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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR); Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Chris Coons (D-DE); and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) today introduced bipartisan legislation to improve America’s competitiveness throughout the African continent and in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Increasing American Jobs through Greater Exports to Africa and Latin America Act will force better coordination between U.S. government agencies and departments, establish comprehensive strategic goals, and marshal private investments to improve U.S. exports to Africa, Latin American, and the Caribbean. The legislation will help create American jobs by requiring a whole of government strategy to increase the number of U.S. exports to Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean by at least 200 percent in real dollar value within ten years of enactment of the law. The legislation was included in the Senate

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ALTON — A new culinary celebration is set to take place in Alton, as Mac's 315 Belle St. hosts its inaugural Fat Tuesday Buffett on March 4, 2025. The event, running from 4 to 9 p.m., will feature a variety of Cajun favorites, including crawfish and shrimp boil, gumbo, jambalaya, red beans and rice, southern fried chicken, fried catfish, hush puppies, fried okra, and dinner rolls. The menu will also include king cake, a traditional treat associated with the Mardi Gras season. Rob Lenhardt, one of the owners of Mac's, noted that this is the first time the establishment is hosting a Fat Tuesday event. "A couple of places around the area have done it in the past but stopped. We feel there is a market for it," Lenhardt said. Lenhardt said St. Louis is recognized for its annual Mardi Gras celebration, that is the second largest in the United States, trailing only New Orleans. With an expected turnout of 200 to 250 attendees, the Fat Tuesday Buffett at Mac's aims to attract local residents

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ALTON – Time is running out to reserve your spot for YWCA Southwestern Illinois' 34th Annual Women of Distinction Celebration on Thursday, March 13, at The Commons at Lewis and Clark Community College. This highly anticipated event will feature Mrs. Vernetta Caffey as emcee and Dr. Kathie Wuellner as keynote speaker, bringing their wisdom, inspiration, and passion to the evening’s celebration. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the program beginning promptly at 6 p.m. Women of Distinction Academy photos will be taken at 5:30 p.m. The reservation deadline is Friday, March 7. “We have an exceptional group of honorees this year—women whose dedication, leadership, and achievements have made a lasting impact in our community,” said Dorothy Hummel, Executive Director of YWCA Southwestern Illinois. “Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating their stories and supporting programs that empower women, nurture children, and advance racial and social justice.”

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GRANITE CITY - State Representative Amy Elik’s office will be hosting mobile office hours in Granite City on Friday, March 7, 2025 to meet with constituents who need help with issues concerning a State of Illinois agency. Rep. Elik’s staff will be available to meet with constituents from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Granite City Township Building, located at 2060 Delmar Avenue in Granite City. Mobile office hours are open to the public. Appointments are encouraged but not required, however scheduled meetings will take place in the order in which they were received. To schedule a meeting, please call State Representative Amy Elik’s district office at 618-433-8046.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced that the Executive Director of the Illinois Head Start Association Lauri Morrison-Frichtl will be her guest to President Donald Trump's Joint Address to Congress as part of the Senator’s ongoing efforts to push back against Trump’s illegal funding freeze that continues to inflict needless chaos, confusion and financial pain on Head Start programs and the middle-class families they serve throughout Illinois. With over 37 years of experience with Head Start, Executive Director Morrison-Frichtl is a steadfast leader and advocate for the wellbeing of the thousands of children and families in our state who face the most significant barriers to achieving success in school and in life. Additionally, nearly 70% of Illinois Head Start and Early Head Start parents are in the workforce and rely on Head Start’s programs in order to go to their jobs—allowing them to support their families and contribute

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ST. LOUIS - The latest data from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) confirms the St. Louis region remains home to the most efficient inland port district in the nation based on tons moved per river mile in 2022, the most recent year numbers are available. The data reveals that, in 2022, the St. Louis region’s barge industry handled 369,309 tons per mile, while the average tons per mile across the other eight inland port districts was 92,863. Essentially, the St. Louis Metro Ports collectively moved almost four times the average tons per mile, as compared to the other eight inland port districts in the U.S. Dan Lester, SVP, Business Development for the Infrastructure Group at Ingram, says that efficiency is increasingly important in today’s environment when barges are very expensive to build, and the number of existing barges being retired continues to increase. Ingram, the leading carrier on the inland waterways, operates eight facilities along the Missouri and Illinois

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ELSAH - Brad Winn, Historian, will present a talk, “Lewis and Clark in Illinois,” on Thursday, March 6, at 7 p.m. at Farley Music Hall, 37 Mill Street, in Elsah, Illinois. Illinois was the point of departure for the two-and-half-year journey. The team spent more time in Illinois than any other state except North Dakota. Winn taught at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois, winning Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member in History and Humanities in 2022. He also served as Superintendent of the Lewis and Clark State Historical Site in Hartford, Illinois. The program is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. Parking is available. Refreshments will be served following the lecture. The presentation will be streamed live, with registration available on historicelsah.org . This presentation is one of this year’s Hosmer-Williams Lectures sponsored by Historic Elsah Foundation and underwritten by Liberty Bank: A United Community Bank.

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Did you know that approximately 77% of people experience physical symptoms caused by stress? While stress management techniques abound, one often overlooked yet highly effective method is journaling. This simple act of putting pen to paper can dramatically transform your mental clarity and emotional well-being. But what exactly is it about journaling that makes it such a powerful tool for mental clarity? Understanding Journaling: More Than Just Writing At its core, journaling is a form of self-expression. It allows individuals to articulate thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a private, safe space. This expressive writing can take various forms, from daily logs to reflective essays or even creative storytelling. Regardless of the style, the act of journaling serves as a mental detox, helping individuals disentangle complex emotions and thoughts. Research has shown that journaling can lead to improvements in mental health. A study published in the journal Psychological Science

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March 4th is a day marked by pivotal events that have resonated through time, influencing politics, culture, and global relations. On March 4, 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was established, marking a significant moment in global politics. This military alliance was formed in response to the growing threat of Soviet expansion in Europe after World War II. NATO's creation symbolized a united front among Western nations and served as a deterrent against aggression during the Cold War. The alliance continues to play a crucial role in international relations and collective security to this day. March 4, 1980, is a notable date in the realm of sports and international diplomacy. On this day, the United States announced its boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, protesting the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. This decision was emblematic of the heightened tensions between the two superpowers during the Cold War. Athletes from various nations followed suit,

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Letter To The Editor: At the Wood River City Council meeting of March 3rd, the City had to admit that it had violated the terms of City agreements and ordinances that caused unauthorized payments totaling tens of thousands of TIF funds to developers. Instead of taking action to assure compliance with its agreements, ordinances, policies, and procedures, the City chose to make changes to the agreements so that these failures simply disappeared, as if nothing happened. The more important issue that an unauthorized $40,000 TIF payment to a developer after the City Manager had a TIF agreement altered without City Council approval was dismissed as irrelevant. The explanation given was that someone forgot to inform the City Council that there were additional changes to the agreement, and the City Manager was simply fixing the mistake to save the City Council the trouble of voting on the changes again. There was no explanation why the City Manager signed the agreement when only the mayor

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The End Tobacco Loopholes Act would establish a new federal e-cigarette tax, increase tobacco tax rate, & close tax loopholes WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoothi (D-IL-08), and several Senate Democratic colleagues today introduced the End Tobacco Loopholes Act, legislation that would close tax code loopholes for tobacco products to lower tobacco use and reduce health care spending. The legislation would establish a federal tax on e-cigarettes as 30 states have done, update the federal cigarette tax rate for the first time in more than 15 years to restore its public health impact, and harmonize the tax rate across tobacco products to address gamesmanship by manufacturers. Increasing the price of tobacco products has been found to be the single most effective way to reduce tobacco use, particularly among children. “Big Tobacco’s deadly profit scheme relies on

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GODFREY- ? Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined students and leadership from Lewis and Clark Community College to propose a new community college baccalaureate degree program. Through this consumer-driven, student-centered program, community colleges would be enabled by the State to offer four-year bachelor degrees, making degrees more accessible while meeting the needs of employers in key sectors, and keeping education costs low for students and working families. “As the home of the third largest community college system in the nation, Illinois should be doing all that it can to leverage these world-renowned institutions to meet those goals,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We have some really terrific four-year institutions that are a vital part of the higher education system in Illinois, but we need to recognize that there are geographic, financial, and accessibility constraints that close off too many students from attending those schools. With lower tuition

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COLLINSVILLE – Parents, educators, healthcare and emergency professionals, social service workers and all community members are invited to attend a free training workshop on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Gateway Convention Center, 1 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, IL 62234, focused on a variety of emergency preparedness training to help everyday people respond to crisis situations. The workshop is put on by the Medical Reserve Corps of Illinois. “As we’ve watched California wildfires and now flooding force people from their homes, it reminds us of the rapid response needed for disasters right here, including mass shootings, floods, and storms,” said workshop consultant Jeannette Tandez Johnson. “The Medical Reserve Corps of Illinois wants to prepare residents to survive and thrive after a community crisis.” Free Workshop Sessions Open to All Include: First Aid Certification CPR/AED Certification Stopping Bleeding from Traumatic Injuries

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost announced today that he will host Judy Repking of Effingham County, a board member of Effingham Area Right to Life and chair of the Bishop’s Pro-Life Committee, as his guest for President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress on Tuesday. Repking and her husband, Paul, have been dedicated advocates for pro-life causes in Effingham County for over two decades. “I was happy to invite Judy Repking to sit in the House gallery for President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress because you won’t find a stronger defender of unborn babies in Southeastern Illinois," said Bost . "Judy and Paul have worked hard to educate, inspire, and mobilize others in the fight for life. That’s precisely the type of selfless leadership I wanted to highlight on this very special occasion.” Bost will meet with the Repkings on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, welcome them to join him at a congressional joint hearing, and provide a

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With support from Congressional funding and the REV Illinois program, Wieland North America is investing $500 million to propel advanced manufacturing modernization EAST ALTON – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) celebrated the groundbreaking of Wieland’s modernized East Alton facility. The project is supported by a $5 million congressionally-directed Community Project Funding award and a Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) agreement. Wieland’s $500 million investment in this modernization project will retain 800 jobs throughout Illinois, enabling the company to increase production of critical copper and copper alloy components that are used in electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging infrastructure, and renewable energy production while supporting the state's clean energy economy. “Wieland has been a cornerstone of good-paying union jobs and economic growth in East Alton for over a century,” said Congresswoman

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HIGHLAND - GRID Solar is officially offering general electrical contracting services alongside solar, and this helps them create more efficient systems. Ryan Wagner, co-owner of GRID, explained that the business aims to help their customers get the most efficient energy systems. With a few “master electricians on staff,” Wagner said that they can help customers decode their energy bills and decide what kind of system is best for them. “It just opens up the number of services we can do for everybody,” he explained. “We always tell people, we’re trying to sell you as few panels as possible, not as many as we can get away with. If we can spend $1,000 putting more insulation in your attic and that saves you $3,000 by not needing that many panels, then that’s a wise use of your money and you should do that.” Wagner noted that traditionally, people view their house’s systems as separate from one another. Plumbing, HVAC and electrica

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BETHALTO — The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office has filed multiple charges against two Bethalto residents, Blake M. Clemons, 35, and Ashley L. Rusk, 33, following an investigation into the dissemination of child pornography. The charges were presented on March 3, 2025, after a cybertip from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office prompted an inquiry by the Bethalto Police Department. Clemons faces 16 counts, including 11 counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and five counts of child pornography, with all charges classified as Class X felonies except for one count of child pornography, which is classified as a Class 1 felony. Rusk is charged with 11 counts, including one count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, as well as multiple counts of permitting sexual abuse of a child, classified as Class 1 felonies. She also faces two counts of child pornography, classified as Class 2 felonies, and one count of sexual exploitation

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced statements on Monday, March 2, 2025, after his office has charged two individuals with firing guns in the direction of a school bus. Daniel G. Coalan, 18, of Alton was charged with one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (class X felony), one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (class 1 felony), and two counts of Aggravated Unlawful Possession of Weapons (class 4 felony). The charges allege that he discharged a firearm in the direction of a school bus and in the direction of another person, and unlawfully possessed a 9mm handgun. Also charged in a juvenile case is a 16-year-old male from Wood River. The juvenile is charged with one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (class 1 felony) and two counts of Aggravated Unlawful Possession of Weapons (class 4 felony). The charges allege that he discharged a firearm in the direction of another person and unlawfully possessed a 9mm handgun with

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ALTON - Julie Botterbush started as a candystriper at St. Anthony’s Hospital. Now, she’s the Administrative Director of Nursing Operations for SSM Health. Botterbush, one of the YWCA’s ten 2025 Women of Distinction, will be honored at the Y’s annual gala for her commitment to the community. As she reflected on her career and community service, Botterbush has a powerful message for other young women. “I worked the AIDS epidemic, I worked the COVID epidemic, and everything in between,” she said. “The biggest thing, if I could tell a young girl, if I could tell myself, if I could tell my 1986 self — be your biggest hero. Believe in yourself. Be resilient. And don’t give up. You may have to try harder, you may have to try a couple of times, but bounce right back.” Botterbush began training to be a nurse at the J.B. Johnson Center at Alton High School in the 1980s. She loved the job and decided to become an LPN. But

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ALTON - The Jones brothers — Cameron, Chase, and Carson — made significant contributions to Marquette Catholic High School's boys basketball team during the 2024-2025 season. Their collective efforts have not only showcased their individual talents but have also strengthened the team's overall performance. The boys are Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athletes of the Month for Marquette Catholic. Carson Jones, a junior, expressed gratitude towards his family for their unwavering support. "My entire family has always encouraged me and I thank my brothers for challenging me and pushing me to do my best," he said. This season marked Carson's first year playing varsity basketball, where he dedicated himself to extra work both on the court and in the weight room. "That hard work paid off as I got bigger and better this year," he noted. Cameron Jones, a freshman, also made an immediate impact by starting on the varsity team. He thanked his family and his AAU coach, Brandon

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