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SPRINGFIELD - Ahead of Memorial Day, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced the return of a Purple Heart medal to the grandson of a late World War II Army veteran from Lansing, Ill. Army Cpl. Henry Van Der Noord was one of four brothers who fought for the U.S. during World War II, with all of them making it home. He earned the Purple Heart for wounds he suffered during the fight to liberate the Philippines in May 1945. “Mr. Van Der Noord and his brothers served their country proudly during a crucial time in our world’s history,” Frerichs said while returning the Purple Heart to Van Der Noord’s grandson, Christopher Reed, also a veteran. “I am proud to return this honor to his loving family.” Reed, the first male grandchild, got the medal when he was 8 or 9. He also received his grandfather’s Army green dress jacket, and some other medals. The Purple Heart stood out, however. “When I first got it, I didn’t know what th

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Fairview Heights man with disseminating child sexual abuse material as part of an ongoing effort to combat online exploitation of minors in Illinois. James P. Scherer, 31, was charged Tuesday in St. Clair County Circuit Court with two Class X felony counts of dissemination of child pornography, offenses punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Scherer is currently held at the St. Clair County Jail, with a detention hearing scheduled for May 27. Investigators from Raoul’s office, working alongside the Fairview Heights Police Department, executed a search warrant at Scherer’s residence on the 10th block of Pine Trail in Fairview Heights. Authorities took Scherer into custody after uncovering evidence of child sexual abuse material. “Survivors of child exploitation and their families can face life-long trauma, and the predators responsible for these heinous crimes being held accountable can help them begin

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May 24th has been a day marked by a diverse array of significant events that have shaped the world in various ways. If we rewind to 1844, May 24th was the day when Samuel Morse sent the first telegraph message, famously stating, “What hath God wrought.” This breakthrough in communication technology revolutionized how information was transmitted over vast distances, effectively shrinking the world and laying the groundwork for our interconnected era. Traveling back further, May 24th, 1844, also saw the birth of the iconic Queen Victoria’s reign marking its 27th year, a period known as the Victorian Era, which profoundly influenced culture, industry, and politics in the 19th century United Kingdom and beyond. Her reign witnessed massive social changes and the expansion of the British Empire. In the realm of transportation, May 24th, 1930, marked the official opening of the Chrysler Building in New York City, which at the time was the world’s tallest building.

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SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) submitted 15 local projects for inclusion in the federal funding package in the upcoming fiscal year. These projects were submitted to the House Appropriations Committee as part of the Community Project Funding process. Each project was carefully selected based on strict criteria set by the Committee, as well as Congresswoman Budzinski’s firsthand understanding of the needs and challenges facing Illinois’ 13th District. The Congresswoman was able to select 15 projects to submit for consideration. To read more about these projects, click HERE or see below. While 13 of these projects were previously approved by the House Appropriations Committee last year, they were excluded from the Continuing Resolution passed by House Republicans in March. In April, Congresswoman Budzinski convened a roundtable with local stakeholders and project leaders to discuss how the delay in funding would impact communities

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt passed a measure through the Senate that would eliminate the licensing requirements for hair braiders in Illinois. “It just makes sense to remove excessive licensing rules for hair braiders,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Illinois is one of the few states still enforcing these burdensome requirements, and it’s time we step aside and let people use their skills to make an honest living without needless red tape.” Currently, hair braiders are required to obtain licensure under the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Hair Braiding, and Nail Technology Act of 1985. Aspiring hair braiders must complete 300 hours of training at a cosmetology school, which can cost over $5,000. Illinois is one of only 14 states that have these licensing requirements. House Bill 3356 would eliminate the need for hair braiders to get licensed with the state. Hair braiding businesses would still have to obtain a normal business license

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GODFREY – The Criminal Justice department at Lewis and Clark Community College is offering a brand-new class titled Understanding Serial Killers. This course is available beginning in the fall 2025 semester. CRMJ 145 Understanding Serial Killers is a study of serial murderers and their victims to facilitate an understanding of what might lead a person to commit these types of crimes, what systemic factors influence serial offending, and what law enforcement can do to enhance solvability. “This course will introduce students to the behaviors and profiles of the individuals responsible for committing serial murders,” Criminal Justice professor Tricia Martin said. “Furthermore, it offers opportunities to explore some of the victims’ perspectives, as well as how experts profile serial killers, motives and prison sentences.” By the end of the course, students will understand how serial killings influence society. No prerequisites are required

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SPRINGFIELD - Legislation championed by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias calling for enhanced safeguards to bolster road safety while increasing the age at which Illinois drivers must take a behind-the-wheel driving test from 79 to 87 passed the Illinois General Assembly today. The legislation, supported by AARP Illinois, passed the Illinois Senate by a vote of 57-0. The bill was unanimously approved by the Illinois House last month. HB 1226, or the Road Safety & Fairness Act, seeks to align Illinois driving standards with the rest of the nation. The bipartisan legislation, with 70 percent of the 177 state lawmakers signing on as cosponsors, would take effect on July 1, 2026, if signed into law. “My top priority as Secretary of State is keeping our roads safe. Allowing immediate relatives to notify my office of concerns about their loved one’s driving ability helps make driving safer for everyone,” Giannoulias said. “Meanwhile, statistics show

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ROLLA, Mo. - Missouri University of Science and Technology undergraduate Katie Harr recently received the Outstanding Mathematics Pre-Service Educator award from the Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Harr, a junior in applied mathematics from Dupo, Illinois, is an observer and substitute teacher at Rolla High School and says she didn’t expect to earn the award, but was proud that S&T’s education faculty recommended her for it. Harr is combining her mathematics degree with a secondary education certificate, while minoring in psychology. But she didn’t start out with a mathematics focus – she switched her major after deciding civil engineering wasn’t in her future. “I started tutoring math and loved seeing students ‘get it’ and have that click moment, so I decided to get into teaching,” says Harr. “I always loved the application of math, statistics and calculus; I like to see the physical connections they can make

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced she will be serving as a new Co-Chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus. The Congressional Biofuels Caucus is made up of a bipartisan group of lawmakers dedicated to advancing policies that support the growth and development of the biofuels industry in the United States. Congresswoman Budzinski will join fellow Co-Chairs Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), Congresswoman Angie Craig (D-MN), Congressman Mark Pocan (D-WI), Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA), and Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND). "I came to Congress to be a strong voice for the people of Central and Southern Illinois—especially our hardworking farmers. Few issues are more critical to their success than strengthening the biofuels industry and expanding market opportunities,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “That's why promoting the use of homegrown, sustainable biofuels has been a central focus of my work in Congress, and

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WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) reintroduced the STOP CSAM Act . The legislation will crack down on the proliferation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online by allowing victims of child sexual exploitation to sue companies that promoted or facilitated the exploitation, or that host or store CSAM or make it available. It will also support victims and increase transparency for online platforms by, among other things, expanding protections for child victims and witnesses in federal court; facilitating restitution for victims of child exploitation, human trafficking, sexual assault, and crimes of violence; strengthening CyberTipline reporting requirements; and requiring large tech companies to submit annual reports describing their efforts to promote a culture of safety for children on their platform. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) joined her Democratic colleagues in a last-ditch effort to address rising costs for American families. Beginning at 1 a.m., and despite Republicans’ attempts to keep the reconciliation process out of public view, Budzinski and House Democrats participated in a marathon Rules Committee meeting, introducing more than 500 amendments to the Republican tax package. During the meeting, Budzinski focused her remarks on ways to lower costs for American families and offered an amendment to reinstate a broadband affordability initiative modeled after the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provided low-income families with discounted internet access. “My amendment introduces a measure of fairness into this otherwise harmful bill,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “This simple amendment puts working families first —making sure they have access to the internet for school, work, health care, and

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MASCOUTAH – The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) and Special Olympics Illinois are excited to announce the inaugural Southern Plane Pull competition fundraiser that will take place at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport on Saturday, May 31. The challenge pits men and women against machine in a tug-of-war style contest to test their strength against a 22-ton GoJet airplane. Teams of 10 will compete by attempting to pull a 44,000-pound aircraft the distance of 12 feet in the shortest amount of time. To enter the competition, teams must raise a minimum of $500, with funds benefitting Special Olympics Illinois. The event will kick off with an Opening Ceremony at 9:30 a.m., followed by the first team pull at 10:00 a.m. Festivities will take place at the AMVATS Hangar on the airport grounds, located at 8885 AMVATS Drive. The Plane Pull contest will feature various divisions, including law enforcement, public safety, corporate and community teams, fostering a spirit of camaraderie

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SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Christopher Belt passed a bill through the Senate that would strengthen prevailing wage rules to help workers receive higher pay. “This key protection ensures workers are treated fairly and paid what they deserve for their labor,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We’re fixing a loophole that left too many employees at a disadvantage — because in Illinois, we stand for fairness and dignity on the job.” Currently, Illinois’ prevailing wage law does not apply to federal construction projects that require a prevailing wage determination by the U.S. Secretary of Labor. House Bill 1189 would clarify that workers must receive the highest prevailing wage — whether federal or state — in local public works projects that include federal funding. The measure intends to eliminate potential confusion when rates differ and specifically impacts projects under state or local control. “We want to ensure that the protection

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GREENVILLE – The following students were placed on the Dean's List at Greenville University for the spring 2025 semester. To qualify for the Greenville University Dean’s List, a student must successfully complete a minimum of 12 hours for the semester. Freshmen (0-29.5 credits) must have a semester GPA of 3.5 or above. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors must have a semester GPA of 3.7 or above. This list of 337 names reflects both on-campus and online undergraduate students: Lauren Haacke Addieville, IL Emma Brannon Alhambra, IL Lauren Brannon Alhambra, IL Samantha Lewis Alma, IL Kendyl Schultz Altamont, IL Chloe Greenberg Alton, IL Hailey Wright Alton, IL Jorgi Dupureur Armington, IL Donovan Diviney Aubrey, TX Grace Waldrop Auburn, IL Jacob Divjak Auburn, IL Allyson Schulz Aurora, IL Matilda Brougham AUSTRALIA Snyder Pennington Avon, IN William Warman Barrington, IL Zaryah Smith Beecher City, IL Ashlyn Wuebbel

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ALTON - The City of Alton will once again commemorate Memorial Day with its 158th Memorial Day parade. At 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26, 2025, community members can come out to Upper Alton to enjoy the parade, organized by the East End Improvement Association. Steve Schwartz, who helps oversee the parade, emphasized the importance of the tradition and the meaning behind the celebration. “It’s just a tradition. It’s fun,” Schwartz said. “Memorial Day is for the fallen. That’s the importance. Let’s not forget what this day and what this parade stand for.” Parade participants will set up at Alton Middle School. The route will travel up College Avenue to Washington, down to Edwards, over to Main, back up to College, and then down Washington to the Upper Alton Cemetery. This year's parade marshal is Bill Varble, a local Vietnam War veteran. Schwartz expressed his appreciation for Varble and his eagerness to honor him. Schwartz also thanked

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With the Memorial Day weekend approaching, the Illinois Liquor Control Commission encourages everyone to celebrate responsibly and avoid overconsumption. Alcohol impairs judgement, lowers inhibitions, and decreases reaction time, which can be hazardous when you are driving, grilling, boating, or swimming. We urge everyone to make smart choices and take precautions, especially during holidays and summer months when these incidents are more common. Follow the safety tips below to reduce the risk of alcohol-related injuries this holiday weekend and throughout the summer: Pace yourself Know your limits Drink plenty of water Never leave your drink unattended Don't get behind the wheel after drinking "Enjoy the holiday weekend but please drink responsibly. Keep in mind that proper planning leads to a safer environment for everyone," said Illinois Liquor Control Commission Executive Director Lisa Gardner. If you plan on drinking this Memorial Day, choose a designated driver in advance

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ATCHISON, Kan. - Thao-Vy Tran of Alton, has graduated Summa Cum Laude from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, majoring in Evangelization & Catechesis, Theology and Journalism & Mass Comm. The college graduated 520 students at the end of the academic year during ceremonies on May 17, 2025. It was the largest graduating class in the school's history. Sister Deirdre Byrne gave the keynote address, providing "'Sister Dede's Spiritual Post-Graduate Survival Guide." Her advice to find God's plan for each student consisted of seven points: * Go to Church. God gives you 168 hours in a week. He asks for one back. * Travel. The world is a wonderful place. You learn more about yourself when you learn more about others. * Tithe your talents. Give back to those who were not as blessed to receive the two greatest gifts offered at Benedictine College. Your education and your faith. * Obtain Spiritual Lasic Surgery ... that is the ability to see as Christ sees. Confession and the Eucharist

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City High School is accepting bids on the Vocational Building Trades Class House located at 4825 Bailey Drive in Granite City. The 3-bedroom/2-bath brick combo ranch home is approximately 1,900 square feet with a 3-car garage on 80’ x 120’ lot in Donnalynne Legacy Subdivision. There is an open house scheduled for Sunday, June 22 from 1-4 p.m. See attached FLYER for more information. The vocational electricity, vocational building trades, and SWIC’s HVAC program all collaborated to complete the home. GCHS is very proud of our students who contributed to this program. Vocational Building Trades Students – Instructor, John Boushard Gage Asbeck Alan Pacheco Jacob Barton Laney Rainwater Makayla Bonner Michael Richello Owen Hale Julius Shrum Landon Kaminski Duke Upton Henry Mink Landon Vonburg Kalil Mosby Lucas Watson Vocational Electricity Students – Instructor, Bob Quick Paris Belt Ryan Mangiaracino

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GLEN CARBON - Goshen Coffee Roasters has opened its third location in Glen Carbon. Located at 1 Junction Dr. West in Glen Carbon, the new cafe will have Goshen’s signature menu, homemade ingredients and locally-roasted coffee. Jennifer Hughey, who owns the business alongside her husband, sister and brother-in-law, explained that the move to Glen Carbon was a natural decision. “We just think it’s a really great location and a great community for us to be a part of,” she said. “The community is awesome, and we know that a lot of those people already know the Goshen name. But we also feel like it was really an untapped market for us.” With one cafe in Edwardsville and another in the Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis, Goshen is already familiar to many Riverbend residents. But Hughey hopes the Glen Carbon community embraces the new cafe and its unique “Good S*** Energy mission.” She added that everything in the cafe is made “pretty

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SAINT LOUIS - Community members are invited to remember the reason behind the three-day weekend this Memorial Day at Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. At 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26, 2025, the Missouri Historical Society and Soldiers Memorial Military Museum will host their annual Memorial Day Program, complete with a procession, wreath-laying ceremony, POW/MIA remembrance service and more. Located at 1315 Chestnut Street in St. Louis, Soldiers Memorial Military Museum hopes to see people from across the region come out to commemorate the holiday. “It’s a great event, a pretty powerful event,” said Molly Rose, Soldiers Memorial Site Coordinator. “It means a lot. Our mission here at Soldiers has always been to honor those who made the supreme sacrifice. Memorial Day is just the one day to bring the whole nation together to honor those who made that sacrifice.” The ceremony will begin with an invocation by Rev. James Williams. A POW/MIA remembrance

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