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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul applauded the Illinois General Assembly’s passage of legislation that would require all local law enforcement agencies in Illinois to participate in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) eTrace platform, which allows law enforcement to submit firearm tracing information for crime guns to the ATF National Tracing Center. House Bill (HB)1373 passed the Illinois House of Representatives April 8 and then passed the Illinois Senate today with bipartisan support. Illinois Rep. Curtis Tarver and Sen. Bill Cunningham sponsored the legislation, which now goes to the governor’s desk for final approval. “I appreciate the General Assembly passing this legislation to ensure all Illinois counties’ law enforcement agencies participate in the ATF’s data-sharing platform, which is critical to identifying violent gun patterns and keeping our communities safe,” Raoul said. “Advocating

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SPRINGFIELD – Several Illinois elected officials have released the following statements in response to the recent passage of the state budget for Fiscal Year 2026. Davidsmeyer Blasts IL Democrats’ ‘Tax, Spend, Repeat’ Budget Assistant Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) blasted the Democratic majority’s “Tax, Spend, Repeat” Budget: “The Democrats’ wasteful spending plan is full of pork projects and pay raises for politicians, while Illinois families are slammed with new taxes that will make their cost of living even higher,” Rep. Davidsmeyer said. “$250 million in pork projects for Democratic legislators, paid for $1 billion in new taxes on Illinois families and businesses. It’s the same disgraceful playbook they’ve used for years. “Not only are there nearly $250 million in pork projects buried in the budget, but there’s also a $100 million slush fund for the Governor. Taxpayers

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today applauded the Illinois General Assembly’s approval of legislation that will improve medical forensic services for sexual assault survivors by making important updates to the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act (SASETA) and the Illinois Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (IL SANE) Program. Senate Bill (SB) 1602 builds on the work of the Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Services Implementation Task Force . The task force was created in 2018 and made up of experts from the Attorney General’s office, the Illinois Department of Public Health, hospitals, health care providers, law enforcement officials, advocates and legislators. The task force has worked diligently since being established by state statute to evaluate and strengthen SASETA. Last year, the task force issued its final report, which was crafted with input from more than 40 stakeholders in government and the medical community serving sexual assault survivors.

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SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement following the passage of the Prescription Drug Affordability Act (HB 1697): “Predatory pharmacy benefit managers have been the middlemen whose business practices too often jack up prescription drug prices and shut down small, independent pharmacies that are frequently rural communities’ lone options when people are seeking medications they need. I’m grateful for the General Assembly’s broad bipartisan partnership with me to require pharmacy benefit managers to become responsible actors and lower prescription drug prices. “For far too long, pharmacy benefit managers’ business practices have operated with little regulation, transparency, and accountability. Illinois is putting an end to that. We will lead the nation in bringing transparency to PBM drug pricing. This bill grants the state full access to their books and records so we can follow the money and prevent exploitation

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SPRINGFIELD - State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) wants to see Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA) up to par with other facilities in the state. Rep. Schmidt filed House Bill 57 to include CILAs to the Essential Support Person Act, passed in 2023. Rep Schimdt said the purpose of his bill is to ensure residents in CILAs have the same visitation rights for essential support persons as other facilities. “My bill aligns CILAs with state run facilities and it breaks a barrier that has excluded certain community-integrated living arrangements from visitation rights,” said Schmidt. “This change was needed and I’m happy to see HB57 pass through the General Assembly.” Community Integrated Living Arrangement (CILA) is a living arrangement for adults in a group home, family home or apartment where eight or fewer unrelated adults with developmental disabilities live under supervision of the community developmental services agency. Residents

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CHARLESTON - Clayton Lakatos concluded his track and field career with notable performances on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the sectional finals meet, showcasing his sprinting talents in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and the 4x100 relay for Edwardsville High School. Lakatos secured third place in the 100-meter dash with a personal record time of 10.51 seconds. In the 200 meters, he finished sixth, clocking in at 21.65 seconds, slightly off his personal best of 21.32 seconds set earlier on May 14, 2025, at the Southwestern Conference Meet. Additionally, Lakatos was an integral part of Edwardsville’s 4x100 relay team, which placed second with a time of 41.10 seconds. Running the third leg, he was joined by teammates Darren Wilson, Cincere Ruffin, and Zach Lane. A key contributor to the Tigers’ sprint relay teams in recent years, Lakatos has been recognized for his versatility and speed. He has competed in multiple events, including the 110-meter high hurdles and the 300-meter

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SPRINGFIELD - Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement following the passage of the Public University Direct Admission Program Act (HB3522): “Every year, high school students and their families across Illinois navigate a complex college admissions process, often facing the burden of paying multiple application fees along the way. With the General Assembly’s bipartisan passage of the Public University Direct Admission Program Act, we’re offering a more streamlined and affordable path to a postsecondary institution in Illinois. “This bill creates a one-stop shop for students, allowing eligible high schoolers to receive direct admission to public universities based on their academic performance. It’s a commonsense solution that reflects our commitment to breaking down barriers and expanding opportunity to higher education. “Education is the foundation of a thriving future, and the passage of this bill reflects our resolve to use every

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GRANITE CITY — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s appearance in Pennsylvania, where he touted the merger between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel. “Today, President Trump took a victory lap, claiming he single-handedly saved American steel – but he failed to mention Illinois, failed to mention Granite City Works, and failed to consult the hundreds of workers who built this industry as a bedrock of our community. “While the details of this ‘deal’ remain murky, any agreement struck between President Trump and Nippon is unenforceable unless steelworkers are at the table. The current collective bargaining agreement requires robust investment to keep Granite City competitive worldwide. Given that the current proposal fails to meet those standards, it simply cannot move forward. “Granite City deserves more than broken promises and publicity stunts. I’m fighting to

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois General Assembly passed the $55.1 billion state FY26 budget that will deliver for working families, demonstrating strong fiscal discipline and responsible governance, Gov. J.B. Pritzker says. This is the Governor’s seventh consecutive balanced budget that continues to get the state’s finances back on track while investing in economic development, education, and healthcare without raising taxes on working families. “The passage of the FY26 balanced budget is a testament to Illinois’ fiscal responsibility,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “Even in the face of Trump and Congressional Republicans stalling the national economy, our state budget delivers for working families without raising their taxes while protecting the progress we are making for our long-term fiscal health. I’m grateful to Speaker Welch, President Harmon, the budget teams, and all the legislators and stakeholders who collaborated to shape and

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Democrats have passed a whopping $55.2 billion budget, adding $2 billion more than last year. Since Governor Pritzker took office, spending has increased by 38%. State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) issued the following statement after the budget vote. “This massive budget does not reflect the needs of Illinois citizens. Bad public policy has cost the state billions,” said Rep. Schmidt. “I’m disappointed to see Democrats tap into the pockets of working families to accommodate their appetite for spending on pork projects in Democratic districts.” The FY 26 budget includes another $1 billion in taxes on Illinois’ working families and job creators. Illinois Democrats have turned over unprecedented authority to Governor Pritzker in order to make spending decisions in this budget. This near-record spending budget continues the downward tax-and-spend spiral that has caused disastrous financial results for the

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ALTON - Community members can purchase a brick to be dedicated at James Killion Park. The James Killion Beautification and Enhancement Committee is sponsoring a brick campaign to install personalized bricks around the bandshell at James Killion Park in Alton. For $200, you and your family or business can have a 12 by 12 concrete brick in the park. “The brick campaign came to be to have people in our community have ownership of what’s going on at Killion Park,” said Lee Barham, Brick Campaign Chair. “It’s also a way to enlighten people about what’s going on at Killion Park. We’ve got a new bathroom. We’ve got an amphitheater. It’s just the growth. That’s the first park people see coming and going from Alton.” Barham explained that the campaign aims to beautify the park while inspiring people to learn about its namesake, James Killion. The new amphitheater was recently dedicated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony

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Did you know that according to the World Health Organization, up to 90% of visible skin aging is caused by sun exposure? This startling statistic underscores a reality often overlooked: the sun’s rays are not merely a source of warmth and light, but also a major environmental factor that can accelerate skin damage and increase the risk of serious health conditions. Protecting your skin goes beyond vanity—it is a critical component of overall health and well-being. Understanding the Impact of UV Radiation Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is divided into UVA and UVB rays, both of which affect the skin differently. UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin, contributing to premature aging, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. UVB rays primarily affect the surface layers and are the chief cause of sunburn. More importantly, both types of UV radiation can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations that increase the risk of skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell

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June 2nd stands out in history as a day marked by events that have shaped nations, inspired movements, and witnessed remarkable human achievements. One of the most iconic events to ever occur on June 2nd happened in 1953 when Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in Westminster Abbey, London. This grand coronation ceremony was watched by millions around the world, both in person and on television, marking the beginning of a reign that would become one of the longest in British history. The event symbolized stability and continuity for the United Kingdom in the post-war era, and it introduced a new era for the Commonwealth. But June 2nd is not just about royal pageantry. Going back to 455 AD, this day witnessed the sack of Rome by the Vandals, a significant and somber episode that contributed to the eventual decline of the Western Roman Empire. The Vandals, led by King Genseric, entered Rome with little resistance, leading to widespread looting and marking a pivotal moment in the tumultuous

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FREEBURG - After receiving submissions from across the 114th District, State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) was happy to select Country Mart to be his “Business of the Month” for May. Rep. Schmidt presented General Managers Kathy Nordike & Scott Metzler with an official certificate of recognition for their commitment to their employees and serving the community of Freeburg with exceptional services. “The Country Mart in Freeburg has gone above and beyond for local residents and deserve to be recognized for their dedication to their customers and community,” said Rep. Schmidt. “I was more than happy to present Kathy & Scott with a certificate that exemplifies their dedication to building a stronger community through strong values.” Since 2018, Country Mart has provided the community with affordable prices on groceries and excellent customer service. The General Managers said they praise their success to their loyal, hardworking employees.

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Concert Band will kick off its 140th season of free summer concerts with an uplifting performance on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand in City Park. Please note the new start time this year—concerts will now begin at 7:30 p.m., a change from the previous 8:00 p.m. start. This week’s concert theme, “Take Flight: Heights, Sky, and Space,” features music that explores the experience of flight—from soaring through the skies to traveling among the stars. Audiences can look forward to familiar selections from Wicked and Star Wars, as well as powerful works like Flights of Passage and The Lark in the Clear Air. These pieces celebrate the imagination and emotion tied to reaching new heights, both literally and musically. Concessions will be available and proceeds will support the St. John’s UMC Outreach Team. Join us as we launch another season of live music in the park—a

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ALTON - The Upper Alton Association will mark its 16th year of Rockin’ with Robert Concerts with a series of six consecutive Tuesday performances starting June 3, 2025. The free, two-hour outdoor concerts will take place in Upper Alton and conclude July 8, 2025. The 2025 lineup opens with the Jared Hennings Band on June 3, 2025, and continues with NGK Band on June 10, Ivas John Trio on June 17, Porch Cafe on June 24, Flip the Frog on July 1, and closes with #4 Combo on July 8. In a new addition this year, the association will hold an “All Around Alton” raffle featuring a gift card basket. Tickets will be sold at all six concerts, with the winner drawn during the final event on July 8. "Proceeds from the raffle support the Upper Alton Association with improvements to the Upper Alton area,” said President, Debra Frakes The concerts are sponsored by J.E.M. Properties, Taqueria Maya, John Meehan-5th Ward Alderman, Scott Neudecker-State Farm, 5 Oak Designs, and

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CHARLESTON — Alton High School junior Hank McClaine secured a top-12 finish at the IHSA Boys State Track and Field Meet on Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Charleston, clocking a time of 1:57.38 in the 800 meters. McClaine, who has another year of eligibility remaining, aims to build on this performance as he continues his track and field career. McClaine described the Blue Panther track as unlike any other he had competed on, noting the challenge of maintaining focus amid the excitement and noise of the state meet. “I wanted to post solid times at state and it did happen,” he said. At the sectional meet, McClaine expressed pride in qualifying for the state competition. Looking ahead, he set a goal to reduce his time to 1:55 by next season. Throughout the season, McClaine has posted several notable times. He finished fifth in the 400 meters at the Southwestern Conference meet with a time of 52.38 seconds. He claimed the Madison County championship in the 800 meters with

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CHARLESTON — Civic Memorial senior Max Weber secured his place in the Class 2A IHSA State Track and Field finals in both the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs in Friday's prelims, then posted two top-five finishes on Saturday, May 31, 2025, demonstrating the steady performances he has throughout the season. On Friday, May 30, 2025, at the Charleston state prelims Weber qualified 11th in the 1,600 meters with a time of 4:25.55 and earned sixth place in the 3,200 meters, clocking 9:31.90. The following day, Weber improved his standings by finishing fifth in both events, posting times of 4:26.36 in the 1,600 and 9:26.21 in the 3,200 meters. Weber’s results were among the top performances for area athletes at the state meet. Reflecting on his season, Weber said, “I ran a 9:20 in the 3,200 meters at Belleville West and focused on the 1,600 for much of the season, but today I was focused on getting medals in both the 3,200 and 1,600.” He credited his coach for much o

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ALTON — A 41-year-old man, Christopher D. Green, of East Alton, has been identified as the person fatally shot early Sunday morning, June 1, 2025, on Agnes Street in Alton, the Alton Police Department said. At approximately 5:51 a.m. on June 1, 2025, the Alton Police Department responded to a report of a male who had been shot in the 2000 block of Agnes Street. Upon arrival, officers found Christopher D. Green of East Alton lying in the roadway with an apparent gunshot wound. Officers provided aid, and the victim was transported by Alton Fire Department Ambulance to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Police identified a person of interest in the incident who was known to Green. The Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigators assisted the Alton Police Department at the scene. The Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is actively investigating the case. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact investigators a

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O’FALLON, Ill. — Tammy Russell is organizing a fundraiser to assist the family of Ashley Marie Bennett, who died on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Bennett, a mother of three from O’Fallon, Ill., left behind her children and family who are seeking community support to cover funeral expenses and provide for her children’s immediate needs. Bennett’s family shared that she did not have life insurance or other financial resources set aside, creating an urgent need for assistance. The fundraiser aims to cover the costs of funeral services and help support her children, ages 18, 6, and 2, with essentials such as food, clothing, schooling, and a stable living environment. “Ashley was more than just a mother; she was the glue that held her family and friends together,” the family said in a statement. “Her generosity, her kindness, and her ability to make everyone feel loved and valued are qualities we will forever cherish.” The fundraiser encourages

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