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SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan F. Kelly, the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee, and law enforcement officials from across the state gathered today for the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Ceremony in Springfield to honor officers who performed acts of heroism. The Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Committee awarded 23 officers from 10 agencies the Medal of Honor in recognition of their brave and sacrificial service to the people of Illinois. Granite City Police Department Officer Douglas B. Nicoson was recognized at the Medal of Honor ceremony. “Today, we pay tribute to our heroic police officers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty while protecting our communities,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From Palatine to Chicago to Granite City, our honorees saved lives and offered comfort and support to countless others. While we will never be able to repay their bravery in full, we hope that this recognitio

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Discover an exciting array of events across the region, from lively music performances and engaging markets to family-friendly activities and unique community gatherings, offering something for everyone to enjoy. For a complete listing of upcoming events, visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ and plan your next adventure today! Featured THE MIDWEST EXPRESS feat. Mattie Schell and Jackson Stokes at Rock the Block is set to roll into Jerseyville on May 30, 2025, at City Center Park. This unforgettable night of music promises undeniable Midwest charm brought to you by two of St. Louis' most exciting artists, Mattie Schell and Jackson Stokes. Both are band leaders and professional singer-songwriters joining forces for a fun-filled evening. Expect heavy grooves, soaring harmonies, and searing guitar solos backed by a super group of musicians with regional guest artists. The show features two sets of original music from each artist, followed by a Super Set of familiar songs with guest

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BELLEVILLE - The St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) today announced it has been awarded $3,000,000 in funding through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) for the development of Phase 2 of its Bunkum Road Trail. This 0.8-mile trail segment is part of a series of trails that will combine to create a new 4.8-mile bike path corridor extending from the intersection of Highway 161 and Sullivan Drive in Belleville to The REC Complex of Fairview Heights on Bunkum Road in Fairview Heights. This is all part of the MetroBikeLink System, which currently consists of more than 39 miles of interconnecting trails and bike paths in St. Clair County that connect to six Metro Transit Centers. The project will enhance local transportation and boost quality of life for all community residents. Phase 2 of the Bunkum Road Trail will be a 10-foot-wide bike path running from Emma Lane to Lea Drive. It will include a large pedestrian bridge over I-64 and connect directly to The

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ALTON — The Alton Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred on Lawn Street on the evening of Wednesday, May 28, 2025. At approximately 9:33 p.m., officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire in the 3100 block of Lawn Street in Alton, Madison County. Upon arrival, officers found a 41-year-old man, identified as Donald R. Lane of Alton, inside a vehicle with an apparent gunshot wound. Officers provided immediate aid until the Alton Fire Department Ambulance arrived. Lane was transported to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. While officers were still at the scene, the department was notified that a second gunshot victim had arrived at a local hospital. That individual was subsequently transferred to a hospital in St. Louis for further treatment. Initial investigations suggest the shooting was not a random act of violence but stemmed from an encounter among individuals who were known to each other. The Alton Police Department received

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ALTON - The Alton Amphitheater will welcome rock band Puddle of Mudd this August. On Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, community members can come out to the Alton Amphitheater for the concert. Dan Herkert, chair of the Alton Amphitheater Commission, promises a fun night on the river. “The riverfront is going to be rocking on Aug. 2,” Herkert said. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the opener goes on at 7 p.m. Herkert said they are still working with Puddle of Mudd to finalize the opening act, but this will be announced soon. Puddle of Mudd takes the stage at 8 p.m. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025, through MetroTix . General admission costs $34.25. You can grab reserved tickets for $46.50 or enjoy VIP seating, parking and private concessions at $65. Herkert added it’s likely there will be a meet-and-greet opportunity with the band, but they are still working out those details. He noted that it’s been a few years since the amphitheater

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BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School teacher Charlie Brown loves songwriting almost as much as he loves his students. It was an obvious decision to write a song for them. Brown is currently working on his sixth album, with plans to record in the next year or so. The album is slowly taking shape, and it revolves around his teaching and the students who have inspired him as a singer, songwriter and human being. “It’s just cool to involve the community and the kids that I teach,” he said. “It’s just been a blast.” Brown has released one song already, and it might be one of the most personal pieces he’s ever written. “Parking Lot Prayers” details the prayer he says every morning for his students before he begins his day as the culinary arts teacher at CMHS. But it wasn’t enough to be inspired by his students; Brown decided he needed them to be involved. He found “the best singers in the school” to sing

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GODFREY - An 85-year-old man - Morris E. Gross - died, and another person was injured in a two-vehicle crash on Airport Road in Godfrey over the Memorial Day weekend. The collision occurred at approximately 5:24 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, near the 1100 block of Airport Road in Godfrey. Gross was a passenger in a classic Corvette involved in the crash. Godfrey Fire Protection District first responders performed CPR on Gross at the scene, fire officials said. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing. Authorities have not released additional details about the other vehicle or the condition of its occupants.

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey High School’s softball team secured a spot in the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Regional Championship after a commanding 7-0 victory over Jacksonville on Wednesday, May 8, 2025. Freshman pitcher Paxton Weirich played a pivotal role in the win by throwing a no-hitter and setting a new school record with 18 strikeouts. Weirich is a Sparklight Female Athlete of the Month for the Panthers. Weirich, a left-handed pitcher and first baseman, has been a key contributor for Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100’s softball program. She has excelled both as a starter and a relief pitcher, leading the team with strikeouts on the season. Jersey head girls softball coach Chelsey Crnokrak said: "Paxton has found success coming to the mound in relief and also starting games. Paxton leads the team in strikeouts and is also an offensive threat at the plate, batting in the cleanup position."

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GODFREY – A Godfrey resident has been charged and released from custody after carrying a loaded firearm in Glazebrook Park. Peyton R. Pehrson, 26, of Godfrey, was charged on May 20, 2025 with a Class 3 felony count of unlawful use of a weapon and a Class 4 felony count of aggravated unlawful possession of weapons. On May 19, 2025, Pehrson allegedly knowingly carried a concealed Cranik 9mm handgun on his person “while he was at a public park,” Glazebrook Park in Godfrey. The firearm was “uncased, loaded, and immediately accessible at the time of the offense,” according to court documents. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s office filed a petition to deny Pehrson’s pretrial release in this case. According to the petition, the incident unfolded after officers “responded to a report of someone acting belligerent in the roadway, flashing a firearm.” “Witnesses reported that the suspect fled through Glazebrook Park,

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Three Fairview Heights police officers were shot and injured during a confrontation with a suspect on May 17, 2025. Two of the officers continue to recover after treatment. One of the officers, Molly Muennich, was shot in the face, while Herminio Raimundi was shot in the arm. Officer Andrew Ward was shot in the chest, but thankfully a bullet-resistant vest prevented serious injury and he was treated and released. The Fairview Heights mayor and police chief both spoke this week, providing an update on the situation. The two were both thankful for their enormous support the Fairview Heights Police has received since the incident not only from citizens in the community, but nationwide. At approximately 9:44 p.m. on May 17, 2025, Fairview Heights police responded to a call reporting a suspicious individual near a residence. Upon arrival, officers encountered 22-year-old Elijah Thompson of Belleville, who opened fire, striking three officers. Thompson was

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EDWARDSVILLE - Ark Animal Hospital has been keeping pets healthy for over a decade. Located at 6718 Goshen Road in Edwardsville, the hospital recently marked its ten-year anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Owner Dr. Sarah Smith emphasized that she plans to keep the hospital “small and petite” to curate a community-oriented “family vibe,” but she is proud to mark the tenth anniversary and plans to continue caring for animals across the Ed-Glen region for another ten years. “We definitely could not have made it without our community support,” Smith said. “We’re a smaller animal hospital focused on personal care and wellbeing for your pets as they grow and nurture from their puppyhood all the way until seniorhood.” Ark Animal Hospital offers emergency veterinary care as well as routine care for all kinds of animals. Dr. Amy Mueller, associate veterinarian, noted that the hospital sees “a good spectrum of the

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BETHALTO - Meadowbrook Intermediate School was recently named the Madison County Green School of the Year, and it’s all thanks to the students and staff members on the Green Team. Meadowbrook educates fourth and fifth grade students in the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8. Special education and general education students work together to collect the school’s recycling every week and promote environmental awareness. “It’s really cool because it gives them leadership roles,” explained Madelyn Ehlers, who teaches special education. “They take very good responsibility. Even when they’re outside, if they see trash, they’re picking it up. It’s really cool for both the gen ed kids and my kids because they’re just learning so much from each other. It’s really special.” Ehlers and teacher Cassie Payne worked together to lead the Green Team this year. Payne has coordinated recycling programs and environmentally-friendly

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following statement after the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled President Trump’s attempt to implement sweeping tariffs “exceed any authority” granted by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Raoul and 12 attorneys general filed a lawsuit in April to halt implementation of the illegal tariffs. “Once again, a court has evaluated the Trump administration’s attempt to govern by edict. And once again, a court has ruled the president exceeded his authority granted under the law. “Since the International Emergency Economic Powers Act was enacted in 1977, no president has attempted to use it to implement such sweeping, arbitrary tariffs. In this matter, the court rightly determined the administration’s use of tariffs to ‘pressure’ the targeted countries fall short of the law’s criteria for a looming national emergency. Illinois and states around th

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Did you know that nearly 60% of bird species in North America have experienced significant population declines over the past 50 years? While habitat loss and climate change are major contributors, urban and suburban development also play a critical role. However, your backyard can be a small but powerful refuge for wildlife. By thoughtfully designing and managing your outdoor space, you can support local ecosystems and enjoy the beauty of nature right at home. Understanding the Role of Your Backyard in Wildlife Conservation Backyards, even small ones, collectively form a network of habitats that can sustain wildlife populations. Birds, pollinators, amphibians, and small mammals often rely on urban green spaces as stopovers during migration or as permanent homes. The challenge is to create an environment that meets their needs for food, water, shelter, and breeding. For example, research from the National Wildlife Federation shows that backyards planted with native vegetation support

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May 29 has witnessed some of the most pivotal moments in global history, affecting politics, culture, and society in profound ways. On May 29, 1453, after a protracted siege, Ottoman forces led by Sultan Mehmed II finally breached the formidable walls of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. This conquest marked the end of a millennium-old empire and the beginning of Ottoman dominance in southeastern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean. The fall of Constantinople is often cited as a significant turning point that helped usher in the Renaissance in Western Europe, as many Greek scholars fled westward, bringing with them classical knowledge and texts. But the significance of May 29 doesn’t end there. Centuries later in 1660, the same date marked the restoration of the English monarchy with King Charles II's triumphant return to London. This event ended the period of republican rule known as the Commonwealth, which had been established after the English Civil

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SPRINGFIELD- Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, and leaders from across the state to honor former Illinois Governor and Secretary of State Jim Edgar by dedicating the ‘Jim Edgar Reading Room’ at the Illinois State Library in Springfield. The program celebrated Edgar’s efforts to improve libraries and literacy programs across Illinois. The House Joint Resolution to rename the Reading Room, proposed by Sec. Giannoulias, was adopted in April. “Governor Jim Edgar has a relentless passion for upholding our political institutions, and a seemingly unlimited energy to continue bettering them,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From the construction of the new Illinois State Library, to extensive rural library investments, to his nationally-renowned adult literacy program, Jim has connected so many across our state with new opportunities to learn, read, and grow. There is no more fitting

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ALTON – The Alton Police Department has a newly appointed Deputy Chief. Lieutenant Dustin Christner was officially appointed as Deputy Chief of Police at Wednesday’s Alton City Council meeting. Chief Jarrett Ford spoke highly of Christner not only as an officer, but as a person. “I’m extremely happy and excited to have you as the Deputy Chief of the Alton Police Department,” Ford said, describing Christner as “honest, loyal, dedicated, a hard worker, and honestly, to me, a friend.” “There are very few people that I trust as much as this man,” Ford added. “He is a man of honor and faith and I know he’s going to do a great job in this position.” Noting the fellow officers present, Ford said: “This room is filled with the men and women that keep this city safe day in and day out … I appreciate you guys taking time out of your schedule, not only for this great night for him, but also just as a showing

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GLEN CARBON - As temperatures rise and air conditioning use increases, Illinois families are facing yet another financial blow: higher electricity bills. At a time when households are already grappling with inflation, the latest rate increases couldn’t come at a worse time. While recent grid auctions may be the trigger, the real issue lies in flawed energy policies and bureaucratic delays that are now catching up with us. In March 2025, Ameren Illinois received updated electric rate results from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the regional grid operator for southern Illinois. These revealed a staggering spike in capacity auction prices from just $30 per megawatt to an unprecedented $666. As a result, electricity rates will increase for many customers beginning June 1. This sharp rise is not due to utility mismanagement, but rather a broader policy failure that has left our grid under-resourced and our state unprepared. These rate hikes are not inevitable.

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ALTON - Alton’s Parks and Recreation Department will host a day camp for eight weeks this summer. Students entering first through fifth grade are eligible to enroll in the summer camp. There are eight weeks of camp, from June 2 to July 25, 2025, and families can enroll their child by week for $130 per week. “It’s just to give another, cheaper opportunity for parents to send their kids to a fun summer camp, especially the ones that love outdoors and being at the park,” explained Lyndsey Younger, Parks and Recreation Director. “We have a lot of fun activities planned for them.” The day camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. For $15 a week, parents can also take advantage of a before-care option from 7:30–9 a.m., or they can pay $20 for after-care until 5 p.m. The day camp takes place at Gordon Moore Park and the Muenstermann Building. Daily activities include time on the playground, games, crafts, science experiments,

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JACKSONVILLE - Jersey's Dax Goetten qualified for the state boys tennis tournament in singles, while the doubles team of Jaxon Brunaugh and Issac Wargo went through in doubles as the Panthers won the IHSA Class 1A sectional tournament over the weekend at Jacksonville High. The Jersey tennis boys are Sparklight Male Athletes of the Month. The Panthers won with 25 points, with Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin Catholic coming in second with 21 points, Quincy Notre Dame Catholic was third at 20 points, the host Crimsons were fourth at 16 points, Marquette Catholic finished fifth with eight points, and had no state qualifiers, Hillsboro was sixth with six points, Bunker Hill came in seventh with four points, Rochester was eighth with two points, and Lincoln failed to score, and finished in ninth place. The semifinalists in both singles and doubles qualified for state, and Goetten won his quarterfinal match over Adam Smith of QND to qualify for state 6-1, 6-1, In the semifinal, Goetten

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