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Opinion: Too many in Washington, D.C., think the answer to every problem is raising taxes on working families and wrapping small businesses in red tape. I disagree. The answer isn’t to make life harder for folks who are already forced to do more with less. That’s why I voted for the President Trump-backed One Big Beautiful Bill Act . This is a conservative plan that delivers real tax relief, reins in federal spending, and puts working families first. It provides funding to finish the border wall and hire thousands of new Border Patrol agents. It strengthens work requirements for healthy, working age SNAP and Medicaid beneficiaries to ensure benefits are preserved for those who truly need them, and it empowers families to keep more of what they earn. Unfortunately, if you listened only to the D.C. Democrats’ spin machine, you wouldn’t know all the good this bill will do and why President Trump fought so hard to sign it into law. Liberal politicians have

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WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement after voting NO on President Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill , H.R. 1. House Republicans voted to pass the bill and send it to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law. “Today, House Republicans officially pledged their loyalty to the billionaire class, delivering a profound betrayal to hardworking American families. From the very beginning, I have been clear about how devastating this bill is for our country — for single mothers relying on SNAP, for children dependent on Medicaid, and for everyone except the ultra-wealthy. It’s the working class who deserve tax relief — not billionaires. Democrats fought tirelessly to block this bill, but not enough Republicans were willing to defend their communities from these cuts. I will continue standing firm to protect my district and the American people as this administration turns its back on them.”

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GRANITE CITY - Becky Hansel is organizing a fundraiser to support her 16-year-old niece, Trinity Waelterman, of Granite City, who is battling stage 4 alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, an aggressive cancer that has spread to multiple parts of her body including her bones, lungs, and pancreas. The fundraiser aims to help cover medical expenses, travel costs, housing needs, and transportation during Trinity’s 46-week chemotherapy treatment plan. Trinity’s treatment began recently and involves a rigorous schedule of chemotherapy designed to combat the cancer. The plan includes alternating weeks of multiple chemotherapy drugs and recovery periods, continuing for nearly a year. Terry Waelterman, Trinity’s father and a single parent, has been caring for Trinity and her two siblings throughout this difficult time. The family faces significant financial challenges due to ongoing medical costs not covered by insurance, travel expenses for hospital visits, and the need for stable

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ALTON - Centerstone is a national leader in mental health and substance use treatment, and their Alton location offers outpatient therapy services to local community members. Brittany McCrady, clinical manager at Centerstone, shared more about what outpatient therapy looks like and how it can help Riverbend residents meet their goals. She encouraged people to reach out to Centerstone about counseling if they are struggling, and she emphasized that you don’t have to wait until you reach a crisis point to deserve help. “You don’t have to wait until it gets to a certain level of toughness,” she said. “If whatever is going on is interfering in your life and has been persistent, or your typical ways of coping aren’t doing it, you don’t have to muscle through it or try to do it on your own. Come in, please, is my urging.” Centerstone takes Medicaid and private insurance and offers some self-pay options on a sliding scale. They have

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ALTON - The Alton Midwest Nationals F1 Powerboat Championship is looking for volunteers to join in the fun and make sure the event goes off without a hitch. Tim Seebold, managing director, explained that they have 70 positions to fill over the course of the weekend on Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20, 2025. From taking tickets to cleaning up to assisting boats on and off the boat ramp, volunteers are an important part of the event. “If you’ve got a sense of community and want to come out and help, it’s part of a big team,” Seebold said. “This is something that goes a long way for the future of the event.” Based in Alton, the Alton Midwest Nationals F1 Powerboat Championship aims to boost the city by utilizing local businesses for sponsorships and supplies. Organizers encourage Riverbend residents to come out to enjoy the races, but also to help out and experience the races up close in a unique role. Seebold noted that there are

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Did you know that handmade patriotic decorations can enhance community spirit and personal connection to national identity more than store-bought items? When you create your own banners, wreaths, or flags, you infuse them with meaning and intention, turning simple décor into powerful emblems of pride. This article explores creative ways to craft your own patriotic decorations, blending tradition with personal flair. Understanding the Symbolism Behind Patriotic Decorations Before diving into the how-to, it’s important to appreciate the symbols and colors commonly used in patriotic décor. In many countries, red, white, and blue are prominent, often representing values such as courage, purity, and justice. Stars, stripes, and national emblems carry historical weight and emotional resonance. For example, the American flag’s 13 stripes symbolize the original colonies, while the 50 stars represent the states. Recognizing these meanings allows you to craft decorations

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July 3rd holds a significant place in world history, marking moments of triumph, transformation, and cultural milestones across the globe. Moving back in time, July 3rd, 1863, stands out as the day of the Battle of Gettysburg's climax during the American Civil War. This three-day battle culminated in Pickett's Charge, a massive Confederate assault against Union lines that ultimately failed. The Union victory at Gettysburg marked a crucial turning point in the war, halting Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s invasion of the North. The battle remains one of the bloodiest in American history, symbolizing sacrifice and the struggle for the nation's unity. On a different note, July 3rd has been a stage for cultural and scientific achievements. In 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, the world's first true antibiotic, an event that revolutionized medicine. Although Fleming's discovery is often associated with the month of September when he observed the bacteria-killing mold

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COLLINSVILLE – Two men from Wisconsin face felony charges in Madison County after a traffic stop by Collinsville Police yielded multiple illegally possessed firearms. Stevie K. Wilson, 24, and Liroderick D. Love, 46, both of Milwaukee, Wisc., were charged on June 23, 2025 in two cases presented by the Collinsville Police Department. Wilson was charged with three counts of felon in possession of a weapon, each Class 3 felonies. Wilson is accused of possessing multiple firearms, including a Glock 44 .22 LR, Glock 45, and 9mm Taurus G2C on June 21, 2025. His possession of the weapons was unlawful as a felon previously convicted of Fleeing and Eluding an Officer in a 2023 case out of Milwaukee County, Wisc. Love also faces a Class 3 felony count of felon in possession of a weapon. On June 21, 2025, he reportedly possessed a Bear Creek Arsenal BCA15 firearm after previously being convicted in a 2023 Milwaukee, Wisc. case of Second Degree recklessly Endangering Safety. Both cases

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GODFREY – At Lewis and Clark Community College, Associate Biology Professor Rosemarie Vithayathil is more than an instructor — she’s a mentor, a motivator and, for many students, a trusted guide through the challenges of higher education. Effective at the start of the 2025–2026 academic year, Vithayathil will be promoted to the rank of professor — a recognition of her outstanding contributions to teaching, mentorship and campus leadership. Vithayathil said what she enjoys most is how, each semester, her class transforms into a close-knit family. “Our class sizes are small, and I get to know each of my students personally,” she said. “Besides being a teacher, I sometimes have to take on the role of confidant and friend.” Her approach to teaching emphasizes not only academic excellence but also personal growth. In rigorous courses like microbiology, she challenges students to commit fully,

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ALTON – An Alton woman accused of battering an elderly victim and an Alton man charged with burglarizing a Wood River building face felony charges filed last week in Madison County. Kelsey L. Graham, 34, of Alton, was charged on June 23, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated battery and one count each of battery and criminal trespass to a residence, both Class A misdemeanors. On June 20, 2025, Graham allegedly entered a residence in Marine without authority and attacked the home’s occupants. She is accused of knowingly pushing one victim to the ground who was 60 years of age or older at the time, as well as grabbing another victim by the neck with her hands. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office presented the case against Graham, who was granted pretrial release from custody. Additional conditions have been imposed on her release, including that she have no contact with the victims in this case and refrain from entering the Marine residence where the incident

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Evette “Betty” Osuegbu, 62, of Granite City, was sentenced Tuesday to 15 years in federal prison for orchestrating a series of arsons and insurance fraud schemes spanning nearly a decade. A jury in East St. Louis found Osuegbu guilty in December on all 15 counts of an indictment charging conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, conspiracy to commit arson, and use of fire to commit a federal felony. The crimes occurred between 2014 and 2023 and involved multiple properties, including an occupied apartment complex. U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft described arson as “an inherently dangerous crime,” emphasizing the risks to firefighters and the broader community. “Arsons cause unnecessary blight, raise insurance rates, lower property values and can harm neighbors,” he said. “We will continue to seek heavy penalties for these destructive and dangerous crimes.” Osuegbu’s co-defendant, Rufis Jefferson, 48,

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Lauren Reid-Tamburello was sworn in as a new police officer for the Fairview Heights Police Department, bringing nearly five years of law enforcement experience and a strong commitment to public service to her new role. Reid-Tamburello, a Collinsville native and graduate of Collinsville High School, has a background marked by dedication to community safety and professional excellence. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Administration of Justice and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Lindenwood University, with plans to pursue a Master’s degree in the near future. Her law enforcement career began at a local police department where she served as a police officer and K-9 handler. During that time, she received multiple merit commendations, including the Southern Illinois Police Chiefs Association’s Life-Saving Award, and was named Officer of the Year in 2023. Prior to her law enforcement career, Reid-Tamburello volunteered

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JERSEYVILLE — Thomas C. Thompson, former mayor of Grafton and founder of the Alton Flames hockey team, died June 30, 2025, at the age of 84, surrounded by his family. Born Jan. 17, 1941, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Thompson was recognized for his diverse contributions as an educational administrator, landscaper, artist, and as a governor-appointed member of the Board of Central Port District, Illinois. Thompson served two terms as mayor of Grafton, where he was instrumental in founding the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI), a coalition focused on promoting prosperity, sustainability, and economic growth for communities along the Mississippi River. In September 2022, he received the MRCTI Founding Mayor’s Medal at the organization’s 10th annual awards dinner in St. Louis. “I am honored to receive this award,” Thompson said during a Grafton City Council meeting on Sept. 14, 2022. “The MRCTI is a great organization that allows

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ALTON - Alton High School senior Trenton Hyman was named a National Merit Finalist for the 2024 academic year. The school recognized him for his exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and extracurricular involvement, placing him among the top-performing students nationwide. The National Merit Scholarship Program annually identifies and honors students who demonstrate outstanding potential for academic success. To become a Finalist, students must first achieve an exceptional score on the PSAT/NMSQT during their junior year, meet rigorous academic and eligibility requirements, and advance through a competitive selection process from Semifinalist to Finalist. All Finalists are eligible for one of 2,500 National Merit $2,500 Scholarships, which are awarded based on skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Stacie Franke, principal of Alton High School, said after Trenton's announcement: “We are incredibly proud of Trenton Hyman for achieving

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GRANITE CITY — State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) and State Representative Amy Elik (111th-Alton) welcomed hundreds of children and their families from across the Metro East to their annual Kids Fair, hosted in Granite City. “This event is a one-stop shop for families to connect with important local and state resources for their children,” said Senator Harriss. “Parents can get helpful information, kids enjoy free activities and treats, and everyone has a great time.” This year’s Kids Fair featured a foam party, face painting, a balloon artist, a touch-a-truck experience, and free vision and hearing screenings. Families also enjoyed free snacks and drinks, thanks to sponsors Kraft, Meridian, Twigs for Kids, and Granite City Route 66. “As legislators, it’s our job to serve the community, whether that’s at the Capitol or right here at home,” said Representative Elik. “Seeing so many local families

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Community Foundation announced Tuesday, July 1, 2025, that it is awarding the City of Edwardsville $1.35 million to help fulfill the wishes of a family whose business served the community for nearly a century. The David Kriege Family entrusted ECF with the gift and a directive to use it to improve the quality of life in Edwardsville, ECF Chair Rich Walker said. David Kriege, who died in 2022, was the last member of his family to operate Kriege Hardware, a business fixture in downtown Edwardsville from 1920 to 2011. The gift specified three areas of interest: recreation, preservation and beautification. “ECF has been a part of nearly every major park project in the City and we are thrilled to be able to be the conduit for these important projects that will benefit the area for generations to come,” Walker said. “I look forward to even more opportunities.” Mayor Risavy said the City is grateful for the gift and the opportunity to

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY — Thania Vasquez, 28, of Caseyville, died in a crash on Interstate 44 early Sunday morning, June 29, 2025, the St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed. The accident occurred at 11:53 p.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025, near Mraz Lane on westbound Interstate 44. Vasquez was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Vasquez was driving a 2011 Toyota Camry and had been involved in an earlier crash that left her vehicle stopped and blocking a lane. A 2021 Ford Explorer then collided with Vasquez’s car. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has not released additional details about the crash.

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MARYVILLE - The Village of Maryville will host their annual Fire Department Homecoming next weekend. On July 11 and 12, 2025, community members can come out to the Maryville Fire Department and Firemen’s Park for a parade, games, live music, food and drink vendors, and carnival rides. Mayor Wayne White praised the Maryville Homecoming Association for their work to make the event possible. “Everybody who participates in our parade and the homecoming, they’re all volunteers. It is just people from the community who love Maryville who want to give back to Maryville,” he said. On Friday, July 11, 2025, the band Those Two plays from 5–7 p.m., followed by a parade through town at 7 p.m. The Blue Marlin Band will continue the music from 8 p.m. to midnight. On Saturday, July 12, community members can enjoy music by the Heaton Brothers from 4–6 p.m. A parade follows at 6 p.m., and then Shotgun Creek will play from 8 p.m. to midnight. White

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ALTON - Gordon Moore Park in Alton features state-of-the-art pickleball courts that have become a central hub for local players since their official opening on May 3, 2024. Funded primarily by Alton Township, the courts offer modern amenities, including newly installed shade structures over picnic tables and an automated external defibrillator (AED), enhancing both comfort and safety for visitors. The courts quickly gained popularity following their debut, attracting numerous players until the park’s temporary closure due to a sinkhole development. During that period, players dispersed to nearby courts in Godfrey, Cottage Hills, and Bethalto. However, the return to Gordon Moore Park has been gradual, with organizers and enthusiasts hoping to revive interest. The park recently hosted the fourth annual Gordon Moore Pickleball League, which brought together 32 players who competed every Tuesday evening over six weeks. The league also contributes to the community by supporting loca

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GRANITE CITY - Tate Van Keulen enjoyed a highly successful Southwestern Illinois Swimming Association relays meet recently at Paddlers Swim Club in Granite City, being a part of the winning team in two races, and finishing second in another race. Van Keulen was a part of the Collinsville Gators' boys 13-14 200-meter medley relay team that ended up being disqualified, the only bump in the road for him on the evening, but swam anchor on the 150-meter breaststroke and 150-meter backstroke teams that won their races, and was also the anchor for the 150-yard butterfly team that finished in second, earning big points. The Gators team finished third in a close race with both Montclaire and Summers Port, Collinsville ending up with 209 points on the night. He had just been a part of the winning team in the 150-meter breaststroke relay when he was interviewed, and Van Keulen expressed his happiness about how things were going to that point. "We're doing well, as always," Van Keulen said

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