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CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed SB1563 into law, clarifying that civil eviction procedures do not restrict law enforcement from enforcing trespassing laws, providing critical clarity for property owners and law enforcement agencies handling unauthorized occupancies across the state. “This outdated eviction law has treated squatters the same as tenants, leaving property owners in limbo and tying the hands of law enforcement,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I want to thank the bill sponsors, Sen. Lakesia Collins and Rep. Jawaharial Williams, for their leadership in spearheading this important legislation. This bill delivers long-overdue clarity, closes dangerous legal loopholes, and ensures that trespassers can no longer manipulate the system to delay removal from properties they never had any right to occupy in the first place.” “Squatters are a problem, and no one should have to get an eviction notice to remove them from their home.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced that her Improving Veterans’ Experience Act passed the House as part of S. 423, the PRO Veterans Act of 2025. The legislation, introduced with Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) and Congresswoman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) would codify the Veterans Experience Office (VEO) within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VEO, established in 2015, gathers feedback directly from veterans, their families, and caregivers on their experience with VA services. VEO has been crucial to improving veterans’ trust in VA outpatient care, enhancing digital experiences with the VA Health and Benefits Mobile App, and expanding direct outreach to veterans about resources, special eligibility windows, and other important information. “It’s critical that the veteran experience remains at the heart of VA’s operations,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “The firsthand feedback of veterans,

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke on the Senate floor in opposition to the rescissions package that the Trump Administration and congressional Republicans jammed through Congress last week, clawing back $9 billion in previously appropriated funding to public broadcasting and foreign aid. In his remarks, Durbin underscored the danger of defunding sources of public media and destroying foreign aid programs. “What was in this bill? There were primarily two major elements. One element was foreign aid, humanitarian assistance for around the word, paid for by the United States. The other element was public broadcasting, National Public Radio, for example. Eight billion was taken out of foreign aid. One billion was taken away from public broadcasting,” Durbin said. “I’ve cast, as a member of the Senate honored to represent the State of Illinois, over 9,000 votes… This vote last week was one of the votes . Why

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today, as part of a coalition of state attorneys general, sued the Trump administration to stop its unlawful attempt to restrict access to critical health, education and social service programs. Earlier this month, the administration issued notices prohibiting state safety net programs from serving all residents, regardless of immigration status. The change threatens access to critical services like Head Start, Title X family planning, adult education, mental health care and community health centers. Many of the rules took effect immediately or with minimal notice and affect undocumented immigrants, lawful visa holders and U.S. citizens who lack access to formal documentation. Many crucial state programs now face loss of federal funding while immediately instituting difficult and costly immigration verification measures. “Some of our most crucial social service programs are now at risk because of the Trump administration’s lates

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PONTOON BEACH – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that in addition to the ongoing closure of Illinois 111 at Interstate 270 in Madison County, a full closure of the ramp from southbound Illinois 111 to westbound I-270 will begin, weather permitting, Friday, July 25, 2025. This closure is expected to last approximately 14 days as part of the I-270/Illinois 111 interchange reconstruction project. The posted detour for the ramp closure is as follows: Southbound Illinois 111 to eastbound Chain of Rocks Road, then southbound Illinois 157 to westbound I-270. Three additional outer ramps will be closed for 14 days, each at different times. Specific closure dates will be announced as the work progresses. Work on the entire interchange is anticipated to be completed by the end of October. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during these closures. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obe

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced applications are now open for the fifth round of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program provides training opportunities, expands the talent pipeline, and boosts diversity in the construction industry and building trades. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Since 2021, the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program has helped thousands of Illinoisans gain access to good-paying jobs in the construction and building trades,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I am proud to expand this program to bring even more opportunities to workers who embody the best parts of Illinois—diversity, drive, and dedication to serve our state and the people who call it home.” “With these grants, we’re continuing to build real pathways t

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ALTON - Senior Services Plus, Inc. (SSP), located at 2306 N. Rodgers Avenue in Alton, will host a Social Security Anniversary Celebration on Friday, August 22nd 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Jean Bohnhoff, the former Director of the Illinois Department on Aging, will be speaking during this workshop-style presentation, and will focus on building a basic understanding of Social Security, including how claiming decisions affect payments and identifying resources that can help you along the way. This event will take place in the School House Grill inside Senior Services Plus. Doors will open at 11 a.m. and speakers will begin at noon. The event is free, open to the public, and lunch will be provided thanks to sponsor AARP Illinois. Registration is required, and space is limited. To reserve your seat, call 618-465-3298 or visit https://events.aarp.org/SSAlton About Senior Services Plus Senior Services Plus, Inc. is a 501(c) not-for-profit organization established to enrich the lives

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Did you know that nearly 77 million people in the United States volunteer annually, contributing approximately 6.9 billion hours of service? Among these, a significant number dedicate their time to local events, especially during summer. But beyond the numbers lies a powerful truth: volunteering at local summer events offers far more than just community service—it provides personal growth, social connection, and unique professional opportunities. Building Community Connections: More Than Just Handshakes Local summer events—festivals, fairs, concerts, and charity runs—are vibrant hubs where communities come alive. Volunteering at these gatherings places you at the heart of this energy, fostering meaningful connections. Unlike passive attendance, volunteering encourages interaction with diverse groups: event organizers, local business owners, performers, and attendees. For example, at the annual city music festival in Austin, volunteers often form lasting friendships

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July 22 has been a day marked by transformative events that have shaped the course of history across the globe. One of the most consequential events on this day occurred in 1298, during the Scottish Wars of Independence. The Battle of Falkirk saw King Edward I of England decisively defeat the forces of William Wallace, the legendary Scottish patriot. Although a setback for Scottish independence, the battle demonstrated the fierce determination of Wallace’s forces and the complexities of medieval warfare. This event not only shaped Scotland’s struggle for sovereignty but also inspired generations with its themes of resistance and national identity. Fast forward several centuries to July 22, 1484, when Pope Innocent VIII issued the papal bull Summis desiderantes affectibus. This decree explicitly endorsed the persecution of witches, bolstering the witch hunts that would grip Europe in the following decades. The bull's issuance marked a grim chapter in history, highlighting

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ALTON — The Madison County Sheriff’s Department attempted to stop a white truck Tuesday around 2 a.m. on College Avenue, but the vehicle fled the traffic stop, leading to a pursuit that ended in the Argosy parking lot. The truck was chased from College Avenue onto Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, where it traveled on MLK before entering the Argosy parking area and coming to a stop. One suspect was taken into custody at the scene, while a second suspect fled the vehicle and jumped into the Mississippi River. The Alton Fire Department fireboat was requested, but the suspect exited the water before the boat was needed and was taken into custody. Scanner communications indicated the truck may have been stolen. An ambulance was also requested after reports that one of the suspects may have swallowed narcotics. The Alton Police Department assisted Madison County authorities during the incident. No further details about the suspects or their condition have been released.

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BETHALTO, Ill. — Joshua J. Morrison was charged Monday with aggravated arson, arson, and aggravated battery following an incident Saturday afternoon at an apartment complex in Bethalto. The Bethalto Fire Department and the Bethalto Police Department responded around 10 a.m. July 19, a report of a truck set on fire and an assault victim at an apartment building in the 300 block of Grant Street. Firefighters arrived to find the truck engulfed in flames and successfully extinguished the fire. Officers located a victim who had sustained injuries from an assault. During the investigation, police discovered a suspect barricaded inside the building. Bethalto Police used a loudspeaker to order the individual to exit. For safety reasons, the Metro East S.W.A.T. team was called in to assist. The tactical team entered the building and peacefully removed the suspect, who was then taken into custody. The situation concluded around 2 p.m. The Bethalto Police Department acknowledged

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ALTON - Alton Mayor David Goins today announced the revocation of the late-night liquor licenses for Hiram’s Bar and Pour Decisions Bar. The two establishments late-night liquor license, which allows them to serve alcohol from 1- 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, will be terminated with immediate effect today, July 21, 2025. Both businesses will retain their liquor license which allows them to serve until 1 a.m. The Mayor’s decision will only affect their privilege to extend their hours past 1 a.m. The Mayor, as liquor commissioner for the City of Alton, may revoke any liquor license as he sees fit. Following the process set forth in the City Code, the Mayor held a public hearing at City Hall on Monday, July 14, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. for Hiram’s Bar and on Monday, July 14, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. for Pour Decisions Bar to gather evidence prior to his action. At the public hearing, testimony was heard from Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford. Following this, both establishments were

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GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey will celebrate their new dog park with a grand opening ceremony next month. At 10 a.m. on Aug. 2, 2025, community members are invited to Glazebrook Park in Godfrey to check out the dog park, built in memory of longtime Parks Board member Max Heinz. Those who spearheaded the park hope that it serves as a place to remember Max while also providing a great resource for dog owners and their pets. “I just feel like every destination community has to have these kinds of amenities,” said Beth Heinz, Max’s daughter-in-law. “I want it to be a space where not only the dogs can come but also the people that live in the community can come and know that Max Heinz was someone who spent a lot of time trying to better the Parks Department and different things that he was involved in. This was kind of one of the last things that he was working on achieving, and I’m just happy that we were able to make it happen.” The park

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EDWARDSVILLE — A visitation at Metro Community Church in Edwardsville on Sunday evening, July 20, 2025, showed the love and adoration of their previous pastor, with hundreds in attendance for hours. Many shared a common story or theme about Paul Westbrook: that he truly related to the congregation, which was built from 35 members to the massive church it is today. Westbrook, founding pastor of Metro Community Church and associate executive director of the Illinois State Baptist Association, died Sunday, July 13, 2025, at his home. He was 64. Westbrook served the Edwardsville and Vandalia communities for more than 30 years, shepherding Metro Community Church from its inception as a small group meeting in a basement to a multi-campus congregation reaching thousands. He and his wife, Melody, founded the church in Edwardsville and began with 35 members and grew to approximately 200 before moving into a school for weekend worship. The church later purchased farmland to build its curren

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BELLEVILLE – One element in the fight against crime is being able to promptly and accurately access and record the related data. The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Center for Crime Science and Violence Prevention’s (CCSVP) recent creation of an extraction tool will help police departments across the country do just that. “The extraction tool is a piece of software code that allows a police department to create a database of their crime incidents standardized to the FBI’s National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS), without needing more complex access to their Records Management System (RMS),” said Dennis Mares, PhD, professor of Criminal Justice Studies and director of CSSVP in Belleville. “Especially smaller police departments lack the capacity to access this data easily,” continued Mares, who devised the tool. “The extraction code handles files that are submitted to the NIBRS reporting system on site at the

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GRANITE CITY - Over 5,000 women from across the country joined the MUDGIRL Run in Granite City this past weekend. On Saturday, July 19, 2025, Tri-City Speedway hosted the MUDGIRL Run, which encouraged women to run through a two-and-a-half-mile muddy obstacle course to raise money for breast cancer research. Tammy Gundaker with Tri-City Speedway said the event was “crazy and fun” for everyone who came. “People flew in for this because there's only so many of these events a year, which was absolutely incredible. It was unbelievable to us,” Gundaker said. “With everything going on in the world today, it’s nice to see something that kind of brightens people up, that you can do together.” The MUDGIRL Run organization holds these events across the country, but Granite City is the only location for the race in this region. Gundaker said they welcomed people from as far away as Arkansas, Michigan and California. Unlike most runs, this event

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ALTON - NeVaeh Bryant secured seventh place in the triple jump at the state meet on May 24, 2025, with a personal best leap of 11.64 meters (38 feet, 2 inches). The event took place as part of the state track and field championships. Throughout the 2024 and 2025 track and field seasons, the Redbirds' Bryant continued to show strong improvements in her various events. Bryant may have been the most versatile girls track and field athlete for Alton this past spring. Bryant also captured first place in the triple jump at the sectional with a jump of 37 feet, 5.75 inches. In addition to her success in the triple jump, she finished second in the 300-meter hurdles at the sectional with a time of 44.18 seconds and recorded a time of 45.59 seconds at state. Bryant is an Auto Butler Female Athlete of the Month for Alton. Beyond local competitions, Bryant competed in the AAU Jackie Joyner-Kersee National Showcase after the high school season where she recorded an 11.40-meter jump in the triple

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O'FALLON - O'Fallon Police Department will conduct a speed enforcement detail Wednesday, July 23, 2025, targeting drivers exceeding safe speeds across the city and throughout Illinois. The initiative aims to address speeding, which authorities say is a leading factor in motor vehicle crashes. Speeding includes not only exceeding posted limits but also driving too fast for weather, road, or traffic conditions. The O'Fallon Police Department emphasized that speeding contributes to higher crash rates, more severe injuries, and increased fatalities. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) shows that in Illinois, between 2021 and 2023, there were 3,500 fatal crashes. Of those, 33.31% (1,166) were speed-related, resulting in 1,339 deaths. Nationally, speed-related crashes accounted for 27.91% (32,693) of 116,861 fatal crashes during the same period, causing 36,430 fatalities. The police department encouraged

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GODFREY - Margaret Freer announced on Monday, July 21, 2025, that the Christmas In July event held last Friday, July 18, 2025, at Freer Auto Body in Godfrey raised a record $76,000 for Community Christmas, surpassing last year’s goal of $75,000. Freer expressed surprise and gratitude over the outcome, noting the challenges faced during the fundraising effort. “I really did not think we would make the goal," she said. "It was a slow at first and a rough year and it seemed I had to do a lot more begging and pleading. “I really get misty-eyed when I think of how many people this will help. The community is amazing and the event Friday was fun.” Despite being short-staffed and unable to visit with many attendees on Friday, Freer said the event drew a large, happy crowd. “Everyone was happy and everyone said best sloppy joes and cheesecake ever,” she added. Freer also acknowledged support from local businesses, highlighting that Bakers and Hale contributed

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane closures on eastbound and westbound Interstate 64 from 15th Street to Illinois 157 in St. Clair County. Beginning Monday, July 21, nightly lane closures will reduce traffic to one lane to allow for road maintenance. Closures will occur Monday through Friday, weather permitting, and will remain in effect until mid-summer 2025. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. 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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