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Organizers Gear Up For Another Great Year of the Jersey County Fair

1 week 1 day ago
JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Fair will once again welcome 30–35,000 people to Jerseyville next month. From Sunday, July 6, to Sunday, July 13, 2025, community members can come out to the Jersey County Fairgrounds for live music, livestock judging, vendors, a carnival and more. Organizers look forward to another great year. “It’s just been something that's been passed down from generation to generation,” said Phil Ringhausen, Jersey County Fair Association president. “We keep doing it, and it’s just a lot of pride in it and what we’ve made and what we’ve come together here to do.” The fun starts at 3 p.m. on July 6 with a talent show . A Christian music night will follow immediately after at 6 p.m. On Monday, July 7, Jersey County 4-H members will hold a 4-H Show where they exhibit their livestock projects from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 4-H Auction will follow at 7 p.m. On Tuesday, July 8, the Open Sheep

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Pediatric Providers Recommend Early Tongue-Tie Evaluation to Prevent Issues

1 week 1 day ago
New parents have a long list of things to watch to ensure their child is healthy and developing properly. More observations to add to the list: does the child’s tongue look different? Is breastfeeding difficult? If either answer is yes, the culprit may be ankyloglossia, commonly called tongue-tie. Sarah Shoemaker , APRN, a certified nurse midwife at OSF HealthCare, says kids may not be affected by the condition depending on the severity, but parents should consult with their health care team on a plan sooner than later. Shoemaker says tongue-tie occurs when the band of tissue between the bottom of the tongue and the bottom of the mouth (called the frenulum) is thicker, shorter, or covers a large portion of the tongue. This restricts the tongue’s movement. One study published by the National Institutes of Health found that tongue-tie impacts around 8% of newborns, and Shoemaker adds that it impacts boys more than girls. Experts, though, don’t know the exact cause.

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Mississippi River Festival Adjusts Friday's Lineup Due to Storms

1 week 1 day ago
ALTON - Due to a delayed start following storms in the area, the Mississippi River Festival has adjusted their lineup for Friday, June 27, 2025. In a statement, organizers said they will no longer offer the Writers’ Round on Friday afternoon. Beth Bombara and Brian Owens Soul were also cut from Friday’s lineup. Organizers thanked both artists. “We’re so grateful for their talent, kindness and flexibility — please show them some love by streaming their music and catching them live when you can,” organizers said. “We’re watching the weather closely and will be giving an update very soon. We’re still hoping to bring you an unforgettable night with Allen Stone, Wilder Woods and Ben Rector.” It is currently unclear when the show will begin. For updates, tune into the official Mississippi River Festival Facebook page . On Saturday, June 28, attendees can enjoy Blackberry Smoke, Drew Halcomb & the Neighbors, Nikki

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Creativity & Technological Evolution 

1 week 1 day ago
This series of posts explores how we can rethink the intersection of AI, creativity, and policy. From examining outdated regulatory metaphors to questioning copyright norms and highlighting the risks of stifling innovation, each post addresses a different piece of the AI puzzle. Together, they advocate for a more balanced, forward-thinking approach that acknowledges the potential […]
Mike Masnick

Gulf Shores Beach Sets Scene For Jacquelyn Buettner-C.J. Nasello Engagement

1 week 1 day ago
GULF SHORES, ALA. - Jacquelyn Buettner and C.J. Nasello were engaged on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, during a special moment on the beach in Gulf Shores, Ala. The couple plans to marry in May 2026 and looks forward to building a future together with the love and support of their families. C.J. Nasello, an Alton resident, is the host of the popular Our Day Show! on Riverbender.com .

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Jersey County Sheriff 's Office Alerts Public To New Scam Tactic

1 week 1 day ago
JERSEY - The Jersey County Sheriff's Office announced on Friday, June 27, 2025, that the Illinois Office of Statewide Pretrial Services has issued a warning about a scam involving phone calls or messages demanding money to secure GPS release for individuals in jail. The office clarified that it does not charge any fees for placing individuals on supervision or GPS monitoring. Officials urge anyone who receives such calls or messages to hang up immediately and notify law enforcement. The alert aims to protect the public from fraudulent attempts to collect money under false pretenses related to pretrial services in Illinois.

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IDFPR Launches Another 18 License Types on New Licensing System

1 week 1 day ago
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced today that 18 more professions are now available for licensure via the Department’s new online licensing system, CORE (Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment). Today’s announcement marks the successful completion of CORE’s Phase 2.2, with all of Phase 2 set for completion in the coming weeks. The Department will announce when each part of Phase 2 is completed, including which professions are added to CORE. Phase 2 focuses on adding license types to CORE that are currently exclusively available as paper applications and not through IDFPR’s legacy online licensing system , which will eliminate the need of paper applications altogether (which require longer processing times to review all submitted materials). Individuals seeking their first license and whose professions are now available on CORE should utilize IDFPR’s new licensing system to apply

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Additional Disaster Recovery Centers Opening in the City of St. Louis

1 week 1 day ago
ST. LOUIS – Two additional Disaster Recovery Centers with FEMA Individual Assistance staff are opening in the City of St. Louis to help people affected by the May 16 tornado and storms. At all locations, FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration will help impacted residents with their disaster assistance applications, answer questions, and upload required documents. Opening Thursday, June 26 LOCATION HOURS OF OPERATION Sumner High School — Parking Lot 4248 Cottage Ave. St. Louis, MO 63113 Monday-Saturday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Opening Monday, June 30 LOCATION HOURS OF OPERATION Urban League Entrepreneurship and Women’s Business Center 4401 Natural Bridge Ave. St. Louis, MO 63115 Monday-Saturday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Currently Opened Location LOCATION HOURS OF OPERATION Union Tabernacle M.B. Church 626 N. Newstead Ave. St. Louis, MO 63108 Monday-Saturday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m

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Bost Applauds New Federal Actions To Support America's Truck Drivers

1 week 1 day ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today praised a new slate of initiatives from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) aimed at supporting America’s truck drivers. These actions will expand access to truck parking, reduce unnecessary regulations, and improve safety and flexibility for drivers on the road. “Growing up in a family trucking business, I know how hard it can be to find a safe place to stop and rest,” said Bost. “That’s why I’ve led efforts in Congress to expand truck parking and fight for common sense reforms that make life easier and safer for truckers. I’m proud to see President Trump and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy stepping up to the plate with meaningful action that reflects what drivers have been telling us for years.” Bost has been a leading advocate for truck parking access, most recently reintroducing the Truc

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ACT Presents Village of Godfrey With $100,000 Check For Bike Path

1 week 1 day ago
GODFREY - On Friday, June 27, 2025, the Village of Godfrey was presented with a check from the Agency for Community Transit (ACT) to help with the initial phase of the FE Widman Trail. The ‘ACT Community Action Grants Program,’ launched in November of 2021, was designed to grant funds to eligible entities for transportation and accessibility-related projects in Madison County. Specifically, this program aims to enhance transportation, bike and pedestrian infrastructure safety, ADA Accessibility, and a series of other related projects, programs, and activities. The Village of Godfrey submitted a funding request for Phase I of the FE Widman Trail, and in January of 2022, the Village of Godfrey and ACT signed a project agreement that would solidify their partnership and their commitment to the completion of the first phase of the Widman Trail. After numerous setbacks and delays, phase one was completed in the spring of 2025. Godfrey received the maximum funding amount

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Overnight I-270 Westbound Closures Beginning July 1 Near Glen Carbon

1 week 1 day ago
GLEN CARBON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced intermittent overnight closures of westbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 157 and Interstate 255 in Madison County beginning, weather permitting, Tuesday, July 1. Closures will start at 9 p.m. to allow crews to repair overhead sign trusses. The work will occur for one night only. In addition to the lane closures, motorists should expect up to two full closures of the westbound lanes lasting no more than 15 minutes each. All lanes are scheduled to reopen by 5 a.m. Wednesday, July 2. Motorists should expect delays during the short-term full closures and are encouraged to use alternate routes. 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 the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction

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