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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 19 attorneys general, today filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over an executive order President Trump signed in March, which is an unconstitutional attempt to impose sweeping voting restrictions across the country. The executive order attempts to conscript state election officials into the president’s campaign to impose documentary proof of citizenship requirements when Americans register to vote. It also seeks to upend commonsense, well-established state procedures for counting ballots – procedures that make it easier for Americans’ voices to be heard. “The authority to modify the rules Congress established for U.S. elections lies within Congress. Instead of imposing voting restrictions across the country, we should focus our efforts on encouraging more Americans to participate in the democratic process,” Raoul said. “I will continue to defend Illinois law, which

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GRANITE CITY – Senior Elijah Kolb was named the 2024-25 Granite City High School Scholar-Athlete of the Year, as announced by GCHS. Kolb will be recognized at Busch Stadium on May 6 as part of the 59th Annual St. Louis Post-Dispatch Scholar Athlete Team. In addition, he will be featured in the special section of the newspaper and online at STLhighschoolsports.com on May 6. "I am very grateful and thankful to be nominated to receive this prestigious award," Kolb said. "Receiving this award has shown me that all the hard work in the classroom and in sports pays off. A two-sport standout in football and wrestling, Kolb is attending Montana State University in the fall to pursue a degree in microbiology on a pre-med track. He is the son of Michael and Trista Kolb. "The Scholar Athlete of the Year Award is a very prestigious award and Elijah has earned this recognition through his hard work in the classroom and in athletics," said GCHS Athletic Director John Moad. " Athletic

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GODFREY - Lewis and Clark Community College will hold a community concert, April 6, 2025, in an effort to feature local talent. Among those performing are The Blancas, Greenville University’s Fusion, Rosalind-Denise Evans and the Inner Ear Youth Orchestra, Cole Tarrant and many more. Concert organizer and Blancas member Brenda Lancaster was inspired to plan the event to highlight the many talented musicians in the area. “We have many naturally gifted young black musicians in our community,” Lancaster said. “We understand from experience it takes more than a natural gift and Tik Tok to be successful in the music business.” Many types of music will be preformed, including showtunes, ballads, classical, gospel, jazz and pop. The concert will take place at 3 p.m., Sunday, April 6, in The Commons, located in the McPike Math and Science Complex at Lewis and Clark Community College. The show is free and open to the public, with a reception immediately following.

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EAST ST. LOUIS/WOOD RIVER – Because of the threat of flooding in the Metro East over the next week, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is adjusting its trout stocking plan to ensure a successful opening weekend of the spring trout season. Frank Holten State Park’s Main Lake will not be stocked with trout as originally planned because of the possible loss of fish to the Mississippi River should flooding occur at the park. Instead, IDNR will stock trout at the following nearby locations: Jones Lake , 2500 Argonne Drive, East St. Louis Willow Lake , 8900 New Athens Darmstadt Road, New Athens Belk Park Pond , 880 Belk Park Road, Wood River The 2025 Illinois spring trout fishing season will open Saturday, April 5 at various ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state. IDNR stocks more than 80,000 rainbow trout each year in bodies of water where trout fishing is permitted during the spring season. An additional 80,000 trout will be stocked fo

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CHICAGO – In observance of safe digging month, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is reminding citizens they can reduce utility outages by calling 811. The state’s annual proclamation is a reminder to professional excavators and DIY homeowners alike to call 811 to safely mark utility lines before starting a digging project. “The warmer weather can inspire us get started on home improvement projects, but underground utility lines can be unintentionally damaged during a digging project. Remember to call 811 before you dig for projects of any size,” said ICC Chairman Doug Scott. Illinois law requires all homeowners and professional excavators to call the Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (JULIE) at 811 before digging at least two working days prior to starting excavation. The project must begin within 10 days of the call, and locate requests have a 25-day life. The State One-Call Center, managed by JULIE (DIGGER within the City of Chicago)

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COLUMBIA – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent shoulder closures on Interstate 255 from Illinois 3 in Dupo to half a mile north of Illinois 157 in St. Clair County will begin, weather permitting, Monday, April 7, through Wednesday, April 9, 2025. The shoulder closures are necessary for the evaluation of pavement conditions. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all signage and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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EDWARDSVILLE – R.P. Lumber, a family-owned, full-service retail home center and building materials supplier, is proud to announce the opening of its 89th retail location at 3200 Broadway Street in Quincy, IL. The new store promises to bring a new level of convenience and expertise to DIY homeowners and professional contractors in the region. The store will be opening the week of April 7th. "We've always wanted to have a store in Quincy, and we're thrilled to finally have the opportunity," said Robert L. Plummer, CEO of R.P. Lumber. “Quincy is fortunate to be an exciting, growing community. Local leadership is doing a phenomenal job bringing opportunity to the area. Mayor Troup and his entire team have been welcoming and supportive. They clearly wanted to see more good jobs for the citizens and more options for the consumers. It was a refreshing experience to work with the City of Quincy on this great project.” As an Illinois-based company, R.P. Lumber is prou

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EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis School District 189 is seeking an extension for its ESSER III funding, which the school district says is critical for ongoing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) renovations across its facilities. The district, which serves a predominantly low-income student population, has faced delays in completing these upgrades due to post-pandemic challenges, including supply chain issues and labor shortages. Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) grants have provided federal pandemic relief funding to enable schools to operate safely during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and support social-emotional and academic recovery. The district's request comes after the original extension, approved on Jan. 22, 2025, allowed until March 28, 2026, to complete the necessary HVAC projects. Sydney Stigge-Kaufman, Executive Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships for the district, emphasized the importance of modernized HVAC

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ALTON – Ray Strebel released the following statement regarding Tuesday’s election results: “ I want to congratulate David Goins on his victory this week. While the results did not go our way, I am proud of the campaign we ran and the connections I built with so many residents during my campaign for Mayor. Alton is my hometown and I hope to see Mayor Goins succeed because at the end of the day, we are one community and I only want the best for Alton. Thank you to everyone who supported me with their vote, thank you to our volunteers for their countless hours of hard work to help our campaign, and thank you to my family for their ultimate support.” About Ray Strebel: Ray Strebel is a third generation Alton resident, local leader, and small business owner.

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EDWARDSVILLE – R.P. Lumber Co., Inc. has announced the acquisition of Aldrich Home Center in Powell, Wyoming, with the deal set to close on April 11, 2025. Located at 115 E. Park St., Aldrich Home Center is a family-owned hardware store and lumberyard that has been an integral part of the Powell community for decades. This will be the Midwestern chain’s third location in the Equality State and first in Park County. Renowned for its wide selection of tools, paint, and building materials, the store has long been a trusted resource for both professional tradesmen and DIY homeowners. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Aldrich Home Center was originally founded in 1949 as Aldrich Lumber, and in 2001, Ken VanGrinsven purchased the business after working there for 18 years. For the past few years, Ken and his wife, Jan VanGrinsven, have been looking for a successor to continue the legacy of the business and secure their retirement. “When we met with R.P.

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey County Sheriff’s Office is working on some new initiatives designed to increase interactions with citizens and patrols in certain areas of the county. Jersey Sheriff Nick Manns said: “In particular we are going to increase our presence in the most remote stretches of our county. I wanted to share this information with you so that you know why you are seeing on squad cars on a more frequent basis.” “I also want you to know that as we patrol our county roads late at night, you may see that our squad cars have lashing rear yellow or solid red and blue lights activated. As opposed to the flashing red and blue signifies that we are patrolling in your neighborhood. Not only will you know that it is us, but so will anyone else out on your roads. We hope that is a good thing. “Lastly, if you have not met the Deputy assigned to your particular zone and wish to, please give me a call and we will get someone to you. As always, call with any

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department is proud to support the upcoming Luehrs' Ideal Rides Alton First Responders Springfest, taking place April 11 through April 19, 2025, at the Alton Amphitheater. The Alton Police said this exciting spring carnival is a celebration of community, family, and the dedicated service of our first responders. Uniformed officers from the Alton Police Department will be present during all event hours to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all who attend. "Our mission is to maintain a safe, welcoming environment so families and guests of all ages can relax and enjoy the festivities," the Alton Police said. To promote a safe and family-friendly atmosphere, the Luehrs’ Ideal Rides’ Parental Escort Policy will be in effect: • All youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older on Fridays and Saturdays during operating hours. • One adult may supervise up to eight minors. • Adults may be asked to show valid government-issued

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GRAFTON - Trees Please, a business in Grafton, has a guarantee: With their help, your trees will thrive. Owner Steven Jones started taking care of trees 33 years ago. A self-described “tree doctor,” Jones consults with homeowners and checks the health of declining trees, then gives them a booster shot to improve their health. With his help, homeowners can save their trees rather than cutting them down. “I treat trees for disease,” he explained. “We inject them with an insecticide that’s systemic, goes up through the vascular system, kills the bugs, fertilizes them. The tree, once it’s treated, will flourish after that.” Trees Please charges a $100 consultation fee, but Jones deducts this from the charge if you decide to hire him to treat the tree. He charges anywhere from $75 to $350 to treat a tree, depending on the size and the problem. “It’s cheaper to save them than just to cut them down and have them hauled away,”

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“On a bright moonlight night in spring time, just as he might have wished it, because Jim Callahan was a very sentimental man, his spirit took flight from the body which had been pain racked for many months.” Poet and newspaperman James T. Callahan Sr. died on April 7, 1925, of jaw cancer. He was born in Alton in 1856 and started writing for the Alton Evening Telegraph in 1891. He “loved mostly to write of the little things of life which usually escape the notice of other people.” Callahan studied to be a lawyer and gained admittance to the bar to practice law. He also served later in life as Clerk of the City Court of Alton. But writing was his real love. He wrote Stray Scraps for 35 years and was one of the first people in the country with his own daily column. Callahan’s final Stray Scraps column ran in the Alton Evening Telegraph on February 21, 1925, and he expected it to be his last. For many years, Callahan’s friends encouraged him to

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O’FALLON, Ill. – HSHS Medical Group is pleased to announce the addition of Nicole Garner, PA-C, to their team in O’Fallon. Garner is now accepting patients of all ages at HSHS Medical Group Orthopedic & Sports Medicine – O’Fallon, located at 670 Pierce Blvd., Suite 200, in O’Fallon. Garner is a skilled physician assistant with expertise in treating musculoskeletal injuries and disorders resulting from repetitive movements, heavy lifting, injuries and diseases. She is dedicated to helping patients recover from injuries and improve their quality of life by alleviating pain. Garner earned a Master of Science in physician assistant studies from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Carbondale. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in biological sciences, medical science from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in Edwardsville. To schedule an appointment with Garner, visit hshsmedicalgroup.org or call 618-206-2094. New HSHS Medical

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EAST ALTON - The Illinois Education Association Foundation is proud to announce that it has awarded a $1,000 grant to the East Alton School District 13 Boyz 2 Men program through the SCORE (Schools and Community Outreach by Educators) grant. This grant will significantly enhance the organization's mentorship program providing vital resources to foster the personal and academic growth of young participants. The SCORE grant program encourages educators to collaborate on innovative projects that serve their schools and communities. The Boyz 2 Men program was selected among numerous applicants statewide, recognized for its creative and impactful approach to youth mentorship. “We are honored to receive the SCORE grant,” said Angela Gray, East Alton School District School Social Worker and Program Assistant for the Boyz 2 Men Program. “This funding will allow us to expand our programs, reaching more young people and providing them with the support they need to

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WOOD RIVER - Community leaders and organizations gathered for a Child Abuse Prevention Month Kick-Off Event. On Friday, April 4, 2025, community members were invited to Riverbend Family Ministries for the event. Different organizations, including Refuge, Oasis Women’s Center, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, the Child Advocacy Center and more, were present to share their work with attendees. Speakers addressed the prevention of child abuse and the importance of advocating for kids. “This month is about standing up for our children, raising awareness and doing what we can to prevent child abuse in our own communities,” said Erin Bickle, executive director of Refuge. “It’s a reminder that each of us has a critical role to play in the lives of our community’s most vulnerable. We have a role to make sure that every child feels safe, cared for and loved.” Bickle said that children build resilience by having at least one caring adult in their

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ALTON — Two Alton Police Department lieutenants have been recognized by Sacred Spaces for their initiatives aimed at promoting well-being with first responders and department employees. Lieutenant Dustin Christner was acknowledged for establishing a first responder Bible study that is open to any local first responder, while Lieutenant Seth Stinnett was recognized for co-facilitating a financial wellness group for Alton Police Department employees. The recognition event highlights the importance of mental and financial health within the police force, a critical aspect of supporting officers in their demanding roles. "Thank you, Lt. Christner and Lt. Stinnett for your leadership and promotion of healthy well-being," said a representative from Sacred Spaces, emphasizing the impact of their contributions on the department. This initiative reflects a growing awareness of the need for support systems within law enforcement agencies, aiming to foster resilience and overall wellness

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WOOD RIVER – State Senator Erica Harriss has partnered with several area Metro East organizations to host a free Community Shred Event and Clean Up Day in Wood River on Saturday. After much consideration, the event will take place rain or shine, and staff will be on hand to assist anyone who may need help. Who: State Senator Erica Harriss I Support the Girls – Edwardsville Lions Club Metro East Humane Society Wood River Police Department Wood River Parks and Recreation Glen-Ed Pantry Soles4Souls When: Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Where: Wood River Police Department - 550 E Madison Ave., Wood River, IL, 62095

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a combat Veteran, released the following statement on the tragic death of four American soldiers, including Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr. of Joliet, Illinois, during a military training exercise in Lithuania: “The loss of four American servicemembers in Lithuania during a training exercise is nothing short of heartbreaking. We must never forget their dedication to serving this country and the NATO alliance. “Our thoughts are with the Duenez family and the Joliet community as they grieve the loss of Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., a son, a husband, and a father.”

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