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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 23 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in support of the American Federation of Government Employees’ (AFGE) lawsuit defending the right of many federal employees to collectively bargain for better wages and working conditions, and to exercise their First Amendment right to free speech. “As our nation celebrates Labor Day, I am proud to support the rights of federal workers to collectively bargain and to exercise their right to free speech,” Raoul said. “I remain committed to defending the rights of federal workers from overreach by this administration and to defending the rights of all workers, in Illinois and across the country.” On March 27, President Trump issued an executive order that purported to ban most federal employees from collective bargaining under the guise of national security concerns. At the same time, a “ Fact Sheet ” filed by the White House

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SPRINGFIELD – This Labor Day, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) is honoring the contributions of workers across the state and highlighting the Department’s ongoing efforts to uphold workers’ rights, economic security, and safety. “On Labor Day IDOL reaffirms its commitment to workers across Illinois,” said IDOL Director Jane Flanagan. “From enforcing the minimum wage law and safeguarding children from dangerous work, to ensuring fair pay and promoting safe workplaces, our mission is clear: to protect and advance the rights of every worker in this state.” The 2025 Labor Day Report outlines the progress IDOL has made over the past year, including: Protecting Paychecks: IDOL recovered almost $3 million dollars in back wage payments and secured nearly $5 million dollars in penalties from employers who violated labor laws. Strengthening Worker Rights: Illinois’ minimum wage reached $15 per hour on January 1, 2025, and provided new

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a U.S. Court of International Trade ruling that the tariffs imposed by President Trump and challenged by Raoul and a multistate coalition are unlawful. The tariffs include both the “reciprocal” tariffs on nearly all countries worldwide as well as separate tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China that the president claimed were justified by concerns about drug trafficking. In their ruling , a majority of the Federal Circuit concluded that the federal law the president invoked – the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) – does not authorize the president to impose these tariffs. The Federal Circuit is the latest court to conclude that these tariffs are unlawful. However, the tariffs currently remain in effect. “I am pleased with the court's decision upholding a Court of International Trade ruling that the president has acted unlawfully and exceeded

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EDWARDSVILLE – A long-awaited renovation and maintenance project at the historic Leclaire water tower is about to begin the next stage: a new coat of paint and a fresh take on the wording emblazoned across the water tank. Work to refurbish the nearly century-old tower at Troy Road and Longfellow Avenue began in early August. The entire project includes painting, structural repairs and new lighting along the legs and tank catwalk that can be customized for occasions and seasons. On Tuesday, September 2, Moore Painting Co. of Alton will begin site preparations, to be followed by a thorough cleaning of the tower and then painting. To ensure the safety of the public and workers, the tower will be cordoned off, and traffic will be restricted in the immediate vicinity of the structure. For the duration of the project, the southbound lane of Troy Road next to the tower will be blocked; southbound traffic will be shifted into the middle (turn) lane. Northbound traffic will not be

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City School District #9's Chris Mitchell shared photos from the Annual Granite City Labor Day Parade held Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, in downtown Granite City. The event began at 10 a.m. at the intersection of State Street and Niedringhaus in Granite City and proceeded to Wilson Park via Madison Avenue, turning at Mr. Twist and continuing on State Street. The parade honored community members for their hard work, dedication and service, with a large turnout, as always. This year’s parade marshal was the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (S.O.A.R). Highlights included a performance by the Granite City High School Marching Warriors. The Granite City School District expressed gratitude to all who serve the community and beyond during the annual celebration.

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ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE – A man from Edwardsville faces felony charges after agreeing to perform repairs on an Alton home, then stealing nearly $1,500 from an elderly victim. Andrew C. Miller, 42, of Edwardsville, was charged on Aug. 27, 2025 with aggravated home repair fraud/deception in an amount over $500 involving a victim 60 years of age or older. He was also charged with one count of theft, with both offenses classified as Class 2 felonies. Miller allegedly entered into a $2,820 agreement with an elderly individual on Feb. 24, 2024 to perform repair work on an Alton residence, which Miller reportedly had no intention of performing. He also allegedly stole $1,450 from the same elderly victim, just over half of the agreed amount. The Alton Police Department presented the case against Miller, who was granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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SWANSEA — Bill Crispin was found alive in a remote area near Swansea Baptist Church on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, following an extensive search involving local authorities, volunteers, and specialized rescue teams. The search effort, which took place in the Swansea area, was coordinated by Missouri Valley Search and Rescue and included more than 70 citizens who volunteered to assist. Crispin was located at the back of a bean and cornfield, reportedly too weak to move further. Crispin was last seen leaving an independent living facility on Aug. 23, 2025, to visit a local store but never returned. Surveillance and witness reports placed him along Frank Scott Parkway near Christ Church in Fairview Heights. Jeff Parker, mayor of Swansea, expressed gratitude to all involved in the operation. “Without this search guided by Missouri Valley and the citizens who came out, this would not have had this result. Bill was found in a very remote area and too weak to move anymore,”

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 recently celebrated the renovation of Lincoln Middle School. On Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, community members gathered at Lincoln Middle School for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the school’s new addition. This celebration also marked the building’s 100th anniversary. “Today, we’re excited to once again host the District #7 community as we welcome you to the Lincoln Middle School ribbon-cutting and centennial open house,” said Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton. Opened as Edwardsville High School in 1925, the property at 145 West Street in Edwardsville has undergone a recent transformation. In April 2023, voters approved a $100 million bond referendum to fund district improvements. The largest amount, Shelton explained, went to Lincoln Middle School. This summer, the district completed a 60,000-square-foot addition to the school and renovated nearly 20,000 square feet of space

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ALTON – A woman from St. Louis is the latest to be charged with forgery at Schwegel’s Market in Alton. Jasmine E. Allred, 33, of St. Louis, was charged on Aug. 27, 2025 with one count of forgery, a Class 3 felony. On Nov. 21, 2024, Allred allegedly presented a fraudulent check to employees of Schwegel’s Market. The check, purported to have been made out by Ross Dress For Less on Nov. 12, 2024, was made out to Allred in the amount of $702.24. The Alton Police Department presented the case against Allred, who was granted pretrial release from custody. This marks the fifth case of forgery at Schwegel’s Market so far this year. 29-year-old Antwayne O. Bradley , another St. Louis resident, was charged on April 25, 2025 with a Class 3 felony count of forgery for reportedly presenting a fraudulent $527.71 check to Schwegel’s Market employees. Three other individuals were charged in separate but similar cases filed in March of 2025 for offenses reportedl

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Did you know that nearly 70% of people regret not preserving meaningful memories from their family life? In an era dominated by fleeting digital content and ever-changing lifestyles, capturing tangible moments for future reflection has never been more important. Creating a family time capsule is a powerful way to document your collective story, preserving not just objects but emotions and values for generations to come. Why Create a Family Time Capsule? A family time capsule acts as a bridge between the present and the future. It offers a unique opportunity to record your family’s identity at a specific moment in time—summer 2025—when the world is rapidly evolving socially, technologically, and culturally. Beyond preserving nostalgia, a time capsule fosters family bonding through shared storytelling and thoughtful selection of items. Consider the example of the Johnson family from Vermont, who buried a capsule in 1995 and unearthed it 25 years later. The process

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Did you know that the average person owns over 60 items of clothing but wears only about 20% of them regularly? This statistic highlights a common wardrobe challenge: having plenty of options but struggling to make timely, cohesive outfit choices. One of the most practical ways to maximize your wardrobe's utility and style is mastering the art of seasonal transition—particularly from summer to fall. This shift is not merely about swapping shorts for sweaters; it’s an opportunity to rethink your approach to clothing, layering, and personal style. Assess Your Current Wardrobe Before diving into new purchases or wholesale changes, take stock of what you already own. Review your summer clothes with an eye toward versatility and potential for layering. Lightweight dresses, linen shirts, and cotton tees can be valuable assets if paired correctly with autumnal pieces. For example, a breezy summer dress can become fall-ready when layered with a chunky cardigan and ankle boots.

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September 2nd has long been a date marked by pivotal moments that have shaped the course of history across the globe. One of the most impactful global events on this day dates back to 1945, when World War II officially came to an end. On September 2nd, Japan formally surrendered to the Allied forces aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, marking the conclusion of one of the deadliest conflicts in human history. This moment not only ended years of devastating warfare but also set the stage for a new world order, fostering international cooperation through institutions like the United Nations. The ceremony was solemn yet hopeful, symbolizing a commitment to peace and rebuilding. Going further back in time, September 2nd, 1666, witnessed a critical moment in London’s history: the Great Fire of London started and raged for three days. The fire destroyed large parts of the city, including thousands of homes and many landmarks, drastically altering London’s landscape. Although

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Labor Day, a federal holiday that marks the unofficial end of summer in the United States, is often viewed as a day off work or a signal to enjoy barbecues and parades. However, its origins are deeply rooted in the struggles and achievements of American workers. Understanding the history and significance of Labor Day reveals much about the labor movement, workers’ rights, and the evolving nature of work in the U.S. The Birth of Labor Day: A Movement for Workers’ Rights In the late 19th century, the United States underwent rapid industrialization. Factories, railroads, and mines demanded long hours and harsh working conditions from laborers. Many workers, including children, faced grueling schedules with little protection or compensation. This era saw a rise in labor unions, organizations formed to advocate for better wages, reasonable hours, and safer workplaces. The idea of a “workingmen’s holiday” to honor laborers first emerged in the early 1880s.

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September 1st has long been a date marked by significant events that have shaped the course of history across the globe. Arguably the most consequential event to ever take place on September 1st happened in 1939 when World War II erupted. On this day, Nazi Germany launched an invasion of Poland, unleashing a conflict that would engulf much of the world for six devastating years. The attack began with a surprise assault using blitzkrieg tactics — fast-moving and coordinated strikes by air and land forces — overwhelming Polish defenses. This act prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany, setting off a global conflict that shaped international relations, altered borders, and led to profound social and economic changes worldwide. The war's impact is still deeply felt today, making September 1st a poignant reminder of the costs of aggression and the importance of peace. Stepping back a bit, in 1715, September 1st marked the death of King Louis XIV of France, known

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O’FALLON, Ill. — The Illinois State Police (ISP) Zone 6 is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Thursday evening in O’Fallon. At approximately 7:43 p.m. on Aug. 29, 2025, officers from the O’Fallon Police Department responded to a disturbance call in the 600 block of West Madison Street in O'Fallon involving a man armed with a knife. Upon arrival, officers observed two individuals covered in blood running from the armed man outside the residence. Officers engaged with the man, who refused to drop the knife. An officer discharged their firearm, striking the man. Emergency aid was provided at the scene, but the man was pronounced deceased. The two individuals who fled were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening cuts and stab wounds. The officer involved was not injured. The ISP conducted a thorough investigation and will submit all reports to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office. The investigation remains

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BELLEVILLE — Belleville Police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. Officers were dispatched at approximately 7:20 p.m. on Saturday after a 19-year-old Belleville man arrived at Memorial Hospital with a gunshot wound. The victim was later transferred to a hospital in St. Louis, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities determined the shooting took place in the 500 block of North 38th Street in Belleville. Belleville Police Detectives and the Crime Scene Unit responded to the scene to process evidence and begin an investigation. The department described the case as active and ongoing, with additional information to be released as it becomes available.

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SPRINGFIELD - Labor Day is almost here. Our goal is to keep people safe by raising awareness about the risks of overconsumption this weekend. The key is to know your limits; drink responsibly and please utilize a designated driver or ride-share service if you are inebriated. Be Responsible: When drinking alcohol, it’s important to have a plan to stay safe. Always arrange for a designated driver and never operate a vehicle after consuming alcohol. In addition, be aware of the dangers of overuse and know the signs of alcohol poisoning. Alcohol Poisoning: The ILCC encourages everyone to recognize the signs of alcohol poisoning in themselves and others. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, symptoms of alcohol poisoning can include irregular heart rates, seizures, loss of consciousness and more. “As you celebrate, remember to stay mindful and make informed choices. Whether you plan to drink alcohol or simply enjoy the holiday weekend,

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ALTON — The Alton Police Department welcomed Officer Austin Cross in early July as he began his service with the department. Cross joins the force as a lateral officer from Montana, where he previously served as a sheriff’s deputy. Since his arrival, he has been studying Illinois law and has passed the necessary exams to qualify as a police officer in the state. He has now started his Field Training Program alongside a senior officer.

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COLUMBIA, Mo - Columbia College recently announced its dean's list for the Summer 2025 Semester (April-August 2025). To be named to the dean's list, a student must have completed 12 undergraduate credit hours in a 16-week period and achieved a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0-point scale. Among those named to the dean's list is Cierra Johnson of Alton, who attended Online. Founded in 1851 in Columbia, Missouri, Columbia College has been helping students advance their lives through higher education for nearly 175 years. As a private, nonprofit institution, the college takes pride in its small classes, experienced faculty and quality educational programs. With locations across the country, more than half of which are on military installations, students may enroll in Day, Evening or Online classes. Columbia College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and maintains a network of more than 98,000 alumni worldwide. For more information, visit ccis.edu.

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CHICAGO - E4, a leading energy and sustainability consulting firm, has partnered with Alton Steel to implement a Community Solar solution that reduces costs while supporting the company’s long-term energy and sustainability goals. As a major steel producer operating a 200-ton electric arc furnace and a 14-inch bar mill in Alton, Illinois, Alton Steel plays a key role in regional manufacturing and infrastructure. Through this new Community Solar subscription, the company is taking an important step toward aligning with their long-term sustainability goals and demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship while managing long-term operational costs. Community Solar offers commercial and industrial businesses a direct way to support clean energy generation without the need for on-site solar installations or upfront capital investment. Participating companies subscribe to off-site solar farms and receive credits on their utility bills, creating meaningful cost savings

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