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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs today returned a lost Purple Heart medal to the grandson of a World War II veteran who earned it while fighting to liberate Germany. The medal earned by Private First-Class Edward Gorski Jr. was returned to his grandson, Shawn Gorski, who also served in the Army. It is the 14th lost medal Frerichs has returned as part of Operation Purple Heart , an unprecedented mission to return lost medals with the rightful owners. The iconic military honor is given to individuals wounded or killed during military combat. “Mr. Gorski Jr. epitomized the selfless dedication of the Greatest Generation,” Frerichs said during a reunification ceremony at the American Legion Post 75 in Geneva, where Shawn Gorski is a member. “It is our duty to honor him no matter how many years have passed.” Military records show Chicago’s Gorski Jr. enlisted in April 1944 after turning 18 that January. He was part of the Army’s 65th

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ALTON - To “inspire young and old with the necessity of safety both for the driver and for the pedestrian,” the Alton Automobile Club declared June 14–20, 1925, “Safety Week.” While the official slogan, created by Wood River grade school student Eva Mueller and plastered on stickers and signs throughout the area, was “Caution Never Brings Regret,” the unofficial slogan printed in the Alton Evening Telegraph on June 13, 1925, was “Satan Drives with the Dare-Devil.” To kick off Safety Week, approximately 1,000 cars participated in the Safety Week parade on June 14. An automobile ferrying Eva Mueller and her parents led the procession. City officials from Alton, East Alton, Wood River and Hartford rode in the parade, and Alderman S.L. Moore, chairman of the Alton traffic committee, served as the grand marshal. “Nearly every automobile owner in Alton took part in the parade.” The procession started on College Avenue i

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Tryphena Cason, principal of Dr. Katie Harper Wright Elementary School in East St. Louis, passed away recently, leaving a significant legacy in the community she served. Cason devoted more than a decade to School District 189, working as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, where her leadership was marked by compassion, vision, and a commitment to excellence. During the 2023–2024 school year, Cason guided Dr. Katie Harper Wright Elementary to achieve the highest one-year increase in the Illinois State Board of Education summative designation score across the district, improving by nearly 28 points. This achievement reflected her relentless focus on student success. Superintendent Arthur R. Culver praised Cason’s contributions, saying, “As a proud and passionate member of the East St. Louis School District 189 community, Mrs. Cason led with heart, leaving a profound and lasting legacy in the lives of the students, families, and colleagues

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GRAFTON - Raging Rivers WaterPark will offer free admission to dads to celebrate Father’s Day. On Sunday, June 15, 2025, families are invited to Raging Rivers in Grafton for a fun day with Dad. Fathers receive free admission with the purchase of a kid’s ticket for children ages 3 and up. Kids under age 2 are admitted for free. “Ultimately, we want to create the environment that people want to come back to. We are looking to create memories of a lifetime for people,” said Jeremy Hayes, general manager. “That’s what we’re about, and that's why we’re having dads get in free. We’re hoping it’ll entice some of the families to come out and spend the day with Dad here at the park.” There are several other fun events slated for June. On Friday, June 13, 2025, families can come out for “Family Fun Night.” The park will stay open late until 9 p.m. and guests can enjoy a reduced admission rate of $24.99. From

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Fairview Heights Police Officer Molly Muennich was released from a St. Louis area hospital on the afternoon of June 11, 2025, and was escorted to the Fairview Heights Police Department, where residents and first responders gathered to welcome her home. The event marked a moment of community support and solidarity for Officer Muennich. The St. Clair County Sheriff's Department noted the occasion and offered prayers for her continued strength.

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ALTON - The Mississippi River Festival is two weeks away, and organizers Nick Bifano and Zack Johnson couldn’t be more excited. After a successful revival in 2024, the 2025 MRF will stretch over two days on June 27 and 28, 2025, at the Alton Amphitheater. Bifano and Johnson promise a “festival atmosphere” celebrating music, art and the Alton community. “Our whole intent with all this is to keep excellence at the forefront,” Bifano said. “Between the lineup, between all the vendors we’ve got coming, the sound and lighting, all the things, it’s a really concerted effort to honor this festival and move it forward.” On Friday, June 27, Ben Rector headlines, supported by Wilder Woods, Allen Stone, Brian Owens Soul, and Beth Bombara. On Saturday, June 28, attendees can enjoy Blackberry Smoke, Drew Halcomb & the Neighbors, Nikki Lane, Brent Cobb, Kassi Ashton, Jeremie Albino, Zach Person, and Riley Holtz & the Lost Cause. Th

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren and other Democratic colleagues in introducing legislation to support our military readiness and national security by prohibiting discrimination against transgender servicemembers. “If you are willing to risk your life for our country and you can do the job, it shouldn’t matter if you are gay, straight, transgender, Black, white or anything else,” said Duckworth. “Every transgender servicemember earned their role through rigorous training and is more qualified to serve in those roles than Pete Hegseth is to be Secretary of Defense. I’m proud to join Senator Warren and my Democratic colleagues in working to reverse the Trump Administration’s offensive transgender military ban, which is disruptive to our military, hurts readiness and not only does nothing to strengthen our national security—it actively makes things worse.”

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GODFREY ­ – Samantha “Reyez” Hangsleben, an Edwardsville High School (EHS) senior, earned their associate degree from Lewis and Clark Community College on May 21 – weeks before their high school graduation on June 1. Hangsleben, who was adopted from Vietnam, participated in a cohort program between L&C and EHS during their junior year, which allowed them to take college courses while completing high school. Initially motivated by the idea of earning an associate degree, Hangsleben quickly recognized that it would be a challenge. “I calculated that I could only achieve this by taking extra classes,” they said. As a result, they enrolled in summer and winter classes in addition to taking extra courses during the spring and fall semesters. As chief photographer for their high school yearbook, Hangsleben balanced shooting events, teaching photography skills, and serving as an officer in the German Club and president of the German

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ALTON - Children and “children at heart” are sure to enjoy week two of the Alton Municipal Band’s 135th summer season of concerts in the parks, as the “almost world famous” Children’s Concert kicks off at Riverview and Haskell Parks. Selections for the children include songs from beloved Disney cartoons and animated movies. Thematic music, evoking images of train rides to faraway places, will delight both the young and old. The band, directed this week by David Drillinger, will perform Thursday night at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday night at 7 p.m. The Thursday concert, at Riverview Park, overlooks the scenic Mississippi River. The Sunday concert, at Haskell Park, will be held at the picturesque setting in front of the Lucy Haskell Playhouse. Blazer, the mascot from Lewis and Clark Community College, will be present for photos and fun. Blazer will also lead the weekly park parade, a cherished Municipal Band tradition. Families are encouraged to bring

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JERSEYVILLE – Classic car enthusiasts and Liberty Village residents alike gathered for a car show on a sunny Wednesday, June 11, 2025. After a highly successful first year, Liberty Village plans to bring the car show back as an annual event. Members of the Jersey County Street Machine Association and White Hall Drag-O-Way car clubs joined the festivities at Liberty Village of Jerseyville with a variety of about 30 makes and models from decades past. Also on hand were hot dogs and hamburgers fresh off the grill, and a “cooling station” with water, lemonade, and plenty of shade. Lorie Hunter with Liberty Village said the event’s main purpose was to get residents outdoors and stimulate their memories with the sights and sounds of a classic car show. After being rescheduled from last week due to rain, she said the car show made for a nice Father’s Day event. “We got nothing but positive feedback,” Hunter said of the car show. “When they

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EAST ALTON – Join the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC?) for the upcoming SEED Series event: Garden Guidance: Reframing Our Relationship with Invasives — An Empowering Conversation with Botanist Wendy Applequist. The event takes place from 10 a.m. – noon, Tuesday, June 24, at the Jerry F. Costello Confluence Field Station in East Alton. “We’re excited to continue the SEED Series with botanist Wendy Applequist, whose work challenges us to think differently,” Environmental Educator and SEED Series Host Erica Doerr said. “By reimagining how we engage with invasive plants, we’re not just managing a problem—we’re exploring new pathways for sustainability, creativity, and community learning.” This thought-provoking session features Applequist, who is an associate scientist at the Missouri Botanical Garden and co-author/editor of “Love Them to Death: Turning Invasive Plants into Loca

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Theatrical event, free day also scheduled SPRINGFIELD – The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will celebrate freedom this month with an array of special Juneteenth events, including a free exhibition of a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Lincoln himself. The ALPLM will also welcome the descendant of a civil rights legend, present a stirring theater piece on the meaning of freedom, take part in a community celebration of the holiday and offer free admission on June 19. Starting as a local holiday in Galveston, Texas, Juneteenth has grown into a national celebration of slavery’s demise in America. A key moment in the march toward freedom was Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which ordered an end to enslavement for millions of Americans. “Few documents in all of American history carry the weight of the Emancipation Proclamation. We are proud to share it with the public and celebrate its connection to such a joyou

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ALTON – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, in partnership with the Wood River Drainage and Levee District, will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the completion of the Upper Wood River Levee Underseepage Design Deficiency Correction Project on June 20, at 9:30 a.m. at the East Alton No. 1 Pump Station in Alton, Ill. The event will recognize the successful federal-local partnership and celebrate a major milestone in flood risk management for the region. The project enhances the safety and reliability of the levee system by addressing a known design deficiency and implementing features that control underseepage from the Mississippi River. Improvements include 80 new relief wells, a drainage collection system, and an access road. “The completion of the project represents a major step forward in safety, resilience, and public service,” said Col. Andy Pannier, commander of the St. Louis District. “It is not just a celebration of concrete

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Did you know that nearly 70% of Americans take road trips each year, yet only a fraction of these journeys are meticulously planned to maximize enjoyment and minimize stress? The allure of the open road is undeniable—freedom, discovery, and spontaneity all wrapped into one experience. However, an epic road trip doesn’t just happen by chance; it requires thoughtful preparation to transform a simple drive into an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re aiming to explore the historic highways of Route 66 or chase waterfalls across the Pacific Northwest, a well-crafted plan can make all the difference. Define Your Road Trip Vision Before you buckle up, start by clarifying what you want from your journey. Are you seeking relaxation, cultural immersion, outdoor thrills, or a bit of everything? Pinpointing your goals helps shape your route and schedule. Set Your Priorities: For example, if your main focus is nature, plan stops near national parks or scenic byways. I

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June 12 has long been a date marked by transformative events across the globe, touching on politics, science, culture, and human rights. One of the most impactful events recorded on June 12 took place in 1987, when U.S. President Ronald Reagan delivered a famous speech at the Berlin Wall. Standing before thousands, Reagan issued a bold challenge to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev: "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" This statement encapsulated the growing desire for freedom and the eventual end of Cold War tensions. The Berlin Wall, a symbol of division between East and West Germany, represented not just a physical barrier but an ideological one. Reagan's speech is remembered as a powerful moment that energized the movement toward German reunification, which was realized just over two years later in 1989. Moving back in time to an event that reshaped the geopolitical landscape, June 12, 1898, saw the declaration of Philippine independence from Spanish colonial rule. Emilio Aguinaldo,

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ALTON – Members of the Alton City Council voted 5-2 on Wednesday to create an ordinance imposing a 1% local sales tax on groceries to replace a state grocery tax expiring in 2026. The vote tally remained unchanged from Monday’s Committee of the Whole meeting . Voting against the resolution to create the grocery tax ordinance were Ward 1 Alderman Chris Bohn and Ward 3 Alderman Michael Velloff, with all other City Council members voting in favor. The State of Illinois has imposed a 1% sales tax on groceries since 1990, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to local municipalities. To offset significant revenue losses when the state grocery tax expires in 2026, the Illinois General Assembly has allowed each municipality to replace the state tax with local 1% sales taxes on groceries and grocery “services.” Alton Comptroller Debbie Dunlap previously estimated that allowing the grocery tax to expire would result in an annual loss of $400,000 to the city’s

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—founding co-chair of the Senate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Caucus—met with Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) President Brian Duncan and IFB members to discuss shared priorities to grow Illinois’s agriculture industry and support our farmers. Duckworth and the members discussed the importance of supporting our family farmers by expanding the biofuels market, increasing agricultural exports and improving farm safety net programs as Donald Trump continues to threaten critical federal agricultural programs. Photos from today’s meeting can be found on the Senator’s website. “America has always depended on our nation’s farmers to grow the food and fuel we need, and I’m proud to advocate for them on both the national and international stage,” Duckworth said. “The work of Illinois’s farmers is so important to the strength of our state and our nation, and I will continue

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, today met with Illinois members of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA) who are in Washington, D.C. for their “Ukraine Days” advocacy effort. During the meeting, they discussed Putin’s unjustified and unprovoked war in Ukraine, President Trump’s continued manipulation by Russian President Putin, and what Congress can do to help our Ukrainian allies. They also discussed Durbin’s bill that prohibits the United States from recognizing the Russian Federation’s claim of sovereignty over Crimea or any other forcibly seized Ukrainian territory. “The Chicago-area is home to thousands of Ukrainian Americans. I am fortunate to represent them in the U.S. Senate, and I welcomed them to the Capitol today,” said Durbin. “During our meeting, we discussed this Administration’s failure to end Russia’s war in Ukraine

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today participated in a Defense Appropriations Subcommittee hearing to review the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request for the Department of Defense (DOD). During the hearing, Durbin reprimanded Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for drastically cutting funding for defense medical research while claiming to support the service members who have experienced physical or mental trauma from their military service. In their exchange, Durbin expressed his frustration that military members and veterans will suffer because the Trump Administration has slashed funding at DOD and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for medical research on new treatments for devastating diseases and injuries. “I was surprised to learn that medical research has discovered the probability that men and women who serve our nation develop certain cancers more prevalent among them

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today questioned witnesses during a spotlight forum entitled “Cruel and Unamerican: The Abuse of Immigrants to Attack our Constitutional Order.” Durbin first questioned Ximena Arias-Cristobal, a 19-year-old Dreamer, who was wrongfully arrested after being misidentified at a traffic stop, about her experience with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. “What a heartbreaking story you’ve told us. Two and a half weeks in prison… were there any others circumstances that had been arrested by ICE or authorities for immigration issues?” Durbin asked. Ms. Arias-Cristobal responded that there were many people in the same situation as her. She said, “a lot of people were ripped away from the comfort of their own home, a lot of them walking on the side of the street, and a lot of them went to their court date and got

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