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Hurricane Erin explodes in strength to a Category 5 storm in the Caribbean

1 week 2 days ago
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Hurricane Erin exploded in strength to a Category 5 storm in the Caribbean on Saturday, rapidly powering up from a tropical storm in a single day, the National Hurricane Center said. While the compact hurricane's center wasn't expected to hit land, it threatened to dump flooding rains as it continued to [...]
Danica Coto

Belt Closes Phony Lifetime Gym Membership Loophole

1 week 2 days ago
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to stop gyms and fitness centers from canceling or changing benefits of a promised lifetime membership has been signed into law. “When gyms offer lifetime memberships, they shouldn’t penalize members for actually using the facility,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “If you sign up for a lifetime membership at a set price, the gym shouldn’t be able to come back a year later and raise your fees.” Gyms and fitness centers advertise lifetime memberships, but under state law, gym contracts can only be a maximum of one year. Functionally, these lifetime memberships are just one-year contracts that auto-renew. This is where the hidden price increases or benefit reductions can happen without the consumer knowing. Belt’s law is designed to prevent fitness centers and gyms from changing prices or reducing benefits for any lifetime membership price they advertise. Under the new law, if a fitness

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Illinois Unemployment Rate Holds Steady, Payroll Jobs Nearly Unchanged in July

1 week 2 days ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that total nonfarm payrolls were nearly unchanged over-the-month in July, down -2,500 (0.0%) to 6,165,600. The June monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +9,400 to +2,300. The industry sectors with the largest over-the-month jobs increases included: Construction (+2,900), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+1,700), and Private Education and Health Services (+1,100). The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll jobs decreases included: Professional and Business Services (-3,500), Government (-2,900), and Leisure and Hospitality (-1,200). Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +20,300 jobs. The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included: Private Education and Health Services (+17,400), Government (+7,900), and Information (+3,900). The industry groups with jobs decreases included: Professional and Business Services

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Millstadt Balloon Glow and Triathlon to Raise Money for First Responders

1 week 2 days ago
MILLSTADT - Buttercup Ranch and Creamery has an impressive history, and you can be a part of their story at the upcoming balloon glow and triathlon. On Sept. 5, 2025, community members are invited to the Millstadt farm for the balloon glow, food trucks and a concert by Scott Vignassi’s Big Little Big Band, for $20 per car. On Sept. 6, the fun will continue with the fifth annual CiderMan Sprint Triathlon throughout the property. Twenty percent of all funds raised will go to the local police and fire departments in honor of Patriot Day. “Every bit counts,” said Rich MacKeen, who owns the farm with his wife, Mary. “We don’t make money on this. We go in the hole every year, but that’s not the point.” Rich served in the Air Force alongside Jim Ogonowski, the brother of John Ogonowski, who was the pilot on the first plane to hit the World Trade Center. It’s important to the MacKeen and Ogonowski families to remember 9/11, which is why

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Sgt. Cole McMichael Retires After 20 Years With Bethalto Police Department

1 week 2 days ago
BETHALTO — Sgt. Cole McMichael of the Bethalto Police Department retired last night after 20 years of service, the department announced. During his two decades with the department, McMichael served in multiple roles and was recognized as a mentor to many colleagues. The Bethalto Police Department credited him with making a positive impact on the community and contributing to public safety. “Sgt. McMichael filled many roles at this agency and will be missed at the Police Department,” the department said in a statement. “All of us wish him the best of luck in his next journey. Thank you for your service Sgt. McMichael.” The Bethalto Police Department did not provide details on McMichael’s future plans.

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