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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—secured several important provisions to support servicemembers and boost American competitiveness and national security in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that SASC approved this week and the full Senate will now consider. Among the provisions that the Senator secured in the Committee-passed legislation, Duckworth successfully led a provision to expand IVF access for uniformed servicemembers and ensure military families have the same level of coverage that Members of Congress and other federal employees already have. As President Donald Trump continues to misuse our military to intimidate American citizens across our nation, Duckworth also successfully secured provisions that would safeguard Americans’ civil rights when servicemembers assist

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CHICAGO — A gas station in a small town southwest of Chicago has sold a winning Lotto ticket worth a cool $1 million. The winning ticket was sold at Citgo, located at 8755 W. 79th Street in Justice, IL. It matched all six Lotto Million 1 numbers in the Thursday, July 10 drawing: 5-11-16-23-25-39. Citgo, formerly known as Beahan Oil, has been a fixture in the small community for over 22 years. The store’s owner hopes the lucky ticket was purchased by a local customer. “I was out of the country when I got the call from my manager. We have no clue who the winner might be, but I have a strong feeling it was a regular Lotto player from our area,” said William Beahan, owner of the Citgo gas station. “Whoever it is, we’re very happy for the winner and look forward to celebrating with them.” Retailers who sell winning lottery tickets also have good reasons to celebrate as these wins bring their business a cash selling bonus of one percent of the

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SPRINGFIELD — Yesterday, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) held a roundtable discussion with Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe, United Way of Decatur, and various social service organizations to discuss the local impact of extreme social safety net cuts in President Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill Act. “Last night’s discussion was about speaking the truth of the deeply harmful consequences of the Big, Bad Bill. This law will decimate social services, kill jobs, close hospitals, and raise costs for families – while billionaires cash in,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “As President Trump and Congressional Republicans turn their backs on working families, I stand firmly with the health workers, teachers, caregivers, and nonprofit leaders who do the work of holding our communities together. With so much at stake, now is the time to come together, support our neighbors, and continue speaking out.” “Lawmakers must recognize the barriers

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CHICAGO - The Illinois Lottery is proud to join lotteries across North America in celebrating Lottery Week, taking place July 14–18, 2025. This annual event shines a spotlight on the positive impact lottery proceeds have on communities—from funding public education to supporting small businesses, boosting local economies, and investing in charitable causes. As a thank you to players, the Illinois Lottery is partnering with over 40 radio stations statewide to give listeners a chance to win a bundle of Instant Tickets—one of which could win up to $2 million. “For over 50 years, the Illinois Lottery has proudly supported communities throughout the State—most notably through funding for K-12 public education,” said Harold Mays, Director of the Illinois Lottery. “Lottery Week is a time to celebrate the players, retailers, and partners who make our mission possible and help deliver winning moments across Illinois every day.” When people

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TROY - Dawn Mushill, President/CEO of the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce, announced on Monday, July 14, 2025, that the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce is seeking fall Chamber college interns. Mushill said students who apply should be a junior or senior in college and enrolled in mass communication, social media, video, public relations, business, marketing or office management. The Chamber is seeking students who can work independently, pay attention to detail, are reliable and are willing to do any task at hand. Interns are very important to the success of the Chamber as they are each involved in all aspects of the day-to-day operations, including office processes, event planning, event attendance, networking with Chamber members and much more. Although the internship is unpaid, there are many opportunities to meet Chamber member businesses that could potentially lead to a job after graduation. The Chamber works around the intern’s

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GODFREY - Clearwave Fiber will host a free Brick Builders' Bash for families to enjoy. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, community members can stop by Glazebrook Park in Godfrey for a free Brick Builders' Bash event. Attendees are encouraged to play with LEGOs and “build anything your imagination dreams up,” Clearwave Fiber said in a statement. “Brick Builders' Bash is a free, family-friendly LEGO event designed to spark curiosity and creativity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) through hands-on play and exploration,” Clearwave Fiber explained. With a Free Play LEGO Zone and Hands-On Building Stations, attendees of all ages and skill levels can enjoy building LEGOs. A collaborative build challenge encourages people to work together to solve a creative task. There will also be a creative building competition complete with prizes, and a STEM activity zone where you can experiment with science and technology. Attendees

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ALTON – OSF Medical Group in Alton is pleased to announce a new cardiology nurse practitioner has been added to its staff to better serve the ever-increasing cardiology needs of Riverbend region residents. Meredith Walter, MSN, ANP-BC, is now seeing patients in need of cardiology care at OSF Medical Group - Cardiology, located at OSF Saint Anthony’s Medical Office Building, Suite 300, #2 Saint Anthony’s Way, in Alton. Ms. Walter will see patients Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Walter offers her patients a variety of specialty cardiology services encompassing (but not limited to): Chest pain Hypertension High cholesterol Heart failure Coronary Artery Disease management Walter’s comprehensive, clinical experience also includes: Served as practitioner, educator, and consultant for patients with advanced heart failure Valvular heart disease Experience encompasses rural settings as well as quaternary care hospitals Women’s health an

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HARDIN - On May 27th 2025, at 4:44 p.m, a Deputy Sheriff with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Park St. and Barry St., in Hardin, Calhoun County, Illinois. Subsequent to an investigation, the driver, Keith F. Bergman, aged 64, of Eldred, Illinois, was arrested for the following offenses: Driving While Revoked – 3rd or Subsequent Operating Uninsured. Bergman was arrested without incident and released with a Notice to Appear at a later date at the Calhoun County Courthouse. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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On May 15th 2025, at 12:45 a.m., a Deputy Sheriff with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Mississippi River Road and Water St., in Hamburg, Calhoun County, Illinois. Subsequent to an investigation, the driver, Justice A Self, aged 27, of Hamburg, Illinois was arrested for the following offenses: Driving While Revoked – 3rd or Subsequent Illegal Transportation of Alcohol - Driver. Self was arrested without incident and released with a Notice to Appear at a later date at the Calhoun County Courthouse. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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HARDIN - On May 7th, 2025, at 7:10 AM, Calhoun County Sheriff Bill Heffington responded to a report of a Suspicious Vehicle near the South Ambulance Shed on Illinois River Road, in Meppen, Calhoun County, Illinois. Sheriff Heffington identified a suspect as Travis J Howard, age 44, of Hannibal, Missouri, as the operator of the vehicle. Calhoun County Chief Deputy Zach Hardin arrived on scene to assist with the investigation and discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Pike County, Illinois on May 2nd 2025. Subsequent to the investigation, Howard was arrested for the following offenses: Possession of Stolen Title/Certificate Possession of Stolen Vehicle • Unlawful Display of License Plate Possession of Controlled Substance • Driving While Revoked Operating Uninsured Howard was arrested without incident and transported to the Pike County Jail. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that lane closures on eastbound Interstate 64 between 15th and 25th Street in St. Clair County will begin, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, July 18, for bridge deck patching. Traffic will be reduced to one lane. All lanes will be open to traffic at 6 a.m. Monday, July 21. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction 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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EAST ALTON — The East Alton Building and Zoning Office has relocated the permit clerk to East Alton City Hall, officials announced this week. Hours for the permit clerk at East Alton City Hall at 119 West Main Street are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. East Alton Mayor Darren Carlton said the move of the permit clerk was to ensure that anyone who came in looking for the clerk or any other issues for Building and Zoning would be available. East Alton has its other offices at City Hall, so if the permit clerk happens not to be there, a person is there to answer questions or take contact information, Carlton said. The Building and Zoning Department's Office remains at 232 Church St. in East Alton.

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Art Fair is Sept. 26-28. This is another of the series of profiles on participating artists. Artist #1 Artist Name: Gary Rondeau Medium: Jewelry Artist Statement: "My work starts from a simple idea — what happens when you treat metal like paper? I take traditional paper working techniques and translate them into metalwork, pushing the boundaries of both forms. Origami has been a passion of mine since I was young, and translating the techniques into metal has driven my art. "Origami is at the same time very artistic and very logical, drawing on both sides of the brain. I think jewelry is inevitably a tactile art form. It should invite touch. It should inspire and fascinate and tell a story. Art jewelry should not only look good, it should make people wonder how it was made and what skills went into it." Artist #2 Artist Name: David Hasty Medium: Photography Artist Statement: "The bulk of my collection

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ALTON - Chris “The Real Deal” Rinker took home second place at last year’s Alton Midwest Nationals F1 Powerboat Championship, and this year, he’s hoping to top the podium. The championship is scheduled for July 18–20, 2025, with events and races throughout the weekend that spectators can enjoy from Riverfront Park. Rinker grew up racing with his father, and he can’t wait to return to Alton for another “thrilling” weekend of racing on the Mississippi River. “It’s going to be a wild weekend for sure,” he said. “It’s a big family sport. The entire sport itself is one big family. It’s surprising how much camaraderie there is. When somebody’s down or has a problem with their boat, everybody pitches in to get them back on the water. It's kind of unusual, I think, in a lot of ways because of that.” Rinker races with his own sons, and his family owns Rinker’s Boat World in Texas.

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A district judge sentenced a St. Elmo man to 32 years in federal prison after he shot at law enforcement agents serving an arrest warrant at his residence in Fayette County. Dax Baldrige, 47, pleaded guilty in January to seven counts of assault of a federal officer, two counts of using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. Following imprisonment, he will serve five years of supervised release. “Law enforcement officers are brave, underappreciated, and underpaid heroes who risk their lives every day to protect others,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Those, like Dax Baldrige, who target our officers for violence represent a form of evil against the very foundation of society. Few things are as serious, and our office will bring the full weight of federal law to bear, relentlessly pursuing the harshest prison terms to hold such people accountable.” On Oct.

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ALTON — The Alton Police Department was called to a wooded area near West Seventh Street and Piasa Street at 12:41 p.m. Sunday, July 13, after being notified of a deceased person, Police Chief Jarrett Ford said. Officers responded to the scene and located the body, Chief Ford said. “Further investigation in conjunction with the Madison County Coroner’s Office is underway,” he added. Chief Ford said additional information will be released after family notifications have been completed.

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY — Two people died late Sunday night, July 13, 2025, in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Ruby Lane and Illinois Route 3 near Dupo in St. Clair County, officials said. The crash occurred around 11:50 p.m. in Cahokia Heights, according to the Illinois State Police. An SUV was found off the roadway and may have rolled over during the incident. Authorities indicated there is a possibility that at least one person was ejected from the vehicle. The other vehicle involved was a pickup truck. The names of the victims have not been released. The Cahokia Heights Police Department is conducting an investigation, with assistance from the Illinois State Police Accident Reconstruction team, which was called to the scene. The Illinois State Police are leading the overall investigation into the crash.

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Did you know that nearly 60% of consumers in 2024 reported prioritizing sustainability and innovation over brand loyalty when choosing fashion? This shift is not only reshaping how designers create but also transforming the wardrobe staples defining the summer of 2025. As fashion continues its rapid evolution, the upcoming season promises a blend of technology, sustainability, and bold aesthetics that challenge conventional style norms. Tech-Infused Fabrics: Where Performance Meets Style The lines between fashion and functionality are blurring more than ever. In 2025, we see a surge in garments made from smart textiles — materials embedded with technology to enhance comfort, adaptability, and even health monitoring. For example, moisture-wicking fabrics now come with UV protection and temperature regulation, allowing wearers to stay cool and shielded under the summer sun without sacrificing style. Brands like Ministry of Supply and Wearable X are leading this trend, integrating

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Did you know that heatstroke is one of the leading causes of death in pets during the warmer months, yet it is entirely preventable? Every year, thousands of dogs and cats suffer from heat-related illnesses, often due to simple oversights by their owners. Understanding the dangers of high temperatures and taking proactive steps can save your pet’s life. This article explores how to safeguard your furry companions from the risks posed by summer heat through practical and informed measures. Understanding Heat Risks for Pets Unlike humans, pets cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently. Dogs, for example, primarily cool themselves by panting and through the pads of their feet, while cats rely mostly on grooming and seeking cool environments. When ambient temperatures rise, pets can quickly become overheated, leading to heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which can cause organ failure or death if untreated. Certain breeds, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats, are particularly

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What does a medieval fortress, an iconic red, white, and blue flag, and a massive fireworks display have in common? They are all symbols intertwined with Bastille Day, a celebration that resonates far beyond the borders of France. More than just a national holiday, Bastille Day embodies the ideals of liberty, unity, and democratic change, making it a powerful cultural phenomenon with global relevance. The Origins of Bastille Day: A Turning Point in History Bastille Day, celebrated annually on July 14th, commemorates the storming of the Bastille prison in Paris on July 14, 1789. This event marked a critical turning point in the French Revolution, symbolizing the uprising of the common people against the monarchy and the oppressive ancien régime. Although the Bastille was a relatively small fortress holding only a handful of prisoners, its fall represented the collapse of royal authority and the birth of the modern French Republic. Historically, the Bastille was a symbol of

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