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BETHALTO - Stacey Hoffmann goes out of her way for her students. Hoffmann is an Extended Curriculum special education teacher for first through third grades at Parkside Primary School in the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8. She also coordinates the Parkside Buddy Program, which pairs students with two buddies to play with during recess. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she is reflecting on her 27 years in the Bethalto School District and her plans for more to come. “I have always loved working with children and have a deep desire to make a positive difference in their lives,” Hoffmann said. “I believe that education is one of the most powerful tools we can offer young people to help shape their futures. By supporting students and their families, I aim to help them make the most of their educational opportunities and prepare them for success both in school and beyond.” Outside of school, Hoffmann stays busy with her family. Her oldest daughter

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ALTON - Small business owners who are looking to start or grow their business through e-commerce and learn about best marketing practices for growth are welcome to attend three free online retail and marketing workshops in Downtown Alton to be held at Coco+Oak, located at 110 W. 3rd Street. Alton Main Street and Coco+Oak are teaming up to present these educational workshops led by a seasoned pro - Madeline Eades, owner of Coco+Oak, has 10+ years of experience in marketing and sales and is sharing her wisdom to help her fellow business owners succeed. There is no cost to attend but space is limited, so please register early to secure your spot at one or all of the workshops: To register for "Online retail and how it can help you grow - finding the perfect platform for your business" on Tues, May 13th at 5:30 CLICK HERE: https://forms.gle/nr75Vh8e25PKRrGR8 To register for "Marketing online locally and why I should invest - using social media and local outlets to grow" on Tues

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COLLINSVILLE - The City of Collinsville is finishing up a mural to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Located at the former Rich’s Tire Service building in uptown Collinsville, the “Welcome to Historic Uptown Collinsville” mural features several iconic scenes from the region. Caitlin Rice with the City of Collinsville expressed her appreciation for the new mural and what it means to the community. “It’s definitely drawn a lot of excitement for us,” Rice said. “We’re very lucky to be a part of it and getting some cool things for our community. It’s been fun.” The Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau provided the city with a Route 66 grant to promote beautification and mark the centennial anniversary of the route, which will be celebrated in 2026. This grant will provide two murals, including the uptown Collinsville mural and a mural at Old Herald Brewery and Distillery. The uptown mural was designed in

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HARTFORD - The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site will host their annual Point of Departure Commemoration event this weekend, complete with artisans, cannons, a Thomas Jefferson impersonator, and plenty of free family fun. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, 2025, community members can come to the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site at 1 Lewis and Clark Trail in Hartford to learn about the Lewis and Clark expedition and life on the American frontier. Artisans will be available with hands-on demonstrations and activities for families to enjoy. “We’re going to be here to commemorate one of the greatest historical events in the history of America,” said Mike Bortko with the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site. “This is your history. This is how people lived on the frontier 225 years ago.” Bortko collaborated with Ben Pollard to help organize the Point of Departure Commemoration, which is completely free to attend. They

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ALTON - Alton Main Street is excited to launch another round of its Façade Improvement Grant Program. This initiative is designed to assist property and business owners in Downtown Alton with rehabilitating the facades of their buildings for the purpose of creating a positive visual impact, stimulating private investment, and complementing other community development efforts. Improvement projects that are eligible to receive the grant include, but are not limited to: storefronts, exterior painting, signage, awnings, accent lighting. A total of $5,000 is available to be awarded, and grants are required to have a 1:1 match. This program is being made possible by a generous sponsorship from Partner Engineering and Science, Inc.. The application deadline is Monday, June 9th. Interested property owners as well as tenants with owner’s permission are eligible for the program. In order to be eligible for the FIG Program, buildings must be located within the Alton Main Street

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ALTON – The 2025 season of the Alton Farmers' & Artisans' Market will begin on Saturday, May 10th (always Mother’s Day weekend) in the parking lot at the corner of Landmarks Blvd. & Henry Street in Downtown Alton, Illinois. The market will be in session, rain or shine, every Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m. until Noon through Oct 18th. Shoppers will find a wide selection of locally-grown seasonal fruit and vegetables including heirloom varieties and organically grown crops, along with grass-fed beef, pasture-raised poultry, farm fresh eggs, local honey, hot and iced coffee, fresh bread and other baked goods, as well as ready to eat breakfast and lunch items. In addition, breakfast items, fresh cut flowers, potted plants, and a large assortment of hand-crafted artwork such as pottery, stained glass, soap, candles, and woodworking items will be sold. Special activities have been scheduled every week. Opening day will feature a make & take project: DIY letterpress Mothers'

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SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement on the selection of David P. Steiner as the new United States Postmaster General. The Postmaster General is the chief executive officer of the United States Postal Service and is responsible for managing and directing the day-to-day operations of the agency. “I’ve long fought to strengthen and improve the United States Postal Service for my constituents and have been outspoken against efforts to privatize the Postal Service. Now, we have a new Postmaster General who comes directly from one of the Postal Service’s chief competitors and has a record of opposing the right of workers to join a union. This raises real concerns about the direction Mr. Steiner may take the Postal Service, where over 91% of the workforce is unionized. “Let me be clear: keeping the Postal Service as a public good and defending the rights of postal employees are non-negotiable.

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BENTON — A federal judge has sentenced Alen Saric, 36, of St. Louis, to 87 months in prison for his role in a $1.7 million vehicle sale fraud scheme that targeted private sellers in Madison, Jasper, Bond and Fayette counties in southern Illinois. Saric pleaded guilty in February to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, interstate transportation of property obtained by fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The scheme involved using counterfeit cashier’s checks to purchase vehicles on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist from 2018 until August 2023. According to court documents, Saric and co-conspirators issued more than $1.7 million in fake checks printed on security-enhanced paper bearing real bank names and logos but with fraudulent routing numbers. After acquiring vehicles with these bogus checks, the group resold the vehicles for cash before victims could discover the checks were worthless. Co-defendants Valentino Colic, 34, and Almir Palic, 25, also of St. Louis, previously

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GODFREY - On March 27, 2025, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a report alleging that a minor was sexually assaulted approximately seven years ago at a residence in Godfrey. The report prompted an investigation by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit and Digital Forensics Division. Madison County Deputy Sheriff Marcos Puldio said over the following month, investigators conducted multiple interviews, executed several search warrants, and examined numerous items of digital evidence related to the case. The investigation culminated in charges being filed against Andrew S. Masiero, 47. Masiero faces four counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, classified as Class X felonies; two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, classified as Class 2 felonies; and two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, classified as Class 4 felonies. He is currently in custody at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The case has bee

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ALTON/GRANITE CITY – Residents of Alton, Granite City, and more have been charged in separate cases with burglarizing properties and vehicles around Madison County. Richard A. Schrader, 42, of Granite City, was charged with a Class 2 felony count of burglary on April 28, 2025. Schrader allegedly entered a building which was property of Morrissey Construction Company in the 700 block of Washington Avenue in Alton, knowingly and without authority, with the intent to commit a theft. The Alton Police Department presented the case against Schrader, who was granted pretrial release from custody. Kienny Pierson, 49, of Alton, was charged on April 30, 2025 with a Class 3 felony count of burglary. Pierson reportedly entered a 2021 Jeep SUV without authority, intending to commit therein a theft, on March 15, 2025. He was granted pretrial release from custody in the case presented by the Alton Police Department. Oscar K. McGee, 47, of St. Louis, was charged with a Class 1 felony count

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SPRINGFIELD — Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois issued more comments with excitement on Thursday, May 8, 2025, in Springfield, celebrating the election of Pope Leo XIV as the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. Pope Leo XIV (Robert Prevost) is the first Pope of the Roman Catholic Church from America. He and Paprocki are both natives of South Chicago and also White Sox fans, which was a plus to Paprocki. “With profound joy and deep gratitude to God, the universal Catholic Church celebrates the election of Pope Leo XIV, our new Holy Father,” Bishop Paprocki said. “This moment fills the hearts of the faithful with renewed hope, as the Church receives a new Vicar of Christ, a shepherd to lead us in truth, charity, and love. We give thanks for Pope Leo XIV’s humble acceptance of this sacred responsibility.” The bishop called on Catholics to pray for Pope Leo XIV’s wisdom, courage and compassion as he begins

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ALTON - Alton Main Street will kick off their Alton Farmers and Artisans Market this weekend. From 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays starting on May 10 and running through Oct. 18, 2025, community members can stop by 501 Landmarks Boulevard in Alton for the market. Sara McGibany, executive director of Alton Main Street, said the 100-plus vendors who will be in attendance are excited to welcome the community back for another season of fun. “It sounds cliché, but we really are a big family down there,” McGibany said. “Everybody’s really excited, making new products for the year, and it’s just really a cool thing.” McGibany said that last year’s farmers market maxed out at 163 vendors, and they expect similar numbers this year. All of the vendors must create or grow their own products. “We are truly a farmers and artisans market. Everything sold has to be handmade or homegrown by the person operating the booth,” McGibany

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COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville Police have two felony warrants for Demarco Q. Robinson on charges of financial institution fraud, alleging he committed check kiting resulting in losses exceeding $65,000 at UMB Bank in Collinsville. The Collinsville Police released information on May 9, 2025, as part of their Fugitive Friday highlighting these charges. Check kiting is a form of bank fraud where an individual exploits the time it takes banks to process checks between different accounts to create a false balance and obtain unauthorized, unsecured loans. It involves depositing a check with insufficient funds and withdrawing money before the check is processed, creating a temporary illusion of available funds. For several months, investigators from the Collinsville Police Department and UMB Bank have been tracking Demarco’s activities across the Metro-East area. The warrants, issued by Collinsville Police, charge Demarco with financial institution fraud involving amounts between

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ST. LOUIS — Early Friday morning, May 9, 2025, police responded to a shooting on the 5100 block of Wells, resulting in multiple fatalities, including the suspect, authorities said. Just after 4 a.m., officers arrived at the scene following a ShotSpotter activation and found an adult man shot on the front porch of a residence. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Homicide detectives were called in and requested assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Officers and detectives secured the perimeter of the home while awaiting a search warrant. Around 7 a.m., a man inside the residence briefly spoke with detectives before reentering the home. Moments later, the same man emerged armed with a rifle. An exchange of gunfire occurred between the suspect, a 28-year-old St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) officer with three years of service, and an ATF agent. The suspect then retreated back inside the residence. SWAT officers entered

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GRAFTON - Local author Jackie Duty will give away prizes, baskets and 100 free books at a reading in Grafton this weekend. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, community members can stop by Grove Memorial Park for a free “party in the park,” Duty said. Every kid in attendance will receive a free copy of “Dash the Dachshund.” A Disney princess and local screenprinter will also be in attendance. Parents can enter to win basket items and tickets to Worldwide Technology’s upcoming Father’s Day drag race. “You can hang out all day in Grafton,” Duty said. “Bring the kiddos to the park in the morning, do the Sip, Sample and Stroll — that’s going to be so much fun — and then the Blues Festival. There’s something for everybody in Grafton this weekend. Bring the kiddos, get a free book, win some fun prizes, and let’s go party in the park.” Duty explained that she has published

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MURPHYSBORO – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) launched his campaign for re-election at Thursday evening’s Monroe County GOP Century Club Dinner with the full endorsement of President Donald Trump. Bost, a two-time Illinois co-chair of Trump’s campaign, has earned Trump’s endorsement in five consecutive election cycles. “President Trump is saving our nation for the second time, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have his endorsement as we work together to advance the America First agenda,” said Bost. “In a short time, we’ve made historic strides in protecting American workers, ending the border crisis, and advancing our conservative values, but our work is far from over. This Marine isn’t finished fighting for the incredible people of Southern Illinois.” In a Truth Social post announcing his endorsement of Bost Thursday evening, Trump said, “Congressman Mike Bost is a Tremendous Champion

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CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement after President Donald Trump fired Dr. Carla Hayden as the Librarian of Congress: “To fire Dr. Hayden, a highly respected professional who has done an upstanding job as our nation’s Librarian of Congress, in a two-sentence email shows the depravity of this administration. The heartlessness of this President knows no bounds. “The Library of Congress is America’s library — not Donald Trump’s. The next Librarian of Congress must emulate Dr. Hayden’s example of expanding the Library for all and not embolden Donald Trump’s efforts to whitewash history and restrict Americans’ access to knowledge, information, and culture.” Dr. Hayden was appointed as the 14th Librarian of Congress by President Obama in 2016, and had overseen the library through President Trump’s first term. She started as a librarian in Chicago in 1973

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Did you know that happiness is not just a fleeting feeling but a measurable state influenced by biology, behavior, and environment? Research in positive psychology reveals that up to 40% of our happiness is within our control, shaped by daily habits and choices. This insight challenges the common belief that happiness depends mostly on external circumstances or luck. By understanding the science behind happiness, we can adopt practical strategies to enhance our well-being and cultivate a more positive outlook. Understanding Happiness: More Than Just a Feeling Happiness is often perceived as a spontaneous emotion triggered by good news or pleasurable experiences. However, scientists define happiness more broadly as a combination of life satisfaction, frequent positive emotions, and a sense of purpose or meaning. Neuroscientific studies have identified key brain regions involved in happiness, such as the prefrontal cortex and the limbic system, which regulate positive emotions and rewar

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May 9th is a day rich with history, marked by events that have shaped nations, inspired generations, and propelled humanity forward. Going back to the 19th century, on May 9, 1877, the first official use of the telephone in the United States occurred when Alexander Graham Bell successfully transmitted speech over a wire. This breakthrough ignited a communication revolution that transformed how people connect across distances, laying the groundwork for the interconnected world we live in today. Continuing with innovation, May 9, 1950, was the day when French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed the creation of a European Coal and Steel Community, an idea that eventually evolved into the European Union. The Schuman Declaration aimed to foster economic cooperation and prevent future conflicts in Europe by pooling key industries. This initiative is widely regarded as a foundational step toward the unprecedented peace and unity experienced in Europe in the decades since. On a different

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ALTON - Over 300 Alton Community Unit School District #11 students recently enjoyed a sensory-friendly sports day. On Friday, May 2, 2025, the district hosted Autism Sports Day, a free event for kids in the special education program to enjoy bounce houses, face-painting, pony rides, games, food, a petting zoo and more. Tammy Wood, one of the organizers, explained that the students could have a fun day while still getting their needs met. “We have it worked out to where we can provide them an opportunity to have fun but also in an environment that’s safe and comfortable for them,” she said. “These students, a lot of them do have autism or other special needs. It just gives them a chance to do some fun things in a comfortable atmosphere where we’re looking out for some of the needs that they may have, where a bigger setting with more students can kind of be overwhelming.” Wood noted that the event commemorates Autism Awareness Month in April.

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