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ALTON - Gordon Moore Park in Alton features state-of-the-art pickleball courts that have become a central hub for local players since their official opening on May 3, 2024. Funded primarily by Alton Township, the courts offer modern amenities, including newly installed shade structures over picnic tables and an automated external defibrillator (AED), enhancing both comfort and safety for visitors. The courts quickly gained popularity following their debut, attracting numerous players until the park’s temporary closure due to a sinkhole development. During that period, players dispersed to nearby courts in Godfrey, Cottage Hills, and Bethalto. However, the return to Gordon Moore Park has been gradual, with organizers and enthusiasts hoping to revive interest. The park recently hosted the fourth annual Gordon Moore Pickleball League, which brought together 32 players who competed every Tuesday evening over six weeks. The league also contributes to the community by supporting loca

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GRANITE CITY - Tate Van Keulen enjoyed a highly successful Southwestern Illinois Swimming Association relays meet recently at Paddlers Swim Club in Granite City, being a part of the winning team in two races, and finishing second in another race. Van Keulen was a part of the Collinsville Gators' boys 13-14 200-meter medley relay team that ended up being disqualified, the only bump in the road for him on the evening, but swam anchor on the 150-meter breaststroke and 150-meter backstroke teams that won their races, and was also the anchor for the 150-yard butterfly team that finished in second, earning big points. The Gators team finished third in a close race with both Montclaire and Summers Port, Collinsville ending up with 209 points on the night. He had just been a part of the winning team in the 150-meter breaststroke relay when he was interviewed, and Van Keulen expressed his happiness about how things were going to that point. "We're doing well, as always," Van Keulen said

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EDWARDSVILLE – Plans for two new parks in Edwarsdville , an all-abilities playground, and more got a significant funding boost on Tuesday when the Edwardsville Community Foundation (ECF) presented city officials with a check for $1.35 million. ECF Chair Rich Walker said they received the funds as a gift from the David Kriege family, which owned the Kriege Hardware Store in downtown Edwardsville for about 91 years. “He only had one caveat on this gift that he left us, and that was to improve upon the quality of life in Edwardsville,” Walker said of Kriege. “What a remarkable gift.” The donation focuses on three key areas of interest: recreation, preservation, and beautification. To that end, the City Council has allowed these funds to be used for three projects: the construction of an all-abilities playground within city limits, the creation of “Crocker Gardens Park” on the vacant lot at South Benton and West Park Street, and a greenspace

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ALTON - The Wedge will host several events in the next few weeks to support business owners. “The more people come in for these types of things, the more they’re going to see what value The Wedge can really add,” said Community Manager Stephanie Schrage. On the first Thursday of every month, The Wedge and SIUE will host a networking opportunity. Titled “The Wedge + SIUE Partner Showcase & Networking Event,” this event encourages people to come out from 5:30–7:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025, to tour The Wedge and make connections. This month, you can finish the night by watching Alton’s Fireworks on the Mississippi display from The Wedge’s rooftop. While all of The Wedge’s events are free, registration is encouraged; click here to register . From 4–6 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025, business owners can attend “Accounting & Financial Planning for Entrepreneurs.” This hands-on session will

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( These are artists that will be featured at the upcoming Edwardsville Art Fair. The art fair is set for Sept. 25-28, 2025, at Edwardsville City Park). EDWARDSVILLE - The artists featured on Wednesday are Rhonda Gurgone, Ian Koller and Randall McDermit. Artist #1 Artist Name: Rhonda Gurgone Medium: Jewelry Artist Statement: "I believe that the jewelry we wear should not only look beautiful, but also tell a story. The antique buttons I use in my pieces are selected for their unique design and historical significance — most are approximately 120 years old. I pair them with hand-forged mixed metals and semi-precious stones to transform them into wearable works of art and give them new life. Each piece includes a description and brief history of the button used. My goal is to create jewelry that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also meaningful and sentimental." Artist #2 Artist Name: Ian Koller Medium: Mixed Media Artist Statement: "Ookaloos are small,

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ALTON - The Wedge in downtown Alton is officially open, and the CEO and Community Manager expressed their excitement to share the space with the community. CEO J. Scot Heathman and Community Manager Stephanie Schrage spoke about the benefits of The Wedge’s coworking space and how The Wedge is helping people connect. They believe the building is a great place to learn from one another, grow your business, and engage with the community. “We’re not a library, so we’re not going to be shushing people. We’re not a coffee shop, though we do get great coffee,” Heathman joked. “We kind of blend all of that together. We try to make sure we have resources. However, we’re also letting the community in the door.” The Wedge offers coworking space, office space, conference rooms and more. The building’s offices are currently 50% occupied. A TikTok influencer and a horror movie company are renting space alongside financial planners,

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ALTON - The Alton Amphitheater Commission is proud to announce that St. Louis rock band CAVO will open for multi-platinum selling rock band Puddle of Mudd at the Alton Amphitheater on Saturday, August 2, 2025. “We’re excited to add St. Louis-based CAVO as the opener for Puddle of Mudd on August 2nd at the amphitheater,” said Dan Herkert, Alton Amphitheater Commission Chair. “CAVO will add extra energy to what we expect will be an exciting night of music on the Alton riverfront.” Tickets for Puddle of Mudd with opener CAVO went on sale on Friday, May 30, 2025. VIP tickets are $65.00, reserved tickets are $46.50, and general admission tickets are $34.25 plus all applicable taxes and fees. Tickets will be available at www.Metrotix.com and through MetroTix outlets. A VIP ticket includes entry to the concert, assigned seating in the VIP area, reserved parking, and access to the VIP tent on the side of the stage with private concessions. A reserved ticket

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ALTON – Get ready for the return of Formula 1 Powerboat Championship Series racing presented by Simmons Hanly and Conroy national law firm, when this highly anticipated event returns to the Mississippi River July 18-20, 2025 at Alton's Riverfront Park. Tickets are on sale now for this exciting two-day series of races that take place on the Mighty Mississippi in Alton. General Admission tickets start at $15 per person per day plus fees and includes access to bleacher seats on a first-come first-served basis and entry to the music area for Saturday’s live music. VIP tickets are $125 per day or $200 plus fees for the weekend experience including parking, food/drink and driver meet and greets. Tickets are available here: https://www.riversandroutes.com/events/f1-powerboat-championship/ “We are excited to welcome back the Alton Midwest Nationals Championship,” Cory Jobe, President/COE of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau said. “When racing returned

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GRAFTON – Raging Rivers WaterPark invites families and thrill-seekers to make a splash this Independence Day with exciting rides and contests. On July 4, 2025, guests can enjoy a day packed with fun, laughter, and friendly competition at the waterpark. Season Pass holders or guests with day tickets on July 4, can sign up for the following contests to win prizes and swag: Best CannonBall Competition Best Belly Flop Wave Pool Races and Relays Competitions will begin at 1 p.m. Participants will need to register at the park on the day of the event. Other surprises will take place throughout the day. The park also offers free fountain drinks this summer to keep patrons hydrated. “This Fourth of July, we’re excited to introduce new ways for our guests to have fun and make memories,” said Jeremy Hayes, General Manager of Raging Rivers WaterPark. “There’s something for everyone—from friendly competitions to relaxing in the sun.” Raging

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 20 attorneys general, filed a lawsuit today challenging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) decision to provide unfettered access to individual personal health data to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which houses Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In today’s lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Raoul and the coalition argue that the mass transfer of this data violates the law and ask the court to block any new transfer or use of this data for immigration enforcement purposes. “This decision by the Trump administration will likely have a devastating effect on Illinois’ safety net hospitals and community-based health care providers, and a chilling effect on the most vulnerable populations’ willingness to enroll in Medicaid programs for which they are legally eligible,” Raoul said. “I will

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today secured a preliminary injunction halting Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s attempt to dismantle the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), ensuring continued access to critical public health and social service programs. On May 5, Attorney General Raoul and a coalition of state attorneys general filed a lawsuit to stop the administration’s sweeping and unlawful restructuring directive, which left HHS unable to carry out many of its most vital functions. Today, Judge Melissa R. Dubose of the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island blocked the administration’s mass layoffs at several key HHS agencies while the case proceeds. “Since its founding, HHS has administered crucial offices and programs dedicated to protecting and advancing the health and well-being of all Americans. Programs like the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System are critical to families because they

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Letter to Editor/Opinion: Submitted by: - HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, IL HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland, IL HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, IL Medicaid funding cuts: a threat to our communities and our rural hospitals. As a leader of a rural hospital committed to serving our community, I wanted to express my continued concerns about the proposed Medicaid cuts currently in front of Congress. These changes would have a devastating impact on the patients we serve and the hospitals, like us, that they rely on for care. The legislation threatens access to health care for millions of Americans, especially in our rural areas who may be our friends, family and neighbors who rely on Medicaid and other safety net services for their basic health needs. The legislation, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” would harm critical health and social safety net programs, especially

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is awarding nearly $20 million in grant funding to libraries across the state to ensure access to quality resources and programming for all Illinois residents, Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced. “A library is more than just a building with books, it’s the epicenter of opportunity, discovery and community connection,” Giannoulias said. “From early childhood education to workforce development, libraries empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Properly funding our libraries will ensure that they are able to continue generating an outsized impact in communities across Illinois.” News of the grants comes amid federal cuts to library budgets nationwide. In March, the Trump administration signed an executive order to eliminate and defund the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which issues $180 million annually to libraries nationwide. Illinois receives

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen, where possible, for the Independence Day holiday to minimize travel disruption. Non-emergency closures will be suspended from 3 p.m. Thursday, July 3, to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 6, 2025. The following lane closures will remain in place during the holiday weekend. The public can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through these areas. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and stay alert for workers and equipment. At all times, please buckle and drive sober. District 1 City of Chicago Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94) reversible lanes; outbound only, lane reductions continue. Foster Avenue over the Kennedy; closed. Westbound Foster Avenue ramp to outbound Kennedy; closed. Eastbound Ohio Street feeder

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and local law enforcement across Illinois are sending a strong reminder: Whether you’re drinking alcohol, using cannabis or under the influence of any other impairing substance, if you get behind the wheel, you’ll face the consequences. During the July Fourth “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, zero tolerance will be showed for those driving impaired by alcohol, cannabis or other drugs. “If you drive impaired, you’re putting yourself and others at risk of being injured or killed,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Don’t make this year’s Independence Day one that’ll be remembered for a tragedy that could have been avoided if you drove sober or had a designated driver.” According to provisional IDOT data, last year in Illinois during the Independence Day holiday

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) is pleased to announce the release of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Creative Projects Grant (CPG) guidelines and application. The goal of CPG is to provide up to $12,000 to support art projects for Illinois artists, eligible not- for-profit organizations, municipal entities, or colleges and universities. CPG projects must culminate with a public release or presentation of the work accomplished during the grant period. “Illinois is already known across the globe as a hub of art and creativity, from our world-class museums and galleries to our many renowned artists and artistic organizations,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The Creative Projects Grant is an opportunity to further develop that creative ecosystem, support talented artists of all backgrounds, and enrich communities across the state. I want to encourage all eligible individuals and organizations to apply to make their artistic vision a reality.” “This

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WOOD RIVER - Riverbend Family Ministries acts as a cooling center during these hot months, but their staff works year-round to support community members. Located in Wood River, RFM is a “holistic hub” that brings together eight nonprofits under one roof. The organization primarily works with individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, poverty or violence. “We always say that our families are so brave to walk through our door,” said founder Tammy Iskarous. “RFM has been busy helping to meet that need. We can't meet it all, but we can meet a big portion of it in this county.” Rachael Craddick, Development Director, noted there are a lot of benefits to having so many resources under one roof. Clients can share their stories with staff members and receive the assistance they need. “There’s a wide variety of resources right there in the building that they can access,” Craddick said. “Sometimes it’s just

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Did you know that nearly 80 million Americans celebrate the 4th of July each year with parties, barbecues, and fireworks? This monumental display of patriotism and festivity often brings families and friends together, but hosting a memorable and smooth 4th of July party requires more than just sparklers and burgers. Whether you’re a seasoned host or planning your first Independence Day gathering, there are key strategies to ensure your celebration is enjoyable, safe, and truly unforgettable. Crafting the Perfect Invitation and Guest List The foundation of any successful party starts with thoughtful planning of who to invite and how to invite them. For a 4th of July event, consider the atmosphere you want to create—whether it’s a casual backyard barbecue or a more formal evening gathering. Tip: Use digital invitations to manage RSVPs efficiently. Platforms like Evite or Paperless Post can add a patriotic theme to your invites, setting the tone from the outset.

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July 2 stands out as a pivotal day in history, marked by momentous events that have shaped nations, cultures, and the course of humanity. 1776 – The Birth of American Independence On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress officially voted to declare the thirteen American colonies independent from British rule. Spearheaded by figures like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the resolution for independence was passed, signaling the start of a revolutionary era. Although the Declaration of Independence would be publicly announced two days later, July 2 remains the actual date the colonies severed their ties with Britain. This watershed moment in history not only birthed the United States but also sent ripples across the world, inspiring democratic ideals and the pursuit of self-governance. John Adams famously believed that July 2 would be celebrated as a great American holiday, even more so than July 4. 1494 – Treaty of Tordesillas Divides the New World Fast forward

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ALTON - The Alton Municipal Band continues its 135th season of Concerts in the Parks with its annual Star Spangled Spectacular, celebrating Independence Day with music and community. The concerts, featuring vocal soloist David Guebert, will feature patriotic tunes of all kinds, including famous marches by John Philip Sousa, new patriotic songs by Mark Brymer, and the always popular salute to those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Held surrounding the Independence Day holiday, the concerts are the perfect way for families to mark the special weekend. Thursday evening, at Riverview Park, the band plays overlooking the Mississippi River at 7:30 PM. The concert will repeat on Sunday at 7 PM, in front of the historic Lucy Haskell Playhouse. Kona Ice will be present at the Sunday concert, selling spar-spangled snow cones for all in attendance. Alton Municipal Band concerts are free and open to the public. Community members are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs

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