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ALTON - Alton authorities are investigating the defacement of the "Welcome to Alton" sign on the city’s northern entrance, where graffiti containing a derogatory message targeting a resident was painted sometime between Friday night and early Saturday morning, July 19, 2025. Cory Davenport is with the Sunken Press in Alton. His name was painted with the derogatory message sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said officers are actively following up on leads to identify the person or persons responsible. Davenport also expressed appreciation for community members who covered the sign until it could be removed. Davenport acknowledged the incident in a statement, thanking Paula Jamison and others who helped cover and replace the sign. He speculated that the act may have required a truck to reach the sign. “I have angered enough people through well-researched and honest opinions and community-organized efforts that things like

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - The Southwestern Illinois chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI SWI) will host their annual Walk for Mental Health Awareness. On Sept. 20, 2025, at Moody Park in Fairview Heights, community members can come together for a walk that will raise money for NAMI SWI and their programs. Kaleigh Peery with NAMI SWI explained that the goal is to bring people together and start the conversation about mental health. “I think that's really what NAMI is about. It’s just coming together and supporting one another,” Peery said. “The thing about mental illness is that it doesn't discriminate. We all either have experienced it or have had a loved one close to us experience it or have something traumatic that impacts your daily life. To have a day where you can come together and just know that everybody there has experienced something and can relate to what you felt or you’re feeling — coming together is healing.”

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 15 attorneys general opposing the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) unlawful and baseless attempt to strip temporary protected status (TPS) from Honduran, Nepali and Nicaraguan immigrants. The TPS program is a critical humanitarian lifeline established by Congress in 1990 that protects immigrants from being returned to countries that have been deemed unsafe, allowing them to work and build a life in the United States. In an amicus brief filed in National TPS Alliance v. Noem, Raoul and the coalition highlight the devastating economic and humanitarian consequences of ending these TPS protections and urge the court to postpone the proposed actions. “People with temporary protected status have fled trauma and extreme hardship and are now working and contributing to their communities across the country,” Raoul said. “I am proud to join my fellow attorneys general in asking the court to preserve

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NORMAL - Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Adient, a global leader in automotive seating, today announced the company will establish a facility in Normal to assemble seat components for Rivian products. Adient plans to make a capital investment of more than $8 million with support from the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) program, which will enable the company to establish its operations and create 75 new full-time jobs. “With more EV suppliers calling Illinois home due to our unmatched workforce, infrastructure and competitive incentives, we are growing our reputation as a global leader in the electric vehicle sector,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Adient’s new facility in Normal is a critical investment in our state’s growing EV ecosystem and supply chain. With yet another global company choosing to locate in Illinois, we’re creating more jobs, opportunities and

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JERSEY COUNTY - A man who fled from police during an investigation at Pere Marquette State Park on Sunday, July 20, 2025, has been captured and is now in custody at the Jersey County Jail, authorities said. The incident began around 8 a.m. Sunday, July 20, 2025, when a Jersey County sheriff’s deputy encountered a man on a bicycle near a black Ford F-150 pickup truck parked off Scenic Drive inside the state park. The deputy learned the truck and an attached camper had been reported stolen from Missouri. When approached, the man fled on foot into the nearby woods. Law enforcement officials launched a search of the area and later posted the suspect’s photo and description on the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, urging the public to remain vigilant. The suspect, described as a man in his late 20s, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing about 250 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes, was considered dangerous. Several hours after the initial encounter,

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CHICAGO - This week, Governor Pritzker joined Governors across America to take collective action as he continues standing up for Illinoisans as the Trump Administration imposes disastrous tariffs, drives up costs, and attacks education and health care. Whether it’s education, electricity, or groceries, Governor Pritzker is focused on improving affordability and access for all Illinoisans. Fighting Trump’s Tariff Taxes On Monday, Governor Pritzker signed an executive order directing state agencies to address the effects of Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Illinois families and businesses. Governor Pritzker joined six other governors across America taking action to push back against these tariffs that tax working families. The Trump Administration’s trade policy will not only increase the costs of everyday goods such as groceries and gas, but also deepen existing economic uncertainty for businesses, disrupt supply chains, and threaten the jobs of Illinois workers.

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ALTON - Most of the community knows him as Kooliverse, but the man behind the name has a simple goal: to continue creating art by any means necessary. Michael Snider moved to Alton 23 years ago and quickly developed a reputation as a unique artist in the region. He has over 80 pieces in The Conservatory in Alton, recently finished a self-portrait made out of 32,000 postage stamps, and plans to create a giant Miles Davis tribute out of 1,000 donated trumpets. He’s always looking ahead to the next piece of art he can create. “I’m highly driven. I want to put out world-class art. I try to do the best work I possibly can. Is there any polite way to say you want to be rich and famous?” Snider laughed. “There’s not. But you know what? I want to make unbelievably wondrous pieces of art, and I want to be able to have enough money to make another piece of wondrous art.” Growing up, Snider was always interested in art. When he moved to Alton,

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VENICE, Ill. – A local woman faces multiple criminal charges after carrying a loaded firearm in a car with no registration, driving on a suspended license, and more. Queen A. J. Walker, 27, of St. Louis, was charged on July 9, 2025 with a Class 4 felony count of aggravated unlawful use of a loaded weapon, Class A misdemeanor counts of driving on a suspended license and offenses relating to possession of titles and registration, as well as a petty offense of unlawfully operating a vehicle without valid registration. Walker allegedly carried a SCCY 9mm pistol in a vehicle which was uncased, loaded, and immediately accessible. She had no valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card at the time of the offense. Walker also reportedly drove a white Ford Fusion on Illinois Route 3 and Broadway in Venice while her driver’s license was suspended. She is additionally accused of attaching a Missouri license plate to the car which was not authorized for use on the vehicle,

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EAST ST. LOUIS — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois, along with law enforcement agencies and community partners, will host a National Night Out event aimed at strengthening relationships between residents and police. The free event is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at 8206 State St. in East St. Louis. It will feature activities for attendees of all ages, including competitive games, police demonstrations, and a live DJ. Community partners will also distribute school supplies to students and provide food for families. The event is open to all East St. Louis residents. Organizations involved in hosting the event include Ameren Illinois, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Catholic Urban Programs, the City of East St. Louis, Community Development Sustainable Solutions, Community Life Line, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the East St. Louis Police Department, the FBI Springfield Field

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ST. LOUIS — A 31-year-old detainee died Saturday night, July 19, 2025, following an altercation at the City Justice Center, prompting an investigation by St. Louis police and statements from city officials emphasizing accountability and jail reform. Samuel Hayes Jr. was involved in a fight with another detainee in a shared cell around 8:20 p.m., according to St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department spokesman Mitch McCoy. After the confrontation, Hayes reportedly did not comply with jail staff directives and was placed in a restraint chair. He was found unresponsive at approximately 10 p.m. and was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Justice Center notified police of the in-custody death at 11:35 p.m. Saturday. The Force Investigation Unit of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer, who was informed of Hayes’ death Sunday, expressed condolences

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MADISON, Wis. - A total of 9,424 students received degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison on May 9-10, including students from your area. Here are the degree recipients from your area: Edwardsville, IL Jordyn Ginestra, College of Letters and Science, Bachelor of Arts, English and Zoology Glen Carbon, IL Madison Lein, College of Letters and Science, Bachelor of Science, Biology There were two live Spring 2025 Commencement ceremonies, one for undergraduates at Camp Randall and one for all graduate degree candidates at the Kohl Center. Keynote speaker and celebrated sports columnist Jason Gay encouraged the graduates to embrace joy in their lives. "Spend your time with people who give you happiness. Stay as open to new experiences as you are today," Gay said. "Find satisfaction in small routines - the place where you live, community service, time outside in the natural world." Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin reminded graduates that an essential part of their UW-Madison

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EAST ALTON - Airline Care Clinic is offering affordable back-to-school and sports physicals. Nurse practitioner Elizabeth “Betsy” Dykeman understands that summer is a busy time, and the back-to-school season can get expensive as families purchase school supplies and clothing for their kids. That’s why she is offering $40 physicals to fulfill the back-to-school and sports requirements so kids can return to the classroom healthy and ready to learn. “It makes me really happy to do it,” Dykeman said. From July until September, Dykeman will offer special $40 back-to-school and sports physicals. You can bring the necessary paperwork to Airline Care Clinic, or the clinic can provide the paperwork you need to fulfill the back-to-school and sports requirements. Airline Care Clinic currently accepts Medicaid, Medicare and cash. Dykeman noted that most urgent cares or other clinics charge between $65–100 for these physicals. Her goal is to provide

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Did you know that the average American couple spends over $200 on a single date night? While memorable experiences are priceless, the pressure to splurge can turn a romantic evening into a stressful financial burden. But what if the best date nights didn’t require breaking the bank? Planning a budget-friendly summer date night is not only possible—it can be just as magical, if not more so, than an extravagant outing. Rethinking the Value of a Date Night A date night is often seen as an opportunity to impress, leading many to assume that expensive dinners, fancy venues, or elaborate activities are necessary. However, the essence of a successful date night lies in connection, creativity, and shared enjoyment rather than cost. By shifting the focus from spending to experience, couples can foster intimacy and build memories without financial strain. Choosing the Right Activity: Fun Meets Affordability Selecting activities that are both enjoyable and budget-conscious is th

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Every minute, the world produces about 1 million plastic bottles, and a staggering 91% of plastic waste is never recycled. This alarming statistic highlights the vast scale of plastic pollution, a crisis that has silently escalated over decades. Plastic, once hailed as a revolutionary material for its versatility and durability, has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. The Ubiquity and Persistence of Plastic Plastic’s widespread use is undeniable, permeating nearly every aspect of modern life—from packaging and consumer goods to medical devices and automotive parts. Its appeal lies in its low cost, light weight, and resistance to degradation. However, these same qualities also make plastic a persistent pollutant. Unlike organic materials that decompose naturally, most plastics can take hundreds to thousands of years to break down, fragmenting into microplastics that contaminate ecosystems globally. Environmental Consequences of Plastic

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What if you were told that within a single decade, humanity could go from barely flying beyond Earth's atmosphere to setting foot on another celestial body? The moon landing on July 21, 1969, was not only a marvel of engineering but also a testament to human ambition and ingenuity. It marked a pivotal moment in history when the impossible became reality, reshaping our understanding of exploration and technology. The Race to the Moon: Context and Motivation The moon landing was the climax of the Space Race, a fierce competition between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. After the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 1 in 1957, the world witnessed the dawn of the space age. The United States, determined to assert technological and ideological superiority, set an ambitious goal: to land a man on the moon and return him safely to Earth before the decade’s end. President John F. Kennedy’s famous 1961 speech galvanized the nation with this objective, stating,

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July 21 has been a date marked by extraordinary achievements, groundbreaking discoveries, and pivotal moments that have shaped the course of history across the globe. Arguably the most iconic event associated with July 21 is the historic Apollo 11 mission's moonwalk in 1969. One day after the lunar module Eagle landed on the surface of the Moon, astronaut Neil Armstrong took humanity’s first steps outside Earth’s atmosphere, uttering the now-legendary phrase, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” This monumental achievement not only marked a triumph in the Space Race but also expanded our understanding of space exploration and inspired generations to dream beyond our planet. But the significance of July 21 extends far beyond this space milestone. In 1944, during the height of World War II, the Battle of Guam concluded with American forces recapturing the island from Japanese occupation. This victory was a strategic turning point

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July 19 and 20 have witnessed numerous pivotal moments throughout history. Moving back in time, on July 19, 1848, the Seneca Falls Convention concluded in New York, a landmark event in the women’s rights movement. The convention, which began two days prior, was the first women's rights convention in the United States and produced the Declaration of Sentiments, a document demanding equal social, civil, and religious rights for women. This event laid the foundation for the long struggle for women's suffrage and equality, influencing advocacy and legislation for decades to come. In political history, July 19, 1870, marked the start of the Franco-Prussian War when France declared war on Prussia. This conflict reshaped European politics dramatically. The war resulted in the defeat of France, the fall of the Second French Empire, and the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership. The consequences of this war reverberated well into the 20th century, setting the stage for World

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today, as part of a multistate coalition of 20 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in support of a challenge to the Trump administration’s abrupt termination of funding for legal services for unaccompanied immigrant children. In their brief , filed in Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto, et al. vs. United States Department of Health and Human Services, et al., Raoul and the attorneys general urge the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit to affirm the preliminary injunction issued by the district court, arguing that the Trump administration’s termination of federal funding for legal representation endangers the rights and safety of unaccompanied children. “Unaccompanied immigrant children are especially vulnerable without access to legal services,” Raoul said. “Holding these children in federal custody for prolonged periods of time further traumatizes them and does not represent the morals

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced he joined a multistate coalition in filing a lawsuit challenging an unlawful final rule the Trump administration introduced, which would govern federal and state health insurance marketplaces and create significant barriers to obtaining health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The final rule announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) also excludes coverage of gender-affirming care as an essential health benefit (EHB) under the Administrative Procedure Act (ACA). In the lawsuit , Raoul and the attorneys general argue the rule is unlawful and would cause significant harm to local governments and residents because it imposes burdensome and costly paperwork requirements, limits the opportunities to sign up for health coverage, increases cost-sharing limits, and forces exchanges and consumers to spend hundreds of millions of dollars t

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), U.S. Representative Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA-03) and their colleagues in reintroducing the Child Care for Working Families Act, comprehensive legislation to ensure families across America can find and afford the high-quality child care they need. “For most working parents, affordable child care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity,” said Duckworth. “Donald Trump ran on a promise to lower costs for working families—and yet, he and Republicans are prioritizing tax breaks to their billionaire donors, leaving families to fend for themselves. If Republicans really cared about lowering costs and supporting middle-class families, they’d help us pass this legislation to help solve our child care shortage and make quality, affordable care more accessible to every family who needs

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