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SPRINGFIELD - For the second year in a row, Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza is taking advantage of a law she sought allowing her office to pre-pay state pensions when state fund balances are strong. “I believe in the adage that time in the market beats timing the market. We know from last year that these pre-payments work. With more money in their investment portfolios for a longer time, the pension systems saw assets increase,” Mendoza said. “Sound budgeting and solid revenues allow the state to again implement this cash management tool.” Until last year, the Illinois Office of Comptroller could make just one payment to the pension systems each month. Mendoza worked to change the law so the systems’ assets could take advantage of more time to potentially lead to greater market returns. Following reported year-over-year growth in the state’s General Funds base revenues of $1.4 billion, with the General Revenue Fund ending June with almost $1.9 billion

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 25 states and attorneys general, today announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its unconstitutional, unlawful and arbitrary decision to freeze billions of dollars that funds six longstanding education grants just weeks before the start of the school year. “With the start of the school year only a month away for many Illinois students, the Trump administration’s illegal funding freeze is wreaking havoc on school budgets, suspending programs and causing stress and anxiety for families who depend on them,” Raoul said. “I will continue to stand with other attorneys general against the president’s unlawful and arbitrary actions that threaten the separation of powers as well as the rule of law.” In their lawsuit , Raoul and the coalition argue that the Trump administration’s actions violate federal funding statutes, including the Anti-deficiency Act,

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Did you know that the first recorded lemonade stand in the United States dates back to the early 1900s and became a popular way for children to learn about entrepreneurship and money management? Building a lemonade stand with kids isn’t just a fun activity—it’s an opportunity to foster creativity, responsibility, and practical skills. This article explores how to make your own lemonade stand with children, providing a step-by-step guide that balances fun with learning. Planning the Lemonade Stand: Setting the Foundation Before gathering supplies and mixing lemonade, having a clear plan is essential. Engaging kids in the planning process encourages ownership and decision-making. Choosing a Location The success of a lemonade stand often depends on its location. Encourage children to think about high-traffic areas such as neighborhood parks, community events, or near playgrounds. Safe locations with good visibility and foot traffic can increase sales potential. Designi

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July 15th has been a day marked by groundbreaking achievements, significant political events, and cultural milestones that have shaped the course of history around the world. Going back in time, on July 15, 1099, during the First Crusade, Christian forces captured Jerusalem after a protracted siege. This event was pivotal in medieval history, influencing religious and political dynamics in the region for centuries. The capture of Jerusalem was significant not only as a military victory but also for its profound impact on Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities. It set the stage for centuries of conflict and cultural exchange in the Holy Land, shaping the geopolitical realities of the Middle East well into the modern era. Fast forward to July 15, 1799, when French soldiers in Egypt discovered the Rosetta Stone near the town of Rashid (Rosetta). This artifact became the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs, unlocking vast knowledge about ancient Egyptian civilization that had bee

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EAST ALTON — The East Alton Police Department responded to a vehicle burglary late Monday night, July 14, 2025, into early Tuesday morning, July 15, 2025, and shortly afterward received a report of a stolen vehicle from Valley Drive. As officers arrived to investigate the stolen vehicle call, they spotted the vehicle leaving the area and attempted to stop it. The vehicle fled, prompting a brief pursuit that ended at West St. Louis Avenue and Haynes Street, where the two occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. One suspect was quickly apprehended, while the other escaped by running along nearby train tracks. East Alton Police Chief Scott Golike confirmed the vehicle burglary and stolen vehicle incident appear connected. He said one of the suspects was wanted on a felony warrant and is in custody, and the other is at large at this time, but the police department is still investigating. Multiple police departments assisted in setting a perimeter around the area. A

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BELLEVILLE – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a Belleville, Illinois man was sentenced to 14 years in prison for possessing child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. Joshua Gallant, 43, was sentenced today by St. Clair County Circuit Court Judge Zina Cruse after pleading guilty to two counts of possession of child pornography, Class 2 felonies. “This sentence represents justice for the innocent children and their families victimized by online exploitation,” Raoul said. “My office will continue to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to protect Illinois children by identifying and holding offenders who prey on them accountable.” Raoul’s investigators, along with officers from the Belleville Police Department,

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BELLEVILLE — The St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office has declined to file charges in a fatal shooting that occurred early Sunday morning, July 13, 2025, on North 40th Street. The St. Clair County Coroner's Office has identified the man who died of a gunshot as 50-year-old Monzelle Mason. At approximately 1 a.m. on July 13, 2025, officers responded to a report of a gunshot victim in the 500 block of North 40th Street. Upon arrival, they found an unresponsive adult male with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts by officers and EMS personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the police investigation, Mason allegedly produced a firearm and threatened a 25-year-old woman who was inside a vehicle. The woman, who was also armed, discharged her firearm, striking Mason. Belleville detectives and the Crime Scene Unit conducted interviews and collected evidence. No additional suspects are being sought, and Belleville Police said the

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EDWARDSVILLE - Alex Suhre, as a swimmer for the Paddlers Swim Club in Granite City, has enjoyed an outstanding season for the Pirates as she competed in a dual meet for the club against Montclaire Swim Club in Edwardsville on July 10, 2025. Suhre competed in two individual events – the 100-yard freestyle and 100-yard breaststroke – as well as two relay races, and felt she performed well in all of her events, with the Southwestern Illinois Swimming Association championship meet set to take place July 20 at the Summers-Port Swim Club in Godfrey. The Pirates' Suhre won the 100-meter freestyle in a time of 1:04.87 against Montclaire Swim Club. Alex is a Stillwater Senior Living Female Athlete of the Month for Granite City. During an interview conducted during a break in the action, Suhre expressed confidence that she had swum well in her events to that point. “Yes, I am looking forward to the SWISA Championships,” Suhre said. “It sounds fun and I think

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EDWARDSVILLE - Beau Roberts, a 15-year-old swimmer for the Paddlers Swim Club in Granite City, enjoyed an excellent dual meet for the Pirates against Montclaire Swim Club in Edwardsville on July 10, 2025, and seems to peaking at the right time for the Southwestern Illinois Swimming Association championship meet, to be held July 20, 2025, at Summers-Port Swim Club in Godfrey. Roberts is a relay specialist who swims anchors in the freestyle legs of the medley relays for the Pirates, as well as in the freestyle relays, and usually does better in the relay races than in individual races. During an interview held during a break in the meet, he felt he was swimming well. Beau is a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month for Granite City. Roberts, as mentioned, is a relay specialist who swims the anchor legs of the medley relay races, as well as swims in the freestyle relays. “I do well at those relays,” Roberts said. “I do better in the relay than I

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) spoke with KMOV about the status of education funding for Metro East schools. On May 30, Budzinski headlined a town hall at East St. Louis High School to call out the Trump Administration for withholding $19 million in funds for critical air conditioning and heating upgrades for the school district. While the funds were encouragingly released on July 8, the Administration continues to withhold $218 million in Congressionally approved education funds from Illinois. “This was actually scrutinized, reviewed, and approved. It is now, then, not up to another branch of government to decide whether or not to cut the check. “What we don’t need are further dramatic cuts in the public education system. We need to make sure that we are fulfilling our commitments to our children.” In addition to the HVAC funding, last week Budzinski sent a letter alongside 150 House Democrats to Education

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EDWARDSVILLE – A nearly $150,000 agreement for a new shared use path and median along a section of New Poag Road in Edwardsville faces City Council approval on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Aldermen are set to consider a professional services agreement for the New Poag Road median and shared use path in the amount of $149,695. According to Tuesday’s meeting documents, the agreement includes “plans and specifications rendered for the construction of a shared use path along New Poag Road from Ammann Place to the MCT Goshen Trail.” The project will also include “a median on New Poag Road.” “Improvements will generally consist of grading, trail construction, curb and gutter replacement, raised median construction, pavement marking, signage, sidewalk installation, and modular retaining block wall as needed,” according to the agreement. “The raised median will include a city welcome sign with a design provided by the City and an irrigation

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TROY — Get ready for a fun-filled evening as the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce hosts National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, at Tri-Township Park. The event will run from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Pavilion #10 (410 Wickliffe, north of the football fields). “We are very excited to bring National Night Out to our community,” said Dawn Mushill, President/CEO of the Chamber. “This event offers something for everyone and is a wonderful opportunity to bring neighbors, families, and law enforcement together in a positive and fun setting.” The evening’s Touch-a-Truck lineup will feature an impressive collection of vehicles, including a K-9 police car, fire truck, ambulance, racecar, street sweeper, large wrecker, and even a live AirMed helicopter landing. Families can also take advantage of the Illinois Family Identification Program, which will be on-site to provide parents with important child ID kits. Kids’ activities will include

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and their fellow members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) in writing a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing deep concerns with imminent Reductions in Force (RIFs) at the State Department and requested answers on the Trump Administration’s process for carrying out these layoffs. The Senators wrote: “RIFs should remain a tool of last resort, and if implemented must be conducted according to long-standing procedures that prioritize transparency and a merit-based process for both career civil service employees and Foreign Service Officers (FSOs). During a time of increasingly complex and wide-spread challenges to U.S. national security, this administration should be strengthening our diplomatic corps—an irreplaceable instrument of U.S. power and leadership—not weakening it. However, RIFs would severely undermine the Department’s

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SPRINGFIELD - Building on a strong team of diverse experts in their fields, Governor JB Pritzker announced the following appointments in his administration: Illinois Department of Human Services Christopher Thor Martin will serve as Inspector General at the Illinois Department of Human Services.* Martin has over 20 years of experience as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney, leading the State’s Attorney’s Office’s efforts to modernize internal technologies and use technological evidence in trials. In 2022, he became Deputy Bureau Chief of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Bureau, in charge of prosecuting gang crimes, narcotics, white collar crime, and gun violence, and he was later promoted to Chief Deputy. In 2025, Martin joined the Office of Inspector General of Illinois Department of Human Services as its Deputy Inspector General. Martin also serves on two professional advisory boards, including the

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MADISON COUNTY — Joseph A. Torres II was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and reckless discharge of a firearm following a fatal shooting early Sunday morning at 3rd Chute II, a bar located at 2204 Fosterburg Road in unincorporated Alton. At approximately 1:05 a.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2025, Madison County deputies responded to reports of an unwanted subject at the establishment. While en route, dispatch received additional calls reporting a shooting at the same location. Upon arrival, deputies and Alton Police officers found Malcolm D. Woodhouse-Alexander with multiple apparent gunshot wounds in the parking lot. He showed no signs of life. Torres was taken into custody without incident. Investigators determined that Torres and Woodhouse-Alexander were acquaintances who had been involved in an ongoing argument throughout the night that had turned physical on several occasions. Around 12:15 a.m., authorities said Torres reportedly fired a single shot into the air

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SPRINGFIELD — An Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team from Illinois is headed to Texas overnight to assist with operations after deadly flooding this week. This group of 39 rescuers from fire departments, deployed as part of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) as USAR Task Force 1, will be on the ground in Texas for up to 14 days. IEMA-OHS Acting Director Theodore (Ted) Berger said, “This nationwide mutual aid agreement allows states to share resources and personnel during emergencies, and tasks for this operation include wide-area search and rescue as well as debris pile clearance. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this devastating tragedy and hope we can be of service.” Illinois is one of close to two dozen states offering assistance to flood-ravaged Texas. “Just as many towns, cities, and counties in Illinois have agreements to assist each other in times of disaster, states have agreements to do the same,” explained Berger. Gov. JB Pritzker

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CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed Executive Order 2025-03 , directing state agencies to evaluate the scale and impact of how Trump’s tariffs will affect key economic sectors in and the increased costs that will be passed onto working families. The order comes as the Trump Administration continues to push a disastrous trade policy that exacerbates economic uncertainty for businesses, disrupts supply chains, and raises costs on everyday goods. Gov. Pritzker joins other governors including Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, New York, Oregon, and Washington, who are taking similar executive actions at the state level. “Donald Trump’s reckless trade policies are nothing more than a tax on working families that will jack up prices, threaten jobs, and impact the way we live,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This Executive Order ensures we have a clear-eyed view of the impact the Trump Slump will cause from higher prices at the grocery store to uncertainty

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that $7 million in grant funding has been awarded to four grantees through the Tech Incubator Enhancement Grant (TIEG) Program to support entrepreneurship and innovation in key growth industries around the state. These grant awards will strengthen the resilience of both existing and new startup incubators. "Illinois has an unmatched spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, and the Tech Incubator Enhancement Grants Program is helping channel that into world-changing advancements and sustainable economic growth," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Our technology incubators and start-up ecosystem are positioning our state as a powerhouse in the economy of tomorrow, and I am proud to be strengthening our investment in that future." The TIEG Program was designed to modernize and revitalize tech incubators across Illinois to meet the evolving needs of startups. This initiativ

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EAST ALTON – A case of home invasion in East Alton has yielded a Class X felony charge against one of the city’s residents. Jesse E. Stewart, 41, of East Alton, was charged on July 7, 2025 with one count of home invasion, a Class X felony. On July 4, 2025, Stewart allegedly knowingly entered an East Alton residence without authority and injured one of the home’s occupants by striking the victim about the face. The state’s petition to deny Stewart’s pretrial release from custody states Stewart got into a physical altercation with the homeowner after kicking in their front door and refusing to leave the residence, despite being told to do so multiple times. Stewart was still present in the residence when officers arrived in response to the reported home invasion. According to the petition, “the homeowners advised they had no relationship with the defendant and he had no authority to enter their residence.” At the time of this incident, Stewart

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ALTON - Puddle of Mudd is coming to the Alton Amphitheater on Aug. 2, 2025, and frontman Wes Scantlin can’t wait. Puddle of Mudd is known for their post-grunge sound and early 2000s hits like “Blurry” and “She Hates Me.” They recently released the album “Kiss the Machine,” which has been a major success. Scantlin expressed his excitement to perform in Alton and share the music with Riverbend residents. “We are very excited to come and jam,” Scantlin said. “We’ll be sweating, definitely.” In addition to their chart-topping songs, Scantlin promises “some deep cuts” from Puddle of Mudd’s older records, as well as, potentially, a few covers. He said all of the songs are “like special little babies” to him, and he looks forward to reminiscing over Puddle of Mudd’s career during the Alton show. Scantlin reflected on many of the songs and projects that contributed to Puddle

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