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Did you know that nearly 70% of people say outdoor movie nights create stronger community bonds and lasting memories? Hosting a backyard movie night offers a unique way to bring friends and family together for an unforgettable shared experience. Beyond just watching a film, it’s about crafting an atmosphere that invites comfort, connection, and fun under the open sky. If you’re considering transforming your yard into an open-air cinema, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to do it successfully. Setting the Stage: Choosing the Right Space and Equipment The foundation of any outdoor movie night is the setting. Selecting the right spot in your backyard can make or break the event. Choosing a Location: Pick a flat area free from obstructions like trees or outdoor furniture that might block the view. Ideally, this space should be close to a power source for your equipment but distant enough from noisy areas of the house or street. A backyard corner or patio often work

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June 6 has long stood as a day of profound historical significance, marked by events that have shaped nations, inspired generations, and altered the course of history worldwide. 1944: D-Day – The Normandy Landings Arguably the most consequential event associated with June 6 is the beginning of the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II, commonly known as D-Day. On June 6, 1944, in a meticulously planned operation codenamed Operation Overlord, over 156,000 American, British, Canadian, and other Allied troops stormed the beaches of Nazi-occupied France. This massive amphibious assault marked the start of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control. The complexity and scale of the operation were unprecedented, involving months of preparation, deception strategies like Operation Bodyguard to mislead German forces, and the bravery of thousands facing fortified defenses. The success of D-Day was a turning point. It paved the way for the eventual defeat of Nazi

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GRANITE CITY – A man from Granite City remains in custody as a felony domestic battery charge marks the latest in his history of domestic violence against the same victim. Cesar A. Cendejas, 25, of Granite City, was charged on May 27, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery. Cendejas is accused of strangling a household or family member on May 25, 2025. A petition to deny his pretrial release, filed by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, states Cendejas was out on pretrial release at the time of this latest offense from a pending domestic violence case involving the same victim. The state’s petition to keep Cendejas in custody was granted, with a Detention Order adding Cendejas agreed in March of 2025 to have no contact and stay away from the victim in this case. The case against Cendejas was presented by the Granite City Police Department, and he currently remains in custody at the Madison County Jail. All individuals

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HIGHLAND — The Highland Police Department and the Madison County Coroner’s Office are conducting an active death investigation at Silver Lake, officials confirmed Thursday, June 4, 2025. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, with forensic analysis still pending. No further details have been released to protect the integrity of the inquiry. At this time, there is no evidence indicating any danger to the public. The police department acknowledged public concern and emphasized its commitment to providing accurate information as it becomes available. “The safety and well-being of our community remain our highest priority,” the department said. Officials also addressed numerous social media posts related to the incident and encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact Detective Kingery at the Highland Police Department at 618-654-2131, ext. 3.

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GODFREY – Plans to build a solar farm on Delmar Avenue in Godfrey have been halted after unanimously being voted down by the Village Board of Trustees. Trustees on Tuesday night voted 6-0 against an ordinance granting a special use permit to Arena Road House Solar, LLC to build a solar farm at 3406 W. Delmar Ave. Speaking in favor of the solar farm was Jay Gupta, a developer with Arena Renewables. “This project will be a quiet neighbor for the community for the next 30, 40 years, without traffic, noise, smell, pollution,” Gupta said. “You will not be able to see the solar project, it is … out of view and nearly completely surrounded by existing vegetation.” Gupta described the project as an investment in the community capable of generating $800,000 in property tax revenue, telling trustees: “We want to be long-term partners with you.” Gupta also said local residents and businesses could “take advantage” of the solar

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WOOD RIVER - Lily Tretter, a senior softball player for the East Alton-Wood River Oilers girls softball squad, has been named a Midwest Members Credit Union female student-athlete of the month in recognition of her outstanding performance this season. Under the guidance of head coach Mike Beachum, Tretter has played a key role in leading the Oilers to an 8-1 start. Tretter’s impressive statistics included a .425 batting average, a .462 on-base percentage, and a .534 slugging percentage, resulting in a .996 OPS. She has also contributed six doubles, one triple, and 14 runs batted in. Her achievements earned her All-Conference honors for the Mississippi Division of the Cahokia Conference. Tretter’s performance reflects her significant impact on the team’s early success and overall season in 2025.

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WOOD RIVER - Jamal Burgess Jr. of East Alton-Wood River High School broke a 49-year-old school record in the 400-meter run at the IHSA Sectional meet in Bethalto on May 21, 2025. Burgess recorded a time of 49.64 seconds, surpassing the previous mark set by Terry Studnicki in 1976. He is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. Burgess’s performance placed him third overall in what was described as the toughest sectional in the state, earning him a spot at the state finals. At the state meet, he ran a time of 51.48 seconds in the Class 2A preliminaries. In addition to his individual success, Burgess was a key member of the Oilers’ relay teams, competing in the 4x100, 4x200, and 4x400 relays. Following his record-breaking run, Burgess met with Studnicki, who expressed a desire to “pass the torch” after holding the record for nearly five decades. Burgess has since graduated from East Alton-Wood River High School.

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We all know some men who’d rather fight off sharks than deal with issues that affect their health. They don’t like talking about it, they put symptoms on the back burner, and they don’t see a health care provider unless it’s at the urging of a persistent wife who might schedule the appointment. June is National Men’s Health Month. It’s a time to encourage men to take their health seriously, make necessary lifestyle changes and get established with a primary care provider, if they don’t have one. According to Ben Guth, an advanced practice nurse with OSF HealthCare, the reasons for putting off medical care vary. For some men, they’re too busy working to find the time to book, for example, an eye exam or dentist appointment. Some are willing to wait out a nagging pain or a lingering headache. And for others it’s simply a case of “‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’” “Men will often tell me,

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From news reports to social media blurbs to medical studies, they’ve been in the public eye a lot lately. And experts say that likely won’t change. We’re talking about microplastics or nanoplastics, incredibly small pieces of plastic that can get into our body. So, how concerned should we be? Philip Ovadia, MD , a cardiothoracic surgeon at OSF HealthCare, says this issue will continue to be studied for years. But there are things you can do now to optimize your health and reduce your risk of problems. “We’re increasing our understanding of the toxins in our env ironment. Our environment has become more toxic, and that’s a challenge to our health,” Dr. Ovadia says. “The best thing for people to do is to control what you can control. What are you eating? What are you using on your body? What is your lifestyle like? How active are you?” “We’re increasing our understanding of the toxins in our environment. Our environment

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GODFREY - Commencement Week at Monticello Seminary (now the campus of Lewis and Clark Community College) began on Saturday, June 6, 1925, with the Class Day program at 4 p.m. Students performed the commencement play, “The Piper,” written by playwright and poet Josephine Preston Peabody, at 8 p.m. under the oaks on the north campus. Consuelo Alarca of Havana, Cuba (whose mother also graduated from the Seminary) played the lead role. Bishop Francis J. McConnell of the Methodist Church preached the Baccalaureate sermon on Sunday, June 7, in Reid Memorial Chapel, and Monticello alumni gathered for class reunions on Monday, June 8, on the east campus grounds. The commencement exercises were held on Tuesday, June 9, in Reid Memorial Chapel. Senator William B. McKinley gave the commencement address, titled “America and Europe.” Senator McKinley, who had recently returned from Europe, “gave a brief picture of economic conditions as he found them in England

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ALTON - As Country Meadows Antiques celebrates 39 years in the Alton community, owner Gary Voyles is reflecting on the work he’s accomplished over the past few decades. Voyles and his wife, Pam, started the business 39 years ago on Broadway. They moved a few times over the years and finally settled into their current location at 401 E. Broadway in Alton. As they prepare to hit the 40-year milestone, Voyles noted that his love for antiques has only grown. “Once it gets in your blood, you just can’t let go of it,” he said. “We’re there as long as we can be. That’s all I can say right now. It’s in our blood. We have plenty of merchandise to sell. We won’t ever run out, even if we never buy another thing.” Voyles and his wife entered the antiquing business in the 1990s when they decided to refurnish their home. The couple began attending auctions with Voyles’s grandparents, and they quickly fell in love with th

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EDWARDSVILLE — Michael Dixon, a sanitation worker at Crescent, lost his home and possessions when a tornado struck St. Louis over the weekend, according to Cydni Harris, the SPG at D1 in Edwardsville. Harris has created a GoFundMe campaign to raise support for Dixon during this difficult time. She urged the community to come together and help him recover from the devastation. “It would be incredibly meaningful if we could unite to support him during this challenging time,” Harris said. “Please consider sharing this with others, as he truly needs all the help we can provide.” The tornado caused widespread damage across the St. Louis area, leaving residents like Dixon facing significant losses. The fundraising effort aims to assist Dixon in rebuilding and replacing what was destroyed. To contribute to the GoFundMe, click here.

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GODFREY - If you have a need, Oakwood Church of God in Christ aims to meet it this weekend. From 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, community members are invited to Oakwood COGIC for free food, clothing, hygiene kits, furniture, toys and more. Located at 4712 N. Alby Street in Godfrey, the church will provide all of these items free of charge, no questions asked, while offering prayer to those who would like it. “Whatever it is that you need, we're going to try to provide it,” said Lavern Parker, the church secretary. “We just believe that it’s a place where everybody is somebody. We refer to ourselves as a saint’s hospital. If there’s a need, we’re going to try to fill it.” There will be hot hamburgers and hotdogs available for everyone who attends the giveaway. The hygiene kits contain toothpaste, mouthwash, shaving cream, a washcloth, soap and more. Many people have also donated clothing, furniture and toys. Park

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ALTON — Kathleen Wiegand has retired from Alton High School, concluding a long career in education that began as a Special Education Paraprofessional at Alton Middle School. Wiegand said the most rewarding part of working in the district has been "working and interacting with students and making a positive impact on their lives." Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, camping and hiking. Looking ahead, Wiegand plans to spend time traveling and being with her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For new employees, she advises, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) delivered a speech on the Senate floor detailing the vicious, shortsighted $9.4 billion in cuts to foreign aid and public broadcasting proposed by the Trump Administration in a rescissions package meant to codify the destruction of federal agencies by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In his remarks, Durbin laid out the specific programs the package will cut, including bipartisan efforts to address HIV/AIDS, support new democracies, and provide unbiased and local news. “On Tuesday, President Trump sent Congress proposed rescissions… Where has the President suggested we cut a very miniscule percentage of the federal budget to fund deficit-busting tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy? From bipartisan programs programs that both parties have supported for years,” Durbin began. “ Programs that help the poorest in the world survive, even lead a normal life suffering from

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) along with U.S. Representatives Steve Cohen (D-TN-09) and David Kustoff (R-TN-08) today introduced legislation to help improve ground transportation into and out of our nation’s busy airports. The Don’t Miss Your Flight Act would use existing federal funding to create an incentive for surface transportation projects at and within five miles of a public airport that improve access, reduce congestion or rehabilitate roads, rail or transit, making catching a flight or coming home from the airport easier and faster for Americans across the country. “We’ve all been there—you’re rushing to the airport but then get stuck in traffic outside while worrying that your flight is going to take off without you,” Duckworth said. “Airports like Chicago O’Hare and so many others are building to keep up with the growing passenger demand, but our surface transportation

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of gun manufacturers in Smith & Wesson v. Mexico : “Gun trafficking from the United States to Mexico is fueling a cycle of tremendous violence. Lawless gun manufacturers, international criminals, and drug cartels are weaponizing our lax gun laws in America to facilitate violence, traffic drugs, and wreak havoc across the globe. “This ruling does not address that crisis. While it’s a temporary win for gun manufacturers, the Supreme Court’s decision is narrow and specific to the claims in this case. “Our fight for common sense gun safety reform continues. My Stop Arming Cartels Act would cut off gun trafficking at its source and strengthen American gun laws, and today’s ruling is further reason to pass it into law. Earlier this year, Durbin introduced

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EAST ST. LOUIS — After 33 years of dedicated service, Vanessa Huffman, an elementary teacher with East St. Louis School District 189, is retiring in 2025. Throughout her career, Huffman has been recognized for her commitment to fostering a love of learning and supporting student growth. Huffman’s classroom has been described as a place of growth, joy, and discovery where students feel empowered. The East St. Louis School District has highlighted her passion for education and her lasting impact on the community she served. “Her impact will continue to shine through the many lives she has touched over the years,” the district said in a statement honoring Huffman’s retirement. East St. Louis School District 189 expressed gratitude for her 33 years of excellence, compassion, and service, wishing her a retirement filled with relaxation and celebration.

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High Honor Roll Graduation Year: 2025 MADELINE J. BRANNAN MEGAN E. CAMDEN CHEYENNE E. CLYDE SOPHIE J. COTNER GRANT T. COX CALIE A. FIELD ABIGAIL G. FLOWERS LAUREN E. FLOWERS CARSON S. GRAFFORD VANNA L. HOLMES KOBY R. SCHNELTEN HANNAH E. UHLES JOHN P. VANDERSAND KALEY J. WOELFEL Graduation Year: 2026 AVA G. CUSTER CARSON R. FLOWERS JOZEY M. GIBERSON LEXI T. HEATH BLAINE L. KAISER HANNAH C. LAKE AUGUST J. POWELL BRANDON M. RABE ELI M. RHOADES MABRY J. ROBEEN REED J. SCHNETTGOECKE GUNNAR L. SHARROW ALEX W. VANDERSAND Graduation Year: 2027 LILY B. CLOUGH BROOKELYN S. EILERMAN SHANNEN J. HOLMES HAYDEN R. MCMURTRIE JAYCE D. STEINKUEHLER Graduation Year: 2028 NOLAN M. BAUMGARTNER KOLE P. BECK AUBREY R. CROCKER CHLOE E. MCADAMS ANDREW K. PRICE CALEB D. UHLES NOAH J. UHLES HANNAH C. WAGONER Honor Roll Graduation Year: 2025 ANDREW J. ADCOCK AVERY W. BANGHART WILLIAM K. BLAND JAYLA R. CAMPBELL DAMON L. COMBS DAGAN H. CORDES HARPER

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ALTON/GODFREY - Pride, Inc. will recognize nearly 7,000 homes in Alton and Godfrey in the coming months. Pride, Inc., a beautification organization, sends out their Pride Eye Awards to honor homeowners that maintain their houses and yards. Pat and Carolyn MacAfee, who have been members of Pride, Inc. for years, shared that the organization will begin selecting homes for the awards over the next few weeks, with a goal to send out the awards by mid-September. “The thing is, we’re about encouraging people,” Pat said. “It’s about encouragement, to encourage others, the neighbors, to keep theirs going. We like to showcase those that make an effort.” As an organization, Pride, Inc. urges people to “love where you live” and take care of your yard and neighborhood. They also host biannual Citywide Litter Clean-Ups and spearhead beautification initiatives across the Riverbend region. The Pride Eye Awards are a longtime tradition in th

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