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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Rotary Criterium Festival is returning to the streets of downtown Edwardsville on Saturday, August 16, for the 15th year with all the excitement spectators have come to expect, plus a fun new opportunity for the community to take a spin on the course. A series of high-speed races for professional and novice men, women and junior racers are scheduled for 2-10:30 p.m. along a five-turn course through the heart of downtown Edwardsville. Spectators can gather along the route as well as in the Entertainment Zone in the middle of it all, on St. Louis Street and North Main Street; it will feature food trucks, beverages and live entertainment from 2-11 p.m. to coincide with the races. The Criterium will take place rain or shine, said Brian Mulhall, the festival director and member of the service organization that hosts the Criterium, the Edwardsville Rotary Club. A separate Kids Zone, set up in the parking lot next to the Wildey Theatre at 252 N. Main

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MADISON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that lane closures on eastbound and westbound Interstate 55/70 between Exchange Avenue and Illinois 203 in St. Clair County will begin, weather permitting, Monday, Aug. 11, for bridge deck patching. Starting at 7 a.m. Monday, Aug. 11, one lane will be closed in each direction. These lane closures will remain in place daily until Monday, Aug. 25. Additional weekend restrictions are scheduled from Friday, Aug. 15, through Monday, Aug. 18, and from Friday, Aug. 22, through Monday, Aug. 25. During these weekends, traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions. Weekend lane closures will begin at 7 p.m. Fridays for westbound traffic and 9 p.m. Fridays for eastbound traffic. All lanes are expected to reopen by the end of the day Monday, Aug. 25. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during these closures. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions,

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SPRINGFIELD – In honor of 100 years of conservation in Illinois, the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) has released a series of vintage-style posters and sticker packs celebrating 12 of the state’s most iconic parks and historic sites. Designed in the bold, timeless style of Works Progress Administration (WPA)-era posters, each piece highlights a unique landmark or natural feature, from the frozen waterfalls of Starved Rock to the cypress swamps of the Cache River. “This series is a powerful tribute to the places that have shaped Illinois’ natural identity over the past 100 years,” said Natalie Phelps Finnie, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), which is celebrating its centennial in 2025. “These parks and historic sites belong to all of us here in Illinois, and IDNR proud to celebrate their legacy through art that invites a new generation to explore and protect them.” Featured locations include: Adeline

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EDWARDSVILLE – For the 33rd year, the D.A.R.E. Car-Truck-Motorcycle Show will showcase an assortment of classic, unique and vintage vehicles at a free public event that supports the long-running Edwardsville Police Department school program. The annual show is set for Sunday, August 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Edwardsville High School Sports Complex, 6161 Center Grove Road, across from the main EHS campus. Visitor parking for 2025 will be available in the lots on the main EHS campus, where the show usually is staged. The visitor parking and show locations are reversed this year due to ongoing main campus construction, Officer Ryan Grimes said, noting there will be signage on site that day reminding visitors of the change. “Just like for the past three decades, this year’s event is going to be an incredible display of hundreds of marvels of automotive excellence,” Grimes said. “You don’t have to be an auto expert to enjoy this terrific event,

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ST. LOUIS, MO - Mayor Cara Spencer, “While I am disappointed that we did not receive the 60-day extension we requested, we are thankful that it gives an estimated 700 households that have not yet applied for FEMA Assistance, an additional 18 days to apply. I want to acknowledge the hard work and leadership of Julian Nicks and the recovery team in making this possible, and remind folks who haven’t yet applied to get their applications in as soon as possible. For those who have applied and are waiting on a response or need to provide additional documentation, this extension does not apply to them; they are already in the system.”

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ST. LOUIS, MO — Union Avenue Opera is proud to launch its first-ever One-Act Festival , a bold new fall initiative bringing two powerful contemporary operas to the stage: dwb (driving while black) by Susan Kander and Roberta Gumbel, and As One by Laura Kaminsky, Mark Campbell, and Kimberly Reed. Performances will take place October 10 and 11 at 7:30 PM and October 12 at 3:00 PM at Union Avenue Opera. This year’s theme, “Exploring Identity and Injustice Through Opera,” invites audiences into two deeply personal and socially resonant stories told through music. Both works explore the complexities of visibility, vulnerability, and personal transformation in today’s world. In dwb (driving while black) , soprano Marsha Thompson gives voice to an African American mother’s fear and anxiety as her son approaches driving age in America. Directed by Ivan Griffin , this gripping work brings a contemporary lens to the ongoing realities of

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SPRINGFIELD – Headed to the Grandstand? The Illinois State Fair is offering a few important reminders to know before you go. These updated safety protocols at the Grandstand will help ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all guests. New this year, walk-through metal detectors and bag checks will be in place at all Grandstand entrances. No bags or purses larger than 14"x8", backpacks, or duffle bags are allowed into the Grandstand. If you leave the Grandstand, you will be required to go back through metal detectors and the bag check to re-enter. Please help us keep our venue safe by reviewing the full list of prohibited items prior to your arrival. Parking For general parking, Gates 4, 6, 7, 8, or 11. Gate 6 Lot 18 and Gate 7 Lot 21 are closest to the Grandstand. The cost is $5 per vehicle, per day. Handicap parking is available at Gates 4 and 11 with the tram service running until 8 p.m. Food & Beverages Grandstand concessions are now cashless. All drink

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SPRINGFIELD – Adults 60 and older can enter the State Fair for free on Monday, Aug. 11, when the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) hosts Senior Day in the Illinois Building, located near the main gate of the fairgrounds. “We are excited to welcome over 100 state and community partners to Senior Day to offer health screenings and information to older adults,” said IDoA Director Mary Killough . “We’ll also be hosting special events and activities throughout the day, including bingo and the crowd-pleasing Not So Newlywed Game.” Beginning at 9 a.m., the main floor of the Illinois Building will be set up with vendors and exhibitors offering free health screenings, wellness demonstrations, and giveaways. The building is air conditioned, has restrooms, and offers a limited number of motorized wheelchairs for rent. A schedule of special events and Senior Day activities is below. All events will take place in the Illinois Building auditorium unless

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois EPA Acting Director James Jennings is announcing eight upcoming Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) one-day collection events for the Fall of 2025. These collection events are co-sponsored by units of local government and provide residents the free opportunity to safely dispose of unused or leftover hazardous products commonly found in homes. “Illinois residents continue to show us the need for our Household Hazardous Waste collection events, which provide them the opportunity and convenience to schedule their drop off at any of our locations,” said Acting Director Jennings . “By properly disposing of unused and unwanted household chemicals and products at these Illinois EPA-supported events, residents are part of the solution to protect the health of our families and neighbors, and our environment.” One-day HHW collections are open to all Illinois residents and operate from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the day of the event. Pre-registration

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul secured a preliminary injunction from the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts temporarily barring the Trump administration from misspending funds budgeted to protect communities from natural disasters before they strike. For the past 30 years, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) bipartisan Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program has provided communities across the nation with resources to fortify their infrastructure against natural disasters. In July, Raoul and a coalition of attorneys general sued the Trump administration after it attempted to illegally shut down the program. The injunction blocks the administration from spending BRIC funding on expenses other than the BRIC program while the case plays out in court. “We must do all we can to prepare for disasters and keep our communities safe,” Raoul said. “By focusing on preparation, the BRIC program protects property,

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Police are searching for 4-year-old Jermani Allaya Flewellen, who was last seen in St. Louis County, and her father, Lavell Flewellen, who took her from daycare without permission and is not following court-ordered conditions.

EDWARDSVILLE — Get Ready to Celebrate Creativity at the 11th Annual Edwardsville Art Fair! Join us for an unforgettable weekend as the Edwardsville Art Fair, proudly produced by the Edwardsville Arts Center, returns for its 11th year! From September 26th to 28th, Edwardsville’s beautiful City Park will transform into a vibrant hub of artistic expression, community spirit, and joyous festivities. Experience the Magic of Art. Discover the stunning works of over 90 exceptionally talented artists from across the region, nation, and globe. From captivating paintings to intricate sculptures and everything in between, each piece tells a story. Get inspired as you meet the artists, hear their stories, and witness their creative processes through live demonstrations. Celebrate Local Talent. The Fair is more than just an art show – it's a celebration of our community’s creative spirit. Enjoy performances by local musicians and dancers, adding energy and rhythm to your

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MARYVILLE, Ill. — Andrew Hylton was sworn in as the newest officer of the Maryville Police Department during the village board meeting this week. Hylton is scheduled to attend the police academy later this month as part of his training. Village officials and community members welcomed Officer Hylton to the department and expressed hopes for a long, safe career in law enforcement. The Maryville Police Department will oversee his development as he begins his service to the community.

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The Blues at the Arch Festival is taking place this weekend at the Gateway Arch National Park, featuring performances by Myles Lacey, Keesha Pratt Band, Skeet Rodgers and the Inner City Blues Band, and Dexter Allen.

Northeastern Missouri and west-central Illinois are expecting a hot weekend with temperatures in the 90s and heat index values approaching 100 degrees, followed by heavy rain and storms potentially bringing gusty winds up to 60 MPH on Sunday afternoon and evening.