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SPRINGFIELD — Rep. Amy Elik addressed members of the North Alton-Godfrey Business Association this week, providing an overview of recent legislative developments in Illinois, including the passage of the FY 26 state budget, drug affordability efforts, and her own legislative initiatives. Elik said the FY 26 state budget, the Build Illinois Multi-Year Plan (BIMP), and the accompanying revenue package were passed just before the May 31 deadline after what she described as “Democrats conspired behind closed doors to raise taxes to pay for pork projects, raise their own pay, and fund services for illegal immigrants.” A significant portion of Elik’s remarks focused on the Prescription Drug Affordability Act (HB1697), which passed both the House and Senate. The legislation aims to lower drug costs by regulating pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), who are often accused of inflating drug prices. Elik described the act as “extremely complex, complicated, and

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GODFREY — Senator Erica Harriss, reflecting on her third budget season at the statehouse, said the process remains rushed and opaque. “Illinois families are making tough choices to pay their bills, but the government keeps getting bigger,” she said. Harriss was a speaker with Rep. Amy Elik at the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council this week. "The 2024 budget incorporates several new revenue sources, including one-time funds such as $228 million from Tax Amnesty and $171 million from pausing the sales tax shift on motor fuel to the Road Fund," she said. "New taxes and fees also take effect: a sports betting wager tax starting July 1, 2025, expected to generate $36 million; a hotel-like tax on short-term rentals adding $10 million; an increase in tobacco taxes from 36% to 45% on wholesale prices, including e-cigarettes, projected to bring in $50 million; and a telecommunications tax hike from 7% to 8.65%, partially funding the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline,

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today hosted members of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce in his Washington office to discuss economic development and infrastructure investment in Central Illinois. During the meeting, Durbin and the local leaders spoke about the Springfield Rail Improvements Project , which Durbin has helped secure more than $247 million in federal funding to complete. Durbin also responded to the organization’s concerns that the Trump Administration will continue to delay or slash federal grants that have helped support the state’s education programs, airport renovations, and infrastructure upgrades for waterlines, emergency services, and the electric grid. “Rightfully, local leaders with the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce are concerned about the future of federal funding for local projects and priorities in Central Illinois,” said Durbin. “While the Trump Administration is a force

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—criticized Donald Trump’s deployment of 700 Marines into Los Angeles while questioning Commandant of the Marine Corps General Eric M. Smith during today’s hearing. Duckworth’s remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube . “I don’t condone violence or property destruction, but using active-duty Marines this way sets a dangerous precedent that risks damaging public trust in our military and politicizing a military force that must remain mission-focused,” said Duckworth. “President Trump is asking Marines to be away from their families for a situation that the President himself said yesterday was ‘simmering, but not very much.’ Sending troops to turn on their own communities puts our troops at risk, and it degrades our rights and the democracy every member of our military swor

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke by phone with leadership of BJC Health System, which has hospitals in both Illinois and Missouri, as well as UnityPoint Health, which has hospitals in both Illinois and Iowa, to discuss the impact that President Trump’s and congressional Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act will have on Medicaid, their hospitals, and the patients they serve. In short, the Republican bill will slash Medicaid coverage in order to pay for significant tax breaks for billionaires. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act cuts $800 billion from Medicaid and $300 billion from the Affordable Care Act (ACA), resulting in 16 million Americans losing health insurance coverage. Under the Republican bill, 498,674 people in Illinois, 106,781 people in Iowa, and 250,397 people in Missouri are projected to lose their health insurance coverage . “President Trump and congressional Republicans are coming for your health

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EDWARDSVILLE - Veteran Jared Jess recently graduated from SIUE with a master’s degree, and he’s sharing his story to inspire other military members and first-generation students. Jess’s path to SIUE wasn’t linear. After his active duty service, he knew he wanted to go to college but wasn’t sure where to begin. He credits the Warrior-Scholar Project, an “academic boot camp,” with helping him get the head start he needed. “Ultimately, I would say, if you’re a veteran and you are thinking about going back to school, or maybe you even started going to school but you’re struggling in places and you think you could benefit from an academic boot camp like this, I would say just sign up, because it’s only going to help,” Jess said. “It may seem like a big step, and a lot of times veterans can be hard-headed or stuck in their ways, however we want to put it. But it’s only going to help, and it’s goin

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Did you know that Father’s Day, as we know it today, was officially recognized in the United States only in 1972? Despite its relatively recent formal adoption, the celebration of fathers has roots that stretch back over a century, reflecting evolving societal values about fatherhood and family. Far from being just another commercial holiday, Father’s Day carries rich historical significance and offers a meaningful opportunity to honor the diverse roles fathers play in our lives. The Origins of Father’s Day: A Historical Overview The story of Father’s Day begins in the early 20th century, a time of growing recognition of the importance of fathers beyond traditional breadwinning roles. While Mother’s Day was officially established in 1914, Father’s Day took a bit longer to gain national traction. One of the earliest recorded celebrations occurred on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington. Sonora Smart Dodd, inspired by the example of her own father—a

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June 11 has long been a day marked by significant events that have shaped the world in diverse ways. June 11, 1509, saw the ascension of King Henry VIII to the English throne following the death of his father, Henry VII. Henry VIII’s reign would go on to have profound religious and political implications, including the English Reformation and the establishment of the Church of England. His rule is often remembered for its dramatic shifts in governance and the complex legacy he left behind through his six marriages and break from the Catholic Church. Fast forward to the 20th century, June 11, 1963, marked a significant moment in civil rights history when President John F. Kennedy delivered a landmark speech calling for civil rights legislation. This address was a crucial step toward the eventual passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which aimed to end segregation and discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Kennedy's speech helped galvanize

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GLEN CARBON – New water mains and asphalt resurfacing are coming to certain streets in Glen Carbon. The Village Board of Trustees on Tuesday approved a $712,609.14 bid from Kamex Inc. for the small main replacement program. This was the lowest of three total bids received for the project. The full scope of the project includes the replacement of 4-inch cast iron water mains along certain sections of Austin, Collinsville, Summit, and Sunset Avenues in Glen Carbon. The old water mains will be replaced with new 8-inch PVC mains before each roadway is milled and overlayed with a new hot-mix asphalt surface. Mayor Bob Marcus asked how many more phases of the small main replacement program are left, and if all the work is taking place in the village’s “Old Town” neighborhood. Public Works Director Scott Slemer gave a cost-dependent estimate that the work could be completed in one or two more phases, and confirmed it would all take place in Old Town. Trustee Ben

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2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR – 2ND SEMESTER Senior High Honors: Audrey Gilman, Joy Hurley, Grant Kronable, Abby McCasland, Anna Oswald, Lacy Pohlman, Jacob Snyders, Jack Webster, Kate Zipprich Senior Honors: Luke Brannan, Seth Deffenbaugh, Jolene Fanning, Jenna Fraley, Patrick Friedel, Claire Gould, Caden Hayn, Jacob Hillen, Jackson Hinrichs Graner, Josephine Hoagland, Charles Lorsbach IV, Elaina Roth, Wyatt Sibley Junior High Honors: Hannah Klaas, Mia Krysl, Emma Rose, Mary Squier, Jack Zipprich Junior Honors: Addison Becker, Reagan Clendenny, Anabel Eilerman, Marissa Fraley, John Glynn, Jack Goode, Stella Gress, Tyler Grimes, Layla Johnson, Sadie Kiel, Karleigh Mason, Tamara Osterman, Carly Pohlman, Hudson Roth, Kiera Sievers Sophomore High Honors: Lucy Baalman, Peyton Baalman, Tanner Churchman, Ian Gilman, Jordan Hillen, Gabriella Hurley, Grace Hurley, Lucy Hurley, Elizabeth McCasland, Lilly Pelletier, Ethan Wickenhauser Sophomore Honors: Caroline Adams, Noah

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ALTON - Alton couple Dale and Carol Neudecker were recently honored by Pride Inc. with the Legacy Award for their decades of dedication to beautifying the community. The Neudeckers have been instrumental in numerous projects in Alton, including the creation of the Bucket Brigade, which has organized volunteers to paint more than 1,500 houses over the years. Their efforts also include installing planters and lampposts with hanging baskets, inspired by a city in Wisconsin, which have become a notable feature of the Upper Alton area. The Bucket Brigade idea has been emulated across the country by those who have heard of what Dale started here. In an interview following the award presentation, Dale Neudecker reflected on the origins and impact of their work. “One of the main things was the Bucket Brigade. I came up with that idea and we have churches, businesses involved and everyone I could corral to paint houses,” he said. “After all these years, past 1,500 houses

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ALTON – Summer is here, and temps are warmer, and that means one thing – more fun in the sun. Riverbend region residents will be outside enjoying time at the lake or on the river, playing in backyards or spending time at parks. But more fun in the sun can also pose health risks and dangers – particularly when speaking of skin cancer. With our calendars telling us warmer weather is on the way, OSF Moeller Cancer Center (2200 Central Ave, Alton, IL, 62002) will be hosting a FREE skin cancer screening event on Monday, June 23, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. This screening event is “first come, first serve.” Individuals will be seen in order of arrival. The last person to be seen will be checked in no later than 5:30 PM. For more information, interested individuals can contact: Karen Boyd at 618-433-7609 or email Karen.K.Boyd@osfhealthcare.org Jessica Williams at 618-433-7610 or email Jessica.R.Williams@osfhealthcare.org Skin cancer is the out-of-control

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SWANSEA - The Rotary Club of Swansea hosted their 22nd Annual “Service Above Self” 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 31, 2025, which began and ended at Wolf Branch Elementary School. More than 100 participants of all ages enjoyed the beautiful weather and helped to support the Chad Wood Memorial Scholarship Fund which benefits college scholarship programs for qualifying graduates of area high schools. "For our Rotarians, this event is deeply meaningful as it allows us to perpetually honor the memory of Chad, a truly remarkable young man whose absence is still felt keenly in our community," said event organizer and Swansea Rotarian Jim Riess."My sincerest thanks go out to all the volunteers and participants whose continued support ensures this event's success." The news of Chad Wood's sudden and unexpected death on Monday morning, May 9, 2005, took the breath away from all of the Swansea Rotary Club's members. Ray Wood was the Charter President when the Rotary Club of Swansea

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JERSEYVILLE – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that a former Jersey County Treasurer pleaded guilty to a felony theft charge after she knowingly obtained more than $50,000 in 2024 by deception for personal gain from Jersey County bank accounts while in her role as treasurer. Raoul’s office prosecuted Katie Abbey, 37, of Jerseyville, Illinois, who pleaded guilty to Class 1 felony theft by deception. Sangamon County Circuit Court Chief Judge Daniel Wright sentenced her to pay $58,453.76 in restitution and serve 45 days of home confinement and 30 months of felony probation. “Public servants are entrusted with resources that allow them to fulfill their responsibilities on behalf of the taxpayers they serve, which is why they must be held to a higher standard,” Raoul said. “It is an egregious violation of the public’s trust when any elected official takes advantage of this responsibility for their own personal gain. My office is committed

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ALTON - A “hippie artist” at heart, Charles Mooneyham has returned to his roots. After 20 years working in the behavioral health field, Mooneyham began painting again to manage the stress of his job at the suicide hotline. His work soon found a home in multiple galleries across the region, and he decided to open his own space in his adopted hometown of Alton. “I decided I was going to leave my job and just become a full-time hippie artist weirdo, and I couldn’t think of a better place than Alton,” he joked. Mooneyham has opened his new gallery space, called Mooneyham Art, at 305 State Street in Alton, and he is excited to be in the downtown district. He explained that the gallery features local artists alongside international names, with the goal of boosting these local artists and their work. “I’m creating an environment for intermediate emerging artists to be able to show with regional, national and international artists,”

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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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