 months 1 week ago
SWANSEA/O'FALLON — Authorities continue to search for Bill Crispin, who went missing after walking eastbound on Frank Scott Parkway East on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. The last confirmed sighting of Crispin was near Old Collinsville Road, but his whereabouts remain unknown. The Swansea Police Department, in collaboration with the O’Fallon Police Department and four other agencies, is urging residents in the area to review any security camera footage from 3:40 p.m. onward on that day. Officials specifically request that residents check cameras covering outbuildings, sheds, wooded areas, and other locations near Frank Scott Parkway East and Old Collinsville Road. Crispin is described as a taller white male last seen wearing a light grey short-sleeve t-shirt, blue jeans, and a black hat. Anyone with information or relevant video footage is asked to contact the Swansea Police Department at 618-233-8114. Video evidence can also be uploaded to the department’s website.

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Madison County Promotes Kelsey Jones

2 months 1 week ago
MADISON COUNTY — The Madison County Coroner’s Office announced the promotion of Senior Investigator Kelsey Jones, recognizing her years of dedicated service and commitment to the community. Jones, who has been with the office since 2013, has been praised for her investigative expertise and advocacy for victims and their families. The office described Jones as “an invaluable part of our team” and noted that her promotion reflects her outstanding contributions. Officials expressed pride in having Jones as a key member of their staff.

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Durbin, Cassidy Send Letters To Companies That Operate Online Marketplaces Requesting Information On The Senators' Inform Consumers Act

2 months 1 week ago
CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today sent 46 letters to companies that operate online marketplaces requesting information on the implementation and enforcement of the Senators’ Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers (INFORM Consumers) Act, which went into effect on June 27, 2023. The Senators sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) inquiring about the same information last week. The Senators wrote, “We write to request information regarding your ongoing compliance with the Act and any additional steps has taken to ensure that stolen, counterfeit, or unsafe items are not being sold through your marketplace.” The legislation, which was sponsored by Durbin and Cassidy and signed into law in December 2022, combats the online sale of stolen, counterfeit, and dangerous consumer products

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