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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville conferred degrees upon 2292 eligible graduates during May 2025 commencement exercises, held Friday and Saturday, May 9-10, 2025 in the First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center. The SIUE spring commencement weekend included six graduation ceremonies, led by Denise Cobb, PhD, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and respective deans. Throughout the ceremonies significant moments included inspiring keynotes, recognition of the 2025 Distinguished Service Award and a memorable appearance by this year’s Golden Graduates, filling the celebrations with Cougar pride. Commencement began at 10 a.m., Friday, with the School of Business ceremony where Provost Cobb welcomed family members and supporters. Cobb introduced the day’s first student speaker, winner of the Outstanding Senior Award and a student leader who “embodies a commitment to service and innovation,” Kashish Tandon. Tandon earne

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ALTON - Brayden Drew, a 150-pound junior wrestler, had another outstanding season. He earned his second sectional trip in the 2024-2025 season. He is an Auto Butler Male Athlete of the Month for the Redbirds. Drew secured his spot in the sectional tournament after winning the Edwardsville Regional. Entering the regional as the second seed, Drew claimed the championship by defeating Belleville East’s Xander Good with a score of 13-4. This victory marks Drew’s second trip to the sectional tournament this year. Over the course of the season, he accumulated 37 wins prior to the sectional, demonstrating consistent performance on the mat. Alton coach Eric Roberson expressed pride in Drew’s progress and outlook. “I’m proud of Brayden’s development and his future as a wrestler,” Roberson said.

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ST. LOUIS - Community members have the opportunity to honor an 18-year-old U.S. Army member who was killed in the line of duty 75 years ago. The Flagman’s Mission Continues is a community of volunteers that creates a memorial of flags for active service members’ funerals. At 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, they’re asking volunteers to come to Shepard Funeral Chapel in St. Louis to put up 600 flags in honor of Corporal Frederick Carrino, who was killed in North Korea during the Korean War and buried as an Unknown Soldier in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific until his remains were identified last year. Jeff Hastings, who oversees The Flagman’s Mission Continues, explained that they hope to create a memorial of flags lining the street to the chapel before Carrino’s service on Thursday, May 15, 2025. The organization also needs volunteers to take down the flags at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025. Hastings noted that their work would no

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WASHINGTON, DC - Yesterday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Australian Ambassador to the U.S. Kevin Rudd, and United Kingdom Ambassador the U.S. Peter Mandelson met with business and technology leaders to discuss boosting collaboration and advancing innovation in the fast-growing quantum industries. As part of the event, the three leaders participated in a quantum roundtable alongside leading international quantum companies, highlighting opportunities for joint research and design efforts, cross-border partnerships, and workforce development. Illinois also signed a letter of intent which will see Australian technology firm Diraq expand its US footprint to the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park as a tenant. Diraq is working on technology that supports quantum computers in the exchange of information. “Illinois is on a mission to be at the center of the growing quantum industry, and is proud to be one of only a few states in the nation to invest in infrastructure and partnerships

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ALTON/GODFREY - A fallen tree caused a power outage affecting 2,220 customers in the Alton-Godfrey area on Tuesday morning, May 13, 2025, Ameren Illinois spokesperson Brian Bretsch reported. The tree fell on the power lines near Fairmount Avenue and McKinley Boulevard in Alton. "The outage was the result of the tree falling onto power lines, disrupting service in the area," Bretsch said. "By mid-morning, all customers had their power restored after crews rerouted them to alternate power sources nearby," Bretsch added. Ameren Illinois said tree trimmers were expected to arrive soon to remove the tree. "Following the removal, utility crews will begin repairs on any damaged power lines and work to place the wires back onto the pole," Bretsch said. "Once repairs are complete, customers will be switched back to their primary distribution source."

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, today met with Lt. Gen. John Healy, Chief of the Air Force Reserve, to discuss military readiness and supporting the mission of the 932nd Airlift Wing at Scott Air Force Base. Over the last four years, Durbin has protected the 932nd Airlift Wing from disinvestment, securing nearly $60 million for aircraft upgrades to help maintain C-40 aircraft flown by the Wing’s service members. “Scott Air Force Base, including the work done by the 932nd Airlift Wing, is critical to our nation’s military readiness. Today, I met with Lt. Gen. Healy, Chief of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, to discuss how Congress can best support our service members as they carry out their mission,” said Durbin. “As a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I will continue to invest in the logistics capabilities of our military members stationed

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EDWARDSVILLE - During the regular Board of Education meeting on May 12, 2025, the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 outlined a few of the construction projects planned for this summer. “This is probably going to be the busiest summer of construction that anybody in our community remembers,” said Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton. “I don’t know that there’s been a busier summer.” Shelton added that this was a nonexhaustive list, and other smaller maintenance projects will also take place once students are out of the buildings. District Architect Alex Metzger went through each major project with the Board of Education. Secure double entries will be installed at Columbus, Edwardsville High School, Glen Carbon, Hamel, Leclaire, Woodland, the Jon Davis Wrestling Center and EHS South. This construction will be funded by the 2023 bond. Metzger explained that 95% of D7 buildings will have an SSO entry, meaning that the exterior doors

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WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Governor Pritzker met with the United Kingdom’s Ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, as part of his ongoing efforts to strengthen Illinois’ economic relationships with critical international trading partners. Governor Pritzker and Ambassador Mandelson reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the decades-long bilateral trade ties between the State of Illinois and the United Kingdom in key sectors of economic collaboration, including chemicals, computer products, and manufactured and fabricated metal products. The Governor reiterated that the State of Illinois will continue to be a strong and steady trading partner that offers certainty and reliability amid ongoing changes to tariffs that tax consumers and businesses. The Governor and Ambassador discussed the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding between Illinois and the United Kingdom, emphasizing their continued collaboration focused on increasing trade, addressing barriers,

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - The Fairview Heights Police Department announced the addition of two new officers, Cody Randolph and Slater McVeigh, who will begin their training at the police academy later this month. Both Randolph and McVeigh have prior military service and are transitioning to roles in local law enforcement. The department expressed its welcome to the new recruits and acknowledged their commitment to serving the community.

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SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has fully obligated $157,126,494 in federal funding for the final segment of the Springfield Rail Improvements Project (SRIP), allowing construction to move forward. The multi-phased project is a large-scale effort supported by local, state, and federal funding designed to alleviate rail congestion in downtown Springfield by consolidating train traffic from Third Street to 10th Street and constructing a series of overpasses and underpasses along the corridor. The funding will also provide for the construction of a new Transportation Center. “Securing funding for the Springfield Rail Improvements Project has been a top priority of mine, and with the funding now finalized, we’re one step closer to transforming our downtown, reducing rail noise, and making our streets safer. This project

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BREESE — 16-year-old Macy M. Haar, a junior at Breese Central Community High School, died in a crash involving a Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) shortly before 3 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The incident occurred near Breese, just south of Central High School’s parking lot. Clinton County Sheriff's Office said four vehicles, including two UTVs and a Chevrolet Silverado, left the parking lot and traveled south on Drive In Road at or near the speed limit, based on multiple witness accounts. "The lead vehicle, a 2023 Polaris Ranger UTV driven by Haar, began swerving for unknown reasons approximately half a mile south of Highline Road. A 2018 Honda Pioneer UTV, traveling directly behind the Ranger, attempted to pass by pulling to the left. As the Pioneer moved alongside the Ranger, the Ranger accelerated, making it difficult for the Pioneer to complete the pass. "At the same time, a northbound vehicle was approaching. The Pioneer managed to accelerate and merge in front o

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ALTON - Ameren Illinois spokesperson Brian Bretsch confirmed on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, that 2,200 customers in the Alton-Godfrey vicinity were without power around 8:45 a.m. after a downed power line. Crews are in the process of re-routing impacted customers to offer electric sources, he said. "Crews will make the repairs to the downed line," he added. More information to come.

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Did you know that nearly 70% of homeowners attempt at least one DIY project annually, yet over half abandon their plans midway due to poor preparation or lack of clear goals? The desire to personalize living spaces and save costs drives many to pick up tools and materials, but success often hinges on the approach taken at the very start. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a first-timer, understanding how to effectively initiate a project can mean the difference between a satisfying transformation and a frustrating ordeal. Defining Your Project Purpose and Scope Before diving into any DIY endeavor, it’s essential to clarify what you want to achieve. Are you looking to enhance aesthetics, increase functionality, or address a specific household problem? For example, a simple repainting job can freshen a room’s look, whereas building custom shelving might solve storage challenges. Identify Your Goals: Write down your project objectives. This focused approach

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May 13th has been a day marked by remarkable events across the globe, spanning centuries and touching on a variety of fields. Turning the clock back several centuries, on May 13, 1846, the United States declared war on Mexico, initiating the Mexican-American War. This conflict arose from disputes over territory following the annexation of Texas by the U.S. and was a crucial moment in shaping the borders of the modern United States and Mexico. The war concluded with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, resulting in the U.S. acquiring vast territories including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of several other states. Although a short-lived conflict, the war had lasting repercussions on the political and social landscapes of both nations. In an entirely different sphere, May 13, 1917, is remembered for the first apparition of Our Lady of Fátima in Portugal. This event holds deep religious and cultural significance, especially within the Catholic community.

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ALTON – The Alton Committee of the Whole quickly and unanimously passed a redevelopment agreement on Monday for the next Germania Brew Haus location. Germania Owner Carolyn Brynildsen announced in March that the beloved local coffee shop would be moving from its original location at 617 E. Broadway, which remains open until the new location is built at 700 E. Broadway. The next Brew Haus will feature a dedicated drive-thru, rooftop seating, and all-season patio seating. Committee members on Monday approved a redevelopment agreement between the city and G1 Germania Brew Haus Alton, LLC, to redevelop the property at 700 E. Broadway in Alton. The scope of the project mostly consists of laying the groundwork for the future location, including “site excavation, grading, utility installation, and site paving,” according to the agreement. Germania would agree to have this work completed within one year of the agreement’s execution. Under the current agreement

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ALTON - Community members of all ages can come out for REC Fest to learn more about outdoor activities, safety and fun this summer. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, the National Great Rivers Museum will host REC Fest to promote Recreation, Exploration and Conservation. Attendees can explore informational booths, take a tour of the Melvin Price Lock and Dam, enjoy animal shows, explore police and fire vehicles, win prizes and more. “It just got legs and became our largest event of the year,” joked Allison Kennington with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rivers Project. “The idea is to just kick off the warmer season, the recreation season, and teach people the different ways we can recreate along the river and in the Riverbend area and how to do it safely.” The National Great Rivers Museum (NGRM) will host over 30 partners on May 17. Kids are invited to visit each informational booth and receive stamps on their “passport.”

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ST. LOUIS — Detectives from the St Louis Police Department are seeking the public’s help in identifying and locating five suspects involved in a robbery that occurred on May 4, 2025, outside a convenience store in the 2900 block of Vandeventer. According to a preliminary investigation, at approximately 7 p.m., two male victims, ages 18 and 21, were exiting the store when they were confronted by three armed male suspects. Two additional armed males were positioned across the street, observing the scene. The suspects, all armed with handguns, demanded the victims’ property, then forcibly took wallets, an iPhone, and a Coach bookbag from them. Following the robbery, the suspects instructed the victims to leave and fled the scene. The investigation remains active as authorities work to identify and apprehend the suspects. Officials urge anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477) or the Fourth District detectives at 314-444-2500. CrimeStoppers

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MADISON COUNTY — First responders responded to a vehicle fire on Interstate 255 just south of Interstate 270 shortly after 3 p.m. Monday, May 12, 2025. The Mitchell and Long Lake Fire Departments arrived to find an SUV fully engulfed in flames. Pontoon Beach authorities and the Illinois State Police assisted with traffic control in the area. Officials reported no injuries resulting from the incident.

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY — A 29-year-old man from Shiloh died early Sunday morning, May 11, 2025, after his vehicle overturned and exploded into fire on an interstate exit ramp, authorities said. Jalal Hamed was pronounced dead at 7:06 a.m. on May 11, 2025, at the scene of the crash, the St. Clair County coroner’s office confirmed. Illinois State Police Troop 8 responded to the single-vehicle crash at approximately 6:03 a.m. on the southbound I-55 exit ramp to I-64 in St. Clair County. ISP said preliminary information indicates Hamed was the sole occupant of a white Infiniti that overturned and became fully engulfed in flames. No further details about the crash or its cause have been released by ISP.

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) released the following statement after Hamas released American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander: “Edan Alexander is returning home after more than 19 months in brutal captivity by Hamas. I’m thinking of Edan and his family as they begin to recover and heal from unimaginable pain. “I urge for the continued release of all hostages, including the remains of four Americans to provide families with closure. We must secure a lasting peace in Gaza for Palestinians, Israelis and the Middle East region.”

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