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SPRINGFIELD - Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed the following bills into law: Bill Number: HB0032 Description: Amends the Township Code. Permits a temporary deputy township supervisor to administer the township’s general assistance program and allows township parks and recreations departments to employ minors for youth sports activities. Action: Signed Effective: Immediately Bill Number: HB1715 Description: Repeals the statutory authority for the Department of Children and Family Services to appoint members of a police and security force. Action: Signed Effective: Immediately Bill Number: HB1754 Description: Creates the Tracking Infectious Cases Knowledgeably (TICK) Act, requiring DPH to provide educational materials and undertake a public awareness campaign on the tick-borne allergy, alpha-gal syndrome. Action: Signed Effective: Immediately Bill Number: B1806 Description: Prohibits licensed mental health professionals from using AI to make independent therapeutic

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today responded to official confirmation that the U.S. Department of Education has released previously withheld education funding to Illinois. Raoul joined a coalition in filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s abrupt and unlawful decision to freeze this funding earlier this month. “This announcement is a significant victory for students, families and school districts across Illinois,” Raoul said. “The Trump administration’s attempt to withhold funding already appropriated by Congress was illegal and reckless. The move caused unnecessary chaos for many families who depend on vital programs supported by that funding, as well as school districts that were faced with exploding budget deficits overnight. I will continue to stand with other attorneys general to hold this administration accountable when it threatens the separation of powers and the rule of law.” On June 30, the Trump administration

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GODFREY – New and returning Lewis and Clark Community College students are invited to the Godfrey Campus for Trailblazer Welcome Day, from 1-4 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, in preparation for the start of the fall semester. This new event is designed to help students become familiar with campus and learn what resources and services are available to them at the college. "Starting college can be overwhelming, especially for students who are the first in their families to attend," said Edwardsville Community Education Center (CEC) Coordinator Cathy Laramee. "This event aims to reduce some of that anxiety and stress by allowing students to explore the campus, locate their classrooms, and connect with individuals who are here to support them." Laramee hopes students leave the event feeling a sense of belonging, knowing where to find help if they need it, and having more confidence about their future. She emphasized the importance of creating a positive first experience.

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SPRINGFIELD - The hunting and trapping seasons for gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) are closed effective immediately. Surveys and preliminary results of current research indicate a substantial decline in gray fox distribution and abundance in the last ten years. Even though Illinois hunters and trappers harvest very few gray foxes, this closure will remove any additional pressure and additive mortality from harvest. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will continue to conduct annual surveys and evaluate the gray fox population in Illinois. On June 30, Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law Public Act 104-0019 , which changed language in the Illinois Wildlife Code and allows IDNR to open or close the gray fox season by administrative rule. This bill was an IDNR initiative with broad support from diverse conservation groups including the Illinois Trappers Association and support from legislators across the state. On July 9, the department filed administrative rules

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EVANSTON- Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders, Chief Officer for Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Dr. Dana Weiner, bill sponsors, and local elected officials to sign SB1560. Supported by the Illinois State Board of Education and children’s behavioral health advocates, the bill builds on previous legislation by offering cost-free mental health screening tools to Illinois public schools and partnering with psychiatric hospitals to inform parents and caregivers about the BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) Portal. “Access to mental healthcare—especially for children—is too often overlooked or ignored. Since the formation of the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative, we’ve seen our state agencies work closely together and swiftly make progress in evaluating and redesigning the support systems we need to ensure that our children are healthy,” said Governor

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Cartersville, GA – Doehler Dry Ingredient Solutions, LLC is recalling Member’s Mark Freeze Dried Fruit Variety Pack 15 count boxes, UPC 1 93968 50900 2 due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes . Listeria monocytogenes , an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, a Listeria monocytogenes infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. No illnesses have been reported to date. Products affected are: PRODUCT SIZE UPC LOT/MFG CODES USE BY DATE Member’s Mark Freeze Dried Fruit Variety Pack 15 count 1 93968 50900 2 25175 06/24/2027 Member’s Mark Freeze Dried Fruit Variety Pack 15 count 1 93968 50900 2 25176 06/25/2027

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ST. LOUIS - With nearly 1.5 million people suffering from rheumatoid and juvenile arthritis in the United States, researchers at Shriners Children’s St. Louis have discovered a new way to potentially minimize flare-ups and symptoms while also preventing the progression of the disease. Shriners Children’s St. Louis Director of Research Dr. Farshid Guilak recently published findings on a revolutionary new method of “chronotherapy,” the administration of drugs based on the body’s circadian rhythm, potentially changing the way the condition is treated in the future. Circadian rhythm refers to the body's 24-hour clock, which is regulated by the brain and responds to light. Using a combination of synthetic biology and tissue engineering, Dr. Guilak’s research team developed circadian-based gene circuits, termed “chronogenetics,” that can be programmed into stem cells that, once implanted in the body, align with a patient’s natural

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ALTON – A woman from Alton faces felony animal cruelty charges after she allegedly intentionally starved three dogs and left them in “deplorable conditions” inside her now-abandoned former home. Lesley L. Joe, 51, of Alton, was charged on July 29, 2025, with three counts of animal cruelty, each Class 4 felonies. Joe allegedly intentionally withheld food from three dogs: a 4-5 year-old white pit bull mix named Patron, another 4-5 year-old white pit bull mix named Ghost, and a 1-2 year-old pit bull mix named Gibbs. All three dogs reportedly suffered extreme malnourishment; Gibbs was rendered unable to walk and reportedly died as a result of Joe’s neglect. According to the state’s petition to deny Joe’s pretrial release, Joe left all three dogs in “deplorable conditions” while in the process of permanently leaving her Alton residence. The city’s Building and Zoning Department “condemned the residence as being unfit for habitation

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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department announced Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, that multiple reports of a man believed to be a missing person, Josh Amos in the Collinsville area have been investigated, but the individual encountered was not Amos. The Collinsville Police Department said the subject reported is a white male with long hair and a beard. Officers made contact with the same man during each call and confirmed he was not Amos. Josh Amos has been missing since March 19, 2023. He is 32 years old, born July 28, 1990, stands 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighs approximately 190 pounds, and is from Granite City. He was last seen in East St. Louis in 2023. Authorities ask anyone with information about Amos to call (618) 967-1027 or (618) 219-0830.

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ROXANA - Wyatt Doyle of Roxana, a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for Roxana, recently completed an outstanding high school track and field and cross country career. Doyle, who has committed to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), earned the recognition following a demanding training season and record-setting performances. Doyle recorded the second-fastest 800-meter time in Roxana history with a mark of 1:59.41 in 2024. He described this past year as his hardest training season, reaching up to 55 miles per week in preparation for the past year's spring season at Roxana and upcoming collegiate competition at SIUE. "This was my hardest year of training, up to 55 miles a week at points, and I am ready for SIUE," he said. In addition to his 800-meter success, Doyle holds the third-fastest all-time Roxana time in the 1,600 meters with 4:42.9 and the second-fastest 3,200 meters time at 10:00.7, both achieved in 2025. He is also part of Roxana’s

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ROXANA — Incoming sophomore Paityn Lucas has emerged as a standout freshman athlete in Roxana High School’s girls track and field program this season, tying the school’s pole vault record in 2025 at 6 feet 6 inches alongside teammate Bailey Schallenberg-Decker. Julie Akal, the Roxana head girls' track and field coach, praised Lucas’s potential not only in pole vaulting but also as a valuable member of the relay teams and track and field squad in general. She is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month. “She has a lot of potential in the pole vault event and also on relays,” Akal said. “Paityn is a good relay member; she likes the 4x400 and has been working hard this summer to be ready for the 4x400 relay next year.” In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Lucas has also participated in pole vault training during the winter to establish the event with the Shells girls team in 2025, Coach Akal said. Lucas’s

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane closures on eastbound Interstate 55/64 between the Poplar Street Bridge and 1 mile east of the bridge. Starting at 5 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, the left two lanes of eastbound I-55/64 will be closed to allow for the installation of highway lighting. All lanes are expected to reopen by 5 p.m. the same day. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. 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 details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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SAVANNAH, Ga. — Alton's Rayna Raglin, a 17-year-old track and field sensation, has demonstrated remarkable endurance and skill recently at the USATF Junior Olympics National track and field meet in Savannah, Ga. Raglin, competing in the 17-18 age division, earned All-American status in three events: the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 400-meter dashes. Raglin’s performance included a seventh-place finish in the 200-meter finals on Saturday, marking her seventh race of the week. She was fourth in the 100 meters with a time of 11.88 for Dashers Track and Field out of Belleville. She placed sixth in the 200 meters in a time of 24.13. She was fifth in the 400 meters in a scorching time of 56.27. Rayna is an Auto Butler Female Athlete of the Month for Alton. She competed in nine total races at the USATF Junior Olympics National Meet against some of the nation’s top athletes. She noted the challenge of the competition and the heat, and said, “It was long and it was

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BETHALTO — Madison County Treasurer Mike Babcock announced this week that he will run in the Spring 2026 election to retain the office he was appointed to in December 2024. Babcock, a former County Board member and longtime Wood River Township Supervisor, was sworn in as treasurer on Dec. 2, 2024, following the election of former Treasurer Chris Slusser to serve as Madison County Board Chairman and his appointment of Board Member Mike Babcock along with the County Board approval that received all 26 County Board members' vote. “I’m excited about this next chapter,” Babcock said. “With taxpayers’ support, I will continue to safeguard public funds and manage county investments responsibly.” Since taking office, Babcock said he has implemented a conservative fiscal strategy and is implementing a 2 percent budget reduction in the Treasurer’s Office this year. He has a "promises made, promises kept" philosophy. “Our investment

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EDWARDSVILLE - EXO Lounge invites the community to come out for a taco-and-tequila night. From 6–9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, community members can have an unforgettable evening at EXO complete with a DJ from Malibu, tacos and fajitas from Oaxaca, and tequila from all the best vendors. Gina Gamblin, founder of EXO, encourages people to wear white for the “White Party” in celebration of Gamblin’s birthday. “It’s going to be a big party,” Gamblin said. It's actually my birthday, so we’re going to celebrate it in style. We want everyone to come and just enjoy Oaxaca and see what two great places can offer. You can not only have the most beautiful place, but the best food ever.” Tickets to the event cost $33.85 and can be purchased online . In addition to the food and tequila, EXO will be offering their normal services, including a nail bar , med spa and food and drinks from the in-house Michelin-star chef . Gamb

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College is announcing the lists of full- and part-time honors students for the Spring 2025 semester. Students earning a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher out of a possible 4.0 are named to the President’s List. Those students earning a grade point average between 3.25 and 3.74 are recognized each semester on the Dean’s List. Further requirements are listed in the college’s online catalog at http://catalog.lc.edu . All questions should be directed to the Enrollment Center at (618) 468-2222. President’s List ILLINOIS ALTON – Tiffany V. Adams; Chloe E. Ahlers; Madison C. Albert; Morgan G. Alexander; Michael G. Anderson; Lourdes M. Anriquez; Hunter M. Bailey; Sara J. Baldwin; Gardell L. Ballinger, III; Michael J. Beaber; Paige N. Beran; Coty B. Bertschi; Joel A. Biesk; Elizabeth H. Blackmon; Addisyn C. Boelter; Ava M. Boley; Samuel A. Boxdorfer; Eric R. Braundmeier; Parker A. Cannon; Callie

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WOOD RIVER – A Cahokia man remains in custody after a domestic battery incident in Wood River led to his arrest involving the Metro East S.W.A.T. team . Tyler A. Taylor, 32, of Cahokia, Ill., was charged on July 22, 2025 with one count each of aggravated domestic battery (a Class 2 felony), unlawful restraint (a Class 4 felony), and domestic battery (a Class A misdemeanor). On July 202, 2025, Taylor allegedly strangled a household or family member, obstructed them from leaving a Wood River residence, and forcefully grabbed the victim’s phone from her hand, causing a laceration. Taylor also threatened the victim with a firearm, according to the state’s petition to deny Taylor’s pretrial release from custody. The petition states the victim waited until Taylor was asleep and fled the residence. “Officers documented injuries to her head and hand,” the petition states of the victim. “Victim later provided messages, sent to a third party,

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EDWARDSVILLE - These are three artists who will be featured at the upcoming Edwardsville Arts Fair on Sept. 26-28, 2025, at Edwardsville City Park. Today's featured artists are: Brady Kesner, Pary Flynn, and Sarah Skiold-Hanlin. Artist #1: Brady Kesner Medium: Photography Artist Statement: "I am passionate about photographing grand and intimate landscapes—flowing water, the rocks it tumbles over, and the trees that surround it. This environment quiets my soul, and I believe it does the same for the viewer. I am a believer in the power of nature to provide comfort, healing, and reduce stress." Artist #2: Pary Flynn Medium: Wood Artist Statement: "I make and play handmade cigar box guitars, built from many different cigar boxes I find during my travels—as well as vintage gas cans, old movie reels, bedpans, or handmade boxes." Artist #3: Sarah Skiold-Hanlin Medium: Works on Paper Artist Statement: "Music

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SPRINGFIELD - Baseball cards featuring the late Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg and Yankees great Mickey Mantle, basketball cards of Wilt Chamberlain and Walt Frazier, and an 18-karat yellow gold Hermes man’s chain bracelet are just some of the 250 unclaimed property lots on display for the public to preview on Tuesday, August 5 . “We encourage people to come preview the items we’ll be auctioning later in the month,” said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose office oversees unclaimed property in Illinois. “As Treasurer, I can’t bid on anything, but I know there are plenty of Cubs fans who would love to bid on Ryne Sandberg’s rookie baseball card.” “This is a chance for everyday fairgoers to experience a real, live auction, make bids on an item they like, and take home something distinctive,” Frerichs added. Potential bidders are invited to attend the auction preview from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday August 5 at the Illinoi

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BELLEVILLE - Tera and Fredrick Mothersell are organizing a fundraiser to support their 12-year-old son, Richard, as he battles bone cancer for the second time along with leukemia. The fundraiser aims to help cover medical bills, gas, and other expenses related to Richard’s ongoing treatment, which includes chemotherapy and radiation. Tera and Fredrick said Richard was initially diagnosed with stage 4 Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer, on April 26, 2023, after experiencing back pain that led to the discovery of a large tumor in his chest and multiple cancerous spots throughout his bones and spine. Despite being told to prepare for end-of-life care, Richard’s cancer went into remission by July 27, 2023. He completed 14 rounds of chemotherapy and 45 rounds of proton radiation by November 22, 2023, marking a significant milestone by ringing the hospital bell. However, attempts to maintain remission with low-dose chemotherapy were unsuccessful due to toxic

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