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ALTON – Multiple Riverbend residents with prior felony convictions have been charged with illegally possessing firearms in separate criminal cases. Jermaine D. Stiff, 44, of Alton, was charged on June 2, 2025 with a Class X felony count of possession of a firearm by a repeat felony offender, as well as a Class 2 felony count of felon in possession of a weapon. Stiff allegedly possessed a firearm on May 28, 2025 after previously being convicted of several felony offenses, including aggravated discharge of a firearm in 1999, home invasion in 2004, felon in possession of a firearm in 2006, and residential burglary in 2006. A petition to deny Stiff’s pretrial release from custody was filed by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. The petition states he was seen on surveillance video shooting the firearm he illegally possessed. “Officers were dispatched to a report of multiple shots fired,” the petition states. “Detectives began reviewing

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TROY – Troy Police have arrested a Worden man for his second domestic battery offense, interfering with the reporting of domestic battery, and more. Roy A. LaFountain, 27, of Worden, was charged on June 5, 2025 with his second or subsequent offense of domestic battery (a Class 4 felony), unlawful restraint (a Class 4 felony), interfering with the reporting of domestic battery (a Class A misdemeanor) and criminal damage to property (a Class A misdemeanor). On June 2, 2025, LaFountain allegedly struck a household or family member about the body with his hands. He is additionally accused of unlawfully restraining the victim at a residence in Troy, seizing the victim’s cell phone to prevent them from reporting the act of domestic violence, and causing under $500 in damage to their cell phone and television. LaFountain had previously been convicted of aggravated domestic battery in a 2019 Macoupin County case. He was also under an active Order of Protection at the time of

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PIASA - Thor Springman, a sophomore at Southwestern High School, emerged as a key contributor during the 2025 track and field season with notable performances in distance events. Thor is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of Month for the Piasa Birds. Springman posted a personal best of 4:46.13 in the 1,600 meters at the Jokisch-Grandone Invitational, marking a significant improvement from his freshman year. He also competed in the 3,200 meters at the IHSA Class 1A Sectional at North Mac, finishing third with a time of 10:17. He posted a time of 2:10.40 in the 800 meters at the Staunton Quad Meet. His efforts were vital to the success of the Southwestern Piasa Birds, as he led the team in total points and earned the distinction of Most Valuable Performer for the season. Looking ahead, Springman will continue his athletic pursuits this fall with Southwestern’s cross country team before transitioning to basketball for the winter season.

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ALTON - As summer kicks off, a local psychotherapist has advice for busy families who are dealing with the stress of the transition. Lisa Lawrence, LCSW, works with OSF St. Anthony’s Psychological Services Department to serve young kids and their families. She noted that summer can be a big transition for families as they welcome their children home from school, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. “Allow grace and space for the family to transition to summertime itself,” Lawrence advised. “All of it happens so quickly and then we’re in summertime. All of our schedules have changed, and it’s kind of like, what are we doing, where are we supposed to be, how are we getting there? So I think just mindfulness towards that. How are we doing with the schedules? Are we maintaining proper sleep and are we eating, are we having water, do we know where we’re going? Those kinds of things.” Summer can be a great opportunity for

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EDWARDSVILLE - EXO Lounge has a special offering for powerful women who wish to connect. “Boss Bish Thursdays” kick off every Thursday at 5 p.m. at EXO Lounge in Edwardsville. EXO owner Gina Gamblin explained that this is an “elevated ladies’ night” that aims to empower women and give them the opportunity to network with other leaders. “I think a group of women together can do marvelous things,” Gamblin said. “I believe you become the person who you surround yourself with. And I think everybody wants to be their best self. If you surround yourself with powerful women, you become powerful.” On Thursdays, women are invited to EXO for an evening of self-care. In addition to EXO’s normal nail bar and med spa offerings, attendees can also enjoy specialty cocktails and a live DJ playing music by female powerhouses. Gamblin noted that EXO’s kitchen will drop a new menu on Thursday, June 12, 2025, with foo

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ST. LOUIS — A local family displaced by an EF3 tornado that struck their neighborhood in St. Louis is seeking community support to recover from the disaster. Debbie Boukas, a Belleville grandmother, is organizing a GoFundMe fundraiser to help her daughter, her daughter’s partner, and their young son, Banner, who were forced to leave their home due to unsafe living conditions following the storm. The tornado, which tore through the area recently, left their apartment structurally intact but contaminated with hazardous materials, including debris, asbestos, lead paint, and fiberglass. These conditions pose a particular health risk to Banner, her grandson, who has asthma. The family was fortunate to be at a movie theater when the tornado hit, avoiding physical harm, but they returned to significant damage and disruption. “We’re starting over,” Boukas said in her fundraiser description. Her daughter, a graduate student in social work with multiple health issues,

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GODFREY - Lewis and Clark Community College’s College for Life program has received a $10,000 boost. The College for Life program offers classes and college experiences for adults with disabilities. On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Cargill, Inc. presented the program with a $10,000 grant that they will use to start a Special Olympics team. “Today is a celebration of our shared commitment to inclusion, opportunity, and the power of community,” said Rosie Ellington, director of the program. “College for Life has become more than just a program. It’s a movement towards creating lasting, inclusive pathways for all learners.” Ellington explained that Joe Fletcher, a College for Life parent who works at Cargill, alerted her to the grant opportunity through Cargill’s Community Cares grant program. Ellington and Emily DeGrand worked together to create a grant proposal. With the money, they plan to host a summer event with the College for Life student

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ALTON — The Alton Police Department honored officers and telecommunicators Friday afternoon, June 6, 2025, for their bravery and teamwork. Chief Jarrett Ford presented the Medal of Valor to Detective Sergeant Patrick Bennett, Sergeant Joseph Splittorff, Detective Doug Hubbard, Police Field Corporals Jeff Thornton, Andrew Henderson, Allen Averbeck, and Police Officer Lane Lawson. The medal recognizes acts of outstanding bravery, personal courage, selflessness, and devotion to duty during the chaotic and dangerous response. In addition, Chief Ford awarded the department’s first-ever Outstanding Team Award to a group of officers, detectives, and telecommunicators whose combined efforts in two connected shooting investigations culminated in the August incident. Recipients included Deputy Chief Dustin Christner, Lieutenant Jim Siatos, Detective Sergeants Bennett and Andrew Pierson, Sergeants Splittorff, Rob DeWall, and Stephen January, Detectives Lee Bazzell, Jake Custer, Daniel

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ALTON — The Alton Police Department announced two key promotions during a recent ceremony, highlighting the department’s commitment to leadership and community service. Chief Jarrett Ford promoted Sergeant Andrew Pierson to Lieutenant and named him the new Chief of Detectives. In this role, Lt. Pierson will lead the Criminal Investigation Division. Ford noted that Pierson brings years of investigative experience, leadership, and dedication to the position. Additionally, Patrolman First Class Mary Maggart was promoted to Sergeant and will serve in the Patrol Division. According to Chief Ford, Sgt. Maggart has demonstrated strong leadership skills, a proactive training mentality, and a consistent commitment to serving the Alton community. The department expressed confidence in both officers’ abilities to make a continued impact in their new roles.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) introduced the bipartisan VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act to expand the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) outreach to veterans about mental health services. By requiring VA to conduct proactive outreach to veterans with mental health-related service-connected disabilities, the legislation would ease the burden on veterans to navigate the VA system and access mental health care. “Many veterans struggle with the invisible wounds of war, and they are often unaware of where to turn for support. It’s critical that we provide our veterans with the knowledge and resources to prosper following their service to our nation,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “Navigating the VA should never be an added burden on our veterans and this legislation will help make the first step easier to get connected with the care they need.” “Veterans

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ALTON - At Alton Godfrey Rotary’s meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025, club President Donna Bemis presented a check for $15,000 from Alton Godfrey Rotary to Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow to help fund the National Memorial of Military Ascent that is currently under development in Grafton. Mayor Morrow presented details of the project to the Rotarians. The Memorial will be set against the limestone bluffs in Grafton overlooking the Mississippi River. The centerpiece of this memorial will be life-sized bronze statues of U.S. Army Rangers placed along the bluff, replicating the climb they endured to reach the top of Pointe Du Hoc cliffs on Omaha Beach as part of the initial D-Day landings. Plans for the Memorial include tributes to all who have served, and will include educational events, interactive and immersion experiences, and walkways designed to foster an enhanced historical perspective of the D-Day events. Morrow explained that the memorial will be a place of solemn reflection where

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and U.S. Representative Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04) in leading 96 of their colleagues in pressing for answers from the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State around the decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghan nationals living in the United States. The lawmakers’ letter, sent to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, notes the devastating impact of this decision, including on the many Afghans who supported the U.S. military during the war in Afghanistan and who face significant danger upon their return. “We write with deep concern about the Department of Homeland Security’s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan, which is scheduled to take effect on July 14, 2025. This decision is devastating

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SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker announced today that the State of Illinois has teamed up with two leading Chicago Hospitals – Rush University Medical Center and the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago – to serve as Elite Special Pathogen Treatment Centers for "High-Consequence Pathogens." Under two agreements with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the hospitals will upgrade their capacity to treat people suffering from high-consequence pathogens. The term refers to highly infectious diseases that pose a threat to public safety, such as such Ebola virus, Lassa fever and pneumonic plague. The agreement with the two world-class, Chicago-based healthcare leaders is one of a series of steps that IDPH is taking to strengthen its global surveillance efforts in the wake of the federal government pulling out of the World Health Organization (WHO) and cutting funding for the US Department of Health and Human Services. “Here

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Marquette Catholic High School 2025 Spring Honor Roll/High Honor Roll High Honor Roll Seniors: Ava Albers, Izabela Albers, Lily Berkenbile, Samantha Booth, Sophie Borman, Rose Brangenberg, Matthew Cain, Alyssa Coles, Quinn Copeland, Lily Covert, Payton Crane, Jordyn Dase, Cassidy Eccles, Nola Effinger, Sophia Elliott, Marian Elmendorf, William Fahnestock, Addison Groshans, Caleb Harteis, Carter Harteis, Radley Hoener, Nicholas Koeller, Lucia Lonero, Paul Marturana, Alayiah Misuraca, Karson Morrissey, Addison Pranger, Jackson Pruitt, Brooke Rister, Chloe Roberts, Kel'C Robinson, Tyler Roth, Erin Schwartz, Grace Schwegel, Ania Sneed, Chloe Steele, Maya Stephan, Davin Thomas, Eleanor Tiemann, Claire Varble, James Wacker, Summer Watson, Tyra Wells, Elliotte Williams, Taelor Williams, Andrew Zacha, Rodger Zawodniak Juniors: Carson Bauer, Cali Bequette, Adelaide Bryson, Caroline Cain, Elizabeth Callahan, Karly Davenport, Laila Davis, Isabel Downey, Sharon Dugas, Jessica Eales,

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ST. LOUIS - The outlook for commodities and the barge industry were front and center June 5 during a virtual FreightWeekSTL panel session hosted by the St. Louis Regional Freightway. Ken Eriksen, Managing Member and Strategic Advisor at Polaris Analytics & Consulting, highlighted the economic value of the Mississippi River Ship Channel and its significance to the freight industry and the St. Louis region. Eriksen also provided an overview of the evolving landscape of agriculture and barge transport, underscoring the region’s critical role in global trade. Eriksen provided preliminary insights on the soon to be released Mississippi River Ship Channel market study commissioned by the Big River Coalition and funded by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. He explained the vital importance of the Mississippi River Ship Channel -- which stretches from Baton Rouge into the Gulf of America to the Southwest Pass -- to global trade. Findings show that vessels loaded

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There are always the same 24 hours in a day, but somehow when we hit spring, it can seem like we get some extra time. With more daylight and warmer weather, the days can just feel like they’re expanding. And with that shift can come a boost in our energy and motivation to tackle lingering projects on our to-do lists: Rearranging cluttered closets, cleaning out junk drawers and more. But outside of classic spring-cleaning tasks, this can also include some important — and often pretty simple — steps to improve our health. For many of us, health screenings may be the most common items on this list. These tests can help find risk factors and diseases earlier when they’re easier to treat or prevent. They include the types of screening tests that may first come to mind — a mammogram looking for breast cancer, a colonoscopy looking for colon cancer or a CT scan looking for lung cancer. But they also include other types of screenings for conditions that increase

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GREENE COUNTY – The Greene County Health Department is proud to announce it has been awarded $50,000 in grant funding from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to support the development and implementation of an Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) Team. This initiative is part of IDPH’s ongoing efforts to reduce overdose deaths in Illinois through collaborative, data-driven community responses. This grant will support Greene County in establishing a multidisciplinary team that will systematically review overdose fatalities in the region. The team will include representatives from public health, law enforcement, the Greene County Sheriff, the Greene County State’s Attorney, the Public Defender, emergency medical services, behavioral health, peer support teams, the Greene County Coroner's office, and other relevant stakeholders. Together, they will identify missed opportunities for prevention and recommend actionable strategies to save lives. The initiative

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ALTON - At its Annual May Meeting, the Alton Community Service League announced Cathy Droste as the 2025 winner of the Silver Bowl Award. The Silver Bowl is awarded to the member who has recorded the highest number of volunteer and League hours for the year. For the 2024-2025 League Year, Cathy recorded 179 hours for League activities and 198 community hours for a total of 377 hours. The total value of her volunteer hours is $12,625.73. During the summer months, League Members will continue to deadhead roses on Mondays at the Nan Elliott Memorial Rose Garden at Gordon Moore Park. Members were also invited to sign up to assist in watering the Alton Memorial Hospital Healing Gardens. Officers installed for the 2025-2026 League Year include: Pat Cooper, President; Mary Molloy, President Elect/Membership; Deb Tchoukaleff, Recording Secretary; Debra Olinde, Corresponding Secretary; Joanne Adams, Treasurer; Nancy Johnson, Assistant Treasurer; and Cathy Droste, Past President. Committee

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today issued a statement in support of a lawsuit California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed against President Trump, the Department of Defense and Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in response to their unlawful orders to federalize the California National Guard. “I stand in solidarity with my colleague Attorney General Rob Bonta regarding his legal challenge to Donald Trump’s unprecedented order directing the National Guard to respond to lawful protesters. The administration’s actions to federalize the National Guard are inappropriate and have escalated circumstances unnecessarily in Los Angeles. President Trump has further inflamed the situation by taking the extraordinary action of ordering Marines to be deployed on American soil. While shocking, both actions are consistent with President Trump’s other attempts to move our democracy toward authoritarianism. “Our Constitution protects the right t

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced today that 21 additional professions are now available for licensure via the Department's new online licensing system, CORE (Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment). Today’s announcement marks the successful completion of CORE’s Phase 2.1, with additional parts of Phase 2 set for completion in the coming weeks. The Department will announce when each part of Phase 2 is completed, including which professions are added to CORE. “The expansion of CORE means increased accessibility for applicants, ensuring more qualified professionals can obtain their licenses in a timely and efficient manner,” said IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr. “We are now one step closer to making CORE available for all license types, ultimately benefiting both consumers and professionals alike across Illinois.” Phase 2 focuses on adding license types to CORE that are currently

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