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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski’s (IL-13) legislation, Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Claims Act (H.R. 2201), passed unanimously out of the full House of Representatives. Congresswoman Budzinski led this bipartisan effort with Representatives Young Kim (CA-40), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06). The bill now heads to the United States Senate for further consideration. "Today marks a significant victory for veterans who have endured unimaginable trauma. Those who come forward with Military Sexual Trauma claims have already faced tremendous hardship, and seeking support should never add to that pain, said Congresswoman Budzinski. “It has been an honor to work alongside Congresswoman Kim on this bipartisan bill, which ensures the VA’s claims process avoids retraumatizing MST survivors. With unanimous support from the House, we are one step closer to seeing this bill signed into law and delivering the

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in urging the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to maintain three offices within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that are meant to oversee the agency, protect people’s civil rights and help noncitizens with immigration matters. In March, DHS announced plans over Congressional objection to shut down three offices within the agency, the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL), the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman), and the Office of Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO), that were created by Congress to exercise oversight of various DHS programs. The offices’ sudden closure affects pending complaints and investigations, and DHS did not provide individuals or employers any alternative avenue for redress. “These offices provide essential services employers and residents rely upon. The sudden closures are

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department and Edwardsville Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 244 are stepping in to offer a financial boost to a program aimed at providing shoes for area students in need. Officers and other department members recently donated $1,680 to benefit the Sole Purpose program, which is being overseen by Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 in collaboration with the police department and the Cyclery & Fitness Center in Edwardsville. The donation was contributed by officers and staff participating in the police department’s periodic “no shave” fundraiser. This charitable effort allows participants to pay to get around the department’s “no beard” rule. Previous recipients have included Edwardsville Neighbors, Glen-Ed Pantry, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Main Street Community Center, Junior Service Club of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon, the Metro East Humane Society and others. Officer Ryan Grimes, who works

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) delivered a speech on the Senate floor exposing congressional Republicans’ reconciliation bill for what it truly is – legislation that will pay for tax breaks for billionaires at the expense of 13.7 million Americans’ health care coverage. In his remarks, Durbin reiterated that Republicans’ “one, big, beautiful bill” will further push the American Dream out of reach for working families. “Let me tell you a story. It’s one of the oldest in our country. It’s the story of the American Dream. It’s one of perseverance, where anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, can achieve success and upward mobility through hard work and determination. It means a job that pays a fair wage, a school that prepares our kids for a better life, a doctor who sees you when you are sick, and a roof over your head at night,” Durbin began. “ dismantles

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EAST ST. LOUIS/O'FALLON, IL. — Andrew P. Blassie, the former executive vice president of the Bank of O’Fallon, pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to charges of bank fraud and interstate transportation of funds obtained by fraud after admitting to a scheme that swindled nearly $2 million from the bank. The 69-year-old St. Louis resident acknowledged using a check kiting scheme between September 2023 and September 2024 to falsely inflate his personal checking account balance at the Bank of O’Fallon by depositing checks he knew were backed by non-sufficient funds from accounts at other financial institutions. The indictment states Blassie defrauded the bank of $1,972,887.67 and used the inflated funds to pay for nearly $2.7 million in personal expenses. Blassie also persuaded a couple from Lebanon, Illinois, to invest $489,000 of their retirement savings between August 2022 and September 2024 by issuing promissory notes promising interest payments. He used proceeds

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PONTOON BEACH — With summer just around the corner, Madison County Transit (MCT) is excited to announce the return of the MCT Summer Youth Pass for 2025. This free pass is available to all Madison County students, ages 18 and under, and provides unlimited rides on MCT’s fixed-route buses from Memorial Day through Labor Day. “For more than 15 years, the MCT Summer Youth Pass has helped local students get where they need to go—safely and independently,” said SJ Morrison, MCT Managing Director. “Thanks to the continued support of the MCT Board of Trustees, students across Madison County can enjoy free, reliable transportation to summer jobs, classes, parks, pools, libraries, and more—all while gaining confidence and independence.” Since launching in 2008, the Summer Youth Pass program accounts for over half a million student boardings, providing a valuable transportation resource for families each summer. This year, MCT has distributed

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TROY - Daniel Winfield of Triad High School achieved a perfect score of 36 on the ACT, the school announced recently. Triad High School officials expressed pride in Winfield’s achievement and anticipation for the opportunities that may follow. "Only a fraction of our students ever achieve a perfect 36 on the ACT, and we couldn't be more proud of Daniel," said Triad High School administration. "We are excited to see what opportunities lie ahead for Daniel." The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc. The purpose of the ACT test is to measure a high school student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. The categories broken out of the ACT are English, Math, Reading, Science and Writing (optional).

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ALTON - This month’s Block Party for Good will offer free groceries, hot meals, health screenings and, for the first time, haircuts. Located at Soulcial Square adjacent to the Salvation Army and Crisis Food Center in Alton, the Block Party for Good provides free groceries to community members. From 2–4 p.m. on Friday, May 23, 2025, community members can stop by Soulcial Square to receive groceries, a hot meal through the Currency of Caring food truck network, and more. “At Soulcial Kitchen, powered by Food is Love, we believe that serving others isn’t just about feeding their stomachs — it’s about nourishing their spirit,” said John Michel, founder of Soulcial Kitchen and President of the Food is Love Foundation. “This Block Party for Good model is a powerful example of what happens when compassion, community capacity, and innovation converge.” In addition to the groceries, provided by the St. Louis Area Foodbank, and the ho

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ALTON - Artist Mary Berry has rediscovered color. Berry, who experiments with sculpture, prints, paint and photography, has her art on display at Milton Schoolhouse through the end of May. She shared that her decision to pursue art was an act of self-care, and she is “exhilarated” to find that her work is resonating with others. “Creativity has helped define another side of myself at this stage of life,” she said. “Before, it was being a wife and mother, then a career in real estate. Retirement gives us an opportunity to explore the side of ourselves we sometimes push aside in order to meet life’s many obligations." The Jerseyville-based artist recently returned to the Riverbend area after years on the East Coast. She worked as a real estate agent and now serves as a caregiver to her mother. In 2022, her friend Darla Cavins introduced her to art and encouraged her to use it as “therapy, because it feels good to get your emotions ou

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Imagine a place where your mind can quiet down, your stress levels drop, and your overall mood lifts—all without medication or therapy. For many people, that place is nature. But why does spending time in natural environments hold such profound benefits for mental health? This article explores the powerful connection between nature and the mind, unpacking the science, sharing compelling examples, and offering practical advice for incorporating nature into your daily life. The Science Behind Nature’s Impact on Mental Health Research has increasingly shown that exposure to natural settings positively influences mental well-being. A landmark 2019 study published in Scientific Reports found that spending just 120 minutes per week in green spaces—parks, forests, or other natural environments—correlates with significantly better health and well-being. The benefits include reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive functioning. Biologically, nature help

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May 20th holds a significant place in world history, marked by groundbreaking achievements and pivotal moments that have shaped our global narrative. Moving back in time, May 20 has witnessed remarkable events across various domains. For instance, in 325 AD, the First Council of Nicaea concluded on this date. This council was the first effort to attain consensus in the Christian church through an assembly representing all Christendom. It was convened by Emperor Constantine and resulted in the Nicene Creed, a statement of Christian faith still used today. The council addressed the nature of the Son of God and his relationship to God the Father, setting foundational theological principles that have shaped Christianity for centuries. Fast forward to 1498, another milestone was reached when Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama arrived in the Indian city of Calicut (now Kozhikode) on May 20. This voyage was significant as it established a sea route from Europe to Asia, opening the door

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STAUNTON – Madison Communications is proud to announce the outstanding performance of their technicians at the 2025 SCTE Gateway Chapter Cable-Tec Games, held on May 15th in St. Louis. The SCTE Gateway Chapter is one of 67 Chapters across the globe whose purpose is to provide local networking, professional development and certification opportunities to current and prospective members across 70 locations worldwide. Competing against leading companies such as Charter, Comcast, Ervin Cable Construction, and Mediacom, the SCTE Gateway Chapter, that includes the Madison Technicians, once again demonstrated technical excellence, composure under pressure, and superior craftsmanship. The SCTE Gateway Chapter was named 1st Place Overall for the 14th consecutive year. The Cable-Tec Games feature seven Olympic-style events, each designed to test the practical skills of broadband professionals. Events are judged primarily on accuracy, with time serving as the deciding factor for those wit

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WOOD RIVER – Wood River police have charged a man from Madison with unlawful weapon possession after a fatal shooting which he indicated was an act of self-defense. Camron J. Jamison, 25, of Madison, Ill., was charged on May 19, 2025 with possession of a firearm with a revoked Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card (a Class 3 felony), and aggravated unlawful possession of weapons (a Class 4 felony). On May 15, 2025, Jamison allegedly possessed a Taurus G2C 9mm handgun which was uncased, loaded, and immediately accessible during the incident. His possession of the weapon was unlawful as he had no valid FOID card or Concealed Carry License (CCL). A petition to deny his pretrial release states Jamison used the weapon to shoot a victim who later died from injuries sustained in the shooting. While he admitted to firing the weapon, Jamison claimed the victim “charged at him during a verbal dispute.” After Wood River Police officers responded to the scene of a reporte

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WOOD RIVER – Wood River City Council members on Monday night unanimously approved a bid for fencing at the future Downtown Dog Park. Superior Fence & Ornamental Iron was awarded the project with a bid of $23,640.31. The scope of the work includes the installation of 475 feet of 5-foot-tall, black vinyl-coated chainlink fencing with a 2-inch diamond mesh. The fencing will include posts spaced no further than 10 feet apart, with a “bottom tension wire installed along the entire perimeter to prevent digging,” according to the project specifications. The site would feature two 10-foot double gates and two four-foot single gates, each with “self-closing, self-latching mechanisms.” The main entrance would include a “double gate airlock entry system,” and all materials used will need to be properly resistant to corrosion and ultraviolet (UV) rays to withstand outdoor conditions. This marks the second approved bid for the Downtown Dog Park after

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — A 22-year-old man has been charged in connection with a shooting that injured three Fairview Heights police officers on May 17, 2025. Elijah Thompson of Belleville faces four counts of attempted murder, three counts of aggravated battery, and one count of resisting arrest, the Saint Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office announced Monday, May 19, 2025. The charges stem from an incident that occurred at 9:44 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, when Fairview Heights officers responded to a call about a suspicious person near a residence. Upon arrival, officers encountered Thompson, who opened fire, striking three officers. Thompson was taken into custody without injury, and the firearm was recovered. Fairview Heights Officer Molly Muennich was shot in the face and underwent emergency surgery. She remains in critical but stable condition. Officer Herminio Raimundi was shot in the arm and has been released from the hospital. Officer Andrew Ward was shot

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JERSEYVILLE - Junior Morgan Allen of Jersey Community Unit School captured the IHSA Sectional Championship in high jump at the Williamsville Sectional Meet last week, securing her place at the upcoming IHSA State Meet. Allen won the sectional high jump by clearing 5 feet, 0.5 inches. Allen is a Sparklight Female Athlete of Month for Jersey. The event took place recently at Williamsville, where Allen’s performance stood out among competitors. Peyton Zeidler of Rochester finished second with the same clearance of 5 feet, 0.5 inches, while Laetitia Kanda of Beardstown took third with the same height. Jaylin Roach of Roxana placed fourth by clearing 4 feet, 10.5 inches. Allen’s high jump season best is 5 feet, 2.25 inches. In addition to her high jump achievements, she has recorded a time of 1:07.84 in the 400 meters, a long jump best of 15 feet, 11.25 inches, and a 200-meter dash time of 28.34 seconds. Allen's victory at the sectional meet marks a significant milestone

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ALTON – An Alton man’s second case of domestic battery has resulted in two felonies after allegedly attacking the victim and damaging her vehicle. Jesse L. Johnson, 46, of Alton, was charged on May 14, 2025 with criminal damage to property and his second or subsequent offense of domestic battery (both Class 4 felonies). Between May 12-13, 2025, Johnson allegedly struck a household or family member “several times in the face with a closed fist, grabbed her arm, sprayed Febreze in her face, and slapped her with an open hand,” according to court documents. He was additionally accused of causing between $500 to $10,000 worth of damage to the “radio system, dashboard, and gear shift” of the victim’s vehicle. Johnson had previously been convicted of domestic battery in a 2017 criminal case also filed in Madison County. His latest case was presented by the Alton Police Department. While remanded to jail for his initial court appearance, Johnson

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ALTON - Riverbend Rescue will host their Keys for Kids event to raise money for local families in need. From 7–11 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, up to 100 community members can enjoy a gourmet meal, drink tickets, raffles, networking opportunities and dueling pianos on the Simmons Hanly Conroy Building rooftop in Alton. Tickets cost $50 and all proceeds go back to Riverbend Rescue’s mission to provide gifts for kids during the holidays. “What I love about Alton is we do serve our community,” said Riverbend Rescue founder Adam Marburger. “We want to make sure we help kids at Christmas.” This year marks the second Keys for Kids event, now with a “Christmas in July” theme. Last year, they raised $20,000 at the event, and all of this money went to local families. Marburger explained that he works with the schools and Al Womack at the Alton Boys and Girls Club to identify families who could use assistance during the holidays.

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GLEN CARBON - Senior goalkeeper Rachel Brown was a stalwart and linchpin for the girls soccer team at Metro-East Lutheran High School during the 2025 season and Brown stood tall in goal, making 265 saves this season, which was the 11th most in the nation, according to MaxPreps, a national high school sports website. The Knights lost their IHSA Class 1A regional semifinal match 9-0 to highly touted host Father McGivney Catholic on May 16, 2025, at McGivney High School to conclude their season. However, Brown made two great saves to prevent the Griffins from scoring. It was typical of her performance in goal all season. Brown is a BJ's Printables Female Athlete of the Month for MELHS. Brown logged the most time in goal for the Knights, at 1,101 minutes, and had a goals-against average of 8.21. and a save percentage of .701. But the Knights showed resiliency all season, never backed down, and kept striving and playing hard, no matter what. In her post-match interview, Brown felt

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced a temporary road closure will be encountered on IL 143/157 in Edwardsville that began today, May 19, 2025. IL 143/157 (Vandalia St.) will be closed to through traffic between IL 159 (Main St.) and Buchanan St. for sanitary sewer repairs on IL 143/157. A detour will be marked utilizing IL 159 (Main St.), Schwarz St., and Buchanan St. to assist travelers around the closure. (See attached map.) All lanes will reopen as soon as possible. Pfund Construction will be making the needed repairs. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s

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