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GRANITE CITY – A three-day spree of vehicle thefts has yielded felony charges in three different cases against the same local man. George Garcia-Flores, 22, listed as homeless out of Granite City, was charged in three separate cases filed on July 21, 2025, each related to stolen vehicle offenses. Garcia-Flores is charged with committing the following offenses on the following dates: Case 1: July 15, 2025 – Offenses related to motor vehicles (Class 2 felony) Case 2: July 16 – Offenses related to motor vehicles (Class 2 felony) Case 3: July 17 – Aggravated vehicular hijacking (Class X felony), unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle (Class 2 felony), robbery (Class 2 felony). July 18 – Theft (Class 3 felony). Petitions were filed in all three cases by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office seeking to deny Garcia-Flores’s pretrial release from custody. On July 15, 2025, Garcia-Flores allegedly possessed a GM

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Did you know that engaging children in creative activities can boost their problem-solving skills by up to 50%? Creativity is more than just fun; it’s an essential part of cognitive development, especially for young minds. Involving kids in do-it-yourself (DIY) crafts not only fosters imagination but also enhances fine motor skills, patience, and even teamwork when done in groups. With that in mind, this article explores simple and enjoyable DIY summer crafts that can keep children entertained, stimulated, and proud of their handmade creations. Why DIY Crafts Matter for Children’s Development Creative play is a powerful learning tool. Studies in developmental psychology emphasize that hands-on activities help children develop critical thinking and the ability to adapt to new challenges. When kids make something with their own hands, they learn planning, organization, and the value of effort. Moreover, crafting can be a calming activity, providing a break from screen time

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MADISON COUNTY - Justice Amy Sholar has officially announced her candidacy for continued service on the Illinois Fifth District Appellate Court. Justice Sholar has a strong record of judicial leadership with more than two decades of legal experience. She was appointed to the Fifth District Appellate Court by the Illinois Supreme Court last year and is currently serving in that role. “I’ve dedicated my life to serving our judicial system and I pride myself on the unbiased and fair perspective I bring to the bench,” said Justice Sholar. “I think people don’t always realize that decisions made by the appellate court impact all citizens of our state, from property ownership disputes to ensuring proper handling of criminal cases. It is critical to keep an experienced jurist with a history of fairness serving in this role.” Justice Sholar is seeking election to the seat created by the passing of long serving and respected Justice Thomas M. Welch. The sea

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July 31 has been a day marked by remarkable events that have shaped the course of history across the world. Moving back in history, July 31, 1914, witnessed a critical moment during the early stages of World War I. On this day, the United Kingdom issued an ultimatum to Germany after the invasion of Belgium, demanding withdrawal. When Germany failed to comply, Britain formally declared war on August 4, marking its entry into what would become a devastating global conflict. This diplomatic move underscored the complex alliances and tensions that escalated into the Great War, reshaping geopolitical landscapes for decades. In the realm of civil rights, July 31, 1964, is notable for the passage of the Civil Rights Act in the United States Senate. This landmark legislation aimed to end segregation and discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The act's passage represented a monumental victory for the civil rights movement, setting the foundation for more equitable

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Today's high will reach 76 degrees with a low dipping to 58. Expect cloudy skies through much of the day with a chance of light showers. The weather feels pleasant, and winds will be light from the north-northeast at around 8 mph, gusting up to 23 mph. Humidity will remain high, so it might feel a bit muggy at times. Allergy sufferers should note that mold and grass pollen levels are moderate, with ragweed and tree pollen remaining low. The air quality is moderate, so take it easy if you are sensitive. Looking ahead to tomorrow, expect a warmer day with a high near 79 and a low around 57. Mostly sunny skies will brighten the day, and humidity will drop, making it feel much more comfortable. Winds will come from the northeast at about 8 mph with gusts up to 23 mph. UV levels will be very high, so don't forget your sunscreen if you plan to be outside. For more weather updates, visit https://riverbender.com/weather .

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Intersect Illinois announced that Illinois has ranked in the top 10 spots across 11 categories on Business Facilities’ 21st Annual Rankings . Illinois ranked number one in nuclear energy with top-ten wins in other categories including: Foreign Direct Investment (#5), Agribusiness (#5), Exports (#5), Wind Power (#5), AI Job Hubs (#6), Cybersecurity Talent (#7), Solar Power (#7), Film and Television (#8), AI Job Market (#9), and MedTech/Medical Devices (#10). “Illinois continues to attract investment, drive innovation, and lead in the industries shaping our future,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From clean energy to artificial intelligence, our state is proving that future focused policy and strategic investments deliver real results. These rankings reflect the progress we’ve made and the momentum we’re building to ensure Illinois remains

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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) joined President Trump at the White House today for a bill signing ceremony for the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act. The new law, a priority for Bost as chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, creates a VA partial claim program empowering veterans who have fallen behind on their mortgages to receive federal assistance through other available federal housing programs. “It was an honor to stand by President Trump’s side at the White House this afternoon as he signed important legislation into law providing our veterans a lifeline to keep their homes and avoid foreclosure when suffering financial hardship,” said Bost. “The VA Home Loan Program Reform Act will modernize the VA Home Loan to meet veterans’ needs and reduce the risk of veteran homelessness. I was proud to help lead the fight to get this important legislation to President Trump’s desk.” H.R. 1815, the

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SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers to introduce the Local Farmers Feeding Our Communities Act to boost the purchasing and distribution of local food. By restoring the Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) and Local Food for Schools (LFS) programs recently cancelled by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), this legislation will help build stronger connections between local producers and community food programs, expanding markets, and improving access to healthy food for those in need. “I’m proud to join this bipartisan bill to support our Illinois family farmers and help my constituents access nutritious, locally-grown food,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “In Central and Southern Illinois, the Local Food Purchase Assistance and Local Food for Schools programs have been a win-win-win for growers and producers, food banks, and schools. It was a major setback when these initiatives were abruptly

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 will host a grand opening and celebration from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, at Lincoln Middle School, 145 West St., to commemorate the building’s 100-year legacy and officially open its new addition and restored 1925 floor. The event will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. to mark the completion of the expansion project. Attendees will then be invited to take guided tours of the building, led by current and former Lincoln students. The 60,000-square-foot addition includes a competition gym, a storm shelter/annex gym, a library/media center, a commons area, eight classrooms of varying sizes and a multi-purpose room. Combined with the restoration of the original 1925 floor, the project blends modern learning spaces with historic preservation. The date of the event, Aug. 31, marks exactly 100 years since the building originally opened as Edwardsville High School in 1925. “We are proud of Lincoln’s

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ALTON - An article in the Alton Evening Telegraph on July 30, 1925, mentioned that Cordelia Jones, “who for years was Alton’s most popular one-man band,” was back home for a two-week vacation after being on the road for nearly a year. “Twenty years ago, Cordelia Jones was the most popular of pianists for society dances in Alton. She continued her popularity here, but she decided to go away from her old home and take up a life of travel, letting her music pay the expenses.” She left Alton for Hollywood in August 1924, where she played piano for star-studded parties. She then travelled on the Pantages vaudeville circuit through large cities of the west, north, and east. The Telegraph article noted that she was enjoying the tour, but that she had lost about 30 pounds during her travels. Jones stayed with her parents, Louis and Jennie Jones, on Easton Street and planned to rejoin the vaudeville company in Duluth after her Alton visit. However, Cordelia’s

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Cross-River Crime Task Force conducted another high-impact deployment on Saturday, July 27, 2025, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and narcotics. During the operation, 20 law enforcement officers from multiple agencies deployed to targeted areas of Madison County, conducting proactive patrols and traffic stops utilizing intelligence-based policing, technology, and interagency coordination. Key outcomes from the deployment included: Multiple fugitives apprehended on outstanding warrants, including felony drug offenses and a fugitive who was in violation of sex-offender registration requirements. In separate traffic stops, several arrests for Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon, including one subject charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm/Armed Violence. A total of four firearms were seized. Drug seizures, including: Approximately 1.5 ounces of suspected methamphetamine 39 boxes of Suboxone Nearly 1 ounce of suspected

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today delivered an opening statement at his and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla’s (D-CA) spotlight forum entitled “Protecting the Future of American Democracy: Fighting a Surge in Voter Suppression.” Today’s spotlight forum examined the recent surge in voter suppression by Republican state legislatures and the Trump Administration, ranging from attempts to purge voter rolls to the push to invalidate the results of the 2024 North Carolina State Supreme Court election through targeted disenfranchisement of voters after they had cast their ballots. Today’s spotlight forum comes after Durbin and U.S. Senator Reverand Raphael Warnock (D-GA) led all Senate Democrats in reintroducing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act , legislation that would update and restore critical safeguards of the original Voting Rights Act . Key quotes: “

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced that a grand jury on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, has returned a felony indictment against St. Louis County Executive Sam Page, charging him with two counts of election law violations and a count of stealing $25,000 or more and one count of stealing $750 or more. “I conducted this investigation into Sam Page’s alleged misuse of public funds because the people of St. Louis County deserve accountability, not corruption,” said Bailey. “Public officials must follow the law, and my Office will work to ensure that they always do.” The Missouri attorney general issued this statement: "The charges stem from allegations of Page’s deliberate misuse of public resources to oppose Proposition B, a local ballot initiative presented to voters on April 8, 2025. The allegations include that Page purposely expended more than $35,000 in county funds to produce and distribute over 50,000

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EDWARDSVILLE - Gillian Trover, a compassionate nursing student at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, is preparing for a medical mission trip to Costa Rica aimed at providing healthcare to underserved communities. The trip, organized through her School of Nursing, is scheduled to take place in the near future, with Trover and her fellow students offering basic medical care, health education, and emotional support to individuals who often lack regular access to healthcare. Trover described nursing as a calling rooted in compassion and service. “Nursing isn’t just a career for me — it’s a calling,” she said. The mission trip will allow her to treat patients with limited healthcare options, teach basic health practices, and learn cultural humility, all while gaining hands-on experience that will shape her future nursing career. The total cost of the trip is $3,625, covering flights, transportation, lodging, meals, program fees, and travel insurance.

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JERSEYVILLE – The City of Jerseyville announced a series of storm recovery measures are being taken as residents deal with major flooding following heavy rains in the area. In a Storm Recovery Announcement on the city website, Jerseyville officials list several new developments concerning flood and storm waste disposal, as well as methods to report damage, sewer problems, and other infrastructural issues. The city is also opening “cooling centers” amid high temperatures and extreme heat. “The heavy rains the area received in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 27, have had a devastating impact on many people living in and around our community,” city officials announced. “The City is dedicated to helping our community recover from the storm as quickly as possible. Your safety is, and will remain, our top priority as clean-up and repairs continue over the coming days.” The following cooling centers remain open today, Wednesday,

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O’FALLON, IL. – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that daily lane closures will be in place in both directions of Interstate 64 between Green Mount Road and Illinois 158 in St. Clair County beginning, weather permitting, Saturday, Aug. 2, for roadway improvements. Traffic will be reduced to two lanes in each direction. All westbound lanes will be open Monday through Friday from 6 to 9 a.m. All eastbound lanes will be open Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. The project is expected to be completed by summer 2027. Over the next six years , IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,200 miles of highway and nearly 9 million square feet of bridge dec

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - No two veterans have the same experience during service or during their transition to civilian life. But there is one common thread: the duty we have as Americans and especially as Members of Congress to support them when they come home. When I first convened my Women Veterans Advisory Council last year, I was shocked by the members’ honesty. We had a raw and difficult conversation about a range of topics including adjusting to civilian life after years of active duty, dealing with PTSD, and living as a survivor of military sexual trauma (MST). In retrospect, their strength was unsurprising; after all, this was a group of brave, bold women who have dedicated themselves to advocating for the veteran community just as they dedicated themselves to serving our country. With these women so driven to make their voices heard, the question quickly became: how do we channel their lived experiences into real change? I had my mission. As a member of the House

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TROY - The City of Troy’s first responders will connect with the community at their National Night Out event. From 6–8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, community members can stop by Tri-Township Park for National Night Out. Hosted by the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce, the event encourages community members to engage with first responders and enjoy a touch-a-truck, K9 demonstrations, bounce houses and more. “It’s to celebrate first responders and to let people get up and close with them,” explained Dawn Mushill, president of the Chamber of Commerce. The touch-a-truck will feature police cars, a SWAT vehicle, trash truck, tractor, dump truck, tow truck, racecar and more. At 6:30 p.m., a medical helicopter will land at the park. This will be followed by a K9 demonstration by the Illinois State Police at 7 p.m. Kids and families can check out “Photo Op with a Cop” and get to know the Troy Police Department. They

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CHICAGO — A spur-of-the-moment decision turned into a life-changing windfall for an Illinois Lottery player who won a cool $1 million on a $10 scratch-off ticket. “I was planning to buy a different scratch-off game,” said the lucky winner, who chose to remain anonymous under the nickname Wishing Fish . “But as I looked over the other options, this ticket stood out. It was as if my vision blocked out all the other tickets—this one was meant to be.” The winning scratch-off ticket, Ultimate Bonus Payout, was purchased at Jewel-Osco, located at 696 Northwest Hwy in Cary. As a reward for selling the winning ticket, the store will receive a $10,000 bonus—1% of the prize amount. The newly-minted millionaire recalled the unforgettable moment she realized she had won: “I was at home eating a chocolate bar with the song Money by Pink Floyd playing in the background. I scratched the last symbol and immediately FaceTimed my son, repeating

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EDWARDSVILLE — Yummy Donut Palace, a popular local bakery at 443 S. Buchanan Street, Edwardsville, IL, has remained closed since a fire in December 2024, with owner Akara Thap unable to resume operations due to an unresolved insurance claim involving a commercial fryer essential to the business. The fire forced the closure of the small business, and Thap has not received any income since. Thap said a new fryer, purchased shortly before the fire, is currently tied up in the insurance claim process, with no clear timeline for resolution. The cost to replace the fryer could be as high as $6,000, depending on the model. Josh Chavez, a community member, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist Thap in purchasing a new fryer. Chavez is collaborating with another local business owner, Emily Elliot, to raise funds. “The fact that such a necessary item is being withheld from them is deeply disturbing,” Chavez said in a message accompanying the fundraising effort. He encouraged

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