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SPRINGFIELD – Under the federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), the Illinois State Police (ISP) has enhanced its coordination with all local law enforcement agencies as part of the background check process for those younger than 21 years. BSCA allows for more thorough background checks by expanding what records are being reviewed and allowing more time to look into the records if required. “Every day, ISP performs lifesaving background checks on firearms purchasers to prevent individuals who are a threat to themselves or others from obtaining a gun,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Under this federal Act, ISP has enhanced our background check process for those under 21, giving law enforcement a fuller picture of the individual seeking to buy a firearm, stopping potential tragedies. This is not theoretical – this is real interdiction that happens every day.” One of the greatest enhancements for ISP is communicating with

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program opened Oct. 2. State Senator Christopher Belt is urging eligible families to apply for this program to receive assistance with natural gas, propane and electricity bills. “LIHEAP is an excellent program the state offers for those who struggle to keep up with the high cost of energy bills,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I want everyone to be warm and safe as winter approaches, so I’m encouraging all eligible residents and families to take advantage of this program as soon as possible.” Families whose combined income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, have a household with a senior or a child under age 6, and/or a person with a disability are now eligible to receive support through LIHEAP. A chart with eligible income thresholds can be found here. Additional eligible households will be able to apply for assistance during upcoming application opening periods

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Bost Statement On House Speaker Vote WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) issued the following statement regarding the vote to vacate the speakership: "Under Kevin McCarthy’s speakership, the House has passed legislation to secure the southern border, unleash America’s energy potential, ensure parents have a say in what their children are learning in the classroom, provide for our veterans, and overturn the Biden administration’s crippling COVID mandates. Each of these conservative victories were accomplished despite the narrowest majority in history. But now, that agenda is at risk at a time we can least afford it. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if conservatives truly want to defend our values, then we must stop fighting each other and start taking it to the liberals who voted in lockstep against Kevin McCarthy today." Statement from Rep. Robin Kelly on the Removal of Speaker McCarthy Congresswoman

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is celebrating National Women’s Business Month throughout October by recognizing the significant contributions of women-owned businesses throughout the state. The monthlong celebration – which is designated through a proclamation – includes business resources such as virtual and in-person events, resource guides for financial and social capital, business spotlights on social media, and a social media campaign to support and elevate Illinois women-owned businesses. “This month and every month, we’re proud to continue supporting, uplifting, and celebrating women-owned businesses throughout our great state,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “For too long, women business leaders and entrepreneurs faced systemic and financial barriers when starting and growing a business -- but here in Illinois, we're making it possible for everyone to succeed through increased

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, spoke on the Senate floor on the need to pass additional funding to aid Ukraine after the 45-day bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government failed to do so. “Keeping the lights on is a win for the American people. It used to be considered just normal procedure… I am disappointed it did not include critical funding for the war in Ukraine. It is impossible to explain to my constituency why, when the Ukrainians are in the midst of fighting and dying every day against Vladimir Putin, this Congress somehow or another managed to pass a spending bill for 45 days and not include more funding for the Ukrainian cause. The assistance is absolutely essential,” said Durbin. “A small group of isolationists and Russian sympathizers—largely MAGA extremists in the House—threatened to hold the entire country hostage over this funding,

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– Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees—joined her Democratic colleagues, retired military leaders and Veterans with VoteVets to call on Congress to pass immediate additional aid for our partner in Ukraine—funding which House Republicans refused to include in the bipartisan Continuing Resolution that Congress passed to avert a government shutdown over the weekend. In her remarks, Duckworth underscored how this continued aid is not only critical to help Ukrainians as they continue to fight for freedom, sovereignty and democratic values against Putin’s unjustified and unprovoked war of choice, but it is also important for our national security. Video of the Senator’s full remarks are available here and photos are available here . “A world with a Ukrainian victory is a safer one—and House Republicans need to recognize that,” said

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ALTON - Alton Main Street and Jacoby Arts Center are partnering to present First Fridays, a late night art and shopping experience which spans 14 locations across the Downtown Alton district. This event will be held on the First Friday of October, November and December 2023, providing you with an opportunity to check out new shops and galleries and visit familiar favorites to experience art and great specials at each business. Participants are offering a variety of discounts, refreshments, and giveaways. Everyone who has their passport stamped at a minimum of 10 locations will receive a $10 gift certificate to any participating business. Free parking is available in the lot next to Jacoby Arts Center, located at 627 E. Broadway, and a free shuttle bus will be provided from 5:00-9:00 p.m., running a continuous loop between all participating locations. On Friday, October 6 th , start your evening by picking up your First Fridays passport at Jacoby Arts Center. There you will receive

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CHICAGO – An Illinois iLottery player has hit gold - winning a jackpot worth over $392,000 playing Fast Play Twenty 20s . The lucky online player won the big jackpot on October 2. Twenty 20s is an Illinois Lottery progressive jackpot Fast Play game. The jackpot begins at $50,000 and grows with each ticket sold - in-store and online - statewide until the jackpot is won. Since the start of the month, almost 10,000 winning tickets for the Twenty 20s game have been purchased, netting Illinois Lottery players prizes of more than $800,000. In September, another lucky iLottery player won over $450,000 by striking the jackpot on a Fast Play Twenty 20s game. Fast Play is a quick and easy draw game that can be played at any time. There are no numbers to pick, no play slip to complete, no scratching, and no waiting for winning numbers. There are currently 20 Fast Play games offered at various price points and play styles. You could be next! Fast Play games can be purchased in retail,

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WOOD RIVER - The Sports Barn development close to I-255 and Illinois Route 143 continues to get closer to reality. Today, featured are extraordinary overhead views of the construction site by 618 Drone Service. The new facility will be a 37,500-square-foot structure and provide batting cages, pitching development, a turf infield, and much more inside the facility for training baseball and softball players. Now, baseball and softball players will be able to train locally at a state-of-the-art facility in Wood River, which is near Edwardsville, Alton, Roxana, Bethalto, East Alton, and all the neighboring cities. Wood River Mayor Tom Stalcup has said that the Illinois Gators and Gators Baseball Academy - a baseball and softball club for ages 6 to 18 - will be the prime occupants of the new facility. “The Sports Barn has a present location in Wentzville, Missouri,” Stalcup said previously. “The Gators are trying to expand their market and feel they have

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) announce the arrest of 27-year-old Terrell Amerson of Belleville, IL for First Degree Murder (Class M Felony), three counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by Felon (Class 2 Felony), and Unlawful Possession of Firearm Ammunition by Felon (Class 2 Felony). On October 1, 2023, ISP DCI PSEG was requested by the East St. Louis Police Department to conduct a death investigation in East St. Louis, IL. A male, later identified as 27-year-old Dayman Warren Jr. of Granite City, IL, was shot in the 900 block of St. Louis Avenue in East St. Louis. Warren Jr. was pronounced deceased at a St. Louis area hospital. Preliminary evidence led officers to take Amerson into custody that same day. On October 3, 2023, after a thorough investigation, the case was presented to the St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office and charges were approved. Amerson is being held a

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School senior William Wojcieszak was awarded the Excellence in Edwardsville Award at last night’s City Council meeting for his generous donation of more than one ton of food to a local food drive. Cathy Hensley, communications coordinator for the City of Edwardsville, said Wojcieszak is “driven to succeed” and driven to help those in his community. “If you want to have a successful food drive, you need to have someone on board who is driven to succeed,” Hensley said. “Fortunately for the organizers and recipients of multiple food drives in Edwardsville over the course of the past couple of years, there's an incredibly driven, compassionate, and resourceful Edwardsville High School student who has made it his mission to stock the shelves of area food pantries and subsequently, the home pantries of those in need.” Last month, she said Wojcieszak donated 2,280 pounds of food for the Tackle Hunger Foo

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GODFREY - The Great Godfrey Maze has a new spooky twist with the Horrifying Haunted Maze’s return to Glazebrook Park. The Haunted Maze is all the fun of the regular maze, but with some extra “frightening props, humanoids and goblins” to keep the “victims” on edge, according to a press release from the Village of Godfrey. “The Haunted Maze will be open every Frightening Friday and Scary Saturday starting Oct. 6 and running through Oct. 28,” the Village of Godfrey said. “The scaring starts at 0’dark hundred and closes at 10 p.m. each night.” The Great Godfrey Maze and activities are also open from 6–10 p.m. on Fridays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays until Oct. 28, 2023. But as soon as night falls, the brave can venture into the Haunted Maze for a special “spooktacular” night. “Honestly, the most fun is just to see everyone waiting in line and how nervous and scared they are. It’s

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GRANITE CITY - United to Revive Ministries is taking on Granite City this weekend with several nondenominational church services at Wilson Park. From 6–8 p.m. on Oct. 5, 6 and 7, 2023, United to Revive invites community members to join them for worship, testimonies and live music. The nonprofit travels to communities throughout the Metro East to connect with people and share their beliefs with attendees. “We just want to love on people,” organizer Justina Snyder said. “We just want to bring people together, especially those who are experiencing addiction, shame, loss of purpose, regret, guilt, depression, hopelessness. Whatever the needs are, we all have them. And we just want to know that we see them, we hear them, we love them and we want to share the truth with them.” Snyder explained that the group has been active for a few years. According to her, Granite City “is in great need,” as are many other communities in the Metro East.

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ALTON - The sixth annual Alton Cigar Event was rated as a success as it attracted more than 150 cigar enthusiasts from both sides of the river to Bluff City Grill at 424 E. Broadway Ave. in Alton on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Derrick D. Richardson, the creator of the annual Alton Cigar Event in Alton, said the event regularly attracts over 150 cigar smokers from both sides of the river each year. Admission was free to the public. Bluff City Grill is a local restaurant/bar owned by Cathy Gross. Scott Biancardi, the owner of STL Cigars, was described as amazingly skilled in the art of cigar-rolling. He rolled the cigar of the client's choice. Brandon Shaw aka DJ Brando, a local DJ, played a mix of the oldies and the newest hits. Richardson said the event was about bonding and cigars, and more people attend every year.

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GRANITE CITY - During the early morning hours of Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, the Granite City Police Department responded to the 2500 block of Washington Avenue in reference to a serious structure fire. "Upon arrival, officers located a large amount of smoke in the area," Granite City Major Gary Brooks, the assistant chief, said Tuesday afternoon. "After the fire was extinguished, the Granite City Fire Department advised officers that a fire investigation would be conducted," Brooks said. "At this time, no further information will be released."

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) kicks off October with its annual College Changes Everything® (CCE) Campaign. For the past eight years, during CCE Month and the fall CCE Campaign, ISAC has partnered with schools and community-based organizations to provide free college and financial aid application completion workshops statewide. This year, however, CCE campaign activities will extend through the winter to better support students and families in light of the transition to and later launch date of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). The U.S. Department of Education has announced that the new, simplified 2024-25 FAFSA will not be available until December 2023, rather than in October. To align with the launch of the FAFSA, the 2024-25 Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) for qualifying undocumented students will also launch in December 2023. During October and November, ISAC

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GLEN CARBON - Dr. Kristen M. Jacobs, MD, doesn’t want to just change the way you look; she wants to change the way you feel. Jacobs has over 15 years of experience in aesthetic medicine as the owner of Ooh La La Spa, Anti-Aging & Wellness, a medical spa at 110 Cottonwood Road in Glen Carbon. To mark the end of September, which is National Menopause Awareness Month, Jacobs is sharing tips on how to take care of your skin from the time you’re born through menopause. “My is about how to age healthily,” Jacobs said. “How do we do this in the best way that we possibly can? So yes, menopause is a huge part of a woman’s life, but if we start off knowing the tips and the tricks from the beginning, once we get to menopause, we’re good.” Ooh La La offers several products and services to minimize the effects of aging, and Jacobs has a best-selling book titled “Live Life Beautifully (With a Little Help).” She encourages

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is celebrating National Women’s Business Month throughout October by recognizing the significant contributions of women-owned businesses throughout the state. The monthlong celebration – which is designated through a proclamation – includes business resources such as virtual and in-person events, resource guides for financial and social capital, business spotlights on social media, and a social media campaign to support and elevate Illinois women-owned businesses. “This month and every month, we’re proud to continue supporting, uplifting, and celebrating women-owned businesses throughout our great state,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “For too long, women business leaders and entrepreneurs faced systemic and financial barriers when starting and growing a business -- but here in Illinois, we're making it possible for everyone to succeed through increased

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ALTON - Alton Main Street and Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau along with presenting sponsor Simmons Hanly Conroy invite you to a free concert at the new Alton Godfrey Rotary Park, located across the street from Alton City Hall at 101 E. 3rd Street in Alton. Funky Butt Brass Band will perform on Friday, October 6; the concert is free to attend and will be held from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The band was formed in 2008 by six talented musicians who respect and revere the New Orleans brass band tradition. FBBB takes traditional New Orleans brass tunes and sprinkles in their own brand of special Saint Louis musical magic. At any given gig, you’ll also hear some Chicago blues, Memphis soul, Southern rock and St. Louis R&B. “We are grateful to Simmons Hanly Conroy for providing this opportunity that allows us to bring these great acts to Alton, which we anticipate will draw a big crowd from across the river to experience everything that Alton has to offer,” said

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EDWARDSVILLE - For those who enjoy an enchanted evening for Halloween season, the Edwardsville-Glen Carbon Junior Service Club is again having its Witches Night Out on Oct. 21, 2023, at Glen Carbon Miner Park. The event is from 5 to 10 p.m. "Dust off your broom, gather your coven and don your best witch’s attire for a night full of costume contests, devilishly delightful drinks, eerily excellent eats, enchanting entertainment, magical melodies, ravishing raffles, vexing vendors and so much more," the Junior Service Club said. The Junior Service Club encouraged residents to go to the Junior Service Club website to learn more about all the ways JSC gives back to our community, such as the RP Lumber Center Teen Room and the Boundless Playground. You can also find raffles, tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and vendor applications, on our website: http://www.edglenjuniorservice.org/witches-night-out-2023.html Find us on Facebook for all the updates at: https://www.facebook.com/edglenjuniorservice

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