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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “The Thin Blue Line Protecting America from the Cartels.” Durbin first questioned the witnesses on whether or not they agree that firearms flowing to the Mexican cartels from the United States is a problem. “I would like to read something and see if any of you disagree with this: Cartels have flooded the nation with illegal firearms sold by U.S. gun manufacturers in Mexico. The Mexican government estimated that around 200,000 U.S. sourced firearms are smuggled into Mexico annually. Do you disagree with that?” Durbin asked The witnesses including Jose Perez, Assistant Director of the Criminal Investigative Division at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Matt Allen, Special Agent in Charge of the Los Angeles Field Division at the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA); and

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WOOD RIVER/GODFREY – Two cases of battery filed last week in Madison County involve a Godfrey resident and a repeat domestic battery offender from Wood River. Willie C. Rounds, 66, of Wood River, was charged on June 20, 2025 with his second or subsequent offense of domestic battery, a Class 4 felony. Rounds allegedly caused bodily harm to a family or household member on June 20, 2025. He reportedly struck the victim with closed fists and kicked them about the head and body. The state’s petition to deny his pretrial release states the altercation unfolded “in the street” before a neighbor witnessed the attack and called police. “This defendant is already on probation for stabbing this same victim,” the petition states of Rounds. “He is also on conditions of release … for again battering the same victim. He has not appeared for court in either case, and is a flight risk.” Rounds had previously been convicted of domestic battery

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GRAFTON – A Grafton ice cream shop’s plans to expand their menu with alcohol-infused items are on hold for now after a lengthy debate at last week’s City Council meeting. Grafton City Council members voted last week to table an ordinance which would raise the number of Class A liquor licenses in the city from 17 to 18. Ella Mayberry, co-owner of Gogo-May’s Sundae Scoop in Grafton, made her case to the council and emphasized the liquor license would not turn the ice cream shop into a bar or cocktail lounge. She said it would allow them to add “a curated selection of alcohol treats” to their menu, such as “boozy snow cones, adult refreshers, and infused ice cream treats,” which have been highly requested by their customers. “This isn’t about changing who we are – this is about becoming more of what Grafton needs,” Mayberry said. “Here’s the truth: small businesses are struggling. Even the busiest

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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department is hosting a fundraiser this Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Uptown Scoops to support the Cops & Kids Christmas program. From 5 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, a portion of every purchase made at Uptown Scoops, located at 403 West Main Street, will go toward providing children in need within the Collinsville Unit 10 School District with holiday gifts they can select themselves. The initiative aims to ensure a memorable Christmas season for local students facing economic challenges. Organizers encourage community members to participate and help spread the word about the event.

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Board approved awards totaling $24 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and an additional $39 million in federal and state subordinate resources that will finance the creation and preservation of 16 affordable housing developments in 11 counties throughout Illinois. The LIHTC awards are expected to generate an estimated $180 million in private capital to support the development of 850 affordable homes for low- to moderate-income families, seniors, and veterans. “Every Illinoisan – present and future – deserves a safe and affordable place to call home,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “By leveraging the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to spur millions in private development, we’re offering real housing solutions for working families, seniors, and veterans while creating jobs in construction and revitalizing communities up and down the state.” The 16 approved development

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) are reminding organizations and individuals sponsoring fireworks displays to keep safety top of mind and to be sure their vendors have the required state licenses and certificates before their fireworks shows. The Illinois Explosives Act requires that anyone who purchases, possesses, uses, transfers, stores or disposes of explosives, including display fireworks, must have an explosives license and explosives storage certificate issued by the IDNR. Licensing and storage requirements administered by the IDNR do not apply to consumer fireworks (classified as 1.4 explosives). Approved consumer fireworks are regulated by the OSFM and are permitted only in villages, counties and municipalities that have passed ordinances allowing such displays. Consumer fireworks may be purchased and displayed only by adults who have obtained permits from their local jurisdiction.

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CHICAGO – An Illinois iLottery player is starting off the week $800,000 richer after scoring a Lucky Day Lotto jackpot prize over the weekend. The winning online player matched all five numbers in the Sunday, June 22 midday Lucky Day Lotto drawing to score the $800,000 jackpot prize. The winning numbers were: 15-22-28-36-38. There were over 17,500 winning tickets sold on Sunday, June 22 for the Lucky Day Lotto game. Lucky Day Lotto is an Illinois-only game with twice daily drawings at 12:40 p.m. and 9:22 p.m. Tickets for the game can be purchased in-store, online, or on the Illinois Lottery app. For more information or to buy tickets online, please visit IllinoisLottery.com . Lucky Day Lotto b-roll, produced by the Illinois Lottery, is available for the media; download here . As the Lucky Day Lotto jackpot continues to grow, the Illinois Lottery encourages players to remember it’s a game of chance. For more information about the odds of winning, visit the Lucky

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COLLINSVILLE - As the heat wave intensifies, a local nonprofit is looking for donations to help unhoused community members stay cool. Making A Difference is based out of Collinsville but serves people across the Greater St. Louis region. They are currently running low on water and need donations in order to supply water to unhoused neighbors. “We run 100% on donations. We’re 100% volunteer,” explained Jerry Price, who oversees the organization alongside his wife. “We’re just trying to help people. That’s our goal.” Twice a month, Price and his wife cook a meal and drive around the Greater St. Louis and Metro East regions to deliver the food to unhoused community members. They also have a community outreach based out of Caseyville Methodist Church where they store diapers, toys, household items, groceries, period products, pet food and more for those in need. This weekend, Price and his team will once again hit the streets to deliver

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ST. LOUIS - Summer has arrived, bringing hot weather with it. What better way to cool off than by enjoying some delicious ice cream with friends, especially during National Ice Cream Month. Thanks to President Ronald Reagan’s love for ice cream, the United States has recognized National Ice Cream Month every July since 1984. Long before 1984 though, Americans have been celebrating events with ice cream. Since the late 1800s, ice cream socials have provided opportunities for communities to gather, oftentimes to promote a good cause. This July, host your own ice cream social to bring friends and family together. Spending time with others while enjoying a favorite treat is a great way to reconnect and build a sense of well-being. “Ice cream is one of those universally liked foods that is often associated with good memories and nostalgia,” said Maggie Nosic, nutrition educator and registered dietitian with St. Louis District Dairy Council. “Building a summer social

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VENICE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that the McKinley Bridge from Bremen Street in Venice to 9th Street in St. Louis, MO., will be fully closed, weather permitting, from 9 p.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, until 5 a.m. Monday, June 30, 2025, for bridge deck sealing. The bridge is expected to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, June 30, 2025. Motorists must use an alternate route during this time. 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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Williamson County waterfowl hunting club shut down for illegal baiting Federal judge orders defendants to pay $71,500 BENTON – A district judge ordered a duck hunting club in Williamson County to shutter its doors for two years after the owner admitted to a federal charge for illegal baiting. Hugh Thomas Burns, Jr., 67, of Carbondale, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act by sale of wildlife in violation of federal law, as the sole owner of Burns Hunting Club, LLC. “Hunting and fishing are cherished traditions in Southern Illinois, and our office stands firmly behind sportsmen and women who enjoy those activities,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “But let’s be real: baiting a duck hunting landscape is like other forms of illegal poaching, which disadvantages honest hunters and violates federal law. The district court’s order to close this club demonstrates a commitment to protecting ethical and legal hunting

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Police (ISP), Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation (ISPHF), and family and friends unveiled the names of Trooper Corey Thompsen #7081 and Trooper Clay Carns #6512 on the ISP Memorial Park wall in Springfield during individual ceremonies on Friday. Both Trooper Thompsen and Trooper Carns were killed in the line of duty in 2024. “The names engraved on the ISP Memorial Park wall are not just letters in granite, but a reminder to honor all the brave ISP troopers who were so dedicated to public service, they laid down their lives for us,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Their service and sacrifice are now forever memorialized on the wall and will never be forgotten.” “The Illinois State Police Memorial Park wall is etched with the names of those ISP troopers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the people of Illinois,” said ISPHF Executive Director Jarod Ingebrigtsen. “The wall is a stark

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SPRINGFIELD – The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed Illinois’ first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) of 2025 in an individual from Southern Illinois who was hospitalized due to complications of the infection. About one in 150 people who contract the disease caused by a bite from an infected mosquito develop a severe illness that can affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves and even cause paralysis. The case marks the earliest onset of illness observed in Illinois since 2016, and underscores the risk posed by mosquito bites, especially to those who are over 65 or immunocompromised. So far in 2025, WNV has been confirmed in 19 counties. The first WNV-positive mosquito batch of this year was found May 9 in Rockford. In 2024, there were 69 confirmed human cases of WNV including 13 deaths, the highest number since 17 WNV-related human deaths recorded in 2018. “The fact that we are seeing the first human case of West Nile virus so early

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MARYVILLE. – Chestnut Health Systems™ opened an Ambulatory Withdrawal Management program, an outpatient alternative to inpatient withdrawal management, on Monday, June 16, 2025. This program expands access to care for individuals experiencing mild to moderate substance withdrawal. Located at 2148 Vadalabene Drive in Maryville, IL, the Ambulatory Withdrawal Management program provides a safe, structured setting where patients can begin their recovery journey without requiring hospitalization. Services include daily clinical assessments, medication support, case management, and behavioral health care — all delivered with Chestnut’s signature person-centered approach. “This is a vital addition to our continuum of care,” said Amy Gibbar, vice president of Integrated Care. “Ambulatory Withdrawal Management offers a flexible, accessible solution for individuals needing support during early withdrawal without inpatient admittance.” The

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (Il-02) forcefully questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. today as he appeared before the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee. She challenged his guidance change, announced through a video on X , ending COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for pregnant women and children. “It is clear that Health Secretary Kennedy received no serious input from medical experts in his unilateral decision to reverse COVID-19 vaccine recommendations,” said Rep. Kelly. “What concerns me is his lack of care for the consequences of his decision. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable to COVID – we saw that firsthand just a couple years ago when maternal deaths spiked during the pandemic. Vaccines are safe, effective, and the best medicine to prevent outbreaks.” “Secretary Kennedy's actions are proof that he is not fit for the job,” continued Rep. Kelly. “To the American people,

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ALTON — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, in partnership with the Wood River Drainage and Levee District, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, June 20, 2025, to mark the completion of the Upper Wood River Levee Underseepage Design Deficiency Correction Project. The event took place at the East Alton No. 1 Pump Station and celebrated a significant advancement in flood risk management for the region. The project addresses a known design deficiency in the levee system by implementing measures to control underseepage from the Mississippi River. Key improvements include the installation of 80 new relief wells, a drainage collection system, and the construction of an access road. These enhancements aim to increase the safety and reliability of the levee system, which protects approximately 31,000 residents, critical infrastructure, and 13,700 acres of property valued at $3.4 billion. “The completion of the project represents a major step forward

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O'FALLON - Curtis Newcomb was sworn in as the new Council Member for Ward 4 recently, bringing over a decade of public safety experience and a deep commitment to public service to the O'Fallon City Council. Newcomb, a lifelong resident of O’Fallon who now raises his own young family in the community, offers a unique perspective on the needs and values of the area. O'Fallon Mayor Eric Van Hook highlighted Newcomb’s background and approach, saying, “Curtis Newcomb was born and raised in O’Fallon, and now raises his own young family here — giving him a unique, lifelong perspective on the needs and values of our community. "With over a decade of experience in public safety and a deep commitment to public service, Curtis brings both practical insight and heartfelt dedication to the role. His collaborative approach and focus on responsible growth and resident well-being will make him a strong advocate for Ward 4 and a tremendous asset to our City

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ALTON - Greater Glory Christian Academy aims to get kids excited about God. The Academy is currently in its fourth week of summer camp, which runs through July 25, 2025. Camp is open to children ages 3–12 and costs $90 a week, and CHASI is accepted. Andrika Cooley explained that she loves working with the kids and teaching them about the Bible while enjoying fun activities. “What makes it special for us is that the children come in excited,” she said. “We’re able to really love on them, and they love on us. We learn from the children and the families as we’re teaching.” Kids spend their days at camp completing crafts, participating in STEM activities, playing with hands-on sensory stations, enjoying outdoor games, and learning about the Bible. They also have a weekly “water day” where they go to the Splash Pad at Riverfront Park in Alton. Camp runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every weekday, with before and after care options

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Christian Employers Alliance (CEA) and other coalition partners have achieved a significant legislative victory as the Senate Finance Committee has approved CEA-backed language that would extend a vital tax credit aimed at helping employers provide benefits to hardworking families when most needed. With House approval already in hand , CEA and its coalition of faith-driven business leaders have successfully urged key members of the Senate to extend the IRS Section 45S Employer Credit for Paid Family and Medical Leave . Hundreds of thousands of hardworking families could be devastated if the credit expires as currently scheduled on December 31, 2025. CEA President Margaret Iuculano addressed Senate members and staff this week on the Hill, arguing in support of the credit on a panel hosted by the Blueprint for Life Pro-Life Coalition. Iuculano says the Senate Finance Committee’s action validates the coalition’s efforts

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EDWARDSVILLE — A fatal crash at the intersection of Troy Road and Goshen Road claimed the life of a Glen Carbon man Monday evening, June 23, 2025, Edwardsville Police said Tuesday morning, June 24, 2025. The Edwardsville Police Department responded to the scene at approximately 7 p.m. on June 23, 2025. The Edwardsville Police released information Tuesday morning and said after a preliminary investigation that a 2014 silver Ford Focus, driven by a 26-year-old Edwardsville man, was turning left from Center Grove Road onto Troy Road and struck a 2015 black Yamaha YZF-R6 motorcycle traveling westbound through the intersection. The motorcycle’s sole rider, a 29-year-old male from Glen Carbon, was pronounced dead at the scene by staff from the Madison County Coroner’s Office. The Illinois State Police were contacted to conduct the technical crash reconstruction, while the Edwardsville Police Department continues the overall investigation. Authorities have not released

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