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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is launching a statewide advocacy campaign aimed at preventing insurance companies from using socio-economic data – such as credit scores, zip codes and age – to charge Illinoisans higher auto insurance rates. As part of his “Driving Change” campaign, Giannoulias is seeking input from Illinoisans, asking them to share their stories about unfair and discriminatory ratemaking practices employed by auto insurance companies. Giannoulias launched the campaign today in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, joined by supporters including AARP Illinois and legislative sponsors State Senator Ram Villivalam (8th District – Chicago) and State Representative Rita Mayfield (60th District – Waukegan). “As Secretary of State, I strongly believe that an individual’s driving record should serve as the primary factor that’s analyzed when setting auto insurance rates,” Giannoulias

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SPRINGFIELD – The Amateur Trapshooting Association’s (ATA) Grand American championships , one of the premier events in shooting sports, returns to the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta July 30 through Aug. 9. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ (IDNR) 1,600-acre World Shooting and Recreational Complex has hosted the Grand American since 2006. The largest and oldest shooting event of its kind, the event features more than 20 events and attracts more than 5,000 competitors and spectators from across the globe annually. The Grand has an estimated economic impact of $25 million to $30 million annually in southern Illinois. “We’re thrilled to welcome competitors, spectators, vendors and sponsors for the Grand American once again at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “Hosting the Grand brings an economic boost to the region, increases exposure to trapshooting, and offers

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To the Editor: I am writing as a concerned resident of the 1st Ward regarding the persistent lack of support for our community’s youth by both our alderman and the Alton Park and Recreation Department. Year after year, we see budget allocations fall short — especially for parks and programs aimed at helping inner-city kids. These children deserve safe spaces to play, learn, and grow, yet time and again, promises are made and resources are not delivered. There is a glaring lack of after-school and summer activities in our area. Our parks have outdated equipment and neglected grounds, and too often I see kids with nowhere to go and nothing productive to do. For a city that claims to care about its future, the inaction is unacceptable. It is the responsibility of our ward’s representative to advocate for our neighborhood and fight for the resources our children need. We need someone who both listens to residents and takes tangible, visible steps to improve ou

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) met with Illinois members of the American Federation of Teachers to discuss how we can better support our state’s schools as the Trump Administration works to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, including by slashing its funding and reducing its workforce by nearly half. The U.S. Department of Education provides funding to help meet the needs of 4,000 K-12 schools and over 2 million K-12 students in Illinois, including resources needed to support students with disabilities and low-income students throughout the state. Photos from the meeting are available on Senator Duckworth’s website . “By working to shutter the Education Department, Donald Trump is turning his back on tens of millions of students and middle-class families across the country,” said Duckworth. “Our children deserve a quality education—regardless of their zip code, disability status or family’s income. We

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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 Reverand Raphael Warnock (D-GA), along with U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and all other Senate Democrats, today reintroduced the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act , legislation that would update and restore critical safeguards of the original Voting Rights Act . This legislation is especially relevant in Texas where, following historic disapproval of Congressional Republicans’ tax bill, Texas state lawmakers are looking to add five additional Republicans. The move comes in direct response to President Trump’s fears that voters may flip the House in the 2026 midterms. “There is no freedom more fundamental than the right to vote. But between the Trump Administration’s executive order on voter registration and state legislatures gerrymandering districts, there

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TROY - Riverbend residents are invited to downtown Troy for their First Friday event. From 5–8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, the Troy community will welcome acoustic duo Lanny and Julie, several food trucks, and countless residents to come out and enjoy the evening. Dawn Mushill, president of the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce, promises a great night. “We have some fun coming up,” Mushill said. “Get some food and bring a lawn chair.” The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce has hosted two First Friday events so far this year and will conclude the series in September. Mushill looks forward to sharing another event with the community. All of the local businesses will be open, including The Happy Elephant, Salt Wellness, Rose MedSpa, Red Door Cottage, No Restrictions Tattoos and Mokka Bon. You can grab food and drinks from The Happy Elephant, the Troy VFW, The Buzzed Bee, Time Out, Kokomo Joe’s, and Wine

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COLLINSVILLE - Last Friday, July 25, 2025, the Collinsville Police Department concluded the 2025 session of its Youth Academy, providing cadets with an introduction to various law enforcement career paths and aspects of the profession. The program, held in Collinsville, Illinois, included physical training and team-building exercises designed to give participants a comprehensive experience. The Collinsville Police Department expressed gratitude to the numerous agencies and officers who contributed to the academy. The group included the Madison County Jail, retired Troy Police Department Officer Coyne, the Illinois State Police Airwing Unit, the Belleville Police Department Crime Scene Unit, and the Collinsville Fire Department, among others. "These collaborations aimed to offer cadets a broad perspective on public safety careers," the Collinsville Police Department said in a statement.

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SWANSEA - Swansea Police Officer Daniel Voelker received a Certificate of Recognition from Village Trustee Natalie Jablonski recently for his leadership in organizing the inaugural Swansea Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Charity Golf Tournament earlier this summer. The golf tournament event raised significant funds that were donated to several local organizations. The donations benefited the Tyler Timmons Foundation, which supports Fairview Heights Police officers injured earlier this year; the Illinois State Police Team Illinois Youth Camp; Brett’s First Responders; and the Swansea Fire Department Safety Training Program. Fairview Heights Trustee Natalie Jablonski expressed gratitude for Voelker’s efforts and the impact of the FOP’s contributions. “We are extremely grateful for your efforts and proud of the assistance the FOP has provided to these amazing organizations in our community,” she said. The FOP Charity Golf Tournament marked the first

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GRAFTON – One man’s mission to sail the 6,000 mile Great Loop in record time has taken him from Florida to New York City and beyond – including a recent stop in the Riverbend region. Austin, Texas native Robert Youens is attempting to set the new solo speed record in a jon boat normally designed for duck hunting in bayous. Since his July 12, 2025 departure from Pensacola, Fla., he’s been cheered on by a growing number of supporters from around the country – both in-person and on his Facebook page , where followers express their support under each new post updating them on his progress. Youens stopped in Grafton on Monday, July 28, 2025, for a trip to the Grafton Oyster Bar and to take shelter at a local residence. He told his followers there was a “rocking party at the Grafton Oyster Bar upon arrival,” remarking the night before: “I'm going to bed in a beautiful home in Grafton.” Following an overnight stay,

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WOOD RIVER - Adyson Bunt of East Alton-Wood River High School is being recognized for her dedication and leadership in cheerleading as she prepares to enter her senior year. Adyson is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. Bunt, who has been cheering for six years, credits her success to her commitment to the sport and her ability to motivate her teammates. “I would like to thank my teammates for always supporting and motivating me to gain new skills,” she said. Under the guidance of Coach Alison Beachum, Bunt has developed qualities that have contributed to this recognition. What Bunt appreciates most about cheerleading is the strong bond shared among team members. She explained that her involvement in the sport has taught her valuable lessons in collaboration and the importance of having heart. These experiences have contributed to her personal growth throughout high school. Outside of cheer, Bunt enjoys spending time with family

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MONROE COUNTY — Emergency responders rushed to a rural Monroe County neighborhood Monday afternoon, July 28, 2025, after a one-year-old child was found unresponsive in a swimming pool, authorities said. At approximately 3:32 p.m. on July 28, 2025, Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputies, Monroe County EMS, and the Waterloo Police Department were dispatched to the Country Lake Subdivision following a report of the child’s drowning. While en route, dispatchers informed officers that the child’s family had placed the infant in a vehicle and was driving toward town to meet emergency medical services. Within two minutes of dispatch, officers located the vehicle in the 500 block of East 4th Street in Waterloo and immediately removed the child. Deputies and police officers began administering CPR and applied an automated external defibrillator. The child briefly showed signs of possible responsiveness and expelled what appeared to be water during the rescue efforts. Life-saving

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EDWARDSVILLE – In July 2025, Revity Credit Union came together to raise $1,545 for the Glen-Ed Pantry through the Revity Threads of Kindness Program. This program, funded by employees, allows Revity Credit Union staff to embody the credit union's philosophy of people helping people. By contributing a monthly monetary donation to a local organization, employees can enjoy wearing jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays throughout that month. In 2025, Revity Credit Union is committed to impactful giving and community support, weaving kindness into the fabric of our daily lives and ensuring that every jeans day makes a difference. The Glen-Ed Pantry was nominated as the recipient of our July Threads of Kindness donation, receiving $1,545. The Glen-Ed Pantry was not only the recipient of the jeans donation but also benefited from a food drive organized by Revity’s Edwardsville branch. In collaboration with the Ed-Glen Chamber of Commerce, Revity hosted a "Business

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GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey is welcoming a tattoo studio for the first time in 24 years with the opening of Iron Will Tattoo, a new shop founded by award-winning artist Devon Plopper. Located at 202 W Homer Adams Parkway, Plopper says Iron Will Tattoo will offer high-quality, custom tattooing back to the Riverbend area. Plopper, who spent the past decade honing his craft across Missouri, returned to his hometown with a vision to create a professional, inclusive space where creativity and craftsmanship are prioritized. Joining him is fellow award-winning artist Walt Ruesler, who brings 10 years of experience and artistic skill to the team. Iron Will Tattoo emphasizes a clean, comfortable environment designed to welcome clients of all backgrounds. The shop aims to break stereotypes associated with tattoo parlors by fostering a judgment-free atmosphere focused on respect and personalized service. Specializing in custom tattoos, Iron Will collaborates closely with clients to create

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JERSEYVILLE — Nearly 10 inches of rain fell in Jerseyville during a severe storm that began late Saturday night, July 26, 2025, and continued into early Sunday morning, July 27, leaving hundreds of residents with significant basement flooding and water damage. According to residents, more than 600 homes experienced major basement damage after the city’s sewer and storm drain systems failed to handle the intense rainfall. Diane Dugger, a Jerseyville resident who moved into her home on Maple Avenue just six weeks prior, described waking up to 20 inches of standing sewer water in her basement on Sunday morning, July 27. “We lost our HVAC system and woke up at 6 a.m. to discover 20 inches of standing sewer drain water in our basement,” Dugger said. She shared photos showing the extent of the damage and recounted how personal belongings stored in plastic bags and totes were destroyed. “Everything we held dear and all our basic household goods in the basement

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ALTON - Community members are invited to the second annual All 80s Alton Mixer. At 5 p.m. on Sept. 6, 2025, at Mac’s Downtown, folks from across the region will convene to celebrate the 80s era, enjoy food, listen to live music, and reminisce. Organizers emphasized that the event is not limited to Alton High School alumni but open to everybody who wants to come out and have a fun night. They hope to welcome over 2,000 people. “Last year was a blast and I am so happy all my friends came out,” said Thomas, one of the organizers. “Having everybody show up and play was wonderful.” The block party will take up 4th and Belle Streets in downtown Alton, with bands playing on the new Mac’s stage. Porch Cafe will take the stage at 6 p.m., followed by The Undecided at 8 p.m. and Fritz and the Bishops at 10 p.m. “This came up and we’re like, ‘A festival? Oh my God, yeah. This is perfect,’” said Fritz, who plans to play

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EDWARDSVILLE — A judge has granted the state’s motion to transfer the case of a 17-year-old charged in a shooting near a school bus stop to adult court, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine has announced. Jayvon R. Walton, who was 16 at the time of the incident, was initially charged in juvenile court after a Delinquency Petition was filed in March. At a hearing Monday, July 28, 2025, Assistant State’s Attorney Sarah Voudrie successfully argued for the transfer to adult court. Associate Judge John Hackett approved the request. Walton now faces charges in adult court including one count of Attempted First-Degree Murder, one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, and two counts of Aggravated Unlawful Possession of Weapons. Attempted First-Degree Murder is a Class X felony that carries a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison. Alton Police responded to the 1200 block of Central Avenue on the evening of Feb. 26, 2025, following reports of gunfire

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EDWARDSVILLE - These are profiles of artists featured at the upcoming Edwardsville Arts Fair Sept. 26-28 at Edwardsville City Park. The artists featured today are David Bailey, Shannon Roman and Bradford Pollack. Artist #1: David Bailey Medium: Jewelry Artist Statement: "Being able to pull a rabbit out of a hat is a thrill for the magician; being able to pull artwork out of the cosmos between my ears is extremely thrilling for me as an artist. The risk of success reaps the reward of delighting the onlooker, the risk of failure reaps the reward of turned backs. The magician, just as the artist, chances success or failure with every illusion or creation; however, the compulsion persists, and the show or the creation must go on. "Since about 1988, I have been making sterling silver, stone, and bronze jewelry. I have been making steel sculptures and other artwork even longer. "I am fascinated with the process of visualizing a “shape” in my mind’s

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ALTON - After a long journey, Quick Bite Side Street Market is coming home to Alton. Quick Bite started as a hotdog cart in St. Louis in 2017. They then crossed the river back to Alton and began operating an ice cream truck in the community. Now, they’re opening a storefront at 4134 Alby Street in Alton and celebrating with a grand opening on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. “A hotdog cart turned into a storefront, and we’re just going from here, just looking to keep moving forward as a family business, a growing business, and providing good food for the community,” Davis said. “We’re thinking of a menu that could work for someone, for everyone, and just good hotdogs with music and a good vibe, good, fun times.” Quick Bite Side Street Market previously had a storefront at this location in Alton before closing in 2022. Davis and her customers are eager to be back in their spot on Alby. While hotdogs and snacks are the main pull, Davis promises

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Did you know that community sports tournaments can increase local engagement by up to 40%, according to a recent study by the National Recreation and Park Association? Beyond bringing people together for fun and competition, these events foster community pride, promote health, and even boost small business activity. But organizing such a tournament is no small feat—it requires thoughtful planning, effective coordination, and a clear vision. Whether you’re a passionate volunteer, a local sports club leader, or a community organizer, understanding how to plan a successful tournament can transform your idea into a memorable event that resonates long after the final whistle. Define the Purpose and Scope Before jumping into logistics, clarify why you’re organizing the tournament. Is it to promote youth engagement, raise funds for a cause, or simply encourage healthy lifestyles? The purpose will guide many decisions—from the sports you choose to the scale of the

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July 30 has been a date marked by remarkable events throughout history. Traveling back in time, on July 30, 1619, the first General Assembly of the Virginia House convened, marking a foundational moment in American colonial governance. This assembly was the first representative legislative body in the English colonies, setting a precedent for democratic governance in what would eventually become the United States. The establishment of this assembly laid the groundwork for the development of legislative institutions that emphasized the importance of representation and lawmaking by elected officials. Shifting to the cultural domain, July 30, 1965, marked the opening of the Beatles' iconic Shea Stadium concert in New York City. This event was groundbreaking as it was one of the first major stadium concerts in music history, attracting an audience of over 55,000 fans. The concert illustrated the immense popularity of the Beatles and symbolized the rising influence of rock and roll music

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