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WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) today reintroduced bipartisan legislation to prohibit smoking at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities. The legislation would repeal an antiquated 1992 law that requires the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to furnish and maintain designated indoor or outdoor smoking areas. The bill would bring VA in line with smoke-free policies across the federal government and in the private health care system. “No one should be exposed to secondhand smoke, let alone our veterans when they’re attending a doctor’s appointment,” said Durbin. “We should do everything we can to support the health and well-being of our veterans, and this bipartisan legislation will protect veterans from the deadly consequences of tobacco use and secondhand smoke.” “The focus of VA hospitals should be promoting the health and well-being of

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EAST SAINT LOUIS - Local animal shelter Gateway Pet Guardians aims to change the way we approach animal welfare. Located in East St. Louis, Gateway Pet Guardians is an animal shelter that offers several free or low-cost resources for pet owners living in East St. Louis, Cahokia Heights, Washington Park and Fairmont City. Operations Director Jill Henke noted that the shelter helps thousands of cats and dogs every year, and they couldn’t do it without the community’s support. “Gateway Pet Guardians is just a super unique animal welfare organization,” she said. “It’s always been a resource desert for pet owners here until we came along.” As a shelter, Gateway Pet Guardians intakes about 1,600 dogs and cats every year and adopts them out to the four communities they serve. But just as important, they have resources available to help people keep their animals. Henke explained that they offer a low-cost pet retail store where they sell food

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Did you know that nearly 40% of the food produced globally is wasted, yet millions struggle to access fresh, nutritious produce daily? This paradox highlights a disconnect between food production and consumption that many urban and suburban communities are beginning to address by turning to local farmers’ markets. These vibrant markets offer more than just fresh fruits and vegetables—they provide a direct link between consumers and the people who grow their food, fostering community, sustainability, and healthier eating habits. The Rise of Farmers’ Markets: A Movement Toward Freshness and Transparency Over the past two decades, farmers’ markets have experienced significant growth in popularity. According to the USDA, the number of farmers’ markets in the United States increased from around 1,755 in 1994 to over 8,700 in 2020. This surge reflects a broader consumer desire for transparency in food sourcing and a preference for fresh, minimally processed

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June 26 marks a day of monumental events that have shaped our world in profound ways. Let's take a journey through time to uncover the rich tapestry of historic milestones tied to June 26. Starting with the most impactful, on June 26, 1945, representatives from 50 countries gathered in San Francisco to sign the United Nations Charter, officially founding the United Nations. This international organization was established with the goal of promoting peace, security, and cooperation among nations after the devastation of World War II. The UN has since played a pivotal role in conflict resolution, humanitarian aid, and global governance, making this date a symbol of hope and international unity. Just a couple of years later, in December 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but the groundwork laid on June 26, 1945, was indispensable for this achievement. The declaration has since become a fundamental reference point for human rights

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ALTON – Ward 4 Alderwoman Rosie Brown spoke highly of the Alton Police Department’s effectiveness in getting guns “off the street” at this week’s City Council meeting. Brown, who has been a consistent and vocal advocate for reducing gun violence in the city throughout past council meetings, said last month’s results were “encouraging.” “I would like to commend them with the number of guns that they got off the street last month,” Brown said. “It’s very encouraging to see that those guns are being confiscated.” Police Chief Jarrett Ford said keeping weapons off the streets and out of criminals’ hands is a top priority for his department. Brown further congratulated the chief on a “job well done.” “They did a great job last month – they really got their hands on a lot of illegal guns and took them off the streets,” Ford said. “I know that’s a primary focus

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ALTON – An ordinance replacing the state’s 1% sales tax on groceries with Alton’s own grocery sales tax has been delayed after City Council members on Wednesday laid the item over. The City Council previously passed a resolution to create the grocery tax ordinance, which would be adopted into the City Code when and if passed after a first and second reading. Originally set for its first reading on Wednesday, Alderwoman Stephanie Elliott moved to lay the item over until the council’s next meeting on July 9, 2025. Before coming back to the council in ordinance form, the resolution passed on a vote of 5-2. Ward 1 Alderman Chris Bohn and Ward 3 Alderman Michael Velloff voted against the city’s replacement 1% grocery tax, with all other City Council members voting in support. Since 1990, the State of Illinois has collected a 1% sales tax on groceries, from which 100% of the proceeds went directly to local municipalities. With that tax set to expire on

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) slammed Donald Trump and Republicans for proposing drastic, inhumane cuts to Medicaid, SNAP and other vital programs that so many Americans rely on in their “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which is set to come to a vote on the Senate floor this week. Joining U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and other health care and anti-hunger advocates at the presser, Duckworth recalled her own personal experiences from her childhood when she and her family relied on food stamps to get by—emphasizing that programs like these are a lifeline that millions of Americans cannot afford to lose. Video of Duckworth’s remarks can be found on her YouTube . Key Quotes: “When I was in high school, my family struggled. My father was unemployed for five years. The only job he could find was below minimum wage, with tips making up the difference. My mother took in sewing,

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JACKSONVILLE - Some area students are on the Illinois College Dean's List. Candidates for the Dean's List must complete at least 12 graded semester hours and post a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. All grades must be "C" or better, no more than one "C" grade is allowed and the student must have no “Incomplete” grades. Ysabella Adubato, Senior, Lincoln, IL Justine Agsalda, Senior, Jacksonville, IL Matea Aleksandrovska, Graduate, Indian Head Park, IL Connor Akstulewicz, Junior, Naperville, IL Isaac Anderson, Senior, Jacksonville, IL Kaylee Anderson, Graduate, Waltonville, IL Miranda Araujo, Senior, Mendota, IL Titus Ashford, Senior, Centralia, IL Ella Ausmus, Senior, Goodfield, IL Kalli Avera, Graduate, Carlinville, IL Abby Bachar, Sophomore, Seymour, IL Aurora Baker, Sophomore, Carrollton, IL Brody Balcom, Junior, Wentzville, MO Jack Barajas, Sophomore, House Springs, MO Sophi Barrow, Junior, Walnut Hill, IL Nathan Barth, Junior, Auburn,

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GRANITE CITY - Morgan Mitton, 15, had a very successful run in the Southwestern Illinois Swimming Association's Annual Relays Meet on June 23, 2025, at Paddlers Swim Club in Granite City. Mitton was a part of the Marlins' winning teams in the 200-meter medley relay, the 150-meter freestyle relay, the 150-meter breaststroke relay, and the 150-meter butterfly relay in the girls 15-18 age group, while finishing second in the meet's final race, the 250-meter Crescendo Relay, where swimmers race in legs of 25, 50, 75, and 100 meters. Mitton swam the anchor 100-meter leg. Mitton placed second in the IHSA Sectional in the 500 free this past November with a time of 5:16.71 and was fifth in the 200 free at the sectional with a time of 1:58.86. She has great potential for the upcoming Edwardsville High fall swim season. She can excel in every swimming event from the 50 free all the way to the 1,500 free. Mitton is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete of the Month for Edwardsville. She was interviewed

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th–Glen Carbon) and State Representative Amy Elik (111th–Alton) are demanding accountability and transparency in state government following the adjournment of the spring legislative session in which Democratic lawmakers routinely ignored constitutional requirements. Last week, Republican members of the Illinois House and Senate filed a lawsuit in Sangamon County Circuit Court to enforce the Illinois Constitution’s Third Reading Rule—a safeguard intended to ensure thorough review and public input on legislation. The lawsuit cites nearly two dozen instances where bills were rushed through the process without the constitutionally required readings. “Year after year, our state budget and other controversial pieces of legislation are pushed through without time for review or public input all on the taxpayers’ dime,” said Senator Harriss. “The process in Springfield is broken. The supermajority

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ALTON — Illinois American Water repaired an 8-inch water main break by 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2025, on the roadway in front of Auto Butler in Alton, a company spokesperson said. The break occurred near 1706 Homer Adams Parkway, according to Terry Mackin, director of communications for Illinois American Water. The repair took approximately four hours to complete. Mackin emphasized that safety was a top priority during the repair, especially given the high temperatures on Wednesday. “The important thing is safety in this kind of heat. We worked very carefully,” he said. Mackin noted that the company worked diligently to maintain water service for as many customers as possible throughout the process. “We worked very hard to keep service intact and get it back on as quickly as we can so customers have water to flush toilets and all things that need water service,” he said. Employees also took precautions to stay hydrated during the repair work.

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ALTON, IL — The Mississippi River Festival (MRF) roars back to life on Friday, June 27, and Saturday, June 28, 2025, bringing two unforgettable days of music, culture, and community to the Alton Riverfront. With a powerful mix of nationally acclaimed artists, rising stars, and local legends, this year’s MRF promises to be the must-attend event of the summer. The Alton Amphitheater will host an electric lineup that blends rock, soul, Americana, and country influences: Friday, June 27 Ben Rector Wilder Woods Allen Stone Brian Owens Soul Beth Bombara St. Louis & Nashville Songwriters Round Doors open at 3:00 PM Saturday, June 28 Blackberry Smoke Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors Brent Cobb Nikki Lane Kassi Ashton Jeremie Albino Zack Person Riley Holtz & The Lost Cause Doors open at 1:00 PM In addition to the music, the Festival is proud to spotlight its rich legacy with a special Mississippi River Festival History Exhibit, hosted at 600 E. Broadway

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EAST SAINT LOUIS - A local animal shelter is asking for help after their air conditioning has failed in the extreme heat. Gateway Pet Guardians, which serves the East St. Louis, Cahokia Heights, Washington Park and Fairmont City communities, put a plea on Facebook after staff members arrived this morning to find the building already dangerously hot. Jill Henke, Operations Director, explained that the air conditioning is being fixed, but in the meantime, they’re waiving all adoption fees, looking for foster homes for pets, and seeking donations. “We’re so darn lucky that every time that we kind of run into these little crises, the community is so responsive,” Henke said. “That’s what I always remind people: We just have to ask for what we need, and the community does show up. People want to help and people want to be a part of the good things happening in their community. It is always so heartwarming to see.” Since the original Facebook

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JERSEY - Ellie Davis, a pitcher and first baseman for the Jersey Girls softball team, has been named a Sparklight Female Athlete of the Month. The recognition comes as Davis continues to demonstrate strong performance both offensively and defensively during the current season. Davis has maintained a batting average of .282 with 22 hits, 23 RBIs, and four home runs this season. Over her career with the Panthers, she has achieved a consistent .291 batting average. Jersey Girls softball head coach Chelsey Cronkrak praised Davis for her leadership and dedication, saying, "Ellie is an exceptional player offensively and defensively. She is a vocal leader on the field, and encouraging and instructs her younger teammates. She loves the game and spends many extra hours outside of practice and games trying to improve." Davis is expected to return for her senior season in 2026, continuing to build on her strong performance and leadership role within the team.

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CASEYVILLE — A 23-year-old man who was struck by a car and died at the scene early Tuesday morning, June 24, 2025, on Interstate 255 near Caseyville has been identified. Trevor A. Jones of Pontoon Beach was pronounced dead at the scene by St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. after being hit by a vehicle at approximately 1:45 a.m. The Illinois State Police Department (ISP) said the incident occurred shortly after 12:40 a.m. on northbound I-255 near Caseyville. The pedestrian was in the roadway when the vehicle struck him, according to ISP. The victim was pronounced dead at 1:45 a.m. on Tuesday. ISP had northbound I-255 in that area shut down for a period of time, and the area reopened about three hours later on Tuesday.

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DUPO – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced the right lane of Northbound I-255 at IL 3 and the ramp from Southbound IL 3 to Northbound I-255 will be closed beginning Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 7:00 a.m, weather permitting. The ramp will reopen by 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, and all lanes of I-255 are expected to reopen by 10 a.m. on Friday, June 27. The closures are necessary to allow IDOT District 8 Operations forces to make emergency pavement repairs. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changing conditions and all detour signs prior to the work zone, 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 traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Metro East Auto Theft Task Force filed 10 cases involving stolen vehicles last week, with suspects from around the Riverbend region and beyond. The following individuals were charged on June 16, 2025 in separate cases with Class 2 felony counts of offenses related to motor vehicles: Eugene A. Covington, 54, of Alton Anita S. Grizzle, 49, listed as homeless out of Alton Scott A. Kaufmann, 36, of Bethalto Adaam S. Agney, 36, of Cottage Hills Michael A. Proffer, 26, of Cottage Hills Jason T. Slaton, 46, of Granite City Everette L. Hines, 69, of Granite City Chad W. Vaughn, 40, of Marine, Ill. Brian H. Huff, 50, of Livingston, Ill. Travis R. Elliott, 34, of Greenwood Village, Colo. Covington, Agney, Proffer, and Hines were each accused of knowingly possessing the same stolen 2007 Dodge Dakota bearing an Illinois vehicle registration number on May 9, 2025. Grizzle was found in possession of a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse on May 4, 2025

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County Treasurer Mike Babcock wants property owners to know tax bills were mailed on June 16, and the first installment due date is July 23. The remaining due dates are September 23, October 8, and December 8. Babcock said although the Treasurer’s Office serves as the county’s tax collector, it’s important to remember that the office doesn’t determine the amount that is billed. “Property tax bills are determined by four factors — the assessment, the equalization factor or ‘multiplier,’ the tax rate, and any exemptions,” Babcock said. Each year, taxpayers receive a bill that outlines where their tax dollars are distributed, payment options and important due dates. Babcock said his office mailed tax bills on more than 132,000 parcels. Over the past four years, the real estate market has experienced rising property values, which can increase assessed values and, in turn, the amount taxing districts

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , two coaches with the Wolves Soccer Club spoke about the club’s mission and their trust in God. Travis Steward and Adam Sheppard coach the Wolves Soccer Club . The club started in January 2025 and has “just kept going and going and going,” Sheppard said. The team of 10- and 11-year-old boys has become a close-knit family. “It’s amazing, these boys,” Steward said. “I think of them as my sons.” While the club is based out of Bethalto, they have players from across the Riverbend region. They offer both an indoor and outdoor season throughout the year. The coaches noted that their team works hard to succeed, but they also have a lot of fun. The kids enjoy playing soccer with each other, which is what the sport is all about. Steward and Sheppard encourage the boys to push during each game and practice, but they like seeing them enjoy it,

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CARLINVILLE - Macoupin County protesters experienced a “bizarre intimidation tactic,” organizers said. On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, protesters with Macoupin County IL 50501 & Indivisible, who primarily protest against Donald Trump’s policies, arrived at their usual spot at the Macoupin County Courthouse in Carlinville to find trailers full of manure. But rather than stopping the protest, Kelley Hatee, who organizes the protests, said the manure has fertilized their movement. “We’ve actually grown the movement overnight because of this, so total backfire on their part,” Hatee said. “Instead of showing up to mention issues or mention policies or try to persuade us to Trump’s agenda or to have signs or songs or speeches or anything that would make sense, the one thing that they chose, pardon my French, was bull****. That was what they chose to represent the Trump agenda, to represent their side of this equation. The symbolism of that,

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