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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator and combat Veteran Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) this week questioned a recently-retired Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) responder about her experiences working at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) following the Trump Administration’s wrongful termination of VCL workers as part of their purge of the federal workforce. During the hearing, the former VCL responder shared that the Administration’s mass firings caused delayed services to Veterans, directly contradicting VA Secretary Doug Collins’ repeated claims that the VCL’s services to our nation’s heroes were not affected by the mass layoffs. Video of the Q&A exchange can be found on Duckworth’s YouTube . “It was extremely troubling to hear testimony that not only verifies Veterans Crisis Line services were, in fact, delayed by the Administration’s indiscriminate mass firings—but also that VCL employees did not receive proper guidance to ensure

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ST. LOUIS - St. Louis Language Immersion School’s (SLLIS) Superintendent was recently honored for extraordinary support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserves. Dr. Meghan Hill received a Patriot Award from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a United States Department of Defense Office, for her support of SLLIS Chief Operating Officer and Army Reserve Captain Dr. Anthony Graham. Dr. Graham nominated her for the honor because of her support for his duties with the military. Dr. Graham is involved in many different aspects of operations at SLLIS, helping recruit new international teachers to the school and getting them situated in their new home, which is an extensive process. Colonel Ed Gruetzemacher, Missouri ESGR Area 1 Chair, presented Dr. Hill with the award at a SLLIS school board meeting and thanked her for her support of the U.S. military. “There are many employers out there who make it hard for their employees to participate in

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with the Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Michael Leiter, to discuss the Israel-Iran conflict, particularly following President Trump’s decision to bomb three nuclear sites in Iran. They also discussed the need to release the remaining 50 Israeli hostages currently held by Hamas and the urgent need for a long-term humanitarian effort in Gaza. In addition to Durbin, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Peter Welch (D-VT) also joined the meeting. “Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the continued holding of Israeli hostages by Hamas, and the larger uncertainty in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran and now President Trump’s involvement, it was important to meet with the Israeli Ambassador,” said Durbin. “We discussed a variety of topics including the recent U.S. bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites and wha

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the three-year anniversary this week of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade , U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) and their colleagues in condemning the Trump Administration’s recent rescission of guidance that reaffirmed hospitals and providers’ obligations under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) to provide medically necessary emergency abortion care, regardless of where the patient lives. The letter, sent to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, urges HHS to immediately reverse its decision to rescind this lifesaving guidance. “While EMTALA remains binding federal law, the rescission will create further confusion for hospitals and providers, especially in states with abortion bans, and will result in medically-necessary

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust, Q shared his story of finding God and rebuilding his life after 30 years in prison. Q shared that he has made mistakes and experienced challenges in his life, but he believes “you grow through what you go through.” He spoke against judging others and encouraged people to put their trust in God. Above all, Q preached empathy. “I can’t sit and say who good people and bad people are,” he said. “Bad people usually become bad because at one point they were good and somebody took that away from them.” When he was released from prison, Q applied to over 300 jobs. He would be hired, then fired before he could start because employers would check his background. While the experience was discouraging at first, he used it as an opportunity to put his trust in God. Eventually, Q started his own business with his fiancé, and he couldn’t be happier

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O'FALLON — The O'Fallon Police Department announced that the annual fireworks event will be held Thursday, July 3, 2025, at dusk at the O'Fallon Family Sports Park, 301 Obernuefemann Road. The event offers family-friendly entertainment and brings together community members for an evening celebration. Officials advised that parking within the park is limited and encouraged attendees to review parking maps in advance to understand access points and traffic flow after the fireworks conclude. The O'Fallon Police said once parking lots reach capacity, the park will be closed to incoming vehicles to ensure safety and manage traffic. To maintain clear routes for emergency vehicles, parking will be restricted on certain streets surrounding the park. The O'Fallon Police Department urged visitors to bring food, drinks, and patience to help facilitate a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants. The department is also working on improvements to the exit process following th

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First Mid Insurance Group is proud to announce their Senior Solutions division, which assists Medicare beneficiaries and seniors with their health insurance needs, received the 2024 Million Dollar Producers Award from Senior Marketing Specialists. In addition, they were recognized for impacting 1,019 lives in 2024 through service and sales to their customers. “This recognition is a meaningful reflection of the commitment of our Senior Solutions team to serving clients with integrity, care, and expertise—especially the seniors who rely on us in our communities,” said Clay Dean, CEO of First Mid Insurance Group. “We remain committed to helping individuals navigate their Medicare options with confidence and clarity. Our continued partnership with Senior Marketing Specialists is extremely valuable and we are grateful for the trust placed in us by both our clients and partners.” Senior Marketing Specialists works with nearly 10,000 agents nationwide. Receiving

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SAINT LOUIS - The seventh annual Gateway PVA 5K invites the community to come out in support of paralyzed veterans. On July 20, 2025, community members can stop by Tower Grove Park in St. Louis for a 5K or 1-mile run-walk-roll to support the Gateway chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America organization. The event aims to raise money to support paralyzed veterans in the Greater St. Louis area. “It’s amazing. It’s so cool that people will come out and support,” said Lynn Kampmann, one of the organizers. “There’s not even enough words to thank people for all they do, donating and coming out.” From 8–9 a.m. on July 20, participants and their families can enjoy donuts, coffee, fruit and a visit from Bluey the cartoon character. The race begins at 9 a.m. in the park. You must register online by July 8 to receive a t-shirt. The 5K participants will compete for medals, and organizers will announce the winners in three categories

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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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