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ALTON, Ill. (July 3, 2025) – Simmons Hanly Conroy , a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, is pleased to announce that firm partner Melissa Crowe Schopfer was selected as the winner of the 2025 Women of Plaintiffs Asbestos Litigation Seminar (PALS) Award. Her selection was announced at this year’s seminar, which took place May 13-15 in Las Vegas. The Women of PALS Award is bestowed annually to an individual who supports, initiates, and/or sustains the advancement and progress of women in the field. It celebrates meaningful leadership on issues related to gender-equity and recognizes those who have materially contributed to altering structural barriers to the success of women in the field. Award recipients are those who effectively and consistently speak truth to power. “Melissa embodies every characteristic and pioneering stride that this award was created to observe,” said Simmons Hanly Conroy named

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CHICAGO — If you played Lucky Day Lotto online yesterday, you may want to check your numbers – that’s because you could be $650,000 richer! A lucky Illinois iLottery player scored the $650,000 jackpot in the Monday, July 7 midday drawing, matching all five winning numbers: 13-30-33-36-43. In total, nearly 15,000 winning tickets were sold, and almost $690,000 in prizes were won in the Monday midday Lucky Day Lotto drawing. Lucky Day Lotto is an Illinois-only game with twice-daily drawings at 12:40 p.m. and 9:22 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased in-store, online, or on the Illinois Lottery app. For more information or to buy tickets online, please visit IllinoisLottery.com . Lucky Day Lotto b-roll available for use by the media; download here . Be Smart, Play Smart®. Must be 18 or older to play. Game odds available at IllinoisLottery.com .

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville is invited to turn up the summer heat with an After Hours event at EXO Lounge. At 10 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, EXO will transform from a nail bar , med spa and lounge into a nightclub. With a new summer cocktail menu on tap and DJ Andrew Byron straight from California, EXO promises a fun, unique night out. “We are going to bring Malibu to Edwardsville, Illinois,” said owner Gina Gamblin. “We’re going to set the vibe, we’re going to have drink specials, and we’re going to have a blast.” The event is geared for adults ages 21 and older. Until 10 p.m., you can come by EXO to get your nails done or pamper yourself with a facial, Botox session, or another med spa service. After 10 p.m., the space transforms into a nightclub setting with music, drinks and fun. Gamblin added that EXO’s Michelin-star chef launched a new menu and introduced new summer cocktails earlier this week, which have

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY - Illinois State Police provided an update on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, about a body found at Frank Holten State Park in East St. Louis the morning of Friday, July 4, 2025. Illinois State Police Troop 8 responded to the scene in East St. Louis at approximately 8:31 a.m. July 4, following a report from kayakers who discovered the body in the water. Along with ISP Crime Scene and the Public Safety Enforcement Group, Illinois Conservation Police, Midway Fire Department, and the St. Clair County Coroner’s Office also arrived to assist with the investigation and recovery. The St. Clair County Coroner's Office said Demontray M. Collins, 25, was identified as the person discovered in the lake. Collins was pronounced dead at the scene by the coroner's office at 9:41 a.m. on July 4. His last address was in East St. Louis. ISP has said the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

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EDWARDSVILLE - An Edwardsville High School student died early July 5, 2025, in a utility terrain vehicle accident in Madison County, according to the Illinois State Police. ISP said the crash occurred at 4:22 a.m. on July 5 at Illinois State Route 157 and Maple Road in unincorporated Madison County. This was the ISP report synopsis of what occurred: " A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: ISP Troop 8 responded to the location above for the report of a single-vehicle UTV crash. Brandon Brewer, 14, an upcoming sophomore at Edwardsville High School, has been identified as the victim in the fatal accident. "Unit 1 (Polaris Razor UTV) was traveling westbound on Maple Road at the intersection of IL-157. Unit 1 lost control and overturned, ejecting all three occupants. One 14-year-old victim from Edwardsville was pronounced deceased at the scene. The two other passengers were transported to the hospital with injuries." Edwardsville High School Principal Alex Fo

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MEDORA — One person was killed and another injured in a two-vehicle crash near Medora Monday morning, July 7, 2025, Illinois State Police reported. The collision between a box truck and a passenger car occurred just before 9 a.m. on Monday on Highway 111 at 11-hundred North in Macoupin County. One individual died at the scene, while the other was transported to a local hospital with injuries. ISP said a preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: ISP Troop 8 units responded to a two-unit fatal traffic crash at the above location and time involving a box truck and a passenger car. ISP did a thorough investigation of the crash scene. ISP added that at approximately 9 a.m. on Monday, the above intersection was shut down for the traffic crash investigation and was reopened at approximately 1:41 p.m. The names of those involved have not been released. There is no further information available at this time.

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Tuesday that a defendant has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with a crash that resulted in the deaths of an Alton couple on July 3, 2025, in Wood River. The murder charges allege that Miko D. Martin, 29, of St. Louis was driving at an excessive speed, disregarded traffic laws and was attempting to evade police when his vehicle struck another vehicle at the intersection of Illinois 143 and Illinois 3. Two occupants of the second vehicle, 66-year-old George “Randy” Julian and his wife, 68-year-old Donna M. Julian, died in the crash. The murder charges also allege that Martin knew that his actions created a strong probability of death or great bodily harm. “Our heart goes out to the friends and family of the Julians as they face this sudden and devastating loss,” Haine said. “Running from the police is a deliberate choice that can result in irreversible

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WOOD RIVER – An esports arena and multiple film studios, known as “Hollywood River Studios,” are officially coming to the Wood River Business Park. City Council members on Monday approved selling the property to Wood River Farm Investments LLC, which presented their ambitious plans last month for the site formerly known as the Envirotech Business Park. The group’s approved offer of $1,000,000 for the full 105-acre site will see the installation of six film and sound production studios designed to cater to industry professionals. Wood River Farm Investments CEO Chris Breakwell said he expects the redeveloped business park to attract several jobs to the area. “We have an exciting project, I believe, for the city of Wood River,” Breakwell said. “It’s building a TV and movie media complex in the old Envirotech site. Our goal is to build roughly six studios that are going to be able to be used for making movies and TV shows. “You

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ALTON - The Cookie Factory is settling into their new location, with plans to install a drive-thru window later this year. Located at 192 Suite B Alton Square Mall Drive in Alton, the local business moved out of their Alton Square Mall location to a building across the street in February 2025. Owner Sarah Kinder is pleased with The Cookie Factory’s growth and looks forward to adding more menu items and drive-thru options in the future. “We were truly ready to go on day one, and there has not been one issue since. It’s been great,” Kinder said. “I just knew I had to grow. I wanted to keep The Cookie Factory local and keep our community growing, so moving out of the mall had to be done.” Kinder purchased the business four years ago and immediately began looking for a new location. She shared that it was difficult to “sit down and enjoy yourself” at the mall location, but this new spot has big windows and plenty of seating for

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MADISON COUNTY – The Madison County Sheriff’s Office today announced it is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies to step up traffic safety efforts across the state to reduce speeding. Throughout the month of July, motorists can expect increased patrols looking for speeding, as well as other traffic violations. "Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in careless and risky driving. No matter how safe of a driver you think you may be, speeding is dangerous," said Captain T.J. Hernandez. "Speed limits aren’t a suggestion – they are the law." Speeding creates unnecessary risks for all motorists, reducing the driver’s ability to steer safely around other vehicles, hazardous objects or unexpected curves. During the speed limit enforcement campaign, officers will intensify enforcement of posted speed limits. The goal is to save lives. Drivers can expect

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — A 48-year-old man was struck and killed by a vehicle late Monday night in Fairview Heights, according to police. Officers with the Fairview Heights Police Department responded at approximately 11:32 p.m. July 7, 2025, to the area of Frank Scott Parkway and Arbor Meadows after receiving a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers found the man lying unresponsive in the roadway. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Michael B. Touchette of Belleville was fatally struck by a vehicle, the St. Clair County Coroner's Office said. The Metro East Crash Assistance Team was called to assist with the investigation. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Preliminary findings indicate the pedestrian was in the lane of traffic at the time of the collision. There is no indication the driver was impaired or violated any traffic laws. Earlier that evening, the pedestrian had multiple interactions with law enforcement.

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BELLEVILLE — The Board of Fire and Police Commission and the City Council have announced recent promotions within the Belleville Police Department. Lieutenant Robert Thomason has been promoted to Captain, Master Sergeant Tim Crimm to Lieutenant, and Detective Angelque Shields to Sergeant. The promotions recognize the officers' achievements and service to the community. Officials encourage residents to join in congratulating the officers on their new roles within the department.

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ALTON – The Alton School Board has approved the appointment of three district administrators to new leadership roles for the 2025-2026 school year. Rene Hart will assume the role of Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, a natural progression following her five years of service as the district’s Director of Curriculum. With 17 years in public education and 10 years in educational administration, Hart brings extensive leadership experience with a steadfast commitment to student achievement and the development of educators across the district. Hart began her career in the Alton School District in 2008 as a Special Education teacher at Lovejoy Elementary. Over the past decade, she has served in multiple leadership roles including Assistant Principal at East Elementary and Supervisor of Special Education (K-6). She was promoted in 2020 to Director of Curriculum and Instruction. In each role, Hart has led school improvement initiatives, supported professional

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that a full closure of Interstate 55/70 southbound/westbound between Illinois 159 and Illinois 157 in Madison County will start, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, July 11, 2025, for bridge repairs. The closure is expected to remain in place for 17 days. During that time, motorists should follow the marked detour as follows: Motorists heading southbound/westbound on I-55/70 should take I-270 westbound to I-255 southbound to reconnect with I-55/70 southbound/westbound. Drivers between Illinois 159 and I-270/I-70 westbound who need to travel southbound/westbound on I-55/70 should travel north to access the detour and follow it back to I-55/70. Access to Illinois 162 and U.S. 40 will remain open. All lanes are scheduled to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, July 28. Motorists should allow extra travel time for trips, especially during the first few days of the closure, and pay attention to additional signage

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 18 attorneys general, today submitted an amicus brief in support of plaintiffs in Vasquez Perdomo et al. v Noem et al., seeking a temporary restraining order to enjoin the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) from engaging in unconstitutional and unlawful detentions of Los Angeles residents during immigration sweeps. The lawsuit comes amid the Trump administration conducting aggressive, militaristic immigration raids in Los Angeles that have terrified immigrant and non-immigrant residents alike, chilled community members’ participation in civic society and impeded law enforcement and public safety. “The Trump administration’s heavy-handed immigration enforcement tactics do nothing but instill fear and distrust in immigrant communities,” Raoul said. “I will continue to stand with my fellow attorneys general to fight against

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CHICAGO - Following the signing of Trump and Republicans’ ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ Illinois is raising awareness about the devastating impacts on our working families. This includes draconian cuts and alterations to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which threatens food benefits for an estimated 360,000 Illinoisans, jeopardizes jobs, grocery stores, and harms local economies. "SNAP has been a crucial federal resource for families trying to put food on the table for more than 60 years, but Trump and Republicans would rather children go hungry so their friends can receive tax cuts,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Here in Illinois, we have been working to combat food insecurity for years, and while no state can backfill these costs, the State of Illinois will continue to fight against these harmful impacts and stand up for working families.” SNAP has been a permanent, 100% federally-funded food benefit for more than 60 years. The bill

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SPRINGFIELD – July is Extreme Heat Safety Month, and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) is asking everyone to understand the danger to you, your family, and your pets. “The best preparedness is individual preparedness,” explained IEMA-OHS Acting Director Theodore (Ted) Berger. “If you and your family are ready for extreme heat, you can prevent inconvenience, frustration, and even illness. The recent week-long heat wave was a clear reminder in the Midwest that heat affects us too.” Extreme heat is defined as high heat and humidity temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. Older adults, children, and people with certain illnesses and chronic conditions are at greater risk from extreme heat. Take these steps to prepare for extreme heat and prevent heat-related illnesses: Hydrate with water, not caffeinated or alcoholic beverages Wear light-colored, lightweight, and loose-fitting clothing

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SPRINGFIELD – With peak roadside mowing season underway, the Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding the public to slow down, proceed with caution and pay extra attention when encountering equipment and personnel. In keeping with the recent practice of timing operations to preserve and promote pollinator habitat, the heaviest mowing period will continue until Aug. 15. “By strategically scheduling when and where mowing takes place, IDOT is doing its part to help the environment and Illinois businesses,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “We need your assistance as well. Please be alert for mowing crews who work hard up and down the state, slowing down and giving them plenty of extra distance.” During the summer, IDOT conducts two primary types of mowing. Safety mowing occurs directly adjacent to the road as needed. Maintenance mowing, which lasts for approximately six weeks and starts around July 1, includes areas next t

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EDWARDSVILLE – Job interviews, employment opportunities, a plethora of services, free clothing, door prizes and more will be available to former service personnel at the St. Louis Metro Veterans Resource and Job Fair from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14 at the John F. Kennedy Community Center, 315 Howdershell Road in Florissant, Mo. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) is co-hosting the fair with the City of Florissant and The Kaufman Fund. “The Resource and Job Fair allows veterans to highlight the amazing skills and talents they have from serving their country,” said VUB Outreach Coordinator Bill Schnarr, a U.S. Army veteran. “The partnership between SIUE Veterans Upward Bound, The Kaufman Fund, and the City of Florissant is an amazing opportunity that allows veterans to seek resources and careers that will help improve their lives outside of the military. Veterans have so much to offer and can still serve

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Did you know that spending just 30 minutes outdoors can significantly boost your mood and cognitive function? Yet, many of us overlook the simple joy of a well-planned picnic, often confined to familiar parks or backyards. What if your local area holds untapped picnic spots that combine serene landscapes, practical amenities, and a touch of adventure? This article explores some of the best picnic destinations nearby, offering you fresh ideas to elevate your next outdoor meal. Urban Oasis: Parks That Blend Nature with Convenience In many cities, sprawling parks serve as green lungs amidst the urban hustle. These spaces are ideal for picnics because they balance natural beauty with accessibility. Practical tip: Arrive early on weekends to secure a prime spot, especially near water features or under large trees. Bring insect repellent and a portable blanket to expand your seating options if tables are occupied. Natural Retreats: Forests and Nature Reserves for Immersive Experiences

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