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CHAMPAIGN - Prairie Rivers Network is thrilled to congratulate Illinois ecologist and long-time PRN volunteer Martin Kemper on being honored as the National Wildlife Federation’s Volunteer of the Year – recognizing a lifetime of dedication to conservation and his pivotal role in protecting native ecosystems across the state. “After a long career supporting Illinois wildlife, Marty continues to demonstrate extraordinary commitment to conservation,” said Collin O’Mara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “His efforts to document and educate the public about how herbicide drift harms plants and trees have made an enormous impact, and his passion and expertise are an invaluable resource to both the Prairie Rivers Network and the Federation as a whole.” Kemper’s career spans more than three decades with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, where he served as a Wildlife, Natural Heritage, and Private Lands Biologist.

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GRAFTON — The City of Grafton has updated its fiscal year 2025-2026 project list following emergency repairs and ongoing infrastructure improvements, city officials announced this week. The revisions come after a section of a creek wall on Springfield Street broke away, posing a threat to the roadway’s stability. Immediate repairs are underway with a budget allocation of $17,000. Additionally, underwater surveys of the public boat ramp have been completed using LiDar technology and diver inspections. SMS Engineers are preparing bid packages to address undercut washouts beneath the ramp, with repair work scheduled soon under a $100,000 FEMA grant. The city also recently completed an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant crosswalk at the intersection of Mulberry Street and Route 100. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has approved the installation following its final inspection, which is expected to enhance pedestrian safety at the busy crossing. Other ongoin

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today participated in a Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearing to review the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the Air Force. During the hearing, Durbin praised the service of military members at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, as well as urged Air Force leadership to strongly consider Scott Air Force Base as the new home for a fleet of KC-46A refueling tankers. “I want to join the dual chorus of thanking all of you in uniform and those who participated in the operations last weekend, and to your families for supporting your decision to serve our country in such an extraordinary way,” Durbin began. “Secondly, I happen to have an Air Force Base in Illinois, Scott Air Force Base, which serves as the DOD’s global mobility and transporting hub. very proud of it. There is the 126th Air Refueling Wing at that base. also

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CHICAGO — Yesterday, Governor JB Pritzker joined 23 governors from across the country to send a letter urging Congressional leaders to protect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a critical safety net that an estimated 427,000 Illinoisans are at risk to lose. “SNAP is a lifeline for working families in Illinois and across the nation that helps to put food on the tables of hundreds of thousands of Illinoisians,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As Republicans in Congress are pushing to slash this vital program while protecting tax breaks for the wealthy, I join my fellow governors in urging Congress to reject any proposal that would undermine this vital program and harm the health and stability of millions of Americans.” The letter also warns that the proposals in Congress could dramatically restructure SNAP, including shifting a significant amount of the food benefit costs to states—an unprecedented move in the program’s 50-year

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke against Emil Bove’s nomination to be a United States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit at today’s Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting. During Mr. Bove’s nomination hearing yesterday, Durbin outlined how Mr. Bove, a former personal defense attorney of President Trump, is unfit to serve as a federal judge with a lifetime appointment. Durbin’s opening statement from yesterday’s hearing is available here and questions for Mr. Bove are available here . Durbin also spoke against several Trump judicial nominees who were eligible for a Committee vote today, including Whitney Hermandorfer, to be a United States Circuit Judge for the Sixth Circuit; Zachary Bluestone, to be a United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri; Joshua Divine, to be a United States District Judge for the Eastern and Western

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) last night hosted a telephone town hall to answer Illinois constituents’ questions and discuss how Donald Trump and Republicans’ “Big Beautiful Bill” will profoundly harm Illinoisans. In tonight’s town hall, Duckworth highlighted how Senate Republicans are currently trying to jam through this legislation—that no one has seen final text for—in order to give Trump and his billionaire buddies a massive tax cut paid for by increasing taxes on and cutting basic needs services for the most vulnerable Americans and the middle class. Photos from tonight’s telephone town hall are available on the Senator’s website. “Donald Trump’s so-called Big, Beautiful Bill throws middle class families under the bus and increases taxes on low-income families in order to fund another monstrous tax cut for Trump’s billionaire Mar-A-Lago buddies,” Duckworth said. “This

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CHICAGO – Last Friday, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Board approved a resolution objecting to any decrease in funding for rental assistance in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) fiscal year (FY) 2026 budget that would also impact affordable housing development in Illinois and across the nation. The resolution affirms the critical importance of HUD-funded programs to Illinois residents, particularly low- and extremely low-income households, and highlights the devastating impact the proposed reductions would have on housing stability, community development, and the state’s broader economy. “Programs like rental assistance are a necessity. They are lifelines that improve health, employment, and educational outcomes for families, seniors, veterans, and people with special needs,” said IHDA Board Chair King Harris. “Illinois receives an estimated $2.6 billion annually from HUD, dramatically cutting this funding

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ALTON - Community members can enjoy a free fireworks show over the Mississippi River next week. On July 3, 2025, the Alton Parks and Recreation Department and the Alton Amphitheater Commission will host “Fireworks on the Mississippi,” the annual festival and fireworks display to celebrate Independence Day. Doors open at 5 p.m. at Riverfront Park, and attendees can enjoy live music, food, and more before the fireworks launch at 9:30 p.m. “I think it’s great,” said Lyndsey Younger, Alton’s Parks and Recreation Director. “We put on these events for the community, to boost economic development, get more people to Alton to enjoy our beautiful riverfront.” Younger said they are eager to welcome DJ ChrisXmas for the first half of the evening. This set will be followed by music from the Lincoln Land Brass Band. There will be eight food vendors this year, which is more than in previous years. Younger looks forward to welcoming hundreds

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ALTON - With renewed conversations around mental health and psychiatric medication, a local therapist and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner are sharing their thoughts on the benefits and downsides to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), ADHD meds, and other medications. Beth Ahlin, LCPC, and owner of CE Ahlin Counseling, shared that her “holistic approach” includes medication at times, but she ultimately encourages clients to consider their options with a physician. Oyindamola Aluko, PMHNP, with Centerstone, acts as a prescriber and sees many clients who take medication; she noted that while side effects can be difficult to manage, many of her clients report good outcomes. “Therapy with medication is good most of the time because when are in therapy, now they have more insights on how to get their medication and to take it as prescribed. And also, when they are stabilized on their medication, then they can attempt therapy,” Aluko

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ALTON – An Alton man accused of threatening a Dollar General worker with a knife after stealing from the store faces his latest in a long history of felonies. Curtis S. McTizic, 57, of Alton, was charged on June 23, 2025 with a Class X felony count of armed robbery. On June 21, 2025, McTizic allegedly stole various items from Dollar General and threatened the use of force against the victim while armed with a knife. A petition to deny McTizic’s pretrial release from custody, filed by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, states he was confronted by a Dollar General employee after stealing various items from the store. “When defendant was confronted by an employee of the store, he pulled a knife from his backpack, pointed it at the employee, and stated, ‘I'm going to kill you,’” the petition states. “Defendant then exited the store with various items from the store. Defendant was located nearby and admitted to being present

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ROXANA – Looking for a summer packed with imagination, discovery, and big fun? YWCA Southwestern Illinois is currently accepting enrollment packages for our Roxana Summer Camp location—and spots are filling fast! Running from June 2 through August 8, this 10-week adventure offers full-day programming Monday through Friday, 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with awesome themed activities happening from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Each two-week theme invites campers to explore new worlds through exciting, hands-on experiences: Weeks 1–2: Space Explorers Weeks 3–4: Dino Mania Weeks 5–6: Artistry Adventures Weeks 7–8: STEM-tastic Weeks 9–10: Around the World in 10 Days Campers will dive into daily STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities, build emotional skills through Social Emotional Learning, and meet some incredible guests and community partners, including: RiverBend Astronomy Club SIUE STEM Center Planetarium Dance with Mr.

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ALTON - With three weeks left, the annual Rockin’ With Robert concerts have been a big success so far this year. The Upper Alton Association hosts a free concert from 6–8 p.m. every Tuesday for six weeks in the summer at the Robert Wadlow statue in Upper Alton. They have three more concerts scheduled this year and can’t wait to welcome back their record-breaking audiences. “It’s been great,” said Debbie Frakes, one of the organizers. “We’ve had probably the biggest crowds that the Rockin’ With Robert concerts have had. The crowd has been amazing.” Frakes said they’ve entertained 150–200 people every week this summer. She is excited to round out the series with three great bands, starting with Flip the Frog on July 1, 2025. This will be followed by No. 4 Combo on July 8. Porch Cafe, originally scheduled for June 24, will take the stage on July 15 after the June 24 concert was canceled due to heat. This

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MASCOUTAH - After receiving submissions from across the 114th District, State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) is happy to name St. Clair & Elite Chiropractic his “Business of the Month” for June. Rep. Schmidt presented Dr. Rachel Engelke, Dr. Melissa Huber and their team with an official certificate of recognition for their superior patient treatment and other services they provide to Mascoutah and surrounding area residents. “Dr. Rachel Engelke and Dr. Melissa Huber are doing great work providing exceptional wellness services to residents of Mascoutah and nearby communities,” said Schmidt. “The whole team at St. Clair & Elite Chiropractic is committed to improving the lives of people through treatment and education so they can live life to the fullest.” St. Clair & Elite Chiropractic utilizes several individualized therapies and techniques to make the road to pain relief, recovery, and total-body-wellness efficient, effective and worthwhile.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Township Donates funds to the Goshen Market Foundation to continue its support of the SAK Lunches Program. The Edwardsville Township Board of Trustees voted to continue its support of the Goshen Market Foundation at the May 20, 2025, Board Meeting. The Board voted unanimously to continue its service contract with the Goshen Market Foundation by providing $2,500 in funding to aid them with five-dollar coupons for SAK lunches and other similar programs to be redeemed at the Goshen Market for food items. Additionally, Edwardsville Township will provide volunteers to staff an information booth at the Land of Goshen Community Market for 2 Saturdays during the current season, which runs during the summer months. “Edwardsville Township is proud to once again lend its support to the Goshen Market Foundation while helping to combat food insecurities in our community,” said Supervisor Janet Haroian. Edwardsville Township is comprised of

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ST. LOUIS, MO. — Two American Red Cross shelters remain open and those individuals staying at Peter and Paul Community Services (Garfield Building) have transitioned to the open shelters allowing the Peter and Paul location to return to their normal operations. Transportation was provided to those at Peter and Paul Community Center. Shelter Resident Transition teams continue working with each individual in our shelters to assist with the next steps in recovery. Current shelter locations are: · Crossroads College Preparatory School, 500 DeBaliviere Ave., St. Louis, MO · Urban League Peter Bunce Campus, 2141 Bissell St., St. Louis, MO Identification and/or proof of residency is NOT required to be admitted to a Red Cross shelter. American Red Cross services are free and available to all regardless of race, religious beliefs, nationality, or citizenship status. The role of the Red Cross in any disaster is to focus on addressing the immediate needs of those

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BELLEVILLE - Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling today in Trump v. CASA: “Stripping birthright citizenship from people born in this country goes against rights guaranteed in the Constitution. We must stand against unconstitutional actions and stand up for the fundamental rights granted to people in the United States of America. Today’s Supreme Court ruling is a dangerous sign that Donald Trump is further consolidating power and putting his own interest above the needs of the American people. As Trump and his allies continue to attack the Rule of Law and undermine the foundations of the United States Constitution, Illinois will stay true to who we are: we are the Land of Lincoln, and we will forcefully defend the freedoms and rights of our people.” CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion in the ongoing multistate

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Fair will once again welcome 30–35,000 people to Jerseyville next month. From Sunday, July 6, to Sunday, July 13, 2025, community members can come out to the Jersey County Fairgrounds for live music, livestock judging, vendors, a carnival and more. Organizers look forward to another great year. “It’s just been something that's been passed down from generation to generation,” said Phil Ringhausen, Jersey County Fair Association president. “We keep doing it, and it’s just a lot of pride in it and what we’ve made and what we’ve come together here to do.” The fun starts at 3 p.m. on July 6 with a talent show . A Christian music night will follow immediately after at 6 p.m. On Monday, July 7, Jersey County 4-H members will hold a 4-H Show where they exhibit their livestock projects from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 4-H Auction will follow at 7 p.m. On Tuesday, July 8, the Open Sheep

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New parents have a long list of things to watch to ensure their child is healthy and developing properly. More observations to add to the list: does the child’s tongue look different? Is breastfeeding difficult? If either answer is yes, the culprit may be ankyloglossia, commonly called tongue-tie. Sarah Shoemaker , APRN, a certified nurse midwife at OSF HealthCare, says kids may not be affected by the condition depending on the severity, but parents should consult with their health care team on a plan sooner than later. Shoemaker says tongue-tie occurs when the band of tissue between the bottom of the tongue and the bottom of the mouth (called the frenulum) is thicker, shorter, or covers a large portion of the tongue. This restricts the tongue’s movement. One study published by the National Institutes of Health found that tongue-tie impacts around 8% of newborns, and Shoemaker adds that it impacts boys more than girls. Experts, though, don’t know the exact cause.

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ALTON - Due to a delayed start following storms in the area, the Mississippi River Festival has adjusted their lineup for Friday, June 27, 2025. In a statement, organizers said they will no longer offer the Writers’ Round on Friday afternoon. Beth Bombara and Brian Owens Soul were also cut from Friday’s lineup. Organizers thanked both artists. “We’re so grateful for their talent, kindness and flexibility — please show them some love by streaming their music and catching them live when you can,” organizers said. “We’re watching the weather closely and will be giving an update very soon. We’re still hoping to bring you an unforgettable night with Allen Stone, Wilder Woods and Ben Rector.” It is currently unclear when the show will begin. For updates, tune into the official Mississippi River Festival Facebook page . On Saturday, June 28, attendees can enjoy Blackberry Smoke, Drew Halcomb & the Neighbors, Nikki

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GULF SHORES, ALA. - Jacquelyn Buettner and C.J. Nasello were engaged on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, during a special moment on the beach in Gulf Shores, Ala. The couple plans to marry in May 2026 and looks forward to building a future together with the love and support of their families. C.J. Nasello, an Alton resident, is the host of the popular Our Day Show! on Riverbender.com .

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