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BELLEVILLE – Belleville is the latest Riverbend community to replace an expiring state-level sales tax on groceries with its own locally collected grocery tax. At Monday’s meeting, City Council members unanimously approved a “motion to adopt the continuation of the 1% local grocery sales tax, to be effective as of Jan. 1, 2026 when the State of Illinois eliminates the imposition of the tax.” First imposed in 1990, the state’s 1% sales tax on groceries is set to expire in 2026. 100% of the proceeds from the state grocery tax went directly to local municipalities; faced with revenue losses, communities were given the ability to pass their own local 1% grocery taxes to replace the state tax once it expires. The resulting ordinance effectively has a neutral impact on grocery prices, since it replaces the state tax rather than adding a new local tax on top of it. With the City Council’s approval, the City of Belleville will begin collecting this 1%

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GODFREY - Firefighters with the Godfrey Fire Protection District learned about natural gas safety and what to do if a gas leak is detected. On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, Ameren Illinois public awareness specialist Chris Schildroth stopped by the fire station to go over “the dos and the don’ts” when responding to a natural gas leak. Schildroth noted that collaboration between the fire department and Ameren is important in these situations. “We’re in two different lanes, typically, but when we get on a gas leak, we’re in the same lane,” Schildroth said. “We would rather get these formalities out of the way prior to being on scene. It makes it much safer for everybody. The quicker Ameren gets out there, the safer it is for these guys, the general public, and us.” When a gas leak is suspected, first responders and homeowners are directed to call 911 and Ameren right away. First responders are often on the scene before Ameren, so

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SPRINGFIELD - Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has launched a public awareness campaign encouraging Illinoisans to spark a lifesaving “ripple effect” by becoming organ donors. The ad, which is the first in a series building on the positive ripple effects of organ donation, will begin running this week on broadcast television, digital and social media platforms across the state. “Some 4,000 Illinois residents are in need of a transplant, including many whose lives hang in the balance waiting for the availability of a suitable organ,” Giannoulias said. “By choosing to become an organ donor, Illinoisans can catalyze a cascade of positive action, empowering recipients to pay the gift forward by helping those around them.” In the illustrative narrative, a firefighter who was granted the gift of life through organ donation saves a tutor at the scene of an accident, who in turn helps a young student earn admission into college. The story is rooted

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ALTON – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, in partnership with the Wood River Drainage and Levee District, will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the Upper Wood River Levee Underseepage Design Deficiency Correction Project on June 20, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at the East Alton No. 1 Pump Station in Alton, Ill. The event will recognize the successful federal-local partnership and celebrate a major milestone in flood risk management for the region. The project enhances the safety and reliability of the levee system by addressing a known design deficiency and implementing features that control underseepage from the Mississippi River. Improvements include 80 new relief wells, a drainage collection system, and an access road. “The completion of the project represents a major step forward in safety, resilience, and public service,” said Col. Andy Pannier, commander of the St. Louis District. “It is not just a celebration of concrete

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced that 55 attorneys general, representing all eligible states and U.S. territories, agreed to sign on to a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma (Purdue) and its owners, the Sackler family. The Sackler family informed the attorneys general of plans to proceed with the settlement, which would resolve litigation against Purdue and Sacklers for their role in creating and worsening the opioid crisis across the country. “This settlement is the outcome of many hours of tireless work by the attorneys in my office’s Consumer Fraud Division, and I am proud of their dedication. As a result of their efforts, money from the Sacklers and Purdue will finally be available to fund services for Illinoisans affected by opioid addiction,” Raoul said. “From the start, I have prioritized securing resources to abate the impact of the opioid epidemic in Illinois. I am committed to ensuring that settlement funding is distributed

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has awarded a grant to the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA) to develop a multi-year campaign supporting and promoting the work of community health workers (CHWs). Community health workers are trusted members of their communities, who serve as a bridge between health care and social services and the community. CHWs assist with access to health services, and improve the quality and cultural competence of service delivery. CHWs also create healthier communities by increasing health knowledge and self-sufficiency, through outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support, and advocacy. The grant funding supports CHW programs around the state by creating a campaign to improve awareness and understanding of what CHWs do and support the effective integration of CHWs into public health, health care, and human services organizations. The campaign will also increase the supply of a diverse and highly

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Photos by Brayden Cook Photography GRANITE CITY Granite City firefighters responded quickly to a fire at the Rapid Lube service center on Friday, June 13, 2025, successfully containing the blaze and saving the building, Fire Chief Todd Richey said Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Rapid Lube announced on its Facebook page that the Granite City location is temporarily closed due to the fire. Rapid Lube expressed appreciation for customers’ understanding and patience. The company said it will provide updates on reopening as soon as possible. The fire started in the service area of the Rapid Lube location in Granite City. Firefighters faced challenges early on when a new fire hydrant main steamer cap was locked, but crews overcame the obstacle and aggressively attacked the fire, Richey said. “Our firefighters were real aggressive with attack,” Richey said. “We had issues right off the bat with a new fire hydrant main steamer cap was locked up but they overcame it and

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EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville Police announced plans for July Fourth traffic enforcement with a focus on impaired and unbuckled drivers. The safety campaign will run from June 20 through July 7 to encompass three summer weekends leading up to and after Independence Day. “To ensure a safe Independence Day for everyone, we're asking for your cooperation. If you drive, don't drink or use cannabis or other impairing substances. Our officers will be diligently working to prevent impaired driving and to make sure all occupants are wearing their seat belts,” said Lt. Matt Senci. The Edwardsville Police will join the Illinois State Police and more than 200 local police and sheriff’s departments for the statewide effort. To celebrate safely, designate a sober driver and don’t let friends or family members drive impaired. Other important tips include: • Give your designated driver your keys before you go out. • If you are impaired by alcohol, cannabis,

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Did you know that potlucks are one of the most effective ways to strengthen social bonds and create lasting memories? A 2019 study published in the Journal of Social Relationships found that sharing meals in casual group settings significantly enhances feelings of belonging and community. Hosting a summer potluck is more than just a convenient way to feed a crowd—it is an opportunity to connect, celebrate diversity in tastes, and foster a sense of togetherness. Setting the Scene: Choosing the Right Venue and Ambiance The foundation of any successful potluck begins with selecting an appropriate venue. Whether it’s your backyard, a local park with picnic facilities, or even a community center, the space should comfortably accommodate the expected number of guests and allow for easy movement and socializing. Consider the layout carefully. Create designated areas for food setup, seating, and activities. For instance, arranging tables in a buffet style near a shaded spot

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June 17 has been a date marked by pivotal moments that have left a lasting imprint on history across the globe. On the political front, June 17, 1972, marks a momentous day in United States history—the Watergate break-in. Five men associated with President Richard Nixon’s reelection campaign were caught attempting to wiretap the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C. This event would unravel into one of the biggest political scandals in American history, leading to intense investigations, the discovery of abuses of power, and ultimately, President Nixon’s resignation in 1974. Watergate's reverberations reshaped public trust in government and transformed political journalism and accountability. Turning toward cultural history, June 17, 1940, saw the first public performance of the iconic song “Strange Fruit,” performed by Billie Holiday at Café Society in New York City. The song, hauntingly

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GODFREY — Beverly Farm Foundation is proud to announce that Steve Marso, owner of the Alton River Dragons Prospect League baseball team, has been named the recipient of its 2025 Community Champion Award. This annual honor is presented to a local leader who demonstrates outstanding commitment to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and making a lasting impact in the Riverbend community. Mr. Marso was recognized for his steadfast support of the Beverly Farm Foundation and his efforts to promote inclusion, awareness, and community engagement through the power of sports. Under his leadership, the Alton River Dragons have hosted multiple Beverly Farm Night events at Lloyd Hopkins Field, offering residents of Beverly Farm and their families a memorable ballpark experience. He also partnered with Beverly Farm to host a First Responder Softball Game and Home Run Derby at Lloyd Hopkins Field on May 10th. These events have helped foster

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WOOD RIVER – A developer’s vision for the Wood River Business Park would see the site transformed into “Hollywood River Studios,” a series of film production studios and an esports arena. City Attorney Kathryn Warren announced on Monday that Wood River Farm Investments LLC has offered $500,000 to purchase and develop the entire 105-acre site, formerly known as the EnviroTech Business Park. The company’s proposal is to build an esports arena and up to six sound and production studios, known as “Hollywood River Studios,” at the business park. These facilities would be “designed to cater the burgeoning film, television, digital streaming production industries,” according to their proposal. Their bid includes the lease or purchase of all necessary technology and equipment to operate the studios; these properties would then be leased to various media production companies. The site would be developed in two phases and, once developed,

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EDWARDSVILLE — Cross-River Crime Task Force Commander Marcos Pulido announced today that a defaced firearm that was in the possession of a convicted felon, suspected methamphetamine and cocaine were all seized during a recent deployment of the task force. The countywide deployment of the unit, led by Granite City Police Capt. Adam Connor and Alton Police Captain Kurtis McCray, was conducted June 12, 2025. The deployment was conducted by approximately 40 law enforcement officers who are assigned to the Task Force. Highlights of the deployment included: • Arrest of a convicted felon who was in possession of a defaced firearm while possessing suspected drugs, which had a combined weight that was consistent with intent to distribute. • Arrest of an individual in possession of suspected methamphetamine that had a weight consistent with intent to distribute. • Arrest of an individual in possession of suspected cocaine that had a weight consistent with intent to distribute.

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College recently unveiled its 2025-2026 interactive mural by Graphic Design Alumna Grace Becker. The mural, titled “You Can Overcome Anything,” takes inspiration from medieval manuscripts. Becker said visitors can pose with both the sword and shield or team up with a partner. She said she chose a dragon because they are large, malicious and seemingly impossible to defeat. “The dragon symbolizes the great obstacles we face in life,” Becker said. “As someone on the verge of graduating, everything can seem big and scary – but if you face your fears head-on, you can overcome them.” During her time at L&C, Becker worked at The Bridge, the student newspaper, as a layout editor and graphic designer. She was also a member of the pottery club and took part in the Juried Student Art Show. She even won first place in 2024 with her piece, “Self-portrait.” “This year’s design truly

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ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. — A 26-year-old woman was killed in a pedestrian traffic crash near the intersection of Dingledine Road and Stonecroft Drive on June 14, 2025, shortly after 6 p.m., the St. Charles County Police Department reported. The victim, identified as Stacy M. Youngers of St. Charles, was found struck in the roadway and was pronounced dead at the scene by personnel from the St. Charles County Ambulance District, according to police. The vehicle involved was a staff vehicle from the Cottleville Fire Protection District, which is not a fire apparatus truck. The driver remained at the scene and has cooperated fully with the investigation, as has the fire district. The St. Charles County Police Department’s Vehicle Crash Investigations Unit is conducting a thorough and ongoing investigation into the incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Officer Zachary Koch at 636-949-3000 Ext. 8140 or via email at zkoch@sccmo.org .

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GLEN CARBON — Flames erupted through the roof of the Hardee’s restaurant at 4207 State Route 159 on the morning of Monday, June 16, 2025, prompting a swift response from local fire departments. Firefighters from Glen Carbon, Edwardsville, and Maryville worked together to extinguish the blaze, which was contained within the restaurant’s hood system. Glen Carbon Fire Chief Jason Whitaker said the fire originated on top of the stove and traveled into the hood system. “It was contained inside the hood system. The firefighters followed everything that is supposed to happen — because of the efforts, damage was contained inside that system,” Whitaker said. He credited the close proximity of the firehouse and the early activation of fire suppression systems for limiting the damage. Mutual aid from Edwardsville and Maryville was critical, Whitaker noted, adding that automatic mutual daytime manpower is a vital tool for protecting people and property.

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SOUTH ROXANA — The South Roxana Fire Department responded to a structure fire on the 200 block of Illinois Avenue Monday afternoon, June 16, 2025. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from a mobile home. A box alarm was called, prompting assistance from the Wood River, Roxana, Mitchell, Rosewood Heights and Edwardsville Fire Departments. Meadowbrook manned South Roxana Fire Station. The mobile home was reportedly a total loss. All occupants escaped without injury. Multiple police departments assisted by blocking off streets in the area as firefighters worked to contain the blaze. Survival Flight Ambulance was also on site for fire standby. It is unknown how the fire started.

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GRANITE CITY – A Granite City resident accused of causing “great bodily harm” while driving under the influence has been released from custody pending a felony charge. Khalil R. Pryor, 23, of Granite City, was charged on June 9, 2025 with a Class 4 felony count of aggravated driving while under the influence. On April 12, 2025, Pryor allegedly drove a Jeep Cherokee on State Street in Granite City while under the influence of alcohol. He was then involved in a motor vehicle accident which resulted in “great bodily harm” to the victim, according to court documents. The case against Pryor was presented by the Granite City Police Department, and he was granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man remains in custody after intentionally causing a car crash to commit domestic battery while on pretrial release from a prior domestic battery case involving the same victim. Darien O. Crisp, 25, of Granite City, was charged on June 9, 2025 with one count each of aggravated battery (a Class 3 felony), reckless conduct, and violation of pretrial release (both Class a misdemeanors). As a passenger in the victim’s car, Crisp allegedly pulled the steering wheel while the victim was driving, causing the vehicle to cross multiple lanes of traffic before striking a utility pole. The resulting impact caused pain and bruising to the victim, who was a household or family member and the same victim from Crisp’s previous case of domestic battery . Under the conditions of his pretrial release from custody in that case, Crisp was ordered to have no contact with the victim. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petitio

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GRANITE CITY - Pretrial release was denied for an area woman charged with aggravated battery. Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced on Monday, June 16, 2025, that Associate Judge Ryan Jumper has granted the State’s petition to deny pretrial release for a defendant who is charged with two counts of aggravated battery (class 3 felony). Haine’s office argued public safety required the continued detention of the defendant prior to trial. Skyla M. Soomro (D.O.B. 11/21/2006) of Granite City is charged with striking a person on the head with a glass bottle on June 2, 2025, in the Granite City area. The case was investigated by Madison County Sheriff’s Office. This charge and the statements made herein are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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