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SPRINGFIELD - Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced the start of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for high school students in Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. The winning submission will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year alongside artwork from congressional districts across the country. “I always love seeing the artistic talent and creativity of students in Central and Southern Illinois and I’m excited to launch the Congressional Art Competition for 2025,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “This contest gives high school students across the country the chance to display their work on the national stage, with the goal of recognizing and encouraging young artists. Last year, I was so impressed by the incredible artwork that came from students in the 13th district – and I can’t wait to see what they have in store this year.” The Congressional Art Competition, first held in 1982, is a nationwide

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined 51 other attorneys general in filing an amicus brief before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims in support of two military veterans and their families who were unlawfully denied their full G.I. Bill education benefits by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In this case, a U.S. Army lieutenant colonel veteran and a U.S. Air Force colonel veteran were denied crucial education benefits to which they are clearly entitled. Raoul and the bipartisan coalition argue in the brief that the VA has taken a restrictive interpretation of the G.I. Bill that contradicts the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Rudisill v. McDonough, which confirmed veterans whose length of service separately qualifies them under both the Montgomery and Post-9/11 G.I. Bills are entitled to a full 48 months of education benefits. Despite the clear precedent, the VA has continued to limit benefits based on an erroneous reading of the ruling,

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Letter To The Editor: The future of the City of Alton and the Village of Godfrey are directly tied to the upcoming April 1 Municipal elections. Resident voters will have the opportunity to elect a Mayor and Alderman/Board members whose responsibility it will be to progressively lead their communities for the next four years. Each community is faced with an issue over which they have little control, that being an out-migration of residents driven by the second highest total tax base in the nation, with the possibility of yet another State Income Tax increase in support of the thirst for spending by our elected officials. Madison County's unemployment rate is higher than the State's average suggesting the need for more competitive paying jobs within our business component. Affordable and attractive housing is of necessity to drive families to the area and the available housing stock is reasonably priced. Strong leadership must evolve from the upcoming election. Elected leaders must

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BELLEVILLE — The Belleville Police and Fire Departments faced off in a spirited basketball game at Belleville West High School, all in support of the Special Olympics Unified Schools program. The event, known as the Battle of the Badges, drew community members and local first responders together for a night of competition and camaraderie. Proceeds from ticket sales directly benefit the Special Olympics Unified Schools, which aims to promote inclusion and support for students with intellectual disabilities through sports and activities. “We’d like to thank everyone that came out on Friday night to Belleville West for the Battle of the Badges game and donated to the Special Olympics Unified Schools,” the Belleville Police Department said in a statement following the event. The friendly rivalry between the police and fire departments not only showcased athletic skills but also emphasized community spirit and support for a meaningful cause.

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ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis region ranks second in the United States for minerals and ores exports, primarily including metals and metal products. The availability of economically viable rare earth elements coupled with unparalleled transportation access and skilled workforce, is credited with attracting investment and contributing to the 39.3% increase in iron and steel mill employment experienced in the last five years. The St. Louis region is home to major employers such as Wieland, Alton Steel, Inc. (ASI), U.S. Steel, Roberson Machine Company, Alro Steel, Heintz Steel and Manufacturing Co., Arch Metals, and Samuel Missouri Metals. Much of the industry is growing as some of these companies continue to make significant investments in the bi-state area, while others are beefing up and stabilizing their workforce as operations continue to rebound from the COVID-19 dip and other economic factors. Wieland, a leading global supplier of high-quality copper and copper alloy solutions, i

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ST. LOUIS - The following statement is attributable to Interim Corrections Commissioner Doug Burris: “A male detainee from the City Justice Center was pronounced dead at Barnes-Jewish Hospital this morning, March 23, 2025. The detainee was taken to St. Louis University Hospital (SLUH) yesterday, March 22, after CJC staff found him on the floor at the jail. A toxicology report showed that the incident was not drug related and seizures were suspected. After being treated by staff at SLUH, the detainee was discharged and returned to the City Justice Center. He was quickly brought to Barnes-Jewish Hospital this morning after CJC staff found him unresponsive. More details will be forthcoming upon the completion of the medical examiners report.” --

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Did you know that 92% of people who set New Year’s goals never actually achieve them? This staggering statistic reveals a fundamental truth about ambition and the human experience: merely setting goals is often not enough. For meaningful personal growth, visualization and intentionality are key components that can transform aspirations into reality. One effective tool in this endeavor is the vision board—a powerful visual representation of your goals and dreams. What is a Vision Board? A vision board is a collection of images, words, and quotations that represent your aspirations and desired outcomes. It serves as a tangible reminder of what you want to achieve, helping to keep your goals front and center in your daily life. This creative process can be both inspiring and motivating, allowing you to visualize your future while fostering a sense of accountability. The Psychological Basis: Why Vision Boards Work The effectiveness of vision boards can be traced back to the

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Welcome to This Day in History! March 24 has witnessed a myriad of significant events that have shaped our world. Sports History: The First NCAA Basketball Championship (1939) Sports enthusiasts will recognize March 24, 1939, as the date of the first-ever NCAA basketball championship. This inaugural tournament, held in Evanston, Illinois, featured eight teams and culminated in a thrilling championship game between the University of Oregon and Ohio State University. Oregon emerged victorious, securing a place in sports history. The NCAA tournament has since grown into a nationwide phenomenon, captivating millions of fans every March. Known for its excitement and unpredictability, the tournament has produced countless memorable moments and legendary players, making it a cherished tradition in American sports. Technological Advances: The Introduction of the First Mobile Phone (1973) On March 24, 1973, Martin Cooper, a Motorola executive, made the first-ever mobile phone

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Letter To The Editor: Dear Residents of Godfrey, I am writing to express my strong endorsement of Mayor Michael McCormick as he seeks re-election. Over the years, Mayor McCormick has demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the Village of Godfrey. His collaborative approach with law enforcement has been instrumental in reducing crime rates and enhancing the quality of life in Godfrey. Mayor McCormick's dedication to public safety, economic development, and community engagement is truly commendable. I have full confidence that under his continued leadership, Godfrey will thrive as a safe and prosperous community. I urge you to support Mayor Michael McCormick in the upcoming election. Sincerely, Madison County Sheriff Jeff C. Connor

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BETHALTO - Dr. Natalie Langenfeld-McCoy wants to help. Langenfeld-McCoy, one of nine candidates running for a seat on the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 Board of Education, shared more about who she is and what she stands for. After filling one of the vacancies on the school board last summer, she hopes to earn another four years to serve the Bethalto community and the students. “I just wanted to help because I really care about the school district,” she said. “I’ve got a lot of kids in the district and I want them to have the best education, but really, I was just motivated to help because I didn’t like seeing what was happening. Right now, I think that we have a lot of great candidates that want to help, and they all have differing experiences and qualifications. I think that, really, our community has a lot of great options to get somebody in there, whoever they want in there, to lead the school on the right path.” Langenfeld-McCoy

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SWANSEA - TWM, Inc., one of the top engineering and geospatial firms in the greater St. Louis area, is proud to announce that Derek Twente, PLS, EI, has been awarded the Albert H. “Pat” Patterson Surveyor of the Year Award by IPLSA. This recognition highlights Derek’s dedication, expertise, and contributions to the surveying profession. As COO and Director of Geospatial Services, Derek has over 20 years of experience in surveying and has played a vital role in shaping successful projects at TWM. Through his leadership, he has built one of the largest and most innovative surveying teams in the Midwest. Derek has been an active member in IPLSA for 17 years serving in numerous roles, including as Secretary and President of the Southwest Chapter. He has also been part of the Membership Committee and a delegate on the state board before moving to the Executive Committee where he worked through the ranks as Secretary, Treasurer, President Elect, and President. Additionally,

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BELLEVILLE — A Georgia man has been sentenced to 49 years in prison following his conviction for an armed robbery that occurred at the Casino Queen in 2017. Daryl S. Muhammad, 48, of Marietta, Georgia, was found guilty of armed robbery and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon by a jury in November 2024. On March 21, 2025, a St. Clair County judge sentenced Muhammad to 44 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the armed robbery charge, requiring him to serve 85% of that sentence. He received an additional five-year sentence for unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. The robbery took place on September 17, 2017, at approximately 2:55 a.m., when three men armed with rifles entered the Casino Queen. During the incident, an unarmed security guard was shot, and more than $47,000 was stolen. Following a thorough investigation, the Illinois State Police identified Muhammad in Cobb County, Georgia, leading to his arrest in January 2019. St. Clair County State’s

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC)—led fellow U.S. Senators and Veterans Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), the Ranking Member of SVAC, Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) in demanding that President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth immediately restore dozens of webpages that the Administration recently purged from U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) websites—including the National Arlington Cemetery website—that detail the remarkable histories of great American military heroes. In the letter, Duckworth and her fellow Senate Democratic Veterans requested answers to several questions regarding the Trump Administration’s plan to restore these webpages and how much it cost American taxpayers to purge this digital content. The group is asking the Administration to promptly respond by April

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CHICAGO - Get Covered Illinois joined 18 other state-based health insurance marketplaces to issue a joint letter to congressional leaders emphasizing the value to Americans of the enhanced premium tax credits set to expire at the end of this year. The letter, coordinated by the National Academy of State Health Policy (NAHSP), urges Congress to take action to extend the credits, citing their critical role in helping Americans afford health coverage. A record 24 million Americans, nearly 466,000 of whom are Illinoisans, enrolled in healthcare plans through the marketplaces for Plan Year 2025. “These tax credits are critical to ensuring health insurance doesn’t become unaffordable for Illinoisans,” said Get Covered Illinois’ Director Morgan Winters. “On average, Illinois residents saved $540 a month on health insurance costs last year thanks to these enhanced subsidies offered on the marketplace. Allowing these tax credits to expire will have real economic

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SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) along with U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law, and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and over two dozen of their Senate colleagues called on President Trump to reverse the illegal firing of Commissioners Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). “This action contradicts long standing Supreme Court precedent, undermines Congress’s constitutional authority to create bipartisan, independent commissions, and upends more than 110 years of work at the FTC to protect consumers from deceptive practices and monopoly power,” wrote the Senators. “We urge you to rescind these dismissals so the FTC can get back to the people’s

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ALTON – The City of Alton might get a new fitness court with a $100,000 contribution from Alton Township, pending approval of an agreement next week. The Alton Committee of the Whole is set to consider an intergovernmental agreement with Alton Township at their next meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025. Under the agreement, Alton Township would give the City of Alton $100,000 to build a fitness court. The agreement does not mention an exact location for the fitness court, other than within Alton city limits. According to the resolution on Monday’s agenda, both parties agree it is “in the best interests of the public health, safety, and welfare of the Township and its residents, and the City and its residents,” to enter the agreement for the fitness court. More details will likely come to light once the item is brought to the floor for consideration and a vote. The Committee of the Whole meets next on Monday, March 24 at 6 p.m. Follow the discussion on this

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ALTON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent lane closures on Illinois 140 at the intersection of Fosterburg Road in Madison County will begin, weather permitting, Wednesday, March 26, for intersection improvements. The $1.95 million project, which involves modifying the existing intersection to allow for an additional dedicated left turn lane on southbound Illinois 140 and installing new modernized traffic signals, is anticipated to be completed by November. Throughout construction at least one lane in both directions will be maintained on Illinois 140 and on Fosterburg Road. 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. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information

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COLLINSVILLE – Recently filed court documents reveal disturbing new details of a child pornography case out of Collinsville. Layne A. Willhite was charged on March 19, 2025 with six counts of child pornography, each Class X felonies. From July 1 to August 31, 2024, he allegedly asked underage children to send him sexually explicit videos, which he received via social media platforms. Victims ranged from 14 to 16 years of age. A petition to deny Willhite’s pretrial release adds further context into the investigation that lead to his arrest, which began after the Collinsville Police Department was forwarded a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTip from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. “Subsequently, search warrants were issued to ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter), Spectrum, AT&T, and Google,” the petition states. Those warrants yielded information linking Willhite with the emails and IP addresses mentioned i

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ROMEOVILLE- Today, Governor JB Pritzker and Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton joined Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, Illinois Department on Aging Director Mary Killough, and local advocacy leaders in the second stop of the Governor’s Standing Up for Illinois Tour. The event brought together state and local leaders to call attention to the Trump Administration’s attacks on the federal Social Security Administration (SSA), which will limit access to Social Security benefits for the two million Illinoisans who rely on this support. The event was hosted by The Ovation Center—a recently-opened facility that provides resources, services, and activities to seniors in Will County. “Through economic recessions, global conflict, and political upheaval, Social Security has remained the bedrock of our economy, our social safety net, and our democracy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s dangerous plan to gut the Social Security Administration

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office is now accepting applications for its third annual summer job program. Approximately 150 positions are available for college, trade school, graduate school students or graduating high school students who are enrolled in college or trade school in the fall. Job offerings include working in one of the 25 departments in the Secretary of State’s office or at a DMV. “Our summer job program allows young people to explore career opportunities, earn money and build valuable skillsets,” Giannoulias said. “This type of hands-on work also builds toward future academic and professional success and can translate into long-term benefits for our communities.” Along with building job and people skills for students, the program bolsters the office’s customer service efforts during the busy summer months. Available positions include working in Secretary of State offices in Chicago,

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