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Did you know that some of the oldest human-made structures on Earth align precisely with the rising sun on the summer solstice? This alignment, observed in monuments such as Stonehenge, reveals the enduring fascination and reverence ancient cultures held for this astronomical event. The summer solstice is far more than a date on the calendar—it has been a catalyst for human celebration, ritual, and cultural expression for thousands of years. Origins of Summer Solstice Celebrations The summer solstice, occurring when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, has been a significant event since prehistoric times. Ancient civilizations noticed the sun’s shifting path and marked this day as a pivotal moment in their annual cycles. This was not merely an astronomical observation but a profound symbol of life, fertility, and renewal. One of the most iconic examples is Stonehenge in England, built around 3000 BCE. Archaeologists have demonstrated that the stones are aligned

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What if you could transform a handful of simple ingredients into a dessert that rivals your favorite ice cream shop? Homemade ice cream is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a canvas for creativity, a lesson in chemistry, and a satisfying accomplishment. Yet, many home cooks find themselves frustrated by icy textures, bland flavors, or laborious processes. The good news is that mastering homemade ice cream is entirely achievable with the right techniques and understanding. Understanding the Basics: What Makes Ice Cream Creamy? Ice cream’s creamy texture hinges on the delicate balance between fat, sugar, air, and ice crystals. When making ice cream at home, these elements must be managed carefully. Fat content: Dairy fat contributes to smoothness and richness. Using heavy cream or a mix of cream and whole milk enhances mouthfeel. Sugar: Beyond sweetness, sugar lowers the freezing point, helping prevent large ice crystals. Air incorporation: Known as overrun, th

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Did you know that people who actively document their experiences are 30% more likely to recall those moments vividly years later? This compelling insight highlights the power of preserving memories beyond just digital photos and social media posts. Creating a summer scrapbook offers a tangible, creative way to capture the essence of your experiences, turning fleeting moments into lasting treasures. Why Choose a Summer Scrapbook? In an era dominated by smartphones and instant sharing, the art of scrapbooking might seem antiquated. However, a scrapbook provides more than just images—it weaves stories and emotions into a personalized narrative. Unlike digital albums, scrapbooks engage multiple senses through textures, colors, and handwritten notes, making memory recall richer and more immersive. Summer, often filled with travel, gatherings, and new adventures, presents an ideal opportunity to compile these moments. A summer scrapbook allows you to curate your unique story, combining

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June 30th has long been a date packed with pivotal moments that have shaped the course of history across the globe. One of the most impactful events came in 1908, when the Tunguska event shook Siberia. At around 7:14 a.m. local time, an enormous explosion flattened approximately 2,000 square kilometers of forest near the Podkamennaya Tunguska River. The blast is believed to have been caused by the airburst of a meteoroid or comet fragment at an altitude of 5 to 10 kilometers above the Earth's surface. Although no direct impact crater was found, the explosion is estimated to have released energy equivalent to 10–15 megatons of TNT, which is about 1,000 times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. This event remains the largest impact event on Earth in recorded history and has greatly influenced scientific understanding of meteoroid airbursts and planetary defense. On June 30, 1934, the political landscape of Germany was violently altered by the Night of the

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EAST ALTON — The East Alton Fire Department responded to a structure fire Sunday morning, June 29, 2025, in the 100 block of Northmoor Place that caused major damage to the home. Fire Chief Jeremy Dively said firefighters arrived to find the fire extending through the roof and throughout the house. Crews initially made an interior attack but had to pull back when the roof peak began to sag. They then shifted to a defensive strategy. A box alarm was requested, bringing additional support from the Wood River, Rosewood Heights, Roxana, and Alton Fire Departments. The response was complicated by several challenges, including a water supply problem caused by a water main break, an aggressive dog in the backyard, and power line issues, Dively said. The Illinois State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire, which remains unknown. No injuries were reported.

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June 28th and 29th are dates that echo through the corridors of history. One of the most impactful events in global history associated with June 28th occurred in 1919, when the Treaty of Versailles was signed, officially ending World War I. The treaty was signed at the Palace of Versailles in France and marked a monumental moment in international relations. The agreement held Germany accountable for the war and imposed heavy reparations and territorial losses. While it aimed to secure lasting peace, the treaty’s harsh terms sowed seeds of discontent that would eventually contribute to the outbreak of World War II two decades later. This pivotal moment reshaped political boundaries and international diplomacy, influencing global affairs throughout the 20th century. Going back further, June 28th, 1389, is etched in history for the Battle of Kosovo, fought between the Serbian Prince Lazar and the Ottoman Empire under Sultan Murad I. This battle was significant in the expansion

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement after the Supreme Court heeded his call and ruled 5-4 in favor of maintaining the strength of the bipartisan First Step Act in Hewitt v. United States : “This is a win for criminal justice reform at the Supreme Court. “Our historic criminal justice reform law is a beacon for successful, smart-on-crime policies and continues to withstand the test of time. Congress wanted to make sure that sentencing reforms applied to all individuals subject to federal sentencing after the law’s enactment.” “I’m pleased that the Supreme Court rejected the Fifth Circuit’s faulty interpretation that would’ve narrowed the scope of our law, so that the First Step Act can continue making our justice system fairer and our communities safer.” Championed by Senators Durbin, Grassley, Booker, and Lee,

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) along with U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) today introduced a resolution recognizing Tunisia’s leadership in the Arab Spring and expressing support for upholding its democratic principles and norms. Under the country’s current President Kais Saied, Tunisia has seen a recent backslide of the democratic gains made in the years following the Arab Spring. This includes a notable increase in arrests of political opponents and critics of his Administration. Specifically, the Senators’ resolution: Recognizes Tunisia as the symbolic birthplace of the historic Arab Spring movement and the country’s notable democratic reforms that emerged during that period; Commends the Tunisian people for their courage and democratic achievements made in the immediate years following the Arab Spring; Expresses deep concern for more recent reversals

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator and combat Veteran Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) this week questioned a recently-retired Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) responder about her experiences working at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) following the Trump Administration’s wrongful termination of VCL workers as part of their purge of the federal workforce. During the hearing, the former VCL responder shared that the Administration’s mass firings caused delayed services to Veterans, directly contradicting VA Secretary Doug Collins’ repeated claims that the VCL’s services to our nation’s heroes were not affected by the mass layoffs. Video of the Q&A exchange can be found on Duckworth’s YouTube . “It was extremely troubling to hear testimony that not only verifies Veterans Crisis Line services were, in fact, delayed by the Administration’s indiscriminate mass firings—but also that VCL employees did not receive proper guidance to ensure

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ST. LOUIS - St. Louis Language Immersion School’s (SLLIS) Superintendent was recently honored for extraordinary support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserves. Dr. Meghan Hill received a Patriot Award from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a United States Department of Defense Office, for her support of SLLIS Chief Operating Officer and Army Reserve Captain Dr. Anthony Graham. Dr. Graham nominated her for the honor because of her support for his duties with the military. Dr. Graham is involved in many different aspects of operations at SLLIS, helping recruit new international teachers to the school and getting them situated in their new home, which is an extensive process. Colonel Ed Gruetzemacher, Missouri ESGR Area 1 Chair, presented Dr. Hill with the award at a SLLIS school board meeting and thanked her for her support of the U.S. military. “There are many employers out there who make it hard for their employees to participate in

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with the Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Michael Leiter, to discuss the Israel-Iran conflict, particularly following President Trump’s decision to bomb three nuclear sites in Iran. They also discussed the need to release the remaining 50 Israeli hostages currently held by Hamas and the urgent need for a long-term humanitarian effort in Gaza. In addition to Durbin, U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Peter Welch (D-VT) also joined the meeting. “Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the continued holding of Israeli hostages by Hamas, and the larger uncertainty in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran and now President Trump’s involvement, it was important to meet with the Israeli Ambassador,” said Durbin. “We discussed a variety of topics including the recent U.S. bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites and wha

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the three-year anniversary this week of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade , U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) and their colleagues in condemning the Trump Administration’s recent rescission of guidance that reaffirmed hospitals and providers’ obligations under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) to provide medically necessary emergency abortion care, regardless of where the patient lives. The letter, sent to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, urges HHS to immediately reverse its decision to rescind this lifesaving guidance. “While EMTALA remains binding federal law, the rescission will create further confusion for hospitals and providers, especially in states with abortion bans, and will result in medically-necessary

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust, Q shared his story of finding God and rebuilding his life after 30 years in prison. Q shared that he has made mistakes and experienced challenges in his life, but he believes “you grow through what you go through.” He spoke against judging others and encouraged people to put their trust in God. Above all, Q preached empathy. “I can’t sit and say who good people and bad people are,” he said. “Bad people usually become bad because at one point they were good and somebody took that away from them.” When he was released from prison, Q applied to over 300 jobs. He would be hired, then fired before he could start because employers would check his background. While the experience was discouraging at first, he used it as an opportunity to put his trust in God. Eventually, Q started his own business with his fiancé, and he couldn’t be happier

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O'FALLON — The O'Fallon Police Department announced that the annual fireworks event will be held Thursday, July 3, 2025, at dusk at the O'Fallon Family Sports Park, 301 Obernuefemann Road. The event offers family-friendly entertainment and brings together community members for an evening celebration. Officials advised that parking within the park is limited and encouraged attendees to review parking maps in advance to understand access points and traffic flow after the fireworks conclude. The O'Fallon Police said once parking lots reach capacity, the park will be closed to incoming vehicles to ensure safety and manage traffic. To maintain clear routes for emergency vehicles, parking will be restricted on certain streets surrounding the park. The O'Fallon Police Department urged visitors to bring food, drinks, and patience to help facilitate a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants. The department is also working on improvements to the exit process following th

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First Mid Insurance Group is proud to announce their Senior Solutions division, which assists Medicare beneficiaries and seniors with their health insurance needs, received the 2024 Million Dollar Producers Award from Senior Marketing Specialists. In addition, they were recognized for impacting 1,019 lives in 2024 through service and sales to their customers. “This recognition is a meaningful reflection of the commitment of our Senior Solutions team to serving clients with integrity, care, and expertise—especially the seniors who rely on us in our communities,” said Clay Dean, CEO of First Mid Insurance Group. “We remain committed to helping individuals navigate their Medicare options with confidence and clarity. Our continued partnership with Senior Marketing Specialists is extremely valuable and we are grateful for the trust placed in us by both our clients and partners.” Senior Marketing Specialists works with nearly 10,000 agents nationwide. Receiving

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SAINT LOUIS - The seventh annual Gateway PVA 5K invites the community to come out in support of paralyzed veterans. On July 20, 2025, community members can stop by Tower Grove Park in St. Louis for a 5K or 1-mile run-walk-roll to support the Gateway chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America organization. The event aims to raise money to support paralyzed veterans in the Greater St. Louis area. “It’s amazing. It’s so cool that people will come out and support,” said Lynn Kampmann, one of the organizers. “There’s not even enough words to thank people for all they do, donating and coming out.” From 8–9 a.m. on July 20, participants and their families can enjoy donuts, coffee, fruit and a visit from Bluey the cartoon character. The race begins at 9 a.m. in the park. You must register online by July 8 to receive a t-shirt. The 5K participants will compete for medals, and organizers will announce the winners in three categories

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CHAMPAIGN - Prairie Rivers Network is thrilled to congratulate Illinois ecologist and long-time PRN volunteer Martin Kemper on being honored as the National Wildlife Federation’s Volunteer of the Year – recognizing a lifetime of dedication to conservation and his pivotal role in protecting native ecosystems across the state. “After a long career supporting Illinois wildlife, Marty continues to demonstrate extraordinary commitment to conservation,” said Collin O’Mara, President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “His efforts to document and educate the public about how herbicide drift harms plants and trees have made an enormous impact, and his passion and expertise are an invaluable resource to both the Prairie Rivers Network and the Federation as a whole.” Kemper’s career spans more than three decades with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, where he served as a Wildlife, Natural Heritage, and Private Lands Biologist.

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GRAFTON — The City of Grafton has updated its fiscal year 2025-2026 project list following emergency repairs and ongoing infrastructure improvements, city officials announced this week. The revisions come after a section of a creek wall on Springfield Street broke away, posing a threat to the roadway’s stability. Immediate repairs are underway with a budget allocation of $17,000. Additionally, underwater surveys of the public boat ramp have been completed using LiDar technology and diver inspections. SMS Engineers are preparing bid packages to address undercut washouts beneath the ramp, with repair work scheduled soon under a $100,000 FEMA grant. The city also recently completed an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant crosswalk at the intersection of Mulberry Street and Route 100. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has approved the installation following its final inspection, which is expected to enhance pedestrian safety at the busy crossing. Other ongoin

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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 Air Force. During the hearing, Durbin praised the service of military members at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, as well as urged Air Force leadership to strongly consider Scott Air Force Base as the new home for a fleet of KC-46A refueling tankers. “I want to join the dual chorus of thanking all of you in uniform and those who participated in the operations last weekend, and to your families for supporting your decision to serve our country in such an extraordinary way,” Durbin began. “Secondly, I happen to have an Air Force Base in Illinois, Scott Air Force Base, which serves as the DOD’s global mobility and transporting hub. very proud of it. There is the 126th Air Refueling Wing at that base. also

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CHICAGO — Yesterday, Governor JB Pritzker joined 23 governors from across the country to send a letter urging Congressional leaders to protect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a critical safety net that an estimated 427,000 Illinoisans are at risk to lose. “SNAP is a lifeline for working families in Illinois and across the nation that helps to put food on the tables of hundreds of thousands of Illinoisians,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “As Republicans in Congress are pushing to slash this vital program while protecting tax breaks for the wealthy, I join my fellow governors in urging Congress to reject any proposal that would undermine this vital program and harm the health and stability of millions of Americans.” The letter also warns that the proposals in Congress could dramatically restructure SNAP, including shifting a significant amount of the food benefit costs to states—an unprecedented move in the program’s 50-year

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